1997 Subaru Legacy outback engine

[Ukfan]

What year of engines will fit my 97 outback? Ej225 timing belt broke ruined valves .

[Stevo F]

I would put a '96- '98 EJ22 from an Impreza or Legacy in it. Slightly less power, but fewer headgasket issues and 300K + mile capability. Those years engine should be plug n play into your Outback. If I felt I was up to pulling an engine I would be doing this myself with a 1st gen Outback.

[Ukfan]

Thanks already have engine out.

[1 Lucky Texan]

rebuild heads - reassemble with TURBO gaskets? (have head surfaces prepped)

Edited March 25, 2016 by 1 Lucky Texan

[mikec03]

+1 to putting in a EJ2.2.  I have two subarus with them and I don't feel that they are short on power.  It's the quickest, cheapest and best solution.  Kind of a no brainer.

[wtdash]

'95-'98 EJ22/2.2, and '96-'98 2.2 REQUIRES a Single-port header / exhaust manifold / y-pipe. Bolts up just like the dual-port to the rest of the exhaust.

 

Edited March 25, 2016 by wtdash

[ocei77]

I am with Texan here, if you can do do the work yourself.

For some it won't make a difference, but 30 less HP, with a wagon and hilly terrain or trying to use a trailer is felt.

In addition to having more history with the same engine.

 

O.

[Rooster2]

I have a 98 OBW with a swapped '95, 2.2 motor, and also a 99 OBW with the original 2.5 motor. I can readily tell the difference between the performance of each. Yea, the 2.2 is down 30 hp, so it begs to be driven rather sedately. It requires extra time to blend into freeway traffic, but you get use to it's nature. However, I will say that the 2.2 runs very smoothly, more so then the 2.5, and is super dependable. 

 

Finding a good 2.2 out of the 90's is getting to be more and more difficult. Most have high millage, and are nearing the end of useful life. However, they are there, just have to look harder.