I have a 1991 Legacy wagon. Good motor, 2.2/auto tran, but the rest of the vehicle needs extensive parts/labor to get up to snuff for a state inspection here. More than the vehicle is worth.I came across a "1988 Subaru GL 4WD" 5-speed standard,on Craigs list. The ad said there is some sort of serious problem with the motor, head would have to be pulled to diag. Might my 2.2 be a good canidate to install in this vehicle?

Just realized this is the wrong forum.....!

no. they are completely different engine designs and are not interchangeable at all. you would need to swap the entire wiring harness and computer stuff...it's possible but it's a huge job. i wouldn't recommend it on a vehicle that old anyway. find a newer soob that can take your 2.2...impreza or legacy for cheap. an older subaru is likely to have rust underneath (frame rails, gas tank, wheel bearing issues, driveshaft ujoint issues....they are good cars but if you have time you'll probably find just as good of a deal on a newer vehicle that wouldn't require near the work to swap.

I'd say go for it, it is a pretty big job, but nothing that can't be done in a weekend providing you do all your homework, and preparation first. Do a little reasearch in the retrofitting section. There are people on the board that make/ prep just about everything you'd need but the mechanical ability.

 

ShawnW and noah88dl provide the wiring prep service. 88hatchmonster makes the adapter plates to bolt the motor to the ea series trans. SJR is offering reground ea82 flywheels to ej bolt pattern.

 

Don't discount the 88 just yet. Check it out and see what shape it is in, and how everything else seems to be. The motor is the least of the worries on the east coast.