I have a 97 ej22 motor that might need a head replaced due to a accident. Is it possible to take a head from a 93 ej22 and slap it on there? I know the engine was a interference engine in 97 and anything before that was not. Thanks

From various posts I've seen I believe that may work, a few things to verify/check before/during would be: exhaust, single or dual port? - if different then you need the matching exhaust header. Intake manifold mates/matches up? LH cam sprocket - may need the sprocket from the '97 engine in case the reluctor teeth on the back are different. (Obviously if you do it, I would use both '93 heads, i.e. I wouldn't just replace the head that got damaged).

Edited January 16, 201610 yr by porcupine73

Only If you get both heads. They will bolt on fine. 97 is a single exhaust port head. 93 is a dual port, so you'll also need the exhaust y-pipe to match the head.

 

 

Also the cam profiles are different between those. 93 used a tappet style cam and rocker arms with hydraulic lash adjusters. 97 used roller rockers with solid manual adjusters.

Other than all the things everyone has mentioned, you'll also need to change the cam sensor, 97 uses a different cam sensor than the 93 head, not a big deal to change it.

Otherwise, yea, throw on the heads, get a different exhaust manifold on there and it'll be fine. You can use a 2.5 exhaust manifold, any aftermarket 2.5 exhaust manifold, etc. Dual port is dual port.

 

NOTE: The engine will still be interference!! It's the pistons that make it interference not the heads.

Edited January 16, 201610 yr by 987687

don't forget EGR.

93 does not have it,

does your 97?

i THINK, not 100%, but 95 - 98 with auto trans usually do.

manual trans usually don't.

 

sounds like you need a 97 - 98 head. maybe 96 if you get both.

don't forget EGR.

93 does not have it,

does your 97?

i THINK, not 100%, but 95 - 98 with auto trans usually do.

manual trans usually don't.

 

sounds like you need a 97 - 98 head. maybe 96 if you get both.

Could always do the egr fix and run a hose to IAC hose and T it in.

Could always do the egr fix and run a hose to IAC hose and T it in.

 

Yea, I came up with that on my 98 LGT when I put a 2.2 in it, worked great for me!

Yea, I came up with that on my 98 LGT when I put a 2.2 in it, worked great for me!

:-)

If it needs the egr fix with the new heads here is a post that has good pics and description of the process

 

Out of the USRM

 

http://www.ultimatesubaru.org/forum/topic/137829-using-a-non-egr-engine-in-subaru-with-egr-exhaust-gas-recirculation-valve/?do=findComment&comment=1159612

neither my 96 nor the 97 that I'm getting had an EGR. But while we're talking about that, I did do that egr fix mentioned in that post on my 99 Outback that I put a 2.2 in. I didn't have a code come up at all for the first month and a half of driving until I went to the smog test. As soon as the test was over not two blocks away the EGR CEL came on. no matter what I do I cannot seem to figure out how to get the light to stay off.