98 Forester seized cam, engine options?

[arcticracer]

This is my first post, my name is Dale, from Fairbanks, Alaska. I just bought a 98 Forester S with 148K. It has a seized cam passenger side. Head has not been pulled yet to look for more damage.

 

I don't have much invested in this rig, but I want to do a good job to last many more miles hopefully. It is really clean, has new struts, axles, tires, etc. I have found the EJ25D prices are sky high, and the engine is not the most reliable.

 

Can I swap an EJ22 into the Forester? I understand it will fit but how extensive would the ECU/Wiring work be? ANother option would be keeping my block (rebuild) and putting different heads on it, but isn't the EJ25 block less desirable?

 

What would you do, I am willing to expend labor on the project. Many thanks in advance!

[SuBrat84]

You've got my vote for putting in an EJ22. I don't know a lot of the specifics of the differences though. The issues with the EJ25 being bad would be taken care of if you rebuilt the motor. The issue being a poor gasket design that has been since remedy and you can get the upgraded gaskets in there. Do some searching on here, there is a lot of literature about the Ej25 head gasket problems. You would have a very reliable motor if properly rebuilt. Just my .02.

[arcticracer]

Thanks for the reply, the problem with rebuilding my EJ25D is cost and complexity, I don't think I can handle it with the special tools, tricky heads and belt, and valve adjustment. The local Subaru experts want $5000 to rebuild mine. Blue book for my Forester is around $5K, I paid $2700 for it as is.

 

I am inclined to find a used EJ22 to swap (if feasible) since I see how much less they can be acquired for. Or, I could handle putting on SOHC heads. Cost is a factor here as you see. I have done extensive reading and searching, this site and others, but have come across all the info I am looking for.

 

Best regards-Arcticracer

[idosubaru]

pretty sure this should be very simple for you. unless you know exactly what happened to it, i wouldn't want that motor in my car if it were a long term daily driver. why did the cam seize, did anything compromise the block?

 

not sure about the forester, but it almost has to be the same as legacy and outback 2.5 of the same year. you're in luck, it's a straight forward swap. the EJ22 will plug right into your EJ25 wiring harness, don't even need to swap the ECU.

 

what you will need:

an EJ22 1995-1998 (other years work but are different and may pose issues)

 

swap the 2.5 a/c bracket on your car to the 2.2.

 

a 2.2 exhaust header/ypipe, just the part that bolts to the engine, the other side will bolt right up to your existing exhaust (at least it does on the non-forester 2.5's). if you use a 1995 EJ22 you won't need the header as this year has dual port heads just like your EJ25.

 

get the power steering pump and the lines from the pump to the steering rack from the EJ22.

 

that's it, swap away. use the search function, there's some excellent information on this swap on the boards.

[arcticracer]

By refining my search I found more information, it seems that an EJ22 from a 95 Legacy auto will swap right over. We do have emission testing here, every 2 years but I don't think Jiffy Lube is going to know or care as long as it passes the sniff test.

 

Now to decide on used, JDM or a rebuilt. Going to get some quotes tomorrow. OF course a new clutch will be in order, etc. Anybody have a good used EJ22 1995? Earlier perhaps? Seattle area would be best, easier to get to barge line to Alaska.

[idosubaru]

you're not limited to 1995, the 1995 is no more a direct swap than later years. the a/c bracket and p/s lines are still to be taken into account. if you get a newer one, the only difference at all will be the exhaust. you'll only need the first exhaust piece, the manifold that bolts to the engine. if you're going rebuilt or don't care about cost then sticking with a 1995 is a great idea, but other years are exactly the same with the exception of that one part.

 

earlier models have other issues, i wouldn't go pre-1995. EGR related maybe...i forget but you'd want to look into that a bit more if that's an option you want pursue. good luck and have fun. let us know how it goes!

 

check with CCR if you want a rebuild, they are highly regarded by a number of members here and are subaru specialists.

[msmithmmx]

Going to make this simple for you as I have done the 2.5 to 2.2 on a Legacy Outback.

From the donor car (450 dollars tops)

1) Engine / use the exhaust manifold from the 2.2 donor

2) AC Compressor you must keep and hoses from your 2.5 mount onto the 2.2

3) Metal Power steering lines from the 2.5 move them over

4) The fly-wheel from the 2.5 will have to be moved over to the 2.2.

From Subaru

1) All new exhaust gaskets (10 dollars)

2) new o-rings for the AC hoses you disconnect

3) new o-rings for the power steering lines you disconnect

From Walmart

1) 2 cans of 12 oz refrigerant and a refill hose (30 bucks)

While you are at it replace this on the 2.2 donor (100 bucks) an easy to do with the engine out.

1) Harmonic balancer (50 ebay)

2) AC and Alternator belts (20 pepboys)

3) Rear cam seal (5 dollars)

4) Oil Separator Plate (sure to be leaking, original is plastic) (15 dollars)

5) Rear main seal. (20 dollars)

6) Spark Plugs (10 dollars)

7) PCV Valve ( 8 dollars)

8) Valve cover gaskets (2 of these) and grommets for the bolts (30 dollars)

9) Reseal the oil-pan and replace both gaskets that are internal. (RTV temp sealer 4 bucks, gaskets are 10 bucks)

[arcticracer]

I am in Central Alaska, everything costs more here. You would never find a decent donor car for $450. Wrecking yards are limited, I found one 2.2 with 105K 1995 they wanted $800. I will probably check to see what is available in a JDM engine, might get a rebuilt too. For now I will watch for a donor car, thanks for the tips, this forum is a good one.

[arcticracer]

I am in Central Alaska, everything costs more here. You would never find a decent donor car for $450. Wrecking yards are limited, I found one 2.2 with 105K 1995 they wanted $800. I will probably check to see what is available in a JDM engine, might get a rebuilt too. For now I will watch for a donor car, thanks for the tips, this forum is a good one.