97-01 Impreza engine discrepancies

[dromond]

I'm looking to buy a used Impreza wagon with a manual trans. From what I gather the 2.2L engine has many fewer reliability problems than the Phaze I & II 2.5L. It also appears that the head gasket issues began around 1998. I assume this is just with the newer 2.5L engines.

 

What I'm wondering is if the 2.2L engines in the 1998-2001 models are mostly the same as the pre-98 models? My main goal is to find a well-maintained, reliable vehicle; and I don't need the extra power of the 2.5. Is there any reason not to go for the 2.2? From a reliability standpoint, what are the other major differences between the 97-01 models?

 

I apologize for my meager knowledge, but then again that's why I'm here.

 

cheers

[redwagon]

What you're asking is of course a matter of opinion, but I think most people would agree on a few things.

 

The EJ22 does seem to live longer, given the same treatment. The DOHC EJ25 has issues with it's head gasket, many have been replaced. I don't recall similar problems with the EJ22.

OTOH, the phase I EJ22 heads don't flow well and this limits power potential. The phase II heads flow better, but have a single exhaust port per head. I think only Borla has a header to fit it.

The 99+ phase II SOHC EJ25 seems very reliable and most agree it's a much better engine than the phase I. There was a TSB to put some sealant in the cooling water, and a few gaskets were replaced. Nothing like the scale of the DOHC problem though.

 

But anyway, there was no Impreza wagon with a 2.5 until the newskool TS, so you're either getting an L or Outback Sport with a 2.2

 

97/98: solid, but poor heads.

99: better heads, more power, poor header choices and fragile MAF sensor.

00/01: ditto, but somewhere along the line they changed to a

MAP based OBDII ECU. Can't tune with S-AFC.

 

Check out cars101.com, lots of Subaru info there.