I have an 03 Legacy Outback wagon with a 2.5 and AT. Less than 5000 miles ago, I did the heads (new valves and valve seals, had the heads surfaced), because, when I bought the car, it had bad head gaskets, and, while driving it for a few days, with the thermostat punched out so water would just flow non-stop, so I could see what else it might need, it blew the timing belt. So, I fixed all those issues, but, now, it's got a bottom end knock. The issue is, around here, 2000-2004 2.5's in decent shape are nearly impossible to find, and, the only two shops here quoted me $1200+, if I pull the heads back off, and bring them just the short block. So, my question is, are there any other years that just the short block will work from? According to what I found, the head gaskets are the same for some models up to 2011, so, what other differences could there be in just the bottom end? I know I would need my crank pulley, and possibly the knock sensor, but, what else might I need to swap over?

IIRC up to 2012.

Diiferences are 06 heads up have VVT, but you are not using them anyway.

Impreza engines will work, but you need to use your old oil pan.

Your 03 manifold stays.

You will have to work around the PCV valve arrangement  as i am sure the manifold to air box is diffent.

Surely someone else will chime in.

O.

 

Also your 03 crank sensor must stay

58 minutes ago, ocei77 said:

You will have to work around the PCV valve arrangement  as i am sure the manifold to air box is diffent.

Do you mean block to manifold? I know on some of the 2000-2001 engines, the PCV setup is vastly different. If I'm using my manifold, then the manifold to air box would be the same. On my car, it just has a single hose from the block to the intake for the PCV, unless I am misunderstanding what you mean. I haven't really messed with anything newer than an 06, and that was just minor stuff.

All I can add is that I did the PCV swap from the 2000/01 to the 2002+  block fairly easily. Should be archived. In my case I needed I think a 22mm tap for the EGR. And one inch rubber tubing. Been a while. 
 

But just an example of what you may have to do. Good luck. 

All I can add is that I did the PCV swap from the 2000/01 to the 2002+  block fairly easily. Should be archived. In my case I needed I think a 22mm tap for the EGR. And one inch rubber tubing. Been a while. 
 

But just an example of what you may have to do. Good luck. 
 

Just looked at your profile for location and I see that you know your stuff. You’ll be fine I think. 

yes that hose. It varies in method of attachment and size in various years.