Topic: New Boxer Engine

[Triple Bob]

http://www.insideline.com/subaru/subarus-new-boxer-engine.html

Interesting. I wonder if torque will be higher in the WRX/STi...

[Trainman]

Some more info here: http://www.canadiandriver.com/forum/index.php/topic,50820.msg666496.html#msg666496

Looks like a winner to me   

[Mike]

Yeah, this engine debuts in Canada in the Forester this year I believe.

[saint_satan]

I read somewhere that manifolds had to come off to replace the spark plugs on boxer engines - this can't possibly be true, can it?  How easy is it for the "do-it-yourelfer" to change plugs on these cars?

[tenpenny]

Will they fix the head gaskets finally?

At least it's a known weak spot, I guess.

[Dante]

The bummer is that the auto tranny is still the 4A/T versus the new CVT. Is that confirmed?

[saint_satan]

I'd rather have the 4 auto than a cvt.  See the Jeep Patriot.  I had a Nissan Sentra with a cvt as a rental in Banff this summer.  Despite all the claims that Chryco has butchered the Nissan cvt in the Patriot, I didn't find that the cvt in the Sentra to be that much more refined.  Both sound like a mid-80's desiel.

[Dante]

Me too, but 4A/T is unacceptable in 2011 in a car at this price point (can reach well over $30K).

[Triple Bob]

Me too, but 4A/T is unacceptable in 2011 in a car at this price point (can reach well over $30K).

Have to agree, it needs 5 gears at least!

[blur911]

I read somewhere that manifolds had to come off to replace the spark plugs on boxer engines - this can't possibly be true, can it?  How easy is it for the "do-it-yourelfer" to change plugs on these cars?

Haven't changed them yet on the Subaru, but I don't think I'll have to remove anything.  Not very difficult on the 911 but long arms do help.  A PITA with boxer engines is that for head work the engine usually has to come out, but spark plugs, nah, easy AFAIK

[Trainman]

I read somewhere that manifolds had to come off to replace the spark plugs on boxer engines - this can't possibly be true, can it?  How easy is it for the "do-it-yourelfer" to change plugs on these cars?

Haven't changed them yet on the Subaru, but I don't think I'll have to remove anything.  Not very difficult on the 911 but long arms do help.  A PITA with boxer engines is that for head work the engine usually has to come out, but spark plugs, nah, easy AFAIK

No need to remove manifolds on the Forester, but they are not as easy to do as some.  But easier than others, so sort of in the middle I guess.

[saint_satan]

I watched a You Tube video - it seemed pretty involved for a Forester.  I saw batteries and washer reservoirs coming out.

I guess I have been spoiled.  The Jeep and the Civic are super easy.  The I6 Jeep has a single coil rail that connects to all cylinders.  It's held in place by two bolts.  Easiest car in the world to work on and there's tons of space.

The Civic has all of the plugs up front.  (Changing the light bulb on the driver side is a little trickier and you have to move stuff.)

Changing plugs and air filters is the last vestige of self-satisfaction left for the weekend warrior.  There not much else you can do without a computer and special tools anymore.

[tenpenny]

I watched a You Tube video - it seemed pretty involved for a Forester.  I saw batteries and washer reservoirs coming out.

I've had to remove a battery to change a headlight, and I think that was an old Camry.