How easy to work on boxer engine? - Toyota GR86, 86, FR-S and Subaru BRZ Forum & Owners Community

civdaddy · 02-03-2013, 05:52 PM

My first car was a 03 civic si and being a Honda it didn't need any engine work, but at 100k I adjusted the valves because I was bored and wanted to learn how to do it and I'm not that mechanically inclined. My last car was a 2.0t genesis coupe and that was a easy car to work on as we'll.

How hard would adjusting the valves and doing spark plugs on this car be?
What are some maintenance jobs down the road that will be a pain or cost alot to have done?

D1cker · 02-03-2013, 06:11 PM

everything on this car EXCEPT the spark plugs, is easy.

The spark plugs on the other hand are going to be a righteous pain in the ass.

Superhatch · 02-03-2013, 06:24 PM

The location of this motor in the car (really low) is going to make it much harder to work on in those two regards compared to any I4 motor. The factory manual actually has spacers to put in place on the engine mount points to raise it up to do a spark plug change. I'm sure people will find quicker ways to do it as the 60K mark approaches, but expect a tougher time in regards to work on/around the head.

Now, the timing chains and accessory belts are (obviously) much easier to work on due to being right at the front of the motor. I've changed a belt and cam seals on an EJ20 and it was SUPER easy compared to any of the Honda motors I've worked on. Pop out the radiator and have easy access to the entire front of the engine. The timing components of the FA20 look a lot more complex than an EJ, but I think the access will be similar.

I have all the shop manuals I could find (Shop, Trans, Engine, Wiring) located in a google drive folder, feel free to view and download:

https://docs.google.com/folder/d/0B6...it?usp=sharing

civdaddy · 02-03-2013, 06:28 PM

Thanks for the link!

civdaddy · 02-03-2013, 06:30 PM

I just wanna know what I'm getting myself into because il be out of warranty very fast with how much I drive.

WolfsFang · 02-03-2013, 08:22 PM

plugs, cams, pistons, anything around their will be hard.

02-03-2013, 05:52 PM	#1
civdaddy Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2012 Drives: Slow Location: U.S. Posts: 261 Thanks: 48 Thanked 134 Times in 68 Posts Mentioned: 1 Post(s) Tagged: 0 Thread(s)	How easy to work on boxer engine? My first car was a 03 civic si and being a Honda it didn't need any engine work, but at 100k I adjusted the valves because I was bored and wanted to learn how to do it and I'm not that mechanically inclined. My last car was a 2.0t genesis coupe and that was a easy car to work on as we'll. How hard would adjusting the valves and doing spark plugs on this car be? What are some maintenance jobs down the road that will be a pain or cost alot to have done?

02-03-2013, 06:24 PM	#3
Superhatch AIM4APX Join Date: Jun 2012 Drives: 2013 WRB BRZ Limited Location: Milwaukee Posts: 1,206 Thanks: 642 Thanked 749 Times in 324 Posts Mentioned: 8 Post(s) Tagged: 0 Thread(s)	The location of this motor in the car (really low) is going to make it much harder to work on in those two regards compared to any I4 motor. The factory manual actually has spacers to put in place on the engine mount points to raise it up to do a spark plug change. I'm sure people will find quicker ways to do it as the 60K mark approaches, but expect a tougher time in regards to work on/around the head. Now, the timing chains and accessory belts are (obviously) much easier to work on due to being right at the front of the motor. I've changed a belt and cam seals on an EJ20 and it was SUPER easy compared to any of the Honda motors I've worked on. Pop out the radiator and have easy access to the entire front of the engine. The timing components of the FA20 look a lot more complex than an EJ, but I think the access will be similar. I have all the shop manuals I could find (Shop, Trans, Engine, Wiring) located in a google drive folder, feel free to view and download: https://docs.google.com/folder/d/0B6...it?usp=sharing __________________ "It's very difficult to present technology as an overtly positive sales device to people who want an emotional car" -Chris Harris

02-03-2013, 08:22 PM	#6
WolfsFang Scrape Master Join Date: Jun 2012 Drives: Goal: Oldest FRS State Side Location: North NJ Posts: 1,161 Thanks: 238 Thanked 412 Times in 238 Posts Mentioned: 10 Post(s) Tagged: 0 Thread(s)	plugs, cams, pistons, anything around their will be hard. __________________ You do realize comparing the BRZ to the FR-S is like comparing which hand you love masterbating too right?

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02-03-2013, 06:11 PM	#2
D1cker Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2012 Drives: B9 S4/ND2 Location: Fullerton, CA Posts: 522 Thanks: 190 Thanked 182 Times in 106 Posts Mentioned: 21 Post(s) Tagged: 0 Thread(s)	everything on this car EXCEPT the spark plugs, is easy. The spark plugs on the other hand are going to be a righteous pain in the ass.

02-03-2013, 06:28 PM	#4
civdaddy Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2012 Drives: Slow Location: U.S. Posts: 261 Thanks: 48 Thanked 134 Times in 68 Posts Mentioned: 1 Post(s) Tagged: 0 Thread(s)	Thanks for the link!

02-03-2013, 06:30 PM	#5
civdaddy Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2012 Drives: Slow Location: U.S. Posts: 261 Thanks: 48 Thanked 134 Times in 68 Posts Mentioned: 1 Post(s) Tagged: 0 Thread(s)	I just wanna know what I'm getting myself into because il be out of warranty very fast with how much I drive.

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