Headgaskets or new engine

[NSubO]

I have a 97 legacy outback with almost a 150k miles and it has came time to do a head gasket replacement. As an alternative I wanted to find out what other Subaru engines will swap into a 97 legacy that are less prone to the head gasket issue that is not the 2.2 L engine

[idosubaru]

If the engine is still good and the motor wasn't cooked there's not too much reason to not expect another 100,000 miles out of a job that's done right. Some low percentage chance of rod bearings, but it's low. At this point that would be the concern, done right you're not likely to have a head gasket issue again.

 

As an alternative I wanted to find out what other Subaru engines will swap into a 97 legacy that are less prone to the head gasket issue that is not the 2.2 L engine

You're looking for a non EJ22 swap? EJ22 (or EJ18 - same thing/same swap essentially) is the only easy swap.

 

Beyond that all other motors are the same - you're going to need wiring, computer, completely redoing things so to speak. In that case you can install whatever you want, like a 350 V8 or tractor engine, diesel, etc. That just depends what kind of custom work and cost you're comfortable with.

[markjw]

Fix the engine you already have. Trust me on this. If the short block is in Ok shape,it's way cheaper in the long run and your already familiar with your current engine.

 

Once you get the headgaskets taken care of,you'll be Real familiar with your current engine.

[Mike104]

Have to agree with the advice above. Fix current engine correctly and should get another 100k out of it (assuming it hasn't been severely overheated?).

 

There are lots of threads here on what correctly means. Do it right (check heads for warping/machine if needed, Timing Belt/Idlers/Tensioner/Seals, Water Pump, Themostat-OEM only, Subaru HGs -redesigned) and it should last. Cheap out and you will have to do it again.

 

I have read that the EJ22 swap is relatively easy and is preferred by some rather than fixing 2.5L engine.

Edited March 11, 2010 by Mike104

[nipper]

I have a 97 legacy outback with almost a 150k miles and it has came time to do a head gasket replacement. As an alternative I wanted to find out what other Subaru engines will swap into a 97 legacy that are less prone to the head gasket issue that is not the 2.2 L engine

 

I am a little confused. 1997 legacies came with the 2.2L engine (unless a GT or LSI). As a rule they do not have a HG issue, but any engine at high mileage can blow a head gasket. All bets are off over 120K, so it is not the 2.2L fault in this case, it is just one of those things.

 

Or do you want a newer 2.2L, or a 2.5 swap?

 

nipper

[idosubaru]

I am a little confused. 1997 legacies came with the 2.2L engine

he said (or edited) Outback, so that's EJ25.

[nipper]

he said (or edited) Outback, so that's EJ25.

 

 

Ah he edited it.

[davebugs]

If it has rod knock - 2.2 swap.

 

Otherwise COMPLETE head gasket job and major maintenance.

 

That's my deciding factor.

[NSubO]

Yeah sounds like keeping the engine will be the way to go the engine only got overheated twice and not for a long time in the course of figuring out it was the head gasket. I did get it looked at by a friend that was a subbie tech and was told I will still most likely need to get some machining done but that the engine should be fine.

 

And other than the head gasket issue there hasn't been a knocking issue with the engine at all.

 

Also just curious would there be much of a difference in performance between the EJ25 and the EJ22?

Edited March 12, 2010 by NSubO

[idosubaru]

Also just curious would there be much of a difference in performance between the EJ25 and the EJ22?

matter of oppinion. some folks say no, some folks say yes, and some folks say they like the low end torque of the EJ22 better than the benefits of the EJ25?

 

personally i say get what you want in terms of reliability and cost. to me if i want performance the difference between an EJ25 and EJ22 isn't enough since i'd actually want something that's fast, not just 20 more hp. but personal preference reigns supreme here.

 

the EJ22 can be cost effective. and you can end up with a non interference motor that is cheaper to maintain and more reliable - and then fix and sell your EJ25 for more than you pay for the EJ22. or just sell the Ej25 outright and let someone else fix it, they're not hard to sell since they have far more issues than EJ22. it can be free almost if your cards play out well.

 

i mean it's a hassle and i'd just fix the EJ25, i'm just saying it's personal preference since there's all sorts of dynamics going on.