2.2 vs. 2.5?

[croak]

So Ive heard a lot about the first generation of the 2.5l motor being crap, or at least having severe head issues. When did SOA start puting out the second gen 2.5l


thanks

croak

[Reveeen]

Ive heard a lot about the first generation of the 2.5l motor being crap

As far as I know there is limited physical difference between "early", and "late" 2.5 motors, there was a head gasket re-design, along with the addition of magic gumbo in the cooling system, so head gasket "issues" are lessoned, but not eliminated. (I see "new ones" apart all the time at my local dealer)

Crap is a relative word. We have seen 80hp pushrod engines going 500,000 miles, we have seen 90-95hp OHC motors doing about the same. With a small displacement increase (2.2, 2.5), we see a 45-70hp increase, and a reliability decrease. Add in the fact that the newer ones are run hotter to decrease emissions, and "things" do not seem too far off expectations to me. Have you driven a Ford lately? Would you ever think/expect 500,000 miles out of one?

[croak]

OK well crap in terms of Subaru, My dad is looking for my little brother (who isn't really maintenance minded), so he should probably just stick w/ the 2.2, just looking for some opinions.

croak

[grossgary]

they aren't crap, they do have a lot higher failure rate than the EJ22. but...the EJ22 has very low failure rates...so higher is relative. a properly maintained EJ22 will not blow a head gasket (or has a really low chance). a properly maintained EJ25 has a significant chance of blowing at any time.

i suggest searching this forum and google for:
"EJ25"
"EJ25 headgasket"
"subaru headgasket"

and see what you come up with. there's a lot of information and stuff out there, but it will help you make the decision rather than listen to a few opinions. this has been talked about so many times you'll only get a few anecdotal words, an argument, or very differing opinions.

just depends what you want and what you care about. MOST people don't really give a flip about reliability or there's a lot of american manufacturers that wouldn't be in business any more. if reliability is a big deal to you (it is for me), then an EJ22 is a great bet. if you like reliability but aren't that worried, then get the car you want.

personally i'd never pay top dollar for an EJ25 vehicle, not when it's so easy to just get one really cheap with a blown motor and fix it right. i've done that a number of times. i see a few a month for chump change, no point in paying a lot for one.

the EJ25 head gasket issue was not resolved with round two. the second phase EJ25 (SOHC) still has head gasket issues - they just leak externally instead of internally. they are much better though as they aren't likely to leave you stranded like the DOHC variety (1996-1999/2000 depending on vehicle).

[OB99W]

Originally Posted by croak

So Ive heard a lot about the first generation of the 2.5l motor being crap, or at least having severe head issues. When did SOA start puting out the second gen 2.5l[...]

Phase-1 2.5 DOHC, tendency to internal HG leaks and piston slap.
Phase-2 2.5 SOHC, tendency to external HG leaks, usually less of a concern.

Phase-2 first used model years:
Impreza RS and Forester '99
Outback (including Impreza OS) '00