Are all N/A 2.5L blocks the same?

[Barricade]

i have a 97' Dohc Phase 1 motor could i swap block with a 05 Legacy N/A 2.5L reuse my heads, intake manifolds etc? if not would a pre-04' block work?

Thanks

[Huffer]

Probably would work, as you're swapping heads and therefore converting a SOHC engine (05 Legacy 2.5i) to a DOHC engine (97 Legacy 2.5)

[Reason]

You could do that with an STi block as well, talk to jey, he could get in more depth with it.

[mike-tracy]

I've heard of people using newer short blocks successfully, plus you'll get a slight compression increase (not enough to require premium).

[99gtlimited]

make sure you use the correct head gasket when doing this, there are 2 different types for N/A 2.5L blocks, one for blocks where pistons clear the deck (thicker gasket) and one for pistons that don't clear (thinner gasket)

[ScaryFatKidGT]

could you convert a dohc to sohc so I can afford cams? LOL

[99gtlimited]

^^^i don't think it would be that easy, you'd have to get a new set of heads (which would cost more than cams) and new intake manifold, MAP sensor style intake, and a new ECU... Long story short, not really worth it, just save up and get the DOHC cams ground.

[ScaryFatKidGT]

DOHC really only helps for VVT right other wise with out timing there about the same power and efficiency speaking.

[99gtlimited]

DOHC is generally better for high RPM applications since there is direct contact from cam-bucket-valve instead of using rockers like the SOHC, along with the ability to change valve timing as well.