Legacy/Outback & H6 engine

[samuraifox]

How are things going room?

I will comment, that I have admired how Subaru cars are designed. But before thinking about, getting into tuning a car.
I have been wondering what my options were. I will also comment, I am in America.

What I have wondered, is about the 02 H6 Outback Sedan. I have noticed the car, has a nice engine. But I was wondering, if it has too much security features for it to be modified, that getting an ecu swap is needed to nullify the readings of it being modified, but since it already comes automatic, I was wondering if its possible to swap the ECU computer system, with an aftermarket Ecu and wiring harness (Vipec 88, or a Link G4 ecu system) and the transmission computer for a manual to be installed. (I would think of putting a turbo kit later).

First off I have witnessed, if folks want to get a Legacy and swap in a nice engine. Starting off with a manual would be best. People can mention, that it's best to get a WRX engine. I have also witnessed that getting an H6 engine, would be a pricey project as well if done. If I were to think of doing so, I would think about the EZ30R engine, you might not see on the 02 Outback engine, but can be found on ebay from time to time.

From these questions I was wondering about, whats best or possible before adding turbos.

02 H6 Outback Sedan w/ transmission swap, and ecu swap possible. Possibly get an EZ30R engine if it is a better engine for tuning, since its design has some differences.

or

Below 04 year model manual Legacy, with an EZ30R engine, aftermarket ecu & wiring harness swap, the best choice for car tuning.

Any help would be appreciated
Todd

[lord flashheart]

personally i would steer clear of 6 cylinders for tuning. they make so sooo much aftermarket parts for the EJ255 and EJ257 and they make so much power. so it would be my guess that its cheeper to go 4 cylinder. but the best advice i can give is; get what you like.
cuz if we tell you to get one thing, you might decide you dont like it later and you'll dread working on it. so get the car u like and then you can do the things u want to mod it and youll get pumped up on working on it..
but i wouldn't listen to me cuz i dont know shit when it comes to tuning. lol
good luck

[mike-tracy]

Hi Todd, I have contemplated getting this engine ever since it came out. Just like the previous poster mentioned, tuning and performance parts are limited to nonexistant. This may not matter for you.

Personally, I would get a Legacy sedan or wagon that came stock with it and swap in a 5 (or 6 if you like) speed manual. That would be the most cost effective/quickest/easiest option. The transmission computer is an auto-only deal, ie. it is needed to keep ABS but is not used to operate the manual transmission. As you touched on, the wiring is a bit different, but not insurmountable if you can have the car out of comission for a month or so. If you're wanting to turbo the engine, of course that is possible. You'd need to run full engine management (I would contact the various tuner companies directly), and have all the piping custom fabricated since factory turboed h6 motors don't exist nor does aftermarket demand.

A friend of mine is transplanting a different h6 (the EG33) into his Legacy and he has to customize pretty much everything. The EZ30 engine at least has the advantage of fitting into any EJ-based engine bay. Oh and the older EZ30D doesn't have the immobilizer, but has "only" 212hp vs the EZ30R's 250.

Good luck and keep us updated.

[lord flashheart]

if your REALLY serious about getting a turbo 6 cylinder one option is
some where i read about the new STi legacys will come with a turbo 3.7 Liter in Europe. and they are pumping out 430HP. so you may want to try to import that engine. somewere i saw them for sale. they are about $3500 to $6500 without the ECU, intercooler, and transmission.
as far as turbos go i HIGHLY recommend Squires turbo systems (STS). they are based out of utah and they are Great
Squires makes rear mounted turbo kits so they are nearly universal. and they are much cheeper than anywhere else i have found.
i had a toyota 4x4 4cylinder pickup and i was rocking about 230hp from a squires. my buddy has a tocoma and he is pushing 465whp from a STS.
they are absolutly awesome. check em out.