I'm trying to put a 2007 2.5 engine out of an smashed Outback into a good 2005 Outback, but the 2007 engine has some sensor looking deals on the front left head the '05 does not. I planned on using the '05 intake, but what are these sensors (or whatnot) and can I leave them unplugged? The '07 is the left pic, the '05 on the right, should be able to click to enlarge...

That looks to be the oil flow control valve for the i-Active Valve Lift System.

I would imagine the engine should still run fine without that, but you won't get the added benefits of the variable cam timing without swapping the whole harness and ECU.

 

http://opposedforces.com/parts/legacy/us_b13/type_11/engine/cylinder_head/illustration_3/

I'm not sure.....looks like a plunger type solenoid.......might be part of a variable vavle timing setup?

 

Is there anything like that on the passenger side?

 

I would suggest pulling the rear timing cover plate to get a better look at what that is activating.

 

Also perhaps pull the valve covers and see if there are any differences in the vavle/Cam set-up.

 

I am pretty unfamiliar with the '05+ stuff

Yup, its VVT (variable valve timing). I found another '05 engine, am going to sell this '07. It'll just be too much work swapping the harness...thanks for the help!

It will run fine with it unplugged if you swap everything over from the old engine. I've done it.

Do they lack power? I only found one other guy who's done it and he thought it was sluggish...

I thought it was about the same as any other outback. They aren't exactly powerful to begin with. Maybe I'm not a good judge, I don't really notice a difference when I do the EJ25 to EJ22 swaps, I think they drive about the same.

So I got a good deal on a 2.5 out of a Saab, same ding dang engine but half the price that they want for one out of a Subie. I'll do better on this one money wise selling the VVT engine, since the '05 has high miles anyway. Thanks again for all the help, should be on the road by Sunday nite...