[Jawajunk]

Great job so far!
I will try and help where I can but I need some clarity on what's been done so far.
You said you swapped the EGR pipe. Do you mean the coolant crossover pipe? Your 13 should not have an EGR cooler. The 17 does and as such, the plumbing is different. If you are keeping you factory 13 setup you will need to move the coolant crossover pipe from the 13 block and put it on the 17 for the plumbing to be correct.
You said you swapped the alternator to match the new bracket.
The problem I ran into with that, is that the AC compressors are different between the two motors and the alternator bracket from the 17 will bolt to the motor, but will not work with the 13 compressor. Without that bracket you are going to be short one pulley.
On the 13 there is a threaded boss in the face of the timing cover (top center area) for one of the serpentine belt idler pulleys. I had to swap the timing covers from the 13 to the 17 block to maintain the threaded boss for the serpentine belt idler pulley. I posted about this issue somewhere else but not sure where to find that.
Also, depending on the type of failure your original motor had the level of cleaning that timing cover needs will vary. The oil pump is built into the timing cover on the FB20 and Subaru says it's "not serviceable" meaning you have to buy a $500 timing cover if you need an oil pump replacement due to metal contamination. I call BS on that, and have successfully disassembled, cleaned and reused or replaced the "non serviceable" oil pump built into the timing cover. (more on that if you need it)

As for the coils. Yes, the coils and the valve covers are different. The actual spark plug tubes are the same length. I have done both methods you mentioned above.
My preference is actually to cut the harness and splice in the connectors for the 15+ coils. Because it's such a common issue I always do front timing cover and cam carrier reseals on these swaps. I could easily just swap the valve covers at that time and use the original coils.
For me, the reason I don't do that is that I have a personal abundance of the 15+ coils in my spare parts bin. The 15+ coils are much more widely used between many different models and they're actually cheaper to buy new that the 13-14 coils. So for me I just prefer to swap the connectors. That is of course assuming your 15+ motor comes with an intact harness on it.
As for the TGV. As long as you aren't sticking something down there and prying on the valves or taking the mechanical end off you do not have to do any calibration to them. Many times I have seen those codes after a swap and you'll find the connector is not fully clipped. Those TGV connectors have a pretty thick weather pack in there and they need a good press to get them to fully click.

I was helping another person who had the cam sensor codes after this swap. They had swapped over cam sensors, cam phasers and some other things from their motor. I would strongly suggest you do not remove or swap the cam sensors or phasers from your original motor for this swap. The cam reluctor wheels on the 13 vs the 17 are different but they read the same way and are plug n play.

Hope any, some or all of this helps you with your swap. Let me know how it goes!

 

[Jawajunk]

I also posted some stuff about this swap on Subaru XV forum website

 

[mrbradboyer95]

Jawajunk, what do you know about putting a 2012 Impreza engine into a 2013 Crosstrek? Coming across different coils and was told the cam gears and the flywheel reluctor wheel and stuff would need to be changed to get it to work, do you have any information on this?

 

[mrbradboyer95]

I also posted some stuff about this swap on Subaru XV forum website

I am just wondering if you've come across it and have any information to help? I am basically looking to sell this motor I just got but it only has 120k on the updated shortblock. I assume I could swap coil packs and the wiring harness but I'm not sure and the information just isn't out there.

 

[Jawajunk]

The 12 Impreza FB20 is the same as the 13-14 Crosstrek motor. Crosstrek was introduced in 2013 and used basically 12 Impreza engine and drivetrain. Coils, cams, cam gears, and flywheel reluctor wheel should all be the same between those two engines.

 

[mrbradboyer95]

The 12 Impreza FB20 is the same as the 13-14 Crosstrek motor. Crosstrek was introduced in 2013 and used basically 12 Impreza engine and drivetrain. Coils, cams, cam gears, and flywheel reluctor wheel should all be the same between those two engines.

That what I assumed as well, I posted to a Subaru mechanic group and said I had to change a bunch of stuff, so I've been nervous to try and install it. I can't find any discernable difference at all besides the coil packs. Even with the different style, do you think I could drop the engine in plug and play or should I swap harnesses. Sorry for the random insert here, I just am absolutely stumped and have spent over 30 hours just researching with absolutely 0 answers. Only answer I got was telling me I had to basically swap timing covers, all 4 cams, flywheel and reluctor wheel, harness, Intake etc..

 

[Jawajunk]

That what I assumed as well, I posted to a Subaru mechanic group and said I had to change a bunch of stuff, so I've been nervous to try and install it. I can't find any discernable difference at all besides the coil packs. Even with the different style, do you think I could drop the engine in plug and play or should I swap harnesses. Sorry for the random insert here, I just am absolutely stumped and have spent over 30 hours just researching with absolutely 0 answers. Only answer I got was telling me I had to basically swap timing covers, all 4 cams, flywheel and reluctor wheel, harness, Intake etc..

So, you have a complete FB20 donor motor from a 12 Impreza and are wanting to put it into a 2013 Crosstrek?
I assume the current motor in the XV is also present and complete?
I misspoke in my last message about the coils being the same on 12 Impreza and 13 XV. There was a change made to the coils for Impreza in 13.
So you are correct, the coils would need to be swapped.
I would also move the intake manifold from the XV and use it on the Impreza motor. The engine wiring harness is literally right there and a simple swap with the intake removed.
Reuse your XV intake, and harness.
Because the valve covers are shaped differently for the two different coils you will need to either need to cut the XV harness and splice the coil connectors from the Impreza motor harness or, swap the valve covers from the old XV motor to make the correct coils fit the Impreza motor.
Other than that, the internals of the engine are the same. No cam swaps, timing cover swaps, etc needed.

 

[mrbradboyer95]

So, you have a complete FB20 donor motor from a 12 Impreza and are wanting to put it into a 2013 Crosstrek?
I assume the current motor in the XV is also present and complete?
I misspoke in my last message about the coils being the same on 12 Impreza and 13 XV. There was a change made to the coils for Impreza in 13.
So you are correct, the coils would need to be swapped.
I would also move the intake manifold from the XV and use it on the Impreza motor. The engine wiring harness is literally right there and a simple swap with the intake removed.
Reuse your XV intake, and harness.
Because the valve covers are shaped differently for the two different coils you will need to either need to cut the XV harness and splice the coil connectors from the Impreza motor harness or, swap the valve covers from the old XV motor to make the correct coils fit the Impreza motor.
Other than that, the internals of the engine are the same. No cam swaps, timing cover swaps, etc needed.

From examining the harness I've only seen one difference and that's the plug connector to the coils, obviously lol. If that's the only difference couldn't it possibly just stay on the engine? I just feel I'd get confused on the wire colors seeming they're different between both engines but yes, I have a complete engine to place in, my current engine has only 40 psi in cylinder 4.

 

[mrbradboyer95]

So, you have a complete FB20 donor motor from a 12 Impreza and are wanting to put it into a 2013 Crosstrek?
I assume the current motor in the XV is also present and complete?
I misspoke in my last message about the coils being the same on 12 Impreza and 13 XV. There was a change made to the coils for Impreza in 13.
So you are correct, the coils would need to be swapped.
I would also move the intake manifold from the XV and use it on the Impreza motor. The engine wiring harness is literally right there and a simple swap with the intake removed.
Reuse your XV intake, and harness.
Because the valve covers are shaped differently for the two different coils you will need to either need to cut the XV harness and splice the coil connectors from the Impreza motor harness or, swap the valve covers from the old XV motor to make the correct coils fit the Impreza motor.
Other than that, the internals of the engine are the same. No cam swaps, timing cover swaps, etc needed.

I appreciate all this information! I was gonna take the engine to the scrap yard as an expensive mistake!

 

[Jawajunk]

From examining the harness I've only seen one difference and that's the plug connector to the coils, obviously lol. If that's the only difference couldn't it possibly just stay on the engine? I just feel I'd get confused on the wire colors seeming they're different between both engines but yes, I have a complete engine to place in, my current engine has only 40 psi in cylinder 4.

Unfortunately I can't answer the wiring harness question. I have never closely examined or traced the wires on the actual harness itself. I realize the large main connector looks the same but I don't know about the pinouts between those two car matching inside the connector. I have always reused the harness from the existing vehicle so that's always going to be my recommendation. At least you know that one worked before. If you do decide to use the Impreza harness I'm curious to know if it does work.

 

[Jawajunk]

I appreciate all this information! I was gonna take the engine to the scrap yard as an expensive mistake!

Glad you didn't junk it either! Sorry you spent 30 hours researching before we met. That motor will work in your XV

 

[mrbradboyer95]

Unfortunately I can't answer the wiring harness question. I have never closely examined or traced the wires on the actual harness itself. I realize the large main connector looks the same but I don't know about the pinouts between those two car matching inside the connector. I have always reused the harness from the existing vehicle so that's always going to be my recommendation. At least you know that one worked before. If you do decide to use the Impreza harness I'm curious to know if it does work.

I will likely be moving ahead on the swap this weekend coming possibly, so if I end up leaving the harness alone after double checking everything is identical including wire colors and it work fine I will absolutely report back here what I find. Even if I see a slight difference at all I will swap the whole harness, and who knows maybe the xv coil will just work? Looking at the valve covers in pictures, they look just about identical. Either way, I will report back what I figure out. My wife is gonna be happy as we had to save for quite a while to purchase the engine just to be told it wouldn't work. You're a life saver!

 

[Jawajunk]

The XV coils will definitely work if you reuse the XV harness and valve covers. I realize the valve covers look similar but, I think you'll find they are going to be different between the two engines. The coil connector, mounting bolt boss and the cutout depth of the valve cover around the coils are different between 12 Impreza and 13 XV. Sounds like you intend on trying to use the complete Impreza motor including Impreza valve covers, intake, harness and coils. The only way that will work is if you are lucky enough that the harnesses are identical between the two motors.
Again, my recommendation in this instance would be to use the original XV intake, harness, valve covers and coils.
These components are really simple to change with the engine out of the car.
If you try it without swapping those things and the harness doesn't work, you'll be faced with a much more complex and time consuming set of decisions on how to proceed.
Also, I would suggest considering this: What if the 12 Impreza harness plugs in and the vehicle runs but you end up with some other erroneous codes or check engine light? Then you find yourself chasing some problem or replacing electrical parts trying to diagnose issue that may or may not be caused by the harness.
Although I am curious if the Impreza harness will actually work or not, I'd hate to see you waste a bunch of time and energy on a guess when doing it the other way will work with certianty.
Just my 2 cents.

 

[mrbradboyer95]

The XV coils will definitely work if you reuse the XV harness and valve covers. I realize the valve covers look similar but, I think you'll find they are going to be different between the two engines. The coil connector, mounting bolt boss and the cutout depth of the valve cover around the coils are different between 12 Impreza and 13 XV. Sounds like you intend on trying to use the complete Impreza motor including Impreza valve covers, intake, harness and coils. The only way that will work is if you are lucky enough that the harnesses are identical between the two motors.
Again, my recommendation in this instance would be to use the original XV intake, harness, valve covers and coils.
These components are really simple to change with the engine out of the car.
If you try it without swapping those things and the harness doesn't work, you'll be faced with a much more complex and time consuming set of decisions on how to proceed.
Also, I would suggest considering this: What if the 12 Impreza harness plugs in and the vehicle runs but you end up with some other erroneous codes or check engine light? Then you find yourself chasing some problem or replacing electrical parts trying to diagnose issue that may or may not be caused by the harness.
Although I am curious if the Impreza harness will actually work or not, I'd hate to see you waste a bunch of time and energy on a guess when doing it the other way will work with certianty.
Just my 2 cents.

I don't intend on making more work for myself than nessessary. I just don't see myself being able to properly seal the valve covers. Was hoping I could just make the coils work in the current valve cover. I guess I just am unsure if I trust my abilities.

 

[mrbradboyer95]

The XV coils will definitely work if you reuse the XV harness and valve covers. I realize the valve covers look similar but, I think you'll find they are going to be different between the two engines. The coil connector, mounting bolt boss and the cutout depth of the valve cover around the coils are different between 12 Impreza and 13 XV. Sounds like you intend on trying to use the complete Impreza motor including Impreza valve covers, intake, harness and coils. The only way that will work is if you are lucky enough that the harnesses are identical between the two motors.
Again, my recommendation in this instance would be to use the original XV intake, harness, valve covers and coils.
These components are really simple to change with the engine out of the car.
If you try it without swapping those things and the harness doesn't work, you'll be faced with a much more complex and time consuming set of decisions on how to proceed.
Also, I would suggest considering this: What if the 12 Impreza harness plugs in and the vehicle runs but you end up with some other erroneous codes or check engine light? Then you find yourself chasing some problem or replacing electrical parts trying to diagnose issue that may or may not be caused by the harness.
Although I am curious if the Impreza harness will actually work or not, I'd hate to see you waste a bunch of time and energy on a guess when doing it the other way will work with certianty.
Just my 2 cents.

Gonna be installing the engine this week, will let you know how I make out! Appreciate the information you've given me. I'm confident going into this. I have all valve cover gaskets, plug seals, intake gasket and exhaust gaskets ready to replace the engine. Including intake, wiring harness, coils and valve covers! Wish me luck.

 

[mrbradboyer95]

The XV coils will definitely work if you reuse the XV harness and valve covers. I realize the valve covers look similar but, I think you'll find they are going to be different between the two engines. The coil connector, mounting bolt boss and the cutout depth of the valve cover around the coils are different between 12 Impreza and 13 XV. Sounds like you intend on trying to use the complete Impreza motor including Impreza valve covers, intake, harness and coils. The only way that will work is if you are lucky enough that the harnesses are identical between the two motors.
Again, my recommendation in this instance would be to use the original XV intake, harness, valve covers and coils.
These components are really simple to change with the engine out of the car.
If you try it without swapping those things and the harness doesn't work, you'll be faced with a much more complex and time consuming set of decisions on how to proceed.
Also, I would suggest considering this: What if the 12 Impreza harness plugs in and the vehicle runs but you end up with some other erroneous codes or check engine light? Then you find yourself chasing some problem or replacing electrical parts trying to diagnose issue that may or may not be caused by the harness.
Although I am curious if the Impreza harness will actually work or not, I'd hate to see you waste a bunch of time and energy on a guess when doing it the other way will work with certianty.
Just my 2 cents.

So just wanted to return with my findings.
Motor is in, running smooth as silk. Differences between the 2 motors is minimal. Intake is 110 percent identical, but I removed mine and replaced it with the xv one anyway.
Replacing the valve covers worked well for putting xv coils on, the wiring harness is basically identical besides the coil connectors, and 2 sensors, one in the coolant crossover other on front of engine, both i believe are temp sensors. They bolt right into the Impreza engine so all is good there. Other than that it was a straight swap.

I want to sincerely thank you for your help on this, as I thought it was a lost cause. This was also my first ever motor swap, motor was out and everything swapped over, installed in 10 hours total with smoke breaks and eating and stuff. My wife is happy so I'm happy. Thank you again sir, can't explain how much I appreciate it.

 

[Ronster303]

Peakz, I really wanted to share and help others so I did a full write up on NASIOC.....wasted hours putting it together and they never posted it. When I asked about it they never replied. To make it worse, I wrote the whole thing on their platform and didn't save a copy for myself . So after submitting it, now it's totally gone. That write up I did was pretty long winded, covering everything I ran into with the swap from 13-14 to a 15 up motor, and how I overcame it blah, blah blah. Might be easier if you have questions about certain things to ask that and I can reply. I have worked for and on Subaru for over 20 years and done many Frankenroos over the years so hopefully I can help.

Put a 2012 legacy motor into a 2013 cross. It won't start. Shaped out cam sen. & the pcm.
Tried resting the system. Blah blah. On the OBD11. EVERTHING READS good except calibration I'd.
Any ideas at this point?
Didn't change the trans. Only the motor. Everything plugged up except the fly wheel. It was as to big off the crosstalk.
I noticed that the crankshaft sensors are different.
Is this the issue?

 

[Terzwalkerxxx]

Made an account just to chime in and hopefully help some people in the future who wants to do a 2015-2017 engine in a 2012-2014 car. I own a repair shop in Salt Lake City Utah and just completed the swap for a customer. here’s the notable things I had to change to make it work.

crank sensor at rear and associated mounting bracket on block as well as the flywheel/trigger wheel in the back of the engine. Not sure I’d trigger wheel was needed but didn’t feel like risking it and having to drop trans again to swap.

complete wiring harness and ignition coils from the 2013 car.

coolant crossover pipe on top of engine and associated coolant hoses as well as EGR pipe from the 2013.

All accessories EG alternator ac idlers etc, like mentioned above whole setup is different and timing cover On 2012-14 has a Threaded part on it for an extra idler the newer cars don’t have.

timing cover, for the reason mentioned above and depending on mileage of motor would be a good idea to reseal anyway

CAM PHASER TRIGGER WHEELS!!!
I saw it was mentioned above that the cam sensors would read the newer style trigger wheels which does seem to be the case but on my swap I had codes P0011 and p0021 for intake camshaft timing over advanced.
I was looking at the data on my scanner and it was reading all 4 sensors with the newer trigger wheels but for some reason thought timing was off. I ended up pulling the timing cover again after the new motor was in the swapping the older style cam phase trigger wheels on all 4 cams and codes are now gone!! If it was me I would not risk it on this swap and just swap the cam phase wheels from the get go and save the headache. It’s just 3 12mm bolts on each cam and a retaining clip to get them off.

overall pretty straight forward and the cam phaser issue is all I ran into.
if anyone in the salt lake area needs the swap done reach out to this account and I can give you my info, you would be around 1500-2000 in labor+ an engine to do this swap at my shop.

 

[drowsypony]

I completed a 2017 swap into a 2013 Crosstrek with the following modifications:

1. Coil connectors: Instead of changing swapping the valve covers, I changed the coil connectors to match the updated coil design. I ordered the connectors from:
Ignition Coil Plug E
2. Crank sensor: Swapped the crank sensor and mounting bracket and trigger wheel
3. Drive Belt: I used the serpentine/drive belt setup original to the 2017 engine and was able to use the AC compressor from the 2013. However, I had to use the 2015+ newer style alternator and lengthen the charging cable.
4. Coolant crossover pipe and EGR pipe from the 2013.
5. Wiring harness: used the complete wiring harness from the 2013.

Issues outstanding:
I have put 2000 miles on the car thus far with no codes or issues and smooth idle. However, I feel a hesitation on acceleration that I can’t seem to track down. Feels like the car has asthma for lack of a better way to describe it. No misfire, but throttle feels forced and it’s almost like "less is more" when it comes throttle. It’s mostly noticeable between 1500-3500 rpm. It was surprisingly agile before the swap but with a nice knock and rattle of course. Has anyone else been grappling with that issue?

 

[zelbmenb]

Along with a crank sensor and bracket,do I need to swap relactor wheel from newer engine or keep the original one? After a swap, I have cam-crank correlation codes. Thank you