88westy

Finally got an answer from Subaru - install dry.

I'm starting to reassemble my EJ22 engine. I have a set of new OEM Subaru head gaskets for it, but I'm not sure if I need to use a gasket adhesive on these gaskets or not?

There's slightly more room with the Subie engine in there than with the VW engine. Chaning the timing belt will depend on which engine mount system you use... with the KEP mount, it will be tight but doable; with the Small Car mount, you will probably have to drop the engine to get at the timing belt.

Well, my Small Cart mount arrived today, and I did a test fit... the block heater is about 1/4 of an inch too large in diameter to clear the mount, so I guess I will have to live without it. :-\

Here's a photo I found on another site: http://groups.msn.com/NeilSundberg/shoebox.msnw?action=ShowPhoto&PhotoID=24 I believe the engine shown is a 2.5L... I wonder if the layout and dimensions are the same as the 2.2L, as far as the block heater location is concerned?

The Subaru block heater is threaded into the bottom side of the block, next to the oil pan: http://www.imageswest.ca/my_block_heater.jpg

One other question I'm trying to find an answer for regarding the SC mount is primarily of interest to those of us residing in cold climates... will the SC mount interfere with the installation of an engine block heater? I've had a couple of people tell me it's doable, and a couple of others have said, no way it will fit...?

Funny you should say that, but the Small Car mount is the main reason I'm leaning towards buying from them. Their design supports the engine the same way VW did it, and it provides a support for the exhaust system. The only rap I've heard against the Small Car mount is that some syncro owners have had their KEP adapter bolts break, but I think that's due largely to the design of the KEP adapter plate kit - undersized bolts and a loose fit that allows it to move too much.

It looks so clean! My Subie engine was an oily pig when I brought it home... http://www.imageswest.ca/subie1.jpg

I joined shortly before all the nonsense at the Yahoo forum started, but now I'm glad there's a more sensible alternative - this site! I'm putting a 1991 EJ22 in a 1988 Vanagon Westfalia. The engine is starting to go back together as the parts slowly arrive, and the wiring harness is also nearing completion. I'm still trying to decide between KEP and Small Car Performance for the conversion kit pieces, but I'm not really in any rush - just doing bits and pieces as the budget allows.