EJ22 vs EJ22 with 1.8 heads for my 93 IMP

[A DOG]

Im putting the 2.2 in my 1993 Impreza. So i am wondering who has done this? and does it work fine putting the EJ18 heads and intake on top of the EJ22? Im just looking to get better compression and better power out of a EJ22. I am planning on new timing belt kit, water pump, JDM racing lightweight flywheel, stage 1 clutch, cold air intake and open exhaust.

 

Any info is very appriciated.

[Legacy777]

What year EJ22?

[A DOG]

Sorry, forgot bout this post! The swap draws very near and the donor block in question is a early 90s leg version. also wondering bout headgasket thickness..... know there are a cpl ( i think .035-.045...) thanks!

[Gloyale]

I have always heard rumor about 1.8 heads having higher compression......but I think it's just that....rumor.

 

I've examined the heads, and I cannot find any differences in head design, shape, or quench area. Pretty sure they are the same heads (1.8 heads have EGR port drilled)

 

I would say just swap the EJ18 intake onto the 2.2 and go with it. I doubt you will notice any difference other than a lighter pocket book from swapping the heads.

[GeneralDisorder]

I was told second hand that head shops have to label the 1.8 heads to distinguish them since they are virtually identical to 2.2 heads.

 

Also - lots of people have used both for the Frankenmotor build (EJ18 and EJ22 both being common Impreza engines), and there seems to be no difference in how they run.

 

Everything I've read points to them being basically the same casting (as well as 22T heads). I wouldn't worry about it at all.

 

GD

[A DOG]

My buddy works at a subaru shop that is doing the rebuild. Would an 97ish DOHC EJ25 (oval or square port?) block work with the EJ18 head? More displacement equals POWAA! and if it means risk rebuild every 60K then thats ok.

[GeneralDisorder]

What you describe is known as the "Frankenmotor" and is a pretty common upgrade. It's a high-compression build in the 180 to 200 HP range. You use the EJ25D head gaskets and the compression is aroun 10.8:1 to 11.5:1 or so. In conjunction with a cam regrind it's a real kick in the pants.

 

GD

[renob123]

You should read every page of this:

 

http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/showthread.php?t=631527&highlight=frankenstein

 

Jacob

[A DOG]

Thanks for all the info guys. I already have a 92 EJ22 sitting on my porch. Just debating on trying to find an EJ25 or just sport the EJ22 for a while. Thanks for the link renob. There is mad information there.

[A DOG]

Ok, read up on that thread... Didnt actually find any info pertaining to simply using a ej25dohc block with my ej18 heads, seems like it should b ok, but i know that the ej25dohc blocks are of course interference so im trying to see if it will be straightforward bolt up or if its a guts job. any insight is awesome and makes you a crunchy subaru guru hahahaha

[renob123]

Ok, read up on that thread... Didnt actually find any info pertaining to simply using a ej25dohc block with my ej18 heads, seems like it should b ok, but i know that the ej25dohc blocks are of course interference so im trying to see if it will be straightforward bolt up or if its a guts job. any insight is awesome and makes you a crunchy subaru guru hahahaha

 

I'm no guru, but I'll take some Slow Elk:-) Your question is covered in that thread, and a member here did that swap. You can find it by searching for "Frankenstein" here, I bet. It was in an Outback Sport, I think.

 

Jacob

[GeneralDisorder]

Since there's no real differences between EJ18 and EJ22 heads - it should be virtually identical to what was covered in that thread.

 

GD