97 Legacy OB 2.5 choices

[davebugs]

From time to time I get the chance to buy Sub's that typically need an expensive fix.

 

Currently there is a 97 OB that probably needs that expensive one year motor - at the least probably head gasket(s). Anyone had success putting a different year motor or even a 2.2 in one of these?

 

Also on a 99 SUS with the expensive tranny TZ1A2ZJEBA. Will the cheaper tranny work - -what other parts/computers would also need swapped?

 

I'm hoping this is the correct forum.

 

Thanks,

 

Dave

[subaru360]

For the 97 outback 2.5 you can use 96-98 2.5's for sure possibly more years. Everthing just plugs in and bolts up. If you want a 2.2, the 95 2.2 is a direct fit everything bolts up and plugs in except the brackets for the power steering line to the intake, not a big deal, you can just leave the bolts out or make a bracket or get 2.2 ps lines. 96-98 2.2's work also if you get the y pipe from the car you get the engine from they are single port. I've done these swaps a lot and they work out great.

 

Not sure on the trans. But 99 should be the first year for phase 2 so you'd need a newer model. Usually if you match the final drive ratio they will work even if the part number is different as long as all the plugs are the same. Sometimes you need to get the transmission module to match the trans.

 

How much is the outback with a bad motor? If you decide you don't want it, I buy them.

[davebugs]

Thanks for the response. I wonder why on the interchange 97 is listed as it's own year?

 

I've also always wondered why in the same interchange Impreza and Legacy 2.2's weren't interchangable.

 

I have a 97 2.2 from an Impreza that needed a HG - I just swapped the motor. Smoked bad but the oil is clean. You're saying that would work if I got the Impreza Y pipe? I could imagine other exhaust issues and perhaps O2 sensor issues but I'd think they wouldn't be too busy.

 

Would a Legacy OB seem underpowered with a 2.2 in it?

 

I'll have to see tomorrow how much it goes for. Depending on miles and condition usually between 1000-2,500.

 

Dave

[subaru360]

There are some internal differences like solid vs hydraulic lifters and cam and compression ratio, but they all fit in place of each other.

 

You can put the 97 impreza 2.2 in the outback, you just need a single port y pipe from either an impreza or a legacy.

 

When you swap motors, if you had egr, be sure the motor you swap in also has egr or you will have a check engine light with an egr code. Generally auto has egr and manual doesn't. But sometime you see a manual with egr, there were some with california emissions that had it.