A quick framkenmotor question

[dp213]

This should be a yes or no answer. Using a 99 2.5 dbl cam block, with 93 2.2 heads and the thickest head gaskets I can find. Will this work and have no clearance issues between piston and valves?

 

Thanks

[GeneralDisorder]

It will work. It's not ideal. You will need the gasket for the 25D.

 

Much better to swap the pistons for 00-04 pistons and use the 25D heads with a thin gasket. 

 

GD

[dp213]

Thank you. I just happen to have those parts and I need a new motor for my 99 legacy gt. I'm being very cheep at this point.

[Crazyeights]

@GD

 

So if I understand you correctly the best recipe is a complete EJ25D with 00 - 04 pistons?

[idosubaru]

@GD

 

So if I understand you correctly the best recipe is a complete EJ25D with 00 - 04 pistons?

I had the same question - you’d prefer that combo over an EJ25 with EJ22 heads? For reliability or performance or cost? They push similar power numbers?

 

I’m guessing the EJ22 heads don’t have any better head gasket longevity since the bore is still large?

[GeneralDisorder]

Correct. The dual cam heads are much better in all aspects. With the 00 to 04 pistons the compression ratio is very favorable, and allows the thinner gasket that will not blow out like the thick D gasket did. I haven't done a single cam frankenmotor with a thick head gasket in many years. We just correct the problems with the D and all my customers are quite happy. 

 

Problem with the D gasket was it's thickness. Subaru solved the problem with a single layer shim ultra thin gasket starting in 2000. We use the 770 gasket used in 08+ turbo models. 

 

GD

Edited November 17, 2017 by GeneralDisorder

[dp213]

Since I have the parts here and they're free, should I get a set of cometic head gaskets for what I'm doing? Or are there better ones (lesser of both evils?)

 

Thanks

[GeneralDisorder]

Just use the 25D gasket from Subaru. The Cometic isn't  sny better. They are both too thick. The head gasket lifespan is limited on that build. I wouldn't bank on anything over 50k. 

 

GD

[dp213]

I would be way happy with 2 years let alone with 5

[GeneralDisorder]

Then you should be fine. That build produces excellent low end torque but the heads stop flowing after about 4800 RPM and the power drops off precipitously.

 

You do know that the intake manifold from the 99 will not bolt to the 2.2 heads right? You will need a manifold from a 95 to 98 2.2 Automatic

 

If you have the 99 heads just clean them up and get some used 251 pistons. Much better build and the power will be much broader all the way to 6500. 

 

GD

[dp213]

I have the 95 intake already.

 

Thanks