97 outback questions

[mdjdc]

I have the opportunity to buy a 97 outback with valve damage. My question is whether or not I can put a set of 96 heads on that block. I'm thinking that the only difference is the hydraulic lifters and they shouldn't be problematic. I have a set of rebuilt heads from another engine with a bad lower end and I'd like to put those heads on this engine and put the car back on the road. If not I may buy it and just part it out.

 

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

[Legacy777]

It depends on what type of valve failure. Did the valves hit each other, or did they smack a piston? It could be more involved then just swapping heads.

[mdjdc]

I won't know until I get into the engine, the question still remains, Can I use those heads on that block?

 

If there is piston damage, I can replace those, but I don't want to pay for a valve job when I just had one done on my 96 heads due to a burnt valve. My heads are ready to go on. I just want to be sure they are compatible.

 

Thanks

[Legacy777]

I don't see why you couldn't use those heads. The only issues you need to keep in mind is that the mounting of the intake manifold does vary, so I can't answer whether your existing intake manifold will bolt up. Other thing, you didn't mention whether this is a 2.2 or 2.5. If 2.2, you need to make sure the exhaust port config is the same, which it probably should be with those year vintages.

[idosubaru]

i don't see a problem with that. you have the entire engine so you could migrate everything to the new engine...heads, cams, intake, etc.

[TheYeti]

Yes, the 96 2.5 heads will work.

 

j.

[subaru360]

96 EJ25 heads should work just fine on a 97 EJ25. Everything is the same except solid vs. hyd lifters and they use the same head gasket.