Ok, so I have a strait forward question.

What engines should I look at for an easy swap into an 87 XT.

I cracked both heads on the XT and am having issues getting new ones (read somewhere that based on the generation they tend to crack less often if they are 3rd gen. dunno if that's a fact)

 

was hoping to find a newer engine to drop into it but the local dealer said I'll have issues with the flywheel.

 

Oh and keep in mind I am still learning about cars but my friend recommended I ask on usmb for advice, so the more laymen terms the better.

 

(sorry if this has been covered, I just got done working almost 24 hours and after 30 mins with the search function and no luck I figured I would just ask)

Newer engines can be fitted but it requires a custom adaptor plate and a custom drilled flywheel. Also a LOT of wireing modifications as well as cooling system mods to accomidate the radiator fans, different size and shape radiator hoses, etc. It's getting more common so the parts are availible to do it, but the know-how has to be there. The wireing is probably the biggest hurdle for most people - you have to strip out the ignition and fuel system wireing from the newer vehicle and piggy-back it to the existing wiring of the XT. It can and has been done, but it won't be cheap or easy if you have never done one.

 

GD

Take your heads to a good aluminum TIG welder and have the cracks in the exhaust ports welded.

 

Don't worry about the cracks between the valves in the combustion chamber. Those are cracked on every head and they don't cause problems.

Maybe you don't need an engine? You just need headgaskets?

 

The cracks between the valve seats are common and do not indicate a problem. Nearly every subaru with that motor on the road today is driving around with those same cracks. Those are not "cracked heads".

 

Now -you do need to make sure the exhaust ports don't have cracks in them, those are terminal (or need fixed). A machine shop can pressure test the heads to make sure they're good and repair anything that needs repaired. If they aren't familiar with Subaru heads just tell them to ignore the cracks between the valve seats.

 

First of all by "newer" engine, you just mean a newer "XT engine" or do you mean like a 2000 Subaru engine? Two completely different questions.

 

Also 1987 is a transition year for the XT - you'll want to find out exactly what you're dealing with first or you're going to hear conflicting information.

 

To help determine, are your rear lights in the bumper or above it?

I might have a good set of both turbo and non-turbo MPFI heads in the stash pile. PM if interested.