JDM Motor in a 2000 Outback - What to swap over?

[AdventureSubaru]

Just made a deal on a 2000 Outback. It has a Phase 2 EJ20 SOHC bolted into it right now that is 90% installed. I am assuming this is a JDM motor. Wiring is connected. Flex plate to flywheel is connected. Vac hoses and fuel lines are not. No spark plugs in the motor. there's a set of plugs and extra plug wires sitting in the engine bay so I'm wondering if they were diagnosing a no-spark issue?

 

I'm going to start trying to tackle this tonight and get it going. I have a good Phase 2 american EJ25 in the garage. If the EJ20 was from an 02+ I may need the cam and crank sprocket right? Would this cause a no-spark?

 

There are a few vac tubes missing that I can bring. And I'll put fresh plugs in it.

 

What's the word on putting JDM motors in this body style? Any tips appreciated as it's a half hour drive to go work on this car.

Edited May 13, 2015 by AdventureSubaru

[AdventureSubaru]

Thinking it over more and anticipating any mistakes the guy may have made. (Mechanic was most of the way through the swap on wifes car when the pair separated and the car was never finished)

 

Would the JDM wiring plug right in? How can I safely assume that the USDM intake manifold is what's on top right now?

 

Would non matching cam and crank pulleys = no spark?

 

And I am under the assumption that the 2000 USDM motors should all be the same cam and crank right? It was in 02 that things started changing?

 

Just planning ahead. For all I know, I'll put fresh gas and battery in it, connect fuel lines and hoses and drive it home.

Edited May 13, 2015 by AdventureSubaru

[AdventureSubaru]

Spent about 2 hours on the car. Put a good used battery in. Found a loose starter connection and cranks over fine. Tested for spark - nada. Swapped the coil from the spare 2.5 and got spark.

 

Went to install plugs and the diameter must be too big. Anyone know what sort of plugs to run? Tried the stuff from USDM EJ25 and bought a set the fit canadian EJ20 SOHCs but both ended up same diameter and just spin but don't catch thread. It's like 14mm thread is too big. Could it be 12mm plugs or 10?

Edited May 14, 2015 by AdventureSubaru

[AdventureSubaru]

May be one step closer. Rock auto did not carry plugs for the European market motors which tells me they're probably different.

 

opposedforces listed a champion plug as compatible for European Ej20s. If that plug is what also came in Japanese motors, I should be all set. Fingers crossed.

[AdventureSubaru]

No dice. Spent half an hour in the O'reillys looking over engines/cars in their database. Everything was 14mm until 2014 with a 12mm.

 

I may get some 12mm 5/8 plugs for dirt bikes and see if those will fit and at least maybe get it running temporarily. Out of ideas. Info just doesn't seem to exist on this topic and even the guys at NASIOC have no opinions, leads to go for.

[AdventureSubaru]

Well, going to wrap this thread up in case anyone ever comes across it in a search and needs similar info.

 

The 12mm was too small. I got the 14mm to fit. Turned out the aluminum had corroded in the couple years the car sat. Got some penetrating oil in there and a thread chaser made out of an old plug cut with an angle grinder and it all seated just fine.

 

When I turned the ignition, the engine started but backfired and immediately died. made some rough sounds like timing was off or something.

 

Pulled the timing cover and could immediately see that the crank sprocket was way different. Japanese vs US. Swapped over the cam and crank pulleys from the 2000 US motor and it started first try. Drove it home and apart from a shimmy up front on the drivers side at highway speed drives nicely.

 

EJ20 is a bit weak for this size car. You only notice going up steep hills. But it's about 10hp down from the EJ25. But with less than 60 on the motor, I expect years of good service out of it.