Will the 2.5 dohc from a 1998 outback work in a 1996 legacy gt wagon. (Both automatics)

 

DP213

Yes, but it is just as prone to head gasket failure as the engine you're replacing.

Yes, but it is just as prone to head gasket failure as the engine you're replacing.

I would replace the head gaskets on the donor motor just to be on the safe side. Lots easier to replace with motor out of the car. Recommend using Subaru OEM head gaskets only. Newer style head gaskets should be good for 100K miles.

Cool. I have the new head gasket. I was just unsure of the 98 motor working in the 96.

 

Thanks

DP213

If car has an automatic tranny, be sure you know exactly how to correctly bolt the engine to the tranny. Failure to do so properly will ruin the tranny

Both cars are automatics

Both cars are automatics

By bolting correctly, I should have said "seated properly" before bolting. Others here can tell you how to do this correctly. Just didn't want to hear that you screwed up your tranny, because you may have been unaware of this situation. Hope all goes well.

he's right about the torque cnverter.

if ti is not fully seated when you bolt them together,

it will kill your trans.

but if you are careful when you pull the engine

and do not let it slide out of the trans bell housing,

you should be fine.

 

suggestions before installing the new engine,

new timing components, all of them.

new oil separator plate on the rear of the block.

new seals on the front of the block, 4 cam, 1 crank, plus the oil pump.

clean the intake , IAC, throttle body and maybe the EGR.

check and adjust if necessary, the valves, it is a pain but easier when out. (do not spill and mix up the shims)

 

other tips,

remove the intake manifold during removal to make it easy to reach the flex plate bolts.

i do the reverse on install, but most folks do not.

 

actually you will have fewer headaches if you use the 96 intake on the 98 long block.

 

do not disconnect the refrigerant lines for the A/C compressor, just unbolt and flop it out of the way.

 

refill the coolant SLOWLY with the vent plug open, then burp.

 

do not dent the trans oil pan when jacking it up for engine removal.

 

the 2 bottom engine to trans nuts are easier to reach with the axles disconnected from the trans.

 

 

good luck.

Edited April 30, 201411 yr by johnceggleston