Snowman

FYI: Subaru now sells an updated multi-layer steel HG for the DOHC EJ25. Also, have you considered an EJ22T, which makes more power than either the n/a EJ22 or the EJ25? If you're set on an EJ25, I'd try real hard to get get the newer SOHC engine. Less HG issues, and maintenance is WAY easier.

Yeah, I think that blowing a HG and cracking the block was kind of a fluke. Generally, the early EJ22 is considered the LEAST likely of all the Subaru engines to have HG problems.

I'd try to mount two smaller fans, one on each side of the vertical support that's in front of the radiator.

I've been told by a couple of reasonably reliable sources that Pennzoil has a higher paraffin content than other oils, which causes more buildup inside the engine.

I'm rebuilding a totalled car, and all the lights work except for the external running lights, so I was going to start my troubleshooting there. Thanks for the replies everyone!

That looks like most of the engines I've had apart. The only one that didn't look like that had been running Mobil 1 synthetic for about 20,000 miles, which cleaned up everything inside amazingly well.

On a 2002 Impreza OB Sport, where is the fuse located for the running lights? It's not in the main power distribution box in front of the driver's side strut, and I can't seem to find another fuse box.

I put around 15,000 trouble-free miles on my EJ swap before I parted the car out for non-drivetrain-related reasons.

I've had no issues running Mobil1 10w30 year round, with temps down to minus 30. Never cranked hard, and the oil pressure always came up fast.

You should also put a small amount of sealant where the plugs meet the head. I like Permatex "aviation form-a-gasket" for this.

Subarus definitely have a "feel" that is different from any other vehicle on the road. In addition, each generation has a personality all its own. Maybe it's because it was the first car I ever drove (I was 10 at the time), but I'll always have a special place in my heart for EA82 wagons. They just feel natural to me. That said, I liked my EJ-powered EA82 car even more. It had a relatively loud muffler and no carpeting, so I could really hear the engine and running gear doing its thing, which helped to maintain a serious personality. It was definitely different from stock, but it was different in a good way. It was also much faster and had better drivability. Having moved on to a Legacy these days, I definitely miss the feel of the EA cars. I guess I'm getting old, trading "fun-to-drive" for "practical".:-\

I bet that a Subaru dealer could look up the transmission in question and tell you what it should have. I've been told by a Subaru garage that non turbo 90-91 Legacies have 4.11 gears, 92-94 have 3.9, and then they went back to 4.11 in 95. I don't know if that's 100% correct.

The ECM controls both fuel and spark on the EJ engines, so if you want to run propane, you either have to disable the fuel control part of it without freaking the computer out, or find some other way to make it spark.

It takes 15 minutes TOPS to change the oil on a subaru, and you don't even have to get under the car. You reach the drain plug and the oil filter by kneeling in front of the car.

Mine were from an automatic with A/C, and they were pretty stiff. It was kinda rough going over big bumps at low speed, but man that thing could take frost heaves on the highway!

Thanks for all the new information, GD. I'm going to try to compile an addendum to the manual with all the stuff GD found when doing his swap and get it posted in the USRM. If it helps at all, when I was figuring out my swap, I stripped off all the electrical tape and conduit from the wiring harness, laid it all on the ground next to the driver's door, and started hooking stuff up that I knew I needed. After I had everything connected and had started the car, I cut off everything that was still sitting on the floor, and I was done.

Any luck yet?

Yeah, I think if we tried anything this weekend, it would just end up being Matt and I hanging out in his garage:rolleyes: . I'd be up for heading toward fairbanks in a week or two if it means good snow. Hey Matt, do you think I could use your garage for a little bondo/paint work on the blue legacy sunday?

86-89 Honda accord front springs. They should work on any EA82 body 84-94. Not positive how they'd affect a sedan or a FWD car, as the stock springs are different on those.

If you've got the cash, and other issues don't prevent it, I'd try real hard to use one of the new TDI engines and not one of the Rabbit/Vanagon engines. I've driven a couple of diesel Rabbit pickups, and they're really slow, whereas I hear that the new TDI's can haul some serious butt.

Didn't Setright mention something a long time ago about filling the cooling system on the EJ motors through the upper radiator hose? Maybe you could take the upper rad hose just barely loose and the air would come out....just a thought...

Try radiator.com or radiators.com, I can't remember which. $125 (US) shipped. Regardless of which engine you have, order a two-row radiator for an 89 Turbo 4wd automatic car. It will fit with no modification, and the increased cooling capacity is wonderful.

Yeah, it's just like putting overload springs on a pickup. Mine used to sag like crazy with even a small load, but after the Accord springs, I could haul all kinds of crap back there and not even notice.

A small chisel will make removal and installation a breeze.

For the oil burning, spend $12 and try replacing the PCV valve (with an OEM one from Subaru). I've seen sooooo many Subaru engines, EA and EJ series, that burned even large amounts of oil because of a bad PCV valve. These engines are usually really easy on rings and valve seals, so they don't normally burn oil from those places as they get older.