1996 legacy gt motor swap question??

[99gtott]

This might seem like a weird question to some but i'm wondering if there would be any benifits to mating the motor and trany outside the vechicle and droping them in together? I have the trans out and wondered if this was possible? thanks!

[GeneralDisorder]

It can be done but there isn't much benefit to it. Install the trans first then mate up the engine.

 

GD

[idosubaru]

i like bolting them together outside and installing them as a unit, but you gotta have lots of room to lift and tilt things around, it's a tight fit but i've done it on EJ25's too.

[davebugs]

Even an auto?

[subaru360]

Put the trans in first and then the engine. You can remove/install them together, but it is 10x's harder.

[idosubaru]

Even an auto?

yes on DOHC, haven't done a SOHC that way but would assume it's similar. you have to get a really crazy angle going to pull the entire lump up and out over the radiator cross member, but it'll work. they look way more vertical than horizontal, it's totally cumbersome and probably not a good idea or likely to be preferred. for a first timer or without equipment/space it would likely be a debacle.

[davebugs]

Yea - I'll stick to 2 pieces.

 

I've passed on auto cars with the engine or TC locked up for this reason.

 

Just wondered how dificult/practical it was.

 

I believe I'll continue to pass them up.