Penny05

Thanks again for the replies. Fairtax, yes, the waiting game on the rings and bearings has begun. I can get all for under $100 and a couple day wait, so not too shabby just have to get the thing cracked open so he can tell me what to order (hopefully later this morning!!) ShawnW, thanks for all the detailed technical info. That is precisely what I came here looking for! EXTREMELY helpful and poor Dennis (rebuilder) thanks you too! I'll keep y'all posted

Thanks for the replies, all. And yes, "she" is fixing the 98. This car has to run and that's all there is to it. Although your philosophical debates as to whether or not it's worth fixing are entertaining and informative, it's not your debate to have. The '06 got repo'd after I lost my job so I have no choice but to dump a grand in the 98. To answer the question, "how long am I planning on keeping it?" I've held on to the thing for 6 years so far, so idk, if I can get a couple years out of it this run, I'll be happier than a pig in poo. Jarl, thanks for actually answering my question, and I believe you are right from everything else I have been able to locate. The engine only got hot once and we have been unable to make it get hot again...after talking with my mechanic last night, he's not even 100% sure the gaskets are the issue. Water pump? a $14,000 Legacy lesson learned. Sigh. What a nightmare. The reasoning behind the rebuild was that he's gonna have the walnut cracked anyway, may as well replace things while its open. I have everything but the rings and bearings out there right now, so we'll see what we end up doing. I'll keep you fellas posted. Thanks again.

As far as I've been able to find out from area salvage yards, the nearest engine is in Columbus OH with a $1400 tag on it. I've decided to pass on that option since there is just a shortage of used engines in my area. I understand the swap is an easier fix for people in "better" areas with engines to spare, but I've gotten the parts pretty cheap so far and my labor cost is next to nothing. Just need to find out where the bearings sit so I can get them in by the weekend. Looks like I'll be calling a dealership tomorrow. Thanks anyway.

Thanks, I know this is a notorious issue, but after pricing used engines of questionable integrity in my area, this is looking to be the cheaper route. Appreciate it.

Evening, all. So here's the situation. I bought my 98 OBW used several years ago, drove the heck out of it until I blew the head gaskets (shocker) and paid through the nose to have new gaskets put in. The bolts were not replaced and they blew again last year out of nowhere and I got a 06 Legacy LE. Now I'm wanting to fix up the 98 again cause hey, it's a wagon. So I've so far acquired: Water Pump Radiator Complete gasket set WITH bolts Air Filter Oil Filter BUT The fella at the parts store wants to know what position the main bearings are in (3 or 5) so he knows which rod bearings I need...something about a flange. I've looked around the web today and everything I've found seems to be someone's mod story (entertaining, but less than helpful) and I'm just looking for stock info. I'm gonna go on a limb and say this engine has never been bored out since I bought it at 74k miles and it's got 201k on it now (go Soob) so I figure I'll just need standard rings. Questions are these: 1. What position are the main bearings in on my EJ25D? 2. Do I need to replace the pistons themselves? 3. Do the heads HAVE to be milled? Thanks in advance, I love this site. Peace and chicken grease.