Please don't take this question as a sign of mechanical incompetency. I've been turning wrenches all my life - just never dove into a Subaru.

 

I'm going to take a stab at checking out my flexplate. I can't see much through the window below the TB, but with all the symptoms I'm noticing, I'm trying to be really optimistic that the knocking that I'm hearing is that ...and not internals.

 

SO... I can't tell by the looks of the layout if its easier for me to pull the motor from the car or drop the tranny. The car could use a new steering rack too, so I'm inclined to go that way and do it at the same time. If you guys say that yanking the motor is WAY easier, I'll do that. Also, what kind of time am I looking at for the job with 2 guys? If I can get it out and back in the car on a Saturday, you'll make me very happy.

 

The car is an NA 97 OBW (EJ25).

I always pull the engine is similar situations - clutch jobs and such.

 

My reasoning is that I'm usually doing HG's and other work and it's simply easier to work on the engine out of the car. All the major maintenance stuff.

 

If you can't find a flex plate local drop me a note. I know I have some 2.2's but I'd have to see if I have a 2.5 already hanging on the wall.

I always pull the engine

 

+1, always pull the engine, the only time to pull the trans is if you have to replace it.

 

 

 

If you can't find a flex plate local drop me a note. I know I have some 2.2's but I'd have to see if I have a 2.5 already hanging on the wall.

 

i have one on the wall, so does anyone else who's done a 2.2 swap.

Thanks guys ...can I turn the job in a day or less?

A friend and I did my clutch in one day. As long as nothing goes horribly wrong it isn't a bad job pulling the engine.

Unbolt the torque converter bolts through the access hole below the throttle body. Push the TC back into the tranny, it should move back 1/4" inch. Then, try wiggleing the flexplate around and see if it can pop loose from the center. It should be hard to move, if it's sloppy or pops loose, thats a definitive diagnosis.

Here is a photo of the cover 91Loyale is referring to (from the back side with the engine removed)

 

Thanks to beergarage.com

 

 

It is a bit hard to see with the engine and intake installed, but its there.

i have one on the wall, so does anyone else who's done a 2.2 swap.

 

You have to swap the 2.5l flexplate onto the 2.2l motor when you do the swap as the TC's are different sizes between the 2 motors. Flexplate has to match TC, so you've got a bunch of 2.2l flexplates on the wall. They're deeper dish than the 2.5, as the 2.2 tc is shorter and smaller. The engine won't bolt down if you have the 2.2 flexplate on it and try putting it on a 2.5l tranny with TC.