Hello, I have a customer with a 2007 forester 2.5 sohc with a rod knocking.  The customer also has a 2003 2.5 sohc that has a bad body and could be an engine donor.  The idea is to build the 2007s engine out of the 2003 lower end. Doable?

I know the heads and pistons are different but i can swap those.  Are the stroke/bore the same? has anyone done this swap?  Thanks

Is either one VVT or PZEV? There is where you'll find the internal differences.  Otherwise, it should be "doable".  The engine gasket kit is different.  They probably also have different timing belts, oil pump and rings.  Do the PCV mounts match up?

some people have said you can swap any EJ25 short blocks.  i've done Phase I and II swaps - they interchange. i haven't done a 2005+ but wouldnt' surprise me if you can swap the short block.