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60-511: Prior to 1966, Subaru was known for producing kei cars in Japan; for their first four-passenger model, the firm developed an air-cooled boxer engine for a prototype of the Subaru 1500 in 1960, but Fuji Heavy Industries was unable to continue development due to a shortage of funding. A new prototype front-wheel-drive car was built with a 923 cc (56 in) water-cooled boxer engine, which became

120-445: A displacement of just 150 cc (or just 100 cc for two-stroke engines ) in 1949, dimensions and engine size limitations were gradually expanded in 1950, 1951, and 1955, to make kei cars more attractive to buyers, and production more viable to manufacturers. In 1955, the displacement limit was increased to 360 cc for both two-stroke and four-stroke engines , resulting in several new kei car models beginning production in

180-473: A force with magnitude of one pound-force applied to an area of one square inch . In SI units , 1 psi is approximately 6,895 pascals . The pound per square inch absolute ( psia ) is used to make it clear that the pressure is relative to a vacuum rather than the ambient atmospheric pressure. Since atmospheric pressure at sea level is around 14.7 psi (101 kilopascals ), this will be added to any pressure reading made in air at sea level . The converse

240-458: A continued market existed for the kei car. As sales improved, these engines only lasted for a model year or so until manufacturers had the time to develop maximum-sized engines. Only Daihatsu had a 550 cc engine ready and thus avoided developing transitional engines that did not immediately take full advantage of the new regulations. Kei car sales remained stagnant, however; while combined passenger and commercial kei car sales reached 700,000 for

300-450: A displacement increase of 110 cc (6.7 cu in), or twenty percent, while the maximum length was increased by 100 mm (3.9 in). These changes occurred during the 1990s Japanese economic bubble , and all manufacturers quickly developed new models to suit. Within five months, all major kei models had switched from 550 cc to 660 cc engines. For the first time, a power limit of 64 PS (47 kW; 63 hp)

360-493: A governmental backlash. This power limit matched the highest output reached by any kei manufacturer at the time and was a gentlemen's agreement amongst the manufacturers in an effort to avoid a kei-class horsepower war. The only kei car to have exceeded this limit is the Caterham 7 160, a lightweight British sports car that was not expected to qualify as a kei car, though it is small enough (in dimensions and displacement) to fit

420-566: A kei car in Japan, a kei version of the Smart Fortwo (called the Smart K ) was sold in Japan by Yanase from 2001 to 2004. The Smart K used revised rear fenders and reduced tire dimensions and track width to conform to kei regulations. The model was not a success, and sold the fewest examples of a kei car when it was marketed. The Suzuki Wagon R was the best-selling kei car in Japan between calendar years 1996 and 2011, except in 2003, when

480-618: A lower overall ownership cost. In most rural areas they are also exempt from the general Japanese shako shōmeisho ( 車庫証明書 ) parking-space ownership requirement to legally buy a motor vehicle at all, as street parking is generally restricted in Japan. Japan's carmakers also make microvans and kei trucks within this legal category. The kei category was created by the Japanese government in 1949, to stimulate both car ownership and growth of Japan's car industry. The regulations were revised multiple times until 1998, but since October 1998,

540-457: A quarter of its overall sales. In April 2014, the Japanese government significantly reduced advantages for kei car owners, imposing a higher sales tax, a higher gasoline tax, and a higher kei car tax, the last of which was raised by 50 percent—greatly reducing tax benefits compared to regular-sized cars. Daihatsu, Honda, Suzuki and Nissan-Mitsubishi (through the NMKV joint venture) are currently

600-428: A quarter of the exported kei vehicles. Due to the difficult economic environment, low-priced cars sold well at the turn of the decade; 1981 marked another successful year as Japanese kei car sales reached their highest since 1970 (at 1,229,809 units for cars and trucks). This was also thanks to a new phenomenon: To help boost their sales, Suzuki developed a new car which could be sold as a commercial vehicle although it

660-401: A regular car. A 24-month insurance contract typically costs ¥18,980 at the time of registration versus ¥22,470 for a larger car. An automobile weight tax also is levied: The amount is ¥13,200 and ¥8,800 for a three- and two-year period, respectively, as compared to the ¥18,900 and ¥12,600 charged for larger-sized passenger cars. The savings are thus more than 30% in both cases. This weight tax

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720-545: A single electric motor with a maximum output of 47 kW (63 hp; 64 PS). The eK X EV is a battery-electric version of the Mitsubishi eK X, and the Sakura is an update to Nissan's Dayz line. The two are eligible for EV purchase incentives in Japan, and as of June 2022, are also the cheapest new BEVs from a major Japanese manufacturer. The vehicle excise tax levy is 2% of the purchase price, compared to 3% for

780-545: A single intake manifold, and the late version for the 1983 Safari Rally, featured two downdraft Weber Carburetors, each one mounted directly over each head. The Heads and Valvetrain on the EA81S engines are different from the regular counterparts, featuring different positions for the intake and exhaust valves on the Heads, feature known usually as Reverse Valves. The EA-81T is not an official engine designation from Subaru. The "T"

840-730: A version of the German-made Smart Fortwo was briefly imported and officially classified as a kei car. In addition, the British Caterham 7 160 and the Polish Polski Fiat 126p (Maluch) also received such classification. Japanese government regulations limit the outer physical size, and ( combustion ) engine displacement and power output of kei cars, see detailed table below. Kei cars have also been subject to other restrictions, chiefly lower speed limits than bigger vehicles; older Kei-cars also had

900-544: A warning chime that sounded when being driven too fast. Kei cars are issued special license plates , with black numbers on a yellow background for private use, and yellow numbers on a black background for commercial use, earning them the name "yellow-plate cars" in English-speaking circles. Modern Kei cars are often available with turbocharged engines, automatic and continuously variable transmissions, and choice of front-wheel or all-wheel drive . After

960-479: Is pound per square inch gauge ( psig ), indicating that the pressure is relative to atmospheric pressure. For example, a bicycle tire pumped up to 65 psig in a local atmospheric pressure at sea level (14.7 psi) will have a pressure of 79.7 psia (14.7 psi + 65 psi). When gauge pressure is referenced to something other than ambient atmospheric pressure, then the unit is pound per square inch differential ( psid ). The kilopound per square inch ( ksi )

1020-460: Is a scaled unit derived from psi, equivalent to a thousand psi (1000 lbf/in ). ksi are not widely used for gas pressures. They are mostly used in materials science , where the tensile strength of a material is measured as a large number of psi. The conversion in SI units is 1 ksi = 6.895 MPa, or 1 MPa = 0.145 ksi. The megapound per square inch (Mpsi) is another multiple equal to a million psi. It

1080-734: Is found on the 1988-1991 Subaru Alcyone VX (XT-6 in the United States). Created as a refined luxury engine with improved power over the EA82T, Subaru introduced the ER series engine in 1988 exclusively to be featured in the Subaru Alcyone VX. Like the EA series engines, the ER series engine featured 2-valve cylinder heads with hydraulic lash adjusters and the block shared the same bore and stroke. While recognised as bearing many similarities to

1140-406: Is paid after the vehicle has passed its safety inspection . The required road tax is based on the engine's displacement. Pound-force per square inch The pound per square inch (abbreviation: psi ) or, more accurately, pound-force per square inch (symbol: lbf/in ), is a unit of measurement of pressure or of stress based on avoirdupois units. It is the pressure resulting from

1200-1214: Is used in mechanics for the elastic modulus of materials, especially for metals. The conversion in SI units is 1 Mpsi = 6.895 GPa, or 1 GPa = 0.145 Mpsi. The conversions to and from SI are computed from exact definitions but result in a repeating decimal. P Pa = P PSI × ( 0.45359237   kg × 9.80665   m / s 2 ) / lbf ( 0.0254   m / in ) 2 {\displaystyle P_{\text{Pa}}=P_{\text{PSI}}\times {\frac {(0.45359237~{\text{kg}}\times 9.80665~\mathrm {m/s^{2}} )/{\text{lbf}}}{(0.0254~{\text{m}}/{\text{in}})^{2}}}} P PSI = P Pa × ( 0.0254   m / in ) 2 ( 0.45359237   kg × 9.80665   m / s 2 ) / lbf {\displaystyle P_{\text{PSI}}=P_{\text{Pa}}\times {\frac {(0.0254~{\text{m}}/{\text{in}})^{2}}{(0.45359237~{\text{kg}}\times 9.80665~\mathrm {m/s^{2}} )/{\text{lbf}}}}} As

1260-495: Is used informally to refer to the factory turbocharged version of EA-81 engines that are equipped with a turbocharger and multi port fuel injection . Boost pressure was 7 psi . The Subaru EA-82 engine was originally intended to be a 2.0L engine as its prototypes were, but Subaru destroked it to 1.8L for production. The EA82 was produced from 1984 to 1994. It came either with carburetor , single point fuel injection , or multi port fuel injection and hydraulic lifters. Most of

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1320-789: The Daihatsu Move outsold the Wagon R. Starting in 2011, Toyota entered the kei car market for the first time. The resulting Toyota Pixis Space, a rebadged Daihatsu Move Conte , was expected to increase competition in that market. Nissan and Mitsubishi began to jointly produce the Mitsubishi eK (also sold as the Nissan Dayz and formerly the Nissan Otti). Honda's kei car lineup—the N-one , N-Box , and N-WGN —accounts for around

1380-802: The EA-63 block, known as the "Narrow Case EA71" then Subaru completely redesigned it to make the newer version known as "Fat Case EA71" which also led to a stroked version known as the EA81. The availability in USA for the EA71 ended in 1990 on the hatchback models. It came with a carburetor and the last editions for JDM featured throttle-body injection, found on the "Maia" editions of the third generation Subaru Leone. The engine came either with solid lifters or hydraulic lifters. This engine used twin Hitachi carburetors. There

1440-612: The Honda Z GS of January 1970. Power outputs also kept climbing, reaching a peak with the 40 PS (29 kW; 39 hp) Daihatsu Fellow Max SS of July 1970. Sales increased steadily, reaching a peak of 750,000 in 1970. Until 31 December 1974, kei cars used smaller license plates than regular cars, at 230 mm × 125 mm (9.1 in × 4.9 in). From 1975, they received medium-sized standard plates, which are 330 mm × 165 mm (13.0 in × 6.5 in). To set them apart from regular passenger cars,

1500-895: The Subaru Leone , the Subaru Brat (Brumby), the Subaru Loyale , the Subaru Omega (coupé), the Subaru Vortex , the Subaru RX , and the Subaru XT (Alcyone). Works Group A/B The Subaru EA-52 engine was produced from 1966 until 1970. The Subaru EA-53 was used in the 1967 Subaru 1000 Sports Sedan, sold in Japan. It used twin carburetors. This engine was used in the September 1968 Japan Alpine Rally which

1560-471: The 'A' market-segment of motor vehicles. Although some Kei models are successfully exported or licensed, the great majority are designed and built for the Japanese domestic market only, as they are entirely optimized to offer the most appealing vehicles within the very specific to Japan Kei-car rules, in addition to mainly being built with the steering on the right. Contrary to popular belief, according to

1620-552: The 1 January 1990 regulations, there is no official power limit for Kei cars. The limit is dictated by a Gentleman's Agreement between Japanese auto manufacturers as the most powerful Kei car at the time was rated at 64 PS (47 kW; 63 hp). This agreement was reached to prevent a horsepower race, and to remain true to the modest spirit of the Kei class, to charge lower tax on small vehicles that are just enough to meet basic transportation needs. The kei legal class originated in

1680-516: The 1960s, consisting of over one-third of domestic new-car sales in fiscal year 2016, after dropping from a record 40 percent market share in 2013. To lower the market share of kei cars, Japan increased taxes on the category by 50% in 2014. In 2018, seven of the 10 top-selling models were nonetheless kei cars, including the top four, all boxy passenger vans : the Honda N-Box , Suzuki Spacia , Nissan Dayz , and Daihatsu Tanto . For exports,

1740-445: The 1980s progressed, kei cars became increasingly refined, losing their utilitarian origins, as Japanese customers became ever better off. Features such as electric windows , turbochargers, four-wheel drive , and air conditioning became available on kei-car models. Conversely, van versions of kei hatchbacks were now marketed to non-business customers to take advantage of even lower taxation and more lenient emissions rules; this move in

1800-668: The 1980s, Kei cars had matured so much in power, speed, and passive (crash) safety, that they were no longer bound to lower maximum speeds than other cars. Japan's carmakers since agreed on a self-imposed maximum 140 km/h (87 mph) speed, mostly because of their narrow width. Kei cars are often considered the Japanese equivalent of the European Union 's A-segment "city cars". However, contrary to Japan's special Kei cars' legal status and limitations, there are no EU- or pan-European legal restrictions, exceptions or benefits for what European auto journalism or market analysts call

1860-726: The Japanese Transport Ministry. It was the world's first mass-produced electric car, and the first electric car to sell more than 10,000 units. Rebadged and slightly updated variants of the i-MiEV were also sold in Europe as the Peugeot iOn and Citroën C-Zero . In 2011, Mitsubishi launched the MINICAB-MiEV; a battery electric version of the Minicab microvan, borrowing the drivetrain and key components from

Subaru EA engine - Misplaced Pages Continue

1920-544: The MPFI EA-82 with modified cylinder heads, lower compression pistons, and boost pressure of 7 psi A revised intake known as the "Spider" manifold was available and is seen as an early version of the EJ style intake manifold. The ER series is a flat-6 engine with a displacement of 2.7L manufactured by Subaru , a division of Fuji Heavy Industries . The ER series has aluminium engine blocks and aluminium cylinder heads. It

1980-640: The Subaru EA82 engine, there are numerous differences in design between the two engines and a large portion of parts are unique to the ER27. The oil and water pumps are unique to the ER27, sharing similar bolt patterns and design to the EA82, but being of a higher flow in both cases. The intake manifold uses a two piece design with a lower section bolting to the heads containing the coolant bridge, injectors and various vacuum lines. The upper intake manifold then bolts to

2040-518: The basis for the Subaru 1000 and the EA-52 boxer engine. The car began sales to the public starting in 1966. The EA series engines have aluminum heads with aluminum blocks. Each cylinder has two valves, one for exhaust and one for intake. They came in either an OHV pushrod or SOHC configuration. Subaru produced the EA series from 1966 to 1994, and were found in the Subaru FF-1 Star ,

2100-451: The car too slow. As commercial vehicles didn't have to meet the new stricter regulations, it continued to be available in the Van 1200 Standard until the end of production of the first generation Leone in 1979. The Subaru EA-65 engine was produced from 1975 to 1985 The Subaru EA-71 engine was produced in two different designs; from 1976 to 1994, originally the first design was a redesign of

2160-538: The car won in the 1000cc engine class. The Subaru EA-61 engine was produced from 1969 to 1972. The Japanese-spec Subaru FF-1 Sport Sedan and the FF-1 Super Touring sedan used twin carburetors, with the engine designation EA-61S. It was sold in the United States only for the 1971 model year. It was also briefly available in the first Leone, only in 1100 Van specification. The Subaru EA-62 engine

2220-455: The era following the end of World War II , when most Japanese citizens could not afford a full-sized car, though many had enough money to buy a light motorcycle . To stimulate growth of the car industry, as well as offer alternative commuting means, and small delivery vehicles for shops and businesses, the kei-car category, reduced tax-burden, and accompanying legal maximums for "essential transportation" vehicles were created. At first limited to

2280-657: The first time since 1974, the small cars still lost market share in a quickly growing market. As the kei cars became larger and more powerful, another benefit appeared as exports increased considerably. In particular, export sales of kei trucks increased, while kei passenger car exports increased at a lower rate. In 1976, the number of exported kei cars and trucks combined was 74,633 (up 171% year-on-year), despite exports of passenger kei cars decreasing. In 1980, another record year occurred as exports grew by 80.3% (to 94,301 units), of which 77.6% were microtrucks. Nearly 17% of exports went to Europe, dwarfed by Chile , which took nearly

2340-492: The following years. These included the 1955 Suzuki Suzulight and the 1958 Subaru 360 (considered the first truly mass-produced kei cars), which were finally able to fill people's need for basic transportation without being too severely compromised. In 1955, the Japanese Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI) also set forth goals to develop a " national car " that was larger than kei cars produced at

2400-654: The i-MiEV. As of March 2015, over 50,000 units across all variants (including the two minicab versions sold in Japan) have been sold worldwide since 2009. Production of the i-MiEV was discontinued in 2021. In May 2022, NMKV launched the Nissan-badged Sakura and the Mitsubishi-badged eK X EV in the Japanese domestic market . These models have a 20 kWh lithium-ion battery pack with an estimated WLTC range of 180 km (110 mi). Both use

2460-438: The law consistently specifies a maximum vehicle length, width and height under 3.4 m (11.2 ft), 1.48 m (4.9 ft) and 2.0 m (6.6 ft), respectively, and engine displacement under 660 cc (40.3 cu in). A " gentleman's agreement " for a maximum power of 64 PS (63 hp; 47 kW) was reached between Japanese automakers and lawmakers. Kei cars have been very successful in Japan since

Subaru EA engine - Misplaced Pages Continue

2520-520: The lower section and is unlike the EA82 or EJ22 "spider" manifold designs in that there is no central plenum chamber. The valve timing system is belt-drive using two individual timing belts, curiously one belt uses a spring tensioner (like the EA82) whilst the other uses a hydraulic tensioner (like the EJ22 ). Both JDM and USDM versions of the ER27 used multi-point electronic fuel injection. The ER27 designation

2580-607: The market was spearheaded by Suzuki with their 1979 Alto , and competitors soon followed suit, with the Subaru Family Rex and the Daihatsu Mira appearing within a year's time. In the 1980s, the speed limit for kei cars was 80 km/h (50 mph). Government rules also mandated a warning chime to alert the driver if this speed was exceeded. The kei car regulations were revised in March 1990, allowing engines

2640-577: The mid-1960s, when the kei speed limit was increased to 60 km/h (37.3 mph). The early vehicles were comparable to the European 'bubble-cars' of the era. The class then went through a period of ever increasing sophistication, with an automatic transmission appearing in the Honda N360 in August 1968, and front disc brakes becoming available on a number of sporting kei cars, beginning with

2700-399: The new requirements. All manufacturers of kei cars were clamoring for increased engine displacement and vehicle size limits, claiming that the emissions standards could not be met with a functional 360-cc engine. In the end, the Japanese legislature relented, increasing the overall length and width restrictions by 200 mm (7.9 in) and 100 mm (3.9 in), respectively. Engine size

2760-424: The only mass-production manufacturers of kei cars. Mazda sells rebadged Suzuki models, Toyota and Subaru sell badge-engineered Daihatsu models, and Nissan-Mitsubishi sources their commercial kei models from Suzuki. The electric version of the Mitsubishi i , the Mitsubishi i-MiEV was the first electric kei car. This was launched for fleet purchasers in 2009 in the Japanese domestic market . It became available to

2820-439: The plates were now yellow and black rather than white and green. Throughout the 1970s, the government kept whittling away at the benefits offered to kei vehicles, which combined with ever stricter emissions standards to lower sales drastically through the first half of the decade. Previously exempt, mandatory annual inspections for kei cars were added in 1973 and put an additional damper on sales. Honda and Mazda withdrew from

2880-481: The regulations. Its engine is rated at 80 hp (60 kW; 81 PS)—since that is how the car is homologated in the United Kingdom, Japanese authorities told the importer that its power should remain unchanged. The Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association also self-imposes a speed limit of 140 km/h (87 mph) for kei cars. In a rare example of an overseas mass-produced model being sold as

2940-422: The shrinking passenger kei car market in 1974 and 1976, respectively, although they both maintained a limited offering of commercial vehicles. Sales had been steadily declining, reaching a low of 150,000 passenger cars in 1975, 80% less than 1970 sales. Emissions laws were another problem for the kei car industry in the mid-1970s. From 1973 to 1978, emissions standards were to be tightened in four steps. Meeting

3000-435: The stricter standards, which were to be introduced in 1975, would be problematic for manufacturers of kei cars. This was particularly hard for Daihatsu and Suzuki , which focused on two-stroke engines, and especially Suzuki, a relatively small company whose entire lineup consisted of two-stroke kei cars. Daihatsu, though, had both the engineering backing and powerful connections of their owner, Toyota , to aid them in meeting

3060-676: The technical advancements introduced to the EA82 were utilized in the next generation Subaru EJ engine , specifically, the SOHC valvetrain, and multi-point fuel injection. The EA-82T engine was introduced in 1984 for the Third generation of Subaru Leone in the GL-10 and RX Turbo trim models plus the XT (Vortex), and later on the Subaru Leone RX Coupe models. It is a turbocharged version of

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3120-447: The time. This goal influenced Japanese automobile manufacturers to determine how best to focus their product development efforts for kei cars or the larger "national" cars. The small exterior dimensions and engine displacement reflected the driving environment in Japan, with speed limits in Japan realistically not exceeding 40 km/h (24.9 mph) in urban areas. Kei cars were not allowed to be driven any faster than 40 km/h until

3180-628: The vehicles are generally too small and specialized to be profitable. Notable exceptions exist, for instance the Suzuki Alto and Daihatsu Cuore , which have been exported consistently from around 1980. The export version of the Suzuki Jimny has become very popular, both in and outside of Japan. Kei cars are both popular with the elderly, but also with youths and younger families because of their affordability and ease of use. Nearly all kei cars have been designed and manufactured in Japan, but

3240-485: The wider public as well as the global market in 2010. The i-MiEV uses a 47 kW (63 hp) permanent-magnet synchronous motor powered by a 16 kWh lithium-ion battery pack. It can charge overnight in 14 hours from home 100-volt mains, or in 30 minutes from quick-charging stations installed at fleet locations. Its range is 100 km (62 mi) as tested by the US EPA , and 160 km (99 mi) as tested by

3300-436: Was also applied in addition to the limit on engine size, in response to the ever-increasing power outputs available with turbocharging and multivalve technologies popularized in the late 1980s. Engine technology was also shared with sports bikes , which are designed more for rider enjoyment and less so for fuel economy, going against the idea of small people's cars and putting the kei cars' tax and structural advantages at risk of

3360-604: Was an unreleased EA-72 concept engine Subaru developed for use in the Japanese Market in 1989. It was essentially an EA-82 with an EA-71 crankshaft . This engine never came about as the Subaru EJ15 and EJ16 were already in development for this purpose. The Subaru EA-81 engine was produced from 1980 to 1994 and is a stroked version of the "Fat Case" EA-71 it came either with Solid Lifters or Hydraulic Lifters. This engine used twin Hitachi carburetors on

3420-627: Was increased to 550 cc, taking effect from 1 January 1976. The new standards were announced on 26 August 1975, leaving very little time for manufacturers to revise their designs to take advantage of the new limits. Most manufacturers were somewhat surprised by the decision; having expected a 500 cc (30.5 cu in) limit, they had already developed new engines to fit such restrictions. These new engines were quickly introduced, usually mounted within widened bodies of existing models. These interim versions, with displacements ranging between 443 and 490 cc, were "feelers", developed to see if

3480-501: Was produced from 1971 to 1972. It is the only EA- engine with rear-facing exhaust ports. This engine used twin carburetors from Zenith-Stromberg. The Subaru EA-63 engine was produced from 1973 to 1979, although it stopped being used in US-market cars in 1976. The Subaru EA-64 engine was produced from 1973 to 1979. The engine disappeared from the sedan catalogs in September 1975, as the new emissions regulations would simply make

3540-461: Was really intended for private use, thus avoiding the 15.5% excise tax . Efficient, bare bones design meant that the resulting Suzuki Alto was considerably cheaper than any of its competitors, and it set the tone for kei cars for the entire 1980s. Until the excise tax was abolished in 1989, light commercials like the Alto and its competitors nearly completely supplanted the passenger car versions. As

3600-533: Was the first time Subaru incorporated the engine's displacement into the series name and all future engines have retained this nomenclature. Kei car Kei car is the smallest category of Japanese expressway -legal motor vehicles. The term kei is a shortening of kei-jidōsha , ( kanji : 軽自動車 ), which translates to English as "light automobile" ( pronounced [keːdʑidoːɕa] ). With restricted dimensions and engine specifications, owners enjoy lower tax and insurance rates which lead to

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