bratman18

MLS means multi layer steal. That's what you get if you buy OEM, or there are a few aftermarket companies that make good ones too. Definitely the way to go for the EJ25.

98-2000 2.5 was 2 completely different style ej25 motors. I think maybe you should research a bit more before you offer advice to others. 96-98 was dohc 2.5. This had internal head gasket leaks. 99 Legacy's also came with the dohc but had a phase 2 block which had a better lower end. Other models in 99 got the SOHC 2.5 along with all 2000+ non turbo subarus. Those had external head gasket leaks, primarily oil leaks, but could leak coolant too. Those are usually good to go once he gaskets have been changed once, as long as MLS gaskets are used and attention is paid to detail. They claim o have fixed the head gasket issue but even some of the newer ones are leaking. I personally would own one no problem, but pay attention to coolant level, and if they leak, have a subaru mechanic replace them.

Pretty sure the Gr2's were changed to the Excels, at least in some applications. That's what I heard anyway. But they're still the same strut.

Check gear oil?

With an Ej22 you can drop that in with the necessary adapter plate and re drilled flywheel, and a wiring harness essential and basically. Be good to go. But with a turbo motor there's even more work involved. And the ej20 is not lighter than the ej22. Especially after bolting on the turbo and added exhaust etc. And I wouldn't trust the rest of the suspension or driveline if you dropped just the ej25 STi engine in. Your best bet would be to buy an entire ej22 car for your swap. That way you have everything you need to do the swap.

Not the rear.

Use the tip of your pointer finger to pull up on the small tab on the top side of the plug, while using your other fingers and your other hand to pull the 2 plugs apart. Use some force.

Forester seats sit high in an impreza, so chances are they're going to be pretty tall in a GL. Might have to mod the rails some.

Correct

Yeah some you push down and some you pull up. Hope that works for you.

There's a small tab on the connector. If pushing down on it doesn't work, pull up on the tab and pull the plugs apart.

Pretty sure you can use ea82 stuff for the front too. You'd have to use ea82 knuckles and I think tie rod ends too.

Use your car scissor jack and put it between the trailing arm and the body and use it to push the trailing arm down enough to bolt the block up. I always just used a big pry bar, but using the jack is much less labor intensive.

The top of the strut needs to be angled in towards the center of the car.

It would be 10* for the top in towards the middle of the car.

^Have you looked around this forum much?

Pretty sure those are Calmasters. Nice brat!

Unfortunately a common problem with the 05 Legacy models with a turbo. Good luck with it! And be cautious. It's very common for the motor to go soon after the turbo.

We have the same issues with rust here. My impact gun will usually shear off the rusted pin.

My buddy who owns his own shop called about pricing today, just waiting to hear back.

And ea82 axles too.

Top hats are the same. Spring rate and strut damping will be different but they will fit.

Weird. I have swapped drive shafts and rear diff from impreza to legacy to forester, anywhere from 96 to 04 and they've always been the same.

Input flange should be the same. All the r160 rear diff were the same,the r180 has the bigger flange. Those only.came in STi's.

Check the oil for gold swirls to make sure it's bottom end noise. If not, definitely check the timing belt tensioner.