checked my "1997" impreza and it's manufacture date stamp is 12/96, would that means it's hydraulic or solid lifters? really don't feel like pulling the covers just to find out.

 

also - would that mean it's an interference "1997" EJ22 or a non-interference "pre-1997" EJ22

I'm not sure about the lifters. Thought all the 2.2 were solid? According to what the people at Subaru.com told me you should have an non-interference motor. Of couse I have been told all sorts of conflicting stuff.

 

I think there are only two ways to find out out, one is not a pretty option...

I believe my dad's '97 Impreza was also manufactured in 1996. If it's a M.Y. 1997, my guess is that it has solid lifters. What does the air intake look like? Is there just a black tube that goes from the air cleaner into the intake manifold? If so, it's hydraulic, because the intake was also redesigned for the '97s.

 

If there's a big black box-shaped thing before the manifold and an extra "hook" of plastic tubing jutting diagonally out of the air hose, it's the newer, interference motor with solid lifters.

 

As a recap: ALL EJ22's from 1990-1996 are hydraulic lifters, and non-interference. EJ22s from 1997 onward are solid lifters and interference. Period.

 

Brian M.

cool, thanks! i didnt' know about the intake differences.

As a recap: ALL EJ22's from 1990-1996 are hydraulic lifters, and non-interference. EJ22s from 1997 onward are solid lifters and interference. Period.

that's the problem, i knew that! mine being a "1997" model, but 12/96 manufacture date i wasn't sure. i had always assumed it was a 1997 with interference and solid lifters. wanted to know for sure. i'll check the intake differences, i can't remember off the top of my head. the extra box and hook thing you mentioned sounds like mine....which would be 97+ interference design, which is what i had thought all along. we've come full circle... sometimes the longest way 'round is the shortest way home.

Thought all the 2.2 were solid? According to what the people at Subaru.com told me you should have an non-interference motor.

no and not necessarily. info already posted but 2.2's had both. changed in 1997.