Just want to see if this can work.  Found a JDM sohc EJ20 with dual port exhaust, comes with intake.  Will this swap into a 96 Legacy Outback with an EJ25 and auto?  Seems like the EJ22's are only available USDM.  I want to keep everything NA.  Besides paying attention to EGR and dual vs. single port exhaust, what else is out there to bite me?  I live in a state where I can't have a CEL lit to pass inspection.  Wiring a direct plug and play or is there splicing involved?  Will the ECU be happy with the EJ20?  

 

I'm open to suggestions for better ideas and sources for an engine.  

Edited March 10, 201412 yr by 89Ru

Have to pay attention to the IAC when you start poking with different engines. Also fuel injector style. Top feed vs side feed.

Other sensors may swap, but if the IAC or injectors are a different design you will need to swap intake manifolds. Then you have to figure whether or not the 2.5 manifold will bolt onto the 2.0 heads. It may be possible to use a 2.2 manifold. That's all I can think of.

 

Checked Car-part.com yet?

Edited March 11, 201412 yr by Fairtax4me

Do you have a link to the engine you're looking at. I can tell you at a glance whether or not it'll work.

Thanks guys, my installer is hesitant about the job so I'm heading towards the EJ22 swap instead.  Seems like more folks have done this anyhoo.  

 

Still intrigued about the EJ20 tho, here's a link for someone who swapped an EJ20 into a 2002 impreza and raves about it.  https://www.toronto-subaru-club.com/forums/technical-engine-normally-aspirated/172191-simple-affordable-replacement-any-sohc-ej25.html

 

Fairtax I'm checking out that link to find an EJ22 for this job.

 

I love it when people say I can just glance at sumptin and know, I'm not there for sure!  Need to triplecheck and then sleep on it, phone a friend! 

If you were to find a phase 1 ej20 na either sohc or dohc you could swap it no problem. There would still be an issue with the egr system as no Japanese model in that era was equipped with it. Common work around for that would apply.

Do you have a link to the engine you're looking at. I can tell you at a glance whether or not it'll work.

 

http://www.ebay.com/itm/96-99-Subaru-Legacy-Outback-JDM-EJ20-DOHC-ENGINE-REPLACEMENT-FOR-2-5L-EJ25-/221165645274?_trksid=p2054897.l4275

 

They're on eBay all the time for ~$1,000 most of the time with mileage claimed to be "60,000".  I've been curious myself if the NA EJ20 would be an easy swap into a late 90s early 00 Subaru.  It's not uncommon to find cars with blown DOHC 2.5s around here for $1,000-$2,000 in otherwise decent shape. 

 

I haven't seen many EJ22 cars out there with under 200K on them in a long time.  Doing an engine swap will probably take you the good part of entire weekend, and I'd hate to swap in an engine that might be on its' last leg...

Use it, swap your ej25 intake manifold, and use this http://www.ultimatesubaru.org/forum/topic/137829-using-a-non-egr-engine-in-subaru-with-egr-exhaust-gas-recirculation-valve/?do=findComment&comment=1159612 to make it so you don't get a cel for the egr system.