I found a 94 legacy 2.2 with low miles 96k at a local junkyard for a great price. I took a look at it and aside from the intake and sensors being different the engine itself looks the same. According to the interchange it days 90-94 legacy only. I have a 96 impreza outback. What's the difference? Is it better engine or the same? I was just getting as a spare just in case if I had any problems with the one in mine. 

The difference is mainly in wiring and compression ratio. 

You’ll find this EJ22 is a lower compression ratio than that of your ‘96 unit.  So you might expect a small drop in performance. 

If you snap cam belt with this EJ22 it’s happy days for the valves - this engine is the last non interference engine that Subaru produced. 

Cheers 

Bennie 

94 LEGACY 2.2 will be solid followers, hydro lifters.

96 will be roller followers, hydro lifters.

Both are Non-interference.

97 began roller follower, solid lifter, Interference timing belt.  (bent valves if broken belt.)

You will need to use the Impreza Intake.  94 Legacy intake wiring is different, but otherwise engines are interchangeable.

Thanks for the replies. I was kind of figuring that they were interchangable that there would be slight differences. I wish I could hear it run first but for the price I can't complain. 

Take a look at the plugs.

Stick you finger into the oil pan to check whats left of the oil.

Look at the coolant.

Those will give you a pretty good idea of the condition.

 

I would go further and ask to remove the oil pan.

I've seen more than one "good" engine for sale, only to have bearing material (lots of it) found int he bottom of the pan.

I won't pay more than $50 bucks for an engine if I can't pull the oil pan to inspect.

Also, the '96 was SINGLE-port exhaust; '94 was Dual...get the Exhaust header/y-pipe.

And if the body is clean...that means the engine and/or trans are toast...but you likely knew that. :-)

 

 

10 minutes ago, wtdash said:

Also, the '96 was SINGLE-port exhaust; '94 was Dual...get the Exhaust header/y-pipe.

And if the body is clean...that means the engine and/or trans are toast...but you likely knew that. :-)

 

 

yeah actually he'll need an exhaust Pre-cat section from a 95 2.2 or a 95-99 2.5 engine of some sort.  Outback, early Forester or Leg GT

the 94 y-pipe is all 1 piece with the front cat and won't directly fit the 96.

And if your OBS has the Automatic, then your 2.2 has EGR. The '94 won't. Here's an easy workaround LINK.

Edited June 15, 20196 yr by wtdash