Hi!

I'm hoping someone can help answer a question about interference vs. non-interference engines. Specifically, I'm looking at a '99 Subaru Legacy Brighton with 68,000 miles listed at $9,962. It has a 2.2 engine in it, but I want to make sure that it is a non-interference engine so if the timing belt breaks, the whole engine does't get ruined. Does anyone know the year that Subaru started making the 2.2 engine an interference engine?

 

Thanks much!!

jodihodg

If you like the car and its a good deal just spend $300, get the belt done, and all is well for 60,000 miles, if not more.

That 2.2 is an interference engine. Beginning in 1997, the EJ22 went from hydraulic lifters, 9.5:1 CR and noninterference... to solid lifters, 9.7:1 CR and interference.

I dont want another interference engine, I lost mine by pully failure, belt was fine.

The '99 EJ22 is a one-year-only model, sort of a hybrid between the EJ22 and the EJ25 SOHC. Frankly, I wouldn't own one personally. When (and if) that one fails, it's a total disaster! Plus, parts are going to be inconvenient: the timing belt for that is also for that year EJ22 only.

 

It it was me, I'd keep looking. (Sadly, the '99 is a sweet looking car )

 

Emily

http://www.ccrengines.com

Hey Jodihodg, guess who I am!

 

Well, there you have it. ccrinc rebuilds these things, so I would have to agree with her. Also, the solid-lifter cars need a valve adjustment periodically, but it's something like every 105k (not sure).

 

I still say if it doesn't pop head gaskets like the phase I 2.5, then you are good to go.

Jodi, welcome to the board. If you make it downto Anchorage, give a shout. There are a couple of us here and we get together from time to time.

Same goes for ya if you come to Fairbanks. Good to know we have a board member on the road between the two big cities

Torxxx is a solid guy. Good man to know up north.

2.2 interference engine, what genius thought that one up, just slap them and send them over to the honda drawing board!!