98 outback- rebuilt or used engine

[Collins]

I need a new engine in my 98 2.5 and I'm trying to decide if I should buy a rebuilt or find a source for low mileage used one. Hope you guys can help.

Thanks,

Collins

[Olnick]

I need a new engine in my 98 2.5 and I'm trying to decide if I should buy a rebuilt or find a source for low mileage used one. Hope you guys can help.

Thanks,

Collins

 

How many miles on your car? How much are you willing to invest? I'd suggest getting in touch with Emily at CCR--company with an excellent reputation and I think she'd give you the straight skinny. (She's on this board if you want her address.) Good luck whichever way you go.

[brus brother]

I've spoken with Emily and she is very generous with her time and information.

With a used engine, you still have the issue of head gasket failure. While this may not have been the cause of your engine failure, it is common with this vintage.

A rebuild from Emily has the improved HGs and a 3 year 30,000 mile warranty.

No, I don't work for CCR engines but the logic is sound.

It all depends on what you want to do with the car. If right now it is only uiseful as a planter then it's either part out the car or invest the ?$3K for the rebuild/install, less if you do the install. If the rest of the car is still good to go, ask yourself where would you replace it for the same money and get a warranty to boot.

Say hi to Emily for me... one more referral and I get a free air freshener for my car! BTW, was your engine's demise the dreaded head gasket failure?

Good luck

[Meeky Moose]

do like i did with my 99' outback. get yourself a used 2.2 out of a 95' subaru, everything bolts up and plugs, in. with the exception of a charcoal canister which the outbacks do not have. so i capped those lines off. car runs great no check engine light and i see 25+ mpg in town with the 2.2

 

even getting a 2.2 from emily will save you a grand..

 

just my suggestion.

[Collins]

I have 140k on this 98 outback.Had heads done at 100k and now the engine is down for the count. Thanks for the help.

 

Collins

[brus brother]

The 2.2 is a brilliant idea. They are reputed to be bulletproof. A local one would seem a reasonable solution considering the mileage on your vehicle.

When I was investigating replacement engines for my cousin, Emily at CCR did mention that they had the 2.2 if you can't find one locally.

[JT95]

I bought a used 95 Legacy wagon last year. My 2.2 now has over 140,000 miles and runs smooth and solid. I think the 2.2 swap would be a good bet for you. With as many people who brag about this engine, it'd be a good route. (Why did they ever stop making the 2.2 anyway...)

[99obw]

everything bolts up and plugs, in. with the exception of a charcoal canister which the outbacks do not have. so i capped those lines off.

 

The outbacks do have a charcoal canister, but it's in the rear of the car. JUST finished a used 2.2 transplant in Pulloff's '99, everything including the charcoal canister hooked up properly, no MIL. Pulloff will most likely post the details. The engine must be from a '95 with automatic transmission (for the most trouble free swap possible).