Is the engine in a 98 Legacy actually a different engine than earlier 2.2s?

 

so in my continuing search for the "perfect" (at least for the next 2-3 years) car, I've been hoping for the happy combination of engine, tranny, and wagon body. (under $4000) It's proven more tricky than originally figured...

Found one. Decent shape too. But a little bird told me that in '98, the 2.2 engine got tweeked a bit to get better mileage to make up for the decreased mileage in the 2.5 Outback (Impreza, Forester, etc)

Soooo

1) is it true? - Even into an interference engine with a belt?

2) when was it actually done (if so)?

3) am i better off with a 2.5 outback (after head gasket)?

 

If it's going to only get me a couple mpg's better or be something harder to find parts for or be just as much of a pain... I'd rather just get an Outback.... (unless you convince me otherwise)

i have a 97 outback and i love it. plenty of power and decent fuel milage. even with a 4'' lift and 235/75 tires,i'm getting right at 20 mpg. it's still plenty "peppy" too. after i did the head gaskets i've had no major issues out of the car. in my opinion the ej25d is a pretty good motor. some will argue that the head gasket issues make it nothing more than a heap of crap but i disagree. mines been doing double duty as a daily driver and an off road beater for about 6 months now and the engine has been nothing but good. i've replaced spark plugs , removed and cleaned the IACV , and had to replace the fuel pump since i did the head gasket job last april. that's pretty low maintenance in a car with right at 180,000 miles on it. so , i say go for the outback!! just my 2 cents. curtis

I went the other way from CURTISBAD and looked for a 2.2 for my daughter. Found a nice 97 Legacy L wagon with 112k on it 3 years ago. 22 MPG is the lowest she gets in mixed driving and 29 if she take a longer highway trip.

 

We just lost a 98 Outback 2.5 with original HG's and 155k. My mother-in-law never heeded my warning to keep an eye on the temperature on highway trips. She cooked the engine then bought a 2001 Outback to replace it.