wtdash

Hi, Common swap...Go check out RS25.com ('98 Impreza RS is essentially the same engine/trans as your '96), NASIOC, and LegacyGT.com - among others. Your '96 should be the same as a '96-99 OB/GT, and a '98 RS and Forester...by 'same' I mean the swap info should be very similar - including the wiring. As, Larry listed, the Automatic has a 4.44 rear diff ratio; all the manual/5-speeds behind the '96-99 EJ25's are 4.11. You can also use a non-Outback Legacy or Impreza 5-speed, too. The 2.5 5-speeds are hydraulic (hydro) clutches; the 2.2's are cable and IMHO much easier to deal with...and not that much more clutch pedal pressure...if any. GL, TD

^Thanks GD...that's the technical stuff we need to know. I think these pics may back that up, too. Pic of the UNtapped EGR boss on a '96 EJ22 - I'm guessing to not go past that 1st 'hump' visible in the hole: And here is mine that leaked - visible that I drilled it too far: For reference: And from the exhaust looking into the head - see the hole:

Well, that's what matters to me...no CEL. Too bad I didn't see this option 3 days ago. ....dang my timing's been bad lately! Thanks again for the reply, TD

Ok...but I thought the EGR would be hot exhaust gas. Doesn't the exhaust flow FROM the head INTO the IM's EGR valve? I can't see a regular vacuum hose holding up to that, nor do I get how the EGR valve would still work...not temp related? I'm not arguing...just more confused than anything. Thanks for the info.

Can I pull the head off the original '96 EJ22 and just swap cams, etc from the '97 into the '96 head? I know '97 is when Subaru switched to the solid valve adjusters, per wikipedia, and I'd like to run the better performing heads. Thanks EDIT: found this POST, that says I can. Per GD:

Hi, Please provide a pic of this setup...I'm not 'getting it'. Thanks, Td

Wow...coincidental....hope this isn't a thread hijack. Car: 1996 Impreza LX Automatic w/EJ22 (ran low on oil) and EGR Replacement Engine: '97 EJ22 non-EGR I drilled and tapped the EGR port on the head, got it installed, started it up and have a water leak from the head's EGR port, along w/a huge cloud of white smoke out of the tail pipe. Pretty sure that's a bad sign. Based on this thread and what others are telling me, I hit a 'water jacket/coolant passage' w/the EGR tap?? I used this THREAD on legacyGT and tapped the same hole as shown - but this is for a EJ25D head. I'm positive I used the same port on my EJ22 head, but apparently there are some internal differences?? I'm not clear on how I could patch the hole as it's getting into the exhaust, too? I'm thinking it's FUBAR'd. :-( Td EJ22 info from Endwrench

Yep...the triangle/bottom bracket won't work w/my '96 Impreza compressor and Alt/AC bracket. The bolt hole is there...just need the '97 bracket to use it. I agree...I'm not trying to change that truth. Just one of those 'gotchas'. Thanks for the info , Td

I agree...but NASIOC is HUGE and does have Feedback ratings. GL, Td

Hi, This should be over in the Classifieds - Want To Buy - to get you proper exposure. You can also put a WTB ad up on NASIOC, SubaruForester.org, among others, as these were shared among diffent models. GL, Td

The issue appears to be Impreza and Legacy use different AC compressors. Looking on opposedforces.com to compare. I moved all the '96 Impreza stuff to the '97 Legacy block and the P/S is fine, but the AC isn't installed correctly....I'm 99% sure that bottom bracket mount is different,too....Look @ this pic for a '96 vs. the one for the '97. As the pics show, the AC compressor, main bracket and small bottom bracket are not the same between '96 and '97. I have all the '96 parts shown,but only the '97 Alt/AC bracket (#1 in pic above and 2nd pic below.) vs. the '97 (same as in my 1st post): The differences in both the Alt/AC main bracket - #9 in pic - are different than corresponding parts above. The '96 bottom bracket for the AC uses 14mm bolts.

Thanks for the replies, but sorry i wasn't clear. I've updated the original Post. On further inspection, It appears I need a '97 AC compressor and bottom bracket (#13 in pic) to make this work like the factory setup. Right now I have the '96 Alt/AC bracket w/the '96 AC compressor and alternator attached, w/OUT the bottom bracket piece - just one bottom bolt installed. It doesn't look like it's going anywhere, but there's gotta be a reason Subaru put that extra bottom bracket on there. Td

Quick question/summary: What Alternator/AC bracket(s) and accessories do I need from a '97 EJ22 to work on my '96 Impreza? Here's what I've tried: 1. '97 vertical bracket (#1 below): Works w/the '96 Alt but not the AC compressor - the top 2 bolts don't line up. 2. '96 Vertical bracket: Works w/'96 Alt and the top 2 bolts of AC will bolt, but not the bottom piece. I have this installed w/just one bottom bolt - w/out the triangle piece. -Car is a '96 Impreza, automatic, that had a dead EJ22 due the PO running it out of oil (about the only way to kill the EJ22 from what I've read). -Since it was an AT, it has the EGR. -I found a '97 EJ22 from a Legacy - complete engine - block/heads/intake manifold (IM)- but no EGR - (NOTE: IT HAD a Flex plate- not a flywheel.) -Intention was to swap the IM from the '96 to the '97 and put in an EGR port on the '97 head. -I tapped the head on the '97 - not too tough thanks to this POST (other than it was hard to find a 3/8" shank 9/16" drill bit - ended up buying a 1/2" drill). -The '97 came w/no alternator or AC compressor (as expected), but did have the big vertical bracket that the Alternator and AC bolt onto..... BUT the '97 bracket is not compatible w/my '96 AC compressor, although the alternator would fit. The top of the bracket on the '97 is curved slightly and won't allow the '96 compressor to bolt up. When I use the '96 bracket the bottom triangle shaped piece doesn't fit. Here's a visual for the '97 parts- I'm referring to #1 and #13: Before I go buying parts, I just wanted to see if I'm making this too hard! Thanks, Td

one link and HERE to get you started GL td

HI, The FXT struts will cause a larger gap in the front vs. the rear - aka 'saggy butt'- on all Legacy models -Mine. THESE SPACERS will help w/that and won't break the bank. Good job! Td

The EJ20's had more power/more boost/bigger turbos as they also had intercoolers - the EJ22T never came w/an IC. All '91-94 Turbo models had a 3.9 FD ratio - both Autos and 5-speeds. The '92-94 NA/non-turbos were also 3.9. ONLY the '91 had the rear VLSD - none of the '92-94 years did. The Turbo trans was stronger - more clutches,etc. to handle the power. Rebuilding it won't be cheap, but if you do, put a trans cooler on it and it'll last longer. Doing a 5-speed swap is not that hard, depending on your experience. Read up on it HERE. If you've not done it yet, you NEED to check out the Legacy Central site. It specializes in the '89-94 Legacy model and has a ton of turbo info, too. TD

VSS - Like this - that 'blade' on the end can break - both on the electronic 1995+ and mechanical <1995 style: I'd replace the VSS, reset the codes and bet you're golden! vehicle speed sensor electronic - transmission - trans - 5-speed - manual - Automatic - Auto

This one STILL Works. Looks legit: Event date Location Odometer reading Data Source Details 10/10/1997 LANCASTER, PA Motor Vehicle Dept. REGISTRATION EVENT/RENEWAL 05/13/1999 LANCASTER, PA 16,819 Motor Vehicle Dept. TITLE (Title #:50314506) 09/18/2001 LANCASTER, PA Motor Vehicle Dept. REGISTRATION EVENT/RENEWAL 09/20/2002 LANCASTER, PA Motor Vehicle Dept. TITLE (Title #:50314506) 09/11/2009 LANCASTER, PA Motor Vehicle Dept. REGISTRATION EVENT/RENEWAL 10/09/2012 PA 51,998 Auto Auction REPORTED AT AUTO AUCTION GL, Td

Hi, If you can find a new one (limited supply per cars101.com), and you plan on keeping the car for 5+ years then do it. Buying the manual isn't the best option for MPG, as the CVT is better: 2013 MPG(cars101.com): 4 door sedan manual transmission- city/highway 25/34 , combined 28mpg 5 door manual transmission- city/highway 25/33, combined 28mpg 4 and 5 door CVT 27/36, combined 30mpg The older models w/ the 2.5 did have more HP/Torque, but you stated that didn't matter much. Edit: If the body isn't rusted, the trans is still good and you can find a local mechanic to install it, just buy another EJ22/2.2 for the Legacy.....shouldn't cost more than $1500 installed. Read up on here about the differences in '95-98 EJ22....you could even get by w/a '90-94, if you don't need EGR. But if you're ready for a new car, the Impreza's a good choice. GL, Td

Hi, Enjoy the Impreza. Only if it 'needs' tires would it make sense to change. You'll not make up the difference by buying new ones b4 the old ones are worn out. Spend the $ on making sure your 'new to you' car's maintenance is up to date. Info online: Td

GD is 100% correct on the TT idea. Many have done the EJ22T/EJ20T swap using a WRX (re)harness or other ECU tuning method (piggy back/stand-alone ECU, etc.) to Subaru's during the Subaru USA's 'non-turbo era' of '95-'02. Read this AMAZING thread on a Legacy GT transformation for inspiration and ideas, which is very similar to a '96. There are many more....remember the Impreza shares many of its parts w/the Legacy and RS25.com is another good resource. Td

Hi, Looks like a new potential member for the Legacy Central site. :-) All this is covered over there, too. Here's my post on my swap>>>>LINK GL, Td

HI, Did you follow the directions on the 1st page? You can't go directly to the website for Carf a x/Auto c h eck for this for free... you must use the directions. PM me your VIN and I'll check it....also, not sure this works for cars not registered in the USA. Td

Cool...and still works. Thanks Neighbor

Sorta/kinda related. My '95 Legacy L (same engine/trans as yours) had a bit of torque bind, so I had it flushed. Two days later I lost Reverse....and it never returned. As this was b4 I got into my own repairs I had it rebuilt for $900 -they just fixed the reverse clutches (?) and it drove fine 'til I sold it a couple of months later. I'd find a lower mileage 4EAT from a '95-98(?) Legacy L/LS to swap in-they have the 4.11 final drive ratio. The '96-99 Legacy Outback were different ratio- 4.44. GL, TD