2.0 vs. 2.5L as replacement motor: what are the main diffs? 2000 OBW

[211]

Unfortunately my 2000 OBW (180k on the ODO) smoked the timing belt prematurely. Took it into a very reputable Subaru shop to have the damage assessed; all the valves on one head are bent, a couple on the other side are bent. Considerable impact damage to one of the pistons as well. 

Shop doesnt feel comfortable throwing heads on it with the bottom end the way it is, so options include a 2.0 or 2.5L JDM take-out (both SOHC).

Problem with the 2.5 is they're considerably more expensive than the 2.0 (in my area anyway), higher mileage, and will take longer to receive. 

The 2.0 we can have by the end of the week, it has less miles, its plug and play, and half the price of the 2.5. 

I'd like to get some feedback on the 2.0's. From what I understand they're higher compression and slightly less HP but overall the same motor. Can someone add to this? How much of a HP loss is there and/or will I even notice? I'm not heavy on the pedal but I do do EVERYTHING with this car, including driving to work (30 miles of highway), camping, gravel roads, hills, trailer my moto to off-road ride spots. Basically I treat it like an Outback and not a WRX. 

How do these two motors stack up and will I be satisfied with the 2.0?

Edited June 3, 2015 by 211

[86 Wonder Wedge]

I haven't personally driven a phase 2 EJ20, but I would assume it is similar to driving an EJ18 to the EJ25 (early). The horse you won't miss as much, they both do fairly well on the highway.

 

It's the torque that I think you will miss the most. Probably in the 120-130 ft-lbs range. Your 2.5 was rated at 167 (IIRC). Not a massive difference, but noticeable.

 

I'd say go for the 2.0 IF your mechanic can guarantee a lower labor rate (since it's plug and play) and get you back on the road faster. I'd also make sure you keep your old engine. I assume he's grabbing an EJ201/202 from one of the JDM importers? They RARELY want a core. You can sell or scrap your old motor to recoup some of the expense.

 

I'd make sure it's "plug and play" as well. Yours should be an EJ251 which has a MAP sensor (which is the 2MY odd-ball). If this 2.0 is not, he'll be needing to swap the intake manifold for your old one. From the ones I can see, the "99-04 EJ20" look to have a MAP sensor up by the throttle body. MAYBE, can't tell from the pictures. I know the EJ251 I just did a reseal on had it practically in the middle of the manifold (by the coil pack).

 

TL;DR If you mechanic wants to swap for a JDM 2.0, hold his feet to the fire on labor once he gives you a price, once he dives into it. it might be more labor than he thinks.

[idosubaru]

look up the power numbers, entirely personal preference.

 

if you're uber-practical and just want the car to go from A to B then you won't care.

 

if you like to have a lot of weight in the car, drive like a demon on the twisties, have lots of mountains to encounter, like that STOMP it feeling when merging on the interstate - you might not like the lower power.

 

where do you lie in that spectrum?

[Rooster2]

On my 98 OBW, I swapped in a 2.2, where once a 2.5 lived. Noticable loss of power on entrance to interstate ramps, and when passing. Going to an even smaller 2.0, and carrying a bunch of camping stuff, and trailoring your moto, which will weigh down your OB, I have serious doubts you will be happy living with the power loss.

[idosubaru]

good point. 

 

my EJ18 swapped EJ25 legacy sedan is weak sauce in the mountains.  it can't keep interstate speeds up steep grades with 16" stock Subaru sized tires and a full car load of people. 

[AdventureSubaru]

I have a JDM EJ20 SOHC in a 2000 Outback sedan. Good motor. As I recall it's only 10 hp less than the Ej25. (Half the downgrade of the 90s EJ22 swaps)  I drive a 2000 Outback wagon with a Ej25 and 5 speed daily. The limited has great pickup and acceleration with the automatic. Only place I notice any difference is on the steepest of hills the power lags just a little faster than the Ej25. (Lets be honest, neither motor is a powerhouse in a full size car)

 

But the EJ20 is otherwise no different and folks seem to have good luck with those JDM motors. Install is easy. Swap the crank pulley and drivers side cam pulley from the original motor so the computer recognizes it. And swap the original intake manifold, sensors and wiring over. Japanese stuff is all different.

[Rooster2]

Just a thought...........you may want to call around, or search websites of  local wrecking yards in your area for a replacement motor. Cost will be far less, then what a dealer can offer. The down side is that you would prolly need to go to an independent garage to have the motor swapped in. Your Subie dealer won't want to install a wrecking yard motor. Wrecking yard motors come with at least a 30 day guarantee.  This is what I did to have a 2.2 motor installed in my 98 OBW. Motor cost me $400. Installer charged me about $1600, which is a little expensive, but I know he is a damn good mechanic, and would do an excellent job, which he did. Swapped in motor has been great. It is better to get a motor from a car that has been wrecked, because you know the car was being driven at the time of the accident, so good chance the motor is good.

[211]

All good feedback you guys. I appreciate it.

 

One thing I forgot to mention is this is the 5MT trans.

I'm wondering if I'm making a mistake pulling the trigger on the 2.0. Some of you have said I'll notice the differences in gittyup and hills and when loaded; which is exactly where I don't want to miss the power, especially the towing and loaded capability. Some say the difference is hardly noticeable at all.

JDM 2.5's in my area are $2700, have more miles and less common to acquire

JDM 2.0's go for $1375 with less miles, get it now.
I'm looking at a USDM junker site (LKQ Corp, having trouble embedding a link) they want anywhere from $1200 for a 158K to $1600 for 106K. So pretty much more or less in the middle price range of the JDM's with US miles on it.

 

All the work is being done at a shop which is owned by a buddy of mine. So I trust his advice, I'm just wondering if my knee jerk reaction to drop a 2.0 in there will bum me out later.