Engine swap 01 6 cyl to 00 4 cyl

[Earl 01]

Have a good 6 cyl in my 01 Outback (with a rusted out rear cradle). Want to put it in a 00 Outback. Or change complete rear cradle from 00 to 01. Has anyone attempted either of these changeovers?

[john in KY]

I replaced that cradle a few years ago.  Removing those bolts that bolt the cradle to the frame required a 4 foot cheater bar.  The engine swap will be much easier. 

 

Was under the impression the swap was between 2 H6 vehicles. 

Edited December 16, 2020 by john in KY

[Earl 01]

Thanks so much for that info. Now I will have to find out if the 6 cyl will bolt into the 4 cyl car. Thanks again and Merry Christmas, Earl

[montana tom]

Hi Earl; 

The entire wire harness and computer would need to go with the 6cly .

I would change the cradle if I were you

[3Pin]

I agree with Montana tom .  the rear support will be an easier maneuver for sure.

 

[idosubaru]

Ones that need the rear cradle replaced can have enough rust elsewhere that it’s a huge waste of time.  Make sure it’s worth it  

with that out of the way.  

Rear support.  They’re replaced fairly regularly.

swapping a 4 and 6 is a huge undertaking, extracting, labeling trimming the nasty wiring harness because you have to swap the body side wiring and ECU and do some splicing.  If the receiving car is an auto you’ll have additional issues. 

[Numbchux]

Yep, the 6-cylinder will mechanically bolt into the 4-cylinder car, they are the same chassis.

 

But ALL the wiring will have to be changed, which means the dash has to come out.

 

 

 

Having done dozens of engine swaps, and recently replaced the rear subframe in my 330k mile 2000 OBK, the subframe is 1000x easier.

[Earl 01]

Thanks to all of you. I have decided to sell the car for parts and work on an 04 legacy outback 2.5  manual trans with a sticking brake pedal.