Hi all, I am helping a buddy look for a Subaru. Someone here in the valley is selling a 97 legacy, 160k, they say it is in great condition but I haven't been able to see it yet, for $2600.

 

The ad just says Legacy, not Outback, so is that going to be a 2.2? If so, is a 97 2.2 still a non-interference engine? And finally, I assume that would be a 60k T-belt interval correct?

 

I'm just trying to get my facts straight before I talk to the owner.

yes 2.2 legacy , . and a very good motor, check records, check axle boots, binding, check all fluids, make sure all tires are the same,yes on the 60k timing belt, i have a 95 , 97 both with the 2.2 engine 168,000mi on both, alot of good help here also

Edited January 5, 200917 yr by 86subaru

Thanks, yeah, not much info in the ad. I don't even know what kind of tranny it has, hopefully a MT. If it sounds good, I will run up and take a look at it tomorrow. For all I know it's sold already. I'll let you know if I, well not I, but my friends get it. I'll just be sort of a step-uncle-in-law to the car.

Just like any sooby, make sure the tires match and take it for a test drive doing tight figure 8's in a parking lot. the car should be able to do it with no throttle or minimal throttle with no jerking motions.

 

and yes the 2.2 is a great little engine.

 

 

nipper

If so, is a 97 2.2 still a non-interference engine?

 

 

I could be mistaken but i believe that 97' was the first year of the interference EJ22...

I could be mistaken but i believe that 97' was the first year of the interference EJ22...

 

That is what i was wondering. I thought I had read that. Not a deal breaker,especially since there is no deal yet, but I would like to know.

 

Hey, on the torque bind test, would a problem be masked on a snowy surface? I'm not sure I can find a dry parking lot right now.

That is what i was wondering. I thought I had read that. Not a deal breaker,especially since there is no deal yet, but I would like to know.

 

Hey, on the torque bind test, would a problem be masked on a snowy surface? I'm not sure I can find a dry parking lot right now.

 

a snowy surface would mask it.

 

nipper

i'd be surprised if it was a 60k belt, i thought they all went 100k around that time. ask for service history to be sure. lack of any records means a new belt regardless, it's not worth the risk of bent valves. so keep that in mind when making the deal.

yes 97 is first year of interference. that's a great car, with a manual transmission and EJ22 you've got probably one of the most reliable combinations you can find for a 10+ year old vehicle out there. excellent value.

 

but it's going to need some work:

 

at this age belt replacement is not enough. buy a timing belt kit on ebay. they only cost $80 (i bought two last week). you get all new tensioner, all the pulleys, and a belt. if you're not comfortable using non-OEM parts then buy the kit and buy a new belt from Subaru.

 

replacing the water pump is a good idea too. the EJ's rarely fail, but for a few bucks and being right in front of you why not?

 

being an interference engine this almost has to be done. if you like reliability as well it should be done even on the older engines (non interference).

I believe the non-interference interval is 60k (up to '96 2.2) and the interference is 100k.