Surfing the web, we came across an innovative model build that is fully functional. Built by mechanical engineer Eric Harrell, check out his latest creation — a three-dimensional printed Subaru EJ20 WRX engine that churns and operates like its life-size counterpart.

Printed at 35 percent scale, the flat-four engine shows every operating angle with complete clarity. Having experience with 3D printing engines, Harrell also created a replica of the Toyota 22R-E, the 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine used in the Celica and Hilux for more than 40 years before manufacturing ceased on the engine in 1997.

A look at Subaru’s EJ20 engine, which Harrell used to create his own iteration.

“It’s fully functional, as in all parts move as intended in the real thing,” Harrell said. “Do not confuse it with a real engine, as this is not.” Powered by an electric motor, the engine properly shows all of the moving parts within the engine, each working with each other to make the system complete.

To sum it up, the EJ20 is a 2.0-liter, horizontally opposed or boxer four-cylinder engine that was first introduced in 1989 under the hood of the Subaru Legacy of the same model year. Continually evolving over time, the EJ20 became the flagship engine of the company, showing the engine’s ingenuity and long legs to stand the test of time.

Three-dimensional printing is an innovative advancement in technology that is slowly growing. “The tolerances are a little tighter and depending on your printer; the crankshaft might take some tweaking to get it right so that there’s no interference as it rotates,” said Harrell. Using 3D CAD design software SOLIDWORKS, Harrell’s engine was printed at 0.2mm resolution with a 20 to 40 percent infill.

Harrell’s smaller-sized EJ20 may be more colorful, but operates in the same manner as the real version.

The attention to detail is evident on every angle of this printed build. Literally every piece works in unison, documenting the engine’s unique functionality.

“Up next, I’d like to do the AWD transmission for the EJ20 or an LS1 engine,” Harrell said. “If anybody can help with providing an engine to model from, it would be greatly appreciated.”

What do you think of Harrell’s little engine build? Be sure to leave your comments below.