Questions on 99 Legacy Motor swap. Anyone?

Mike621 · #1 11-02-2007, 07:39 PM

Well, as some may know, I am trying to get a 98 or newer Legacy for Jon, my better half, and I have this deal secured on a 99 Legacy SUS (Outback Sedan) that needs a motor. I am trying to figure out what I can do besides the original 2.5L into it. I heard I HAVE to get a motor from a 99. I was wondering what Id have to do to use a motor from a different year or is an EJ22 swap possible? I just want a less expensive alternative. I don't mind swapping some exhaust parts... Anyone know?

(I did post on Legacy Central as well, but I just signed up, and wanted to see if anyone on here would know...)

I

YourConfused · #2 11-02-2007, 08:16 PM

I know the SUS is a neat car and that's about it. I almost bought one instead of the SVX.

subeman90 · #3 11-02-2007, 08:33 PM

I don't think you need a 99 motor per se...you just need a 2.2 that is OBD2 to go in there. Also note that the 99 legacy motor (2.2) is an interference engine so you know how that can go too.

There is a lot of talk about people doing this in their OBWs over on USMB so go do a search and have a good read over there.

I might even have something over there in the repair manual (that I am the moderator of) so have a look there too.

Hondasucks · #4 11-03-2007, 12:50 AM

the 2.2 is not interference, only the 2.5L DOHC is interference.

subeman90 · #5 11-03-2007, 07:08 AM

the 99 2.2 is interference. Check your sources.

crazyhorse · #6 11-03-2007, 08:23 AM

An EG33 ought to fit the 99 Lego quite nicely. After all it has the good gearing to start with, and it's lighter.

I never did understand why Subaru didn't use the EG33 in the Lego. I think the original Outbacks would have benefitted from even a "detuned" H-6

ccrinc · #7 11-03-2007, 08:49 AM

All Subaru engines after '96, even the EJ22s, are interferential with the exception of the '97 EG33. (And it's finicky.)

The '99 EJ22 is a hybrid of a 2.2L and the EJ25 SOHC. It was also used in the '99-03 Imprezas.

It is unclear whether an earlier EJ22 will swap. While a '95 EJ22 will swap nicely into the '96-98 Outbacks, after that there are issues with 4 bolt vs. 8 bolt bellhousing patterns and possible incompatibility of the ECU to deal with.

In fact, are you sure this is an EJ22? I thought I remembered the SUS having the EJ25 DOHC in it. (But it's really early, and I've only had half a cup of coffee, so my memory isn't at its best right now.)

Emily
http://www.ccrengines.com

subeman90 · #8 11-03-2007, 10:04 AM

it is a 2.5 Emily but I think he wants to put a reliable engine in it.

Thanks for the clarification on the 2.2 hopefully some people learn from this.

Mike621 · #9 11-03-2007, 11:35 AM

Not looking to go to an EG-33.

I want a fairly simple swap, hopefully to a cheaper, more reliable 2.2L, and its really tough to find info on what else will fit into this car...

I want to run the car on regular fuel and drive it daily.

ccrinc · #10 11-03-2007, 05:40 PM

Oh, duh. I told you I needed more coffee!

If it has the EJ25, you can swap a '95 EJ22 into it. You will need to also use the intake manifold from the 2.2.
Swap the engine wiring (the stuff that's on the 2.5 intake manifold) onto the 2.2 intake.

The ECU and the main wiring harness will work with it. You will need to have an extra bolt hole drilled in the bell housing of the EJ22 so that your starter will have 2 mounting bolt holes.

Otherwise, with the occasional exception of some charcoal canister refitment, it will work just fine, run fine and use regular octane gas.

Emily
http://www.ccrengines.com

Hondasucks · #11 11-04-2007, 01:21 AM

Get a DOHC 2.5, replace the head gaskets with OEM along with the timing belt, the twin cam 2.5s are not as bad at blowing head gaskets as the single cam (but they're interference), and they are reliable with the newer formulation head gaskets.

Octanerush · #12 11-16-2007, 04:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mike621

Well, as some may know, I am trying to get a 98 or newer Legacy for Jon, my better half, and I have this deal secured on a 99 Legacy SUS (Outback Sedan) that needs a motor. I am trying to figure out what I can do besides the original 2.5L into it. I heard I HAVE to get a motor from a 99. I was wondering what Id have to do to use a motor from a different year or is an EJ22 swap possible? I just want a less expensive alternative. I don't mind swapping some exhaust parts... Anyone know?

(I did post on Legacy Central as well, but I just signed up, and wanted to see if anyone on here would know...)

I

i do alot of engine swaps on subys.
i just did an engine swap on my g/f's SUS 99. u can use any ej25 engine as long as you check the bolt pattern on the intake manifold. u gotta swap the whole manifold(wires n all) from the old engine to the new engine. this will solve alot of electrical problems.

also if ur car has an egr valve. u gotta drill a whole into the block of the jap engine (they don't come with egr valves)

hope that helps

[M]i[K]E[¥]

Manarius · #13 11-16-2007, 10:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hondasucks

Get a DOHC 2.5, replace the head gaskets with OEM along with the timing belt, the twin cam 2.5s are not as bad at blowing head gaskets as the single cam (but they're interference), and they are reliable with the newer formulation head gaskets.

As I recall, the Head Gasket blowing 2.5's were the DOHC ones. The 2.5 on the 96-99 LGT was DOHC and was a headgasket eater...

Oh and clarification: The 1996 EJ22 may or may not be interference. Most likely, it is not. However, it will be equipped with the solid valves, not the HLA's like on the older EJ22's. The official change in the EJ22 to interference was supposedly started with the 1997 MY due to a change in the crown of the piston.

rufus · #14 11-19-2007, 04:18 PM

Mike-

This is a pretty easy swap. I've swapped 1.8 for 2.2 and 2.5 for 2.2 in a couple different Imprezas and Legacies from a range of years with no problems. I have found it easier to swap manifolds (keep the original with the car and bolt it up to the "new" engine). I have not run into the bellhousing issue mentioned previously, but it sounds like there is an easy fix if you do.

If you are looking for a REALLY cheap way out, I have a perfectly good 1.8L (originally from a 94? Impreza) sitting in my garage that you can have for FREE if you come pick it up. It is pretty much complete although I may have pirated the fuel injectors (you may be able to use the ones from the blown engine, or I may be able to track down a working set in the garage). It has around 100K miles on it if I remember correctly. It would make for a fairly slow car, but that engine is pretty much bombproof.

There's also a front wheel drive Impreza five speed available for the same price if anyone wants it, all part of the "Clean out Mike's Garage Sale"

rufus · #15 11-19-2007, 04:27 PM

I almost forgot, I also have a "box-o-clutches" for various Subarus. All new discs, pressure plates, etc. No idea what fits what model, this is pure pot-luck. There are at least two, and possibly three sets in the box. Also free. I'll check on the specific contents of the box and any visible part numbers if anyone wants to make the trek to pick them up. This is an all-or-nothing deal, gotta take the whole box.

Eh, guess this doesn't really belong here, but while I have your attention...