I investigated a little and found this on
Joe Spitz's Outback page
Outback History
1995: The first Outback is a 1995 Legacy L wagon with special trim. This 1995 model is not the Outback as we know it.
1996: First year for the 'real' Outback. Also first year for the 2.5L engine, which in '96 runs on premium fuel and is only available with an automatic transmssion. The manual uses the 2.2L engine and has the hill holder clutch.
And this.
1996 Outback Specifications and options
2.2 liter, 135 hp, sequential multi-port fuel injected, single overhead cam boxer engine with Hill-holder clutch
economy: 23 city, 30 highway regular unleaded fuel
Automatic transmission:
2.5 Liter 155 hp, dual overhead cam, sequential multi-port fuel injected engine (new for 1996)
According to this the was no DOHC 2.2 or a 2.2 with an auto tranny.