kc 2004 Forester XT Posted January 14, 2014 Share Posted January 14, 2014 (edited) I have a 2004 XT with an EJ255BXTBB. My heads are shot, not sure about crank. I bought it after it broke down and was assuming it was just a head gasket job. Anyway the heads and cams are scored. PO dove it for like 20 minutes while it was overheating, loss of oil viscosity, broke down on side of the road. Not sure about the crank yet but have heavy concerns. I am pricing a replacement motor. Can anyone tell me if the 2005 Legacy had a model with a EJ255BXTBB? Wiki says the EJ255 came in that model but wont confirm BXTBB in any variations of the legacy. Most motors I am finding are $2,700+ used. I am in Kansas City, MO. A local pick-n-pull has a 2005 Legacy and 50% off sale on all parts this weekend. The Legacy has only been there for 2 months, have not seen it yet, not assuming it has a timing cover to identify. Is there a more reliable resource for cross referencing Subaru models and engine #s? Someone on subaruforester.org stated that if it is a turbo EJ255 than it will work if I reuse my original intake manifold stating that the turbo, intercooler and intake are different on the EJ255 in the 2005 Legacy than the EJ255BXTBB on my 2004 Forester XT. Any experience here? While he may be correct I would like to know if anyone else can support this statement.I could come come in way under $2,700 even after I send the heads to the shop, buy a gasket kit and a timing kit so I would really like to find out if this is an option. Edited January 14, 2014 by kc 2004 Forester XT Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ivans imports Posted January 14, 2014 Share Posted January 14, 2014 round here a 2.5b engine gos for 6000-8000$ and is none avalibble anywere is a problem engine and goes bad a lot a good rule is the crank berrings will be in same state as cam berrings if cam journals are scored then crank journals are scored Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wtdash Posted January 14, 2014 Share Posted January 14, 2014 (edited) Hi, Your '04 EJ255 short block is the same as the STi - heads should be the same, too. Go look over on SubaruForester.org for more interchange info, but Any EJ255 from a an '04-'13 Forester, Legacy GT/OB XT, Baja Turbo, '06+ WRX or '04-'13 (?) EJ257 in the STi should work IF YOU USE YOUR Intake Manifold. The '06+ EJ255 had a higher compression ratio, but that should not be an issue - your ECU should be able to deal w/it...just make sure you always run Premium fuel...I'd do some searching on NASIOC+ to double-check. One gotcha is the air pump used on the '06+ models. It's not supported on the '04, but you should be able to just disable it - NASIOC or SubaruForester.org should have more info. Yes, the Legacy GT/OB XT and '06+ WRX used a different IC and turbo (you can see by looking @ pics on cars for sale on ebay or google it). Remember - if the car in the wrecking yard has little body damage, it's likely a blown engine or transmission. The EJ255/7 are DOHC engines they'll have the 2 cams vertically aligned on each side; all others are SOHC. See attached pic. Another option: Buy a NEW/Reman'd shortblock from Subaru. These are less than $2K - HERE. Have your heads rebuilt and you'll have a 'like new' engine. I personally would NOT buy another Subaru Turbo car w/out doing a compression and leak-down test. These EJ255/7 engines have a history of blowing a piston ringland or turbo failure leading to lower-end bearing failure due to the oil getting contaminated. 50% off is a good deal, but not if you have replace it again in a month. :-( Plus, being a turbo it probably wasn't 'babied' unless you know the previous owner....although an Outback XT w/an automatic transmission might be less likely driven as hard as a GT w/a 5-speed...FWIW. TD p.s. what did you pay for the XT? I'd like to find one for a project. Edited January 14, 2014 by wtdash Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kc 2004 Forester XT Posted January 14, 2014 Author Share Posted January 14, 2014 That is good news. I don't want a short block because I would still need to buy cams and heads. Machine shop cant fix the scoring on the cam and cam journal. I was thinking of getting a second opinion... but I am still left with the uncertainty of the crank. The XT I bought for $850, 160,000 mi, near perfect interior and exterior, and yes I know the PO, she babied it then started letting her daughter drive it. The daughter drove it for 20 min while overheating because she didnt want to pull over on the highway. The $2,700 long block option is still a used motor, not rebuilt and has about 160k mi on it. Any used motor I buy I will still do a gasket kit and timing kit. Is there anything else you consider to be a must on these EJ255s? I am going to see the Legacy today. I'll post back with what I find out. Thank you all for the feedback. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wtdash Posted January 14, 2014 Share Posted January 14, 2014 (edited) HOLY COW that's a good deal....even if you buy a new engine/heads/tbelt/etc/etc you got a heck of a deal! :-) (That car was over $26K new; $28K if the Premium model!) I would NOT put $2700 into a 160K mile engine...no way no how...IMHO. Know any Subaru mechanics looking for side work that you trust? Reseal the rear separator plate; don't touch the rear main unless obviously leaking as they can be a PITA to replace. Check oil pump...the screws on the inside are known to come loose...there's also an O-ring to replace. Read up on the turbo/cam oil feed line filters. Most I know just remove them, but that is your decision. Your best resource will likely be over on the Subaruforester.org site...but don't get offended if you don't get a response to your questions over there....they seem to be more interested in the newer stuff. You can probably buy the heads - fully loaded- on NASIOC or similar for a lot less the $500+ EACH that Subaru wants for them - w/OUT valves. TD Edited January 14, 2014 by wtdash Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kc 2004 Forester XT Posted January 14, 2014 Author Share Posted January 14, 2014 (edited) The machine shop I took my heads to does work for the Subaru dealers in town. They gave them back to me and said get new ones. I figure any way I spin it I am getting a '04 forester XT for around $4-4.5k or much less if this 05 Legacy has an EJ255. I feel like it is a good deal (all power, heated seats, spoiler, every option but a sunroof) but I would obviously like to keep that as low as possible without risking pulling it again in 6 months. Im doing the swap myself with a friend. We have done this a few times before on newer cars, just not a Subaru. Also we just install, all machine work is done at a shop. I have read about guys just talking the filters out for turbo/cam oil feed lines. I'm undecided... I have looked on NASIOC before. I cant find anything there? Do I need to register and put up a "wanted EJ255 heads" post? Edited January 14, 2014 by kc 2004 Forester XT Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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