What is different and what will I need to change/modify?

 

'99 Outback

A bit more than you might think.

 

I've got an email stored somewhere from several years ago of a guy that did this with a 97 GT. I'll try to dig it up. He ran into a number of issues. He did get it to work, but it was not as easy as first anticipated. The SOHC engine was a 2000, or 2001, that sort of era.

 

Just from memory, there were issues with the throttle body area (IAC or TPS, not sure). Camshaft and/or cranshaft sensor wheels. Slight rerouting of power steering lines. He got a constant CEL over the EGR, since the SOHC doesn't have one. He was using the original ECU.

 

You might try contacting CCR Inc. They could probably give you the low down as well.

 

Commuter

Wait a minute...

 

Isn't '99 a SOHC anyway?

 

I thought that was the year they changed it.

Wait a minute...

 

Isn't '99 a SOHC anyway?

 

I thought that was the year they changed it.

 

Only in the US Impreza/Forester

Yep that's right-I think- '99 Forester and Imp were SOHC, '99 Outback DOHC-I have a '99 Outback DOHC with a blown head gasket (I would just fix it but it is high miles and I suspect it was overheated numerous times) and can get a '99 Impreza SOHC with low miles-should I get it and swap it or keep looking? I don't want to get into anything to major or problematic.

Thanks

Yep that's right-I think- '99 Forester and Imp were SOHC, '99 Outback DOHC-I have a '99 Outback DOHC with a blown head gasket (I would just fix it but it is high miles and I suspect it was overheated numerous times) and can get a '99 Impreza SOHC with low miles-should I get it and swap it or keep looking? I don't want to get into anything to major or problematic.

Thanks

Correct. The Japan made Impreza platform (includes Forester) got the SOHC engine in 99. The US made Legacy platform (includes OB) got the SOHC engine in 2000.

 

I think you could just use the block from the SOHC engine and use everything else from your old engine and you'd be good to go. However, I'm not 100% sure on this. Verify this with someone that knows for sure.

 

You'd probably find more about this on the nasioc site than here.

 

Commuter

I think it's much easier to fix the Phase I, which really isn't too bad with a good set of gaskets in it. I did the EJ22 swap in a friends car and I don't think I'd do it again, I'd fix the PH I EJ25 instead. I don't think we saved any money and he ended up with less power. The early Phase II's were fairly problematic as well, though the HG failures were less severe, replacing the gaskets on the donor engine would be prudent. I think if the Phase I in question is in reasonable condition that that's the way to go.

The intake gasket surface isnt compatible, the wiring is different, etc.