legacy swap question

[chris_2.5gt]

hey guys I've been looking around at swap options for my 97 ej25d and have obviously noticed the many wrx/sti swaps but what about the turbocharged legacy's?

I have looked at the following page: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Subaru_Leg ... generation (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Subaru_Legacy_(fourth_generation))

And I have noticed that there are many different legacy engines from the 4th generation. I obviously realize that many of these engines are probably impossible to find but I was curious if maybe the ones that are easy to find may be more likely easier swaps or cheaper?

The two I that stood out the most were the ej20 h4 turbo motor which I am assuming is the same motor as the wrx ej20 turbo?
The other being the H4 AVCS twin scroll turbo (EJ25) which I am assuming is the same as the sti 2.5 L engine and probably hard to find...

So does anyone have any info for me about the swap possibilities from a newer legacy to my 97 LGT? Also if someone has a link to someone else who has done this that would be great too!
Thanks guys!!

[2000gtb]

well, the tt motors, the turbo hits the brake booster, so that leaves you with either JDM or USDM, If you have strict emissions and you have obd2, Motorvehicle cannot communicate with the ecu, where as the USDM will.. swapping the engines and trans are easy.. the wiring on the other hand is a handful.

JDM n USDM engine, easy to swap.. (you need a turbo crossmember)
JDM wont pass inspection (Jersey) legally, USDM will
JDM n USDM wiring is the most complicated..

If you use the trans and diff, then you will need new axles and maybe a driveshaft

Im sure there is a little more to it..

[chris_2.5gt]

I'm curious about the usdm, I'm in Montreal, Canada so no emissions here. I just see all the wrx swaps going in the 97-99's and I was curious about the legacy turbo engines from 05' up (I believe) are these the same as the wrx engine?

[2000gtb]

its 2.5 compared to the older wrx which are 2.0, if that is the case then JDM is cheaper

[jey]

4th gen also has the immobilizer for extra complexity.

[chris_2.5gt]

immobilizer???

[mike-tracy]

immobilizer???
Yep. It is what it sounds like. Everyone I've talked to who has swapped an engine with one in says that's what makes it much more of a pain in the a$$. But hey, they all could be lying just to make it sound harder, right? :smile:

[chris_2.5gt]

ok this is the legacy 2.5 turbo engine? just seems like a cheaper option than the sti 2.5 turbo?

[mike-tracy]

2005+ STI motors got the immobilizer too. But sure, the LGT "turbo" motor isn't in demand like the STI ones are. Difference is in the heads and piston design.

[chris_2.5gt]

what about strength, open deck/half/closed, forged?

[mike-tracy]

what about strength, open deck/half/closed, forged?
What is your "realistic" power goal? If it's over 300 wheel hp, start saving for an STI tranny as well.

[chris_2.5gt]

well that's why I'm looking at options. There is no end set goals, once one thing is done, on to the next! So power wise I'm assuming the sti can handle more than the legacy turbo engines? As for the tranny's I'm not too worried, I'll just blow mine then swap to something else at that point.

[jey]

And also the 4th gen Legacy and STi have drive by wire throttles, so if you're going to swap this into a 97 GT you'll have to figure that out too.

[Subaru_is_legacy]

Question. I have a 1996 subaru legacy 2.5gt with EJ25 engine. The head gaskets are gone and i have found a replacement engine (http://www.jdmtigerjapanese.com/details.php?id=1816) the old engine has 300 thousand on it and i would love to keep the car but i am wondering if it is worth the money to drop the new engine. i figure just because the engine is new doesnt mean the rest of the car doesnt have 300 thousand on it. first of all is it worth my time and second should it just be a plug and play meaning a simple swap. i love this car and dont want to give her up. please help.
Thanks

[LSiTo5Revo]

well "subaru is legacy" I found my self asking the same thing. "is my subie worth it to swap out the heart in"? well at the time it seemed like a good idea. I got the motor and trans in it. Great the car runs like a raped ape, however within a short period of time after my wheel bearing went, ball joints got real sloppy, tie rod ends needed replacement, my struts...i wouldnt even consider them struts, axles went out, and my filler neck rotted out. Doesnt seem like too much but let me tell ya it sure did seem like allot when it came out of my pocket. The car only has 195k on it...poor baby is working er way through the third motor as i type this. Well if you have the money to spend...why not do it up. or if you have the money buy something that isn't soo beat and build up with performance instead of maintenance.