AustinV Posted January 26, 2016 Share Posted January 26, 2016 I have tried finding a forum that already has my answer but I have not had any luck, here is my story- Bought a 96 Outback Legacy few years back, very next day an engine rod popped and I got the engine replaced. A year later I crashed it and totaled the body but the engine was untouched. Now I have some money I am looking at buying a 99 Outback Legacy that has a knocking engine. I am looking to do an engine swap with my engine. I have about a 7th grade level when it comes to knowledge of cars so of course I am not doing this myself, but am looking for some advice. Whether these engines are even compatible, both are 2.5L H4 DOHC 16V or if this is even a good idea or worth the money. The person I am buying the car from is unaware if the car is a single or dual CAM, again any advice would be awesome! Lets bring my Subaru back from the grave! My VIN-4S3BG6854T7980786 The car I am buying VIN-4S3BG6850W7617339 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AdventureSubaru Posted January 26, 2016 Share Posted January 26, 2016 If the 99 is DOHC then yes, your engine will swap. You're info is a little confusing - you said "both are 2.5L H4 DOHC" but that the seller isn't sure which motor it is. There was a SOHC 2.5 offered in 1999 that is not compatible. Confirm that it's DOHC - post up a pic of the front of the motor on the 99 if you aren't sure. But most outbacks from 1999 are DOHC and thus your motor would swap in as a direct bolt in. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AdventureSubaru Posted January 26, 2016 Share Posted January 26, 2016 swapping a motor for one of these cars is pretty simple. Even a first timer can do it in a day. I've done a few now in my driveway using a cherry picker made of 2x4s and a $20. come-along. If you're wanting to save some $$$ and learn some more about your car, now is a great time. Even if not, these 90s outbacks when they have rod knocks/blown headgaskets are favorites to buy cheap and swap a good motor in (Usually a 2.2 for more durability but if you have a good 2.5 already, then swap away. It's a cheap way to get a nice outback. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AustinV Posted January 26, 2016 Author Share Posted January 26, 2016 I got the VIN from the owner and looked up the info of the motor that way. That's the only way I have any info on the 99, I am going to look at it today or tomorrow, if I can have the owner send me a pic beforehand I will post it. That is great news if the info is correct. I appreciate your help. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AustinV Posted January 26, 2016 Author Share Posted January 26, 2016 (edited) here is the 99 engine Edited January 27, 2016 by AustinV Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
johnceggleston Posted January 27, 2016 Share Posted January 27, 2016 The car I am buying VIN-4S3BG6850W7617339 i'm pretty sure this vin is for a 98. 95 = S 96 = T 97 = V 98 = W 99 = X 00 = Y the engines will swap. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AdventureSubaru Posted January 27, 2016 Share Posted January 27, 2016 Either way, that's a DOHC motor so swap away! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bushwick Posted January 27, 2016 Share Posted January 27, 2016 (edited) SUBU2.JPG here is the 99 engine Buy the car then correctly reconnect the 2 blue spark plugs wires (on driver's side of engine) and run it a bit and see if the engine starts running better You might not need to swap your engine. It looks like they reversed the wires and attached the end that should fit on the plugs, onto the coil instead. Usually right angle plug boots are meant to be on the plug tips as they are often longer and will clear the tight bend. Edited January 27, 2016 by Bushwick Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AdventureSubaru Posted January 27, 2016 Share Posted January 27, 2016 Those look straight to me. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fairtax4me Posted January 28, 2016 Share Posted January 28, 2016 They used the right angle boots on the male post coils so the plug wires dont hit the throttle cables. The spark plug end is entirely different. 96-99 Legacy and outback 2.5 were all DOHC. They all swap no problem. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bushwick Posted January 28, 2016 Share Posted January 28, 2016 That's factory? I know it was tight on mine (older engine obviously) but it looks like straight boots could clear the tops of that cable. Oh well. Something new every day Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ocei77 Posted January 28, 2016 Share Posted January 28, 2016 Change the separator plate to the metal type while out. Keep your 96 intake (less restrictive). The only thing you'll have to work around are the evap lines. The 96 has the charcoal canister in the front. O. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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