Well, my EJ251 through a rod through the top of the motor. Pretty exiting. Managed to get an EJ253 out of a 1999 forester from the yard, only thing that is good. Is this a drop in fit where I trade off intake manifolds and go? Or is it a more involved process?

 

Thanks!

 

Edited December 13, 201510 yr by D51208

'should' actually be a 251 also.. But, 253's used MAF sensors, 251's used MAP sensors... Engines themselves until 2004 would actually be the same, since it's a minor electronics difference.. The EJ251 vs EJ253 is really only part of an engine type code. In any case, swap intakes and run the '253'. You may need to swap cam gears around to get sensors to read right, but you have an engine out of a junkyard. it needs a new T belt and idlers anyway

Well, I swapped intake manifolds but other than that it was smooth and a direct drop in. Motor knocked really hard though, so brought it back... Anyone want to buy a clean 2003 forester? Haha...