I have a 1999 Legacy outback wagon 2.5 block with a 1998 Impreza outback sport single overhead cam 2.2 heads. I used the 99 legacy 2.5 head gasket.I fear it blocked off to many of the coolant passages

Any insight?

Always use the gaskets made for the heads your using.

You either have to drill holes the gasket to match the cooling ports, or order the custom gaskets for that setup from Cometic.

Obviously it's not right but has anyone done this.. I know the heads will be hotter than supposed to be. Some of the lower holes are open. Everything everyone said was use the gasket that matched the block... Damn internet research. I suppose I didn't take into account phase I v phase II Ej22 heads. I put the gasket on the block and gtg.. Never tried to line it up on the head like a dummy

Yes, you have to run the gasket that matches the bore size of the block. Can't run a 97mm gasket bore on a 99.5mm block bore. It just doesn't work.

 

The gaskets are easy to modify, especially if you have a hole punch that's the right size.

Just like up the gasket on the head and mark where it needs to be drilled. Drill a couple holes in each and you're done.

 

Pretty sure there is a writeup or two out there on how to do that.

I understand that but the engine is together and back in the car

you have about a 75% chance it's going to cause an issue, and a 100% chance that it will need new head gaskets if it does cause an issue... They are 22E heads, so just do them in car and forget about it.

I figured it wouldn't be too big of a deal to do them in the car but I haven't done it it's just disappointing because I already have everything back together and I had it running

I guess it will be way more disappointing to ruin a good motor

Yep, as much as it sucks to have to tear it back part, you can fix it now, or replace the whole engine later.