Engine Identification

[rdpro219]

I have a 98 legacy limited which i downgraded by using a 2.2 engine. problem is, idk what the engine came out of. Does anybody know where the VIN might be stamped on the engine itself. I gotta find this out to do further work in the future. Thank you in advance!!!!

[StatGSR]

single port or dual port heads?

[rdpro219]

single

[StatGSR]

well i can tell you that its from a 97-99 legacy now... the 99 is technically a phase 2 ej22, not sure what visual differences that might imply though.

[rdpro219]

I was told that there are four or five places the VIN can be stamped on the engine itself. Im tryin to buy timing belt covers, and i hit a wall since i cannot correctly identify what kind of vehicle it came from. The invoice said 98 legacy. Im unaware of a 2.2 legacy even sold that year (probably mistaken) i figured it was from an impreza, either way, i still have to research more

[StatGSR]

ok got it figured out,

the valve covers on the phase 2 engine would look like this...
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2011/09/RSTearDown9-1.jpg

the 97-98 would look like this
http://www.sdsefi.com/ej22side.jpg

let me know which it is!

[Wiscon_Mark]

The Legacy L (and brighton) had the 2.2L engine through 1999. Unless it's a phaseII I don't think it'll make any difference for what you're looking for...

[lord flashheart]

99 was the ONLY year the "big valve cover" EJ22 was in production.
the 95 was the last year of the dual port exhaust.
there was some revisions in 96 in the coatings on the pistons, to reduce internal friction.
they all flow like shit. except the 99.

fun fact, the 1999 EJ22 shortblock is essentually the EJ205 with a bigger bore.
uses the same crank, and rods.

[lord flashheart]

they say there is only 2 phases of EJ22, but realistically there are 3.
1990-1995 dual port
1996-1998 single port, internal friction reduction
1999 phase 3 (too many changes to list.)

[Magoozle]

fun fact, the 1999 EJ22 shortblock is essentually the EJ205 with a bigger bore.
uses the same crank, and rods.
That's news to me! Those blocks always seemed to be the indestructible ones. I saw one boosted to 22 psi before it finally let go, on stock internals none the less.

[Baddog]

96 Legacy's had Single ports too StatGSR

[StatGSR]

99 was the ONLY year the "big valve cover" EJ22 was in production.


99 was the only year the Phase 2 EJ22 was in a Legacy, it was in the Impreza from 99 to 01....


they say there is only 2 phases of EJ22, but realistically there are 3.
1990-1995 dual port
1996-1998 single port, internal friction reduction
1999 phase 3 (too many changes to list.)

except all EJ22's prior to 99 were still considered Phase 1 engines even with the noted changes. the phase 2 change really points to the major changes that were made to the engine block and head. There is no phase 3 ej22 so it shouldn't be labeled as such.


96 Legacy's had Single ports too StatGSR

I always thought of the 96 as a mash up year (included components from the earlier engines like HLA's, Solid Valve Adjusters were added in 97) the 96 also didn't have the updated intake manifold. 97 was the first year to reflect the increases in power and torque...

In this situation it would be correct in saying that his engine could be from a 96 though.

[rdpro219]

I definatly have a phase I in comparison to the two pics. There are six bolts holding my valve covers. Does anybody know of where a VIN might be on the engine though? As far as the Subaru Parts supplier says... There are three differerent possibilities for timing belt covers, my main concern is the valve cover gaskets. I smoke after 30 seconds sitting at a light.

[StatGSR]

if there is anything, it will be on the the rear of the engine next to where the trans bolts up i think...

if not, order for a 97 brighton

[lord flashheart]

You are right. I should have stated, in the legacys.

And like I said, there are 2 phases but technically there are 3.

There are 4 timing covers subaru used,
DOHC N/A
DOHC TURBO

SOHC 2PIECE
SOHC 3 PIECE

The dealer really doesn't need the vin. They say they do but they don't. I don't think the older ones had the bin on it but if it does it will be here. https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2011/09/IMAG0106-1.jpg
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2011/09/IMAG0107-1.jpg

[rdpro219]

Thanks guys!!