96 2.2 into 99

[Animated Meat]

Hi,

 

Anyone know if there would be any issues swapping a 1996 2.2 from an Impreza Outback Sport MT into a 1999 OBS MT?

 

For instance....would the 96 ECU be required?

 

Thanks.

[idosubaru]

Yes there are issues. You can’t swap those easily. The wiring is different so swapping ECUs is pointless.

 

You’d have to do a complete wiring conversion or install the 96 EJ22 and work around the idling and check engine light issues. The idle controllers are different and problematic but you can work around it. Some people have given up frustrated and others do it or jut deal with it.

 

So yeah it can be done but if

[Animated Meat]

Thanks Elite Master for the info...absolutely not a road i want to stumble down.

 

What if the motor came from a 99 auto trans...any issues there?

[idosubaru]

Thanks Elite Master for the info...absolutely not a road i want to stumble down.

 

What if the motor came from a 99 auto trans...any issues there?

For a 1999 OBS you can use the following engines.

 

Any legacy or Impreza 1999-2001 2.2 liter

 

You can use the following EJ25s if you also get the exhaust manifold with it - then it bolts right up and plugs in.

 

1999 Forester or Impreza

2000-2004 any EJ25

 

You may have to swap the drivers side cam sprocket and crank sprocket but it’s super easy and you just use the one off the original engine. There are two style sprockets but they’re interchangeable, very simple don’t let it scare you.

 

Interference engine so you should be installing a timing belt kit anyway so it’s no extra work but easy either way. Timing belt tensioner and pulleys should be replaced, those engines usually bend valves if any of those components fail.

 

You can even use 2005 if you ignore the variable valve stuff.

 

1998 and earlier you migrate the 99 intake manifold harness onto the new engine and it’ll basically run it, propping the throttle open can ghetto the car last idle issues and then move on from there as needed.

Edited November 4, 2017 by idosubaru

[ocei77]

Didn't the 05 EJ go to DBW?, and therefore cannot be used.

VVLS didn't start 'til 06.

 

O.

Edited November 4, 2017 by ocei77

[86BRATMAN]

The 05 can be used if you use the 99 intake manifold.

[idosubaru]

Didn't the 05 EJ go to DBW?, and therefore cannot be used.

VVLS didn't start 'til 06.

 

O.

Ah thanks! Do you know if VVLS starts in 06 for all engines and models ? Forester/legacy and H4/H6?

 

As already said the intakes are interchangeable so that does away with DBW.

[86BRATMAN]

06 was the first year of the avls system across the board on the sohc engines.

[idosubaru]

 

06 was the first year of the avls system across the board on the sohc engines.

thanks again.

[Animated Meat]

Thanks again EM...thats the info I needed.

[matt167]

You can also use the dirt cheap EJ20 SOHC JDM engines. EJ201/202/203 all work

[Animated Meat]

Hello again,

 

I recently saw an ad on CL for an EJ2.2 out of a 98 Impreza with the 5MT still bolted up.

What is it exactly that makes this 2.2 un-installable in my 99 OBS?

 

thanks for any input.

[Gloyale]

Hello again,

 

I recently saw an ad on CL for an EJ2.2 out of a 98 Impreza with the 5MT still bolted up.

What is it exactly that makes this 2.2 un-installable in my 99 OBS?

 

thanks for any input.

 

completely different electronics.

 

And completely different heads....so you can't bolt the 99 2.2 intake onto a 98 or earlier 2.2

 

99-2001 2.2 only, or a 99-2005 2.5 SOHC will bolt in with your intake (2.5 will require dual port exhaust too)

[idosubaru]

completely different electronics.

 

And completely different heads....so you can't bolt the 99 2.2 intake onto a 98 or earlier 2.2

 

99-2001 2.2 only, or a 99-2005 2.5 SOHC will bolt in with your intake (2.5 will require dual port exhaust too)

 

what he said.  there's no easy way around the electronic and mechanical differences. 

 

you could swap your entire 96 EJ22 with wiring harness and ECU into the 99. 

[Animated Meat]

Okay....wasn't sure what was so different......thanks again..

[Animated Meat]

Hello again.

I am getting ready to get rid of this car, but still hate to do it because its such a clean shell.

Mat 167, you stated "You can also use the dirt cheap EJ20 SOHC JDM engines. EJ201/202/203 all work"

They're very inexpensive compared to fixing mine, and I dont care that they might be a little less powerful.

I see a lot of these for sale....are they plug and play if bought complete?

No local mechanics I've talked with know anything about this swap.

ECU problems..wiring issues.....CA emissions etc.

Most likely the car is going up for sale as a parts car.

If anyone reading this is interested PM me. 

thanks again for any input.

 

[86BRATMAN]

To use the ej201/202/203 you simply swap over your original intake manifold, LH cam gear, and crankshaft timing gear. You'll also need the exhaust manifold from a dual port engine from 95-04, because your ej22 is single port.