ej25d to 3rd gen legacy swap engine swap

[jeckel1284]

I just recently purchased my 1999 legacy gt a week ago. I see that many people just do ej22t or ej257 engine swaps. I am actually want to know if anyone has attempted to swap out the ej25d for an engine out of a 2003-2006 legacy gt, and if so, would that be any easier than doing the ej22t or ej257 swaps?

[chuckthefuk]

05-09 Legacy GT - Outback XT / Forester XT / 2006+ WRX uses the EJ255 which uses the same block as the EJ257. There are slight differences with pistons/rods/valves/etc... but in the end the blocks are the same.

EJ22T swaps usually only use the block and not the heads since its OBDI and the heads don't flow as well as 25D/251/22E heads..

The selection of EJ series turbo motors are somewhat endless.. many combinations for different outcomes. EJ turbo swaps are physically simple to install but the wiring conversion is what makes these swaps difficult. Usually many swaps involve simple WRX harness or Japanese STi harness mergers. These harnesses support OBDII and do not use Immobilizers unlike the 05+ LGT/XT - 05+ STi and other newer models.

Swaps consist of Turbo Engine + Turbo Engine ECU + Turbo Engine Harness --> Merged --> Original legacy body harness.

So to answer your question... if it has an immobilizer then no... (immobilizers consist of RFID Transmitter KEY -> Ignition Cylinder RFID Receiver -> BCM (body control module) -> ECU/ECM (engine computer) -> Gauge Cluster/Instrument Panel.

..
-Chuck

[jeckel1284]

Thanks for the knowledge. I'm new to the SLI family. I am trying to gain as much info as I can before I plan my swap. Another question, if I use an STI engine, do I need to also swap my transmission to the 6spd STI transmission?

[chuckthefuk]

No worries...

As for the transmission.. no you do not ~need~ to install a 6MT.. However... with great power comes destruction.

If you choose to run stock numbers and are not that aggressive then sure a 5MT will hold up. Spirited driving is fine but dropping the clutch / donuts / constant red line will eventually destroy all 5MT's. 6MT swap 'ball park' figure is $3000 and is worth every penny if you think your legacy deserves it.

Spend some time browsing the different sections of SLi and use the search to narrow down exactly what you are looking for.

I wish you the best of luck for you and your legacy.

- Chuck

[jeckel1284]

Again thanks a lot. I will probably do the full swap once I got enough money and can find the parts. I will post pics to show my progress.

[lord flashheart]

i recomend finding a wrecked car. it will be cheaper in the long run

[jeckel1284]

I will look into that.

[lord flashheart]

There is another member who was asking about this same thing. I told him engine swaps take alot of time and money. He didn't believe me. It's been 11 months, and like $3000 more than he expected. Im not going to get really into this because I'm on my phone. But if If you want a budget turbo swap that is quick and easy, I would swap the shortblock for an STi one, or you can find late 90s turbo engines for pretty cheap. Put that in, use the engine harness from your car, use a AEM f/ic. You can have it done in a month or less depending on your skill level, it will be way cheaper too.

[jeckel1284]

There is another member who was asking about this same thing. I told him engine swaps take alot of time and money. He didn't believe me. It's been 11 months, and like $3000 more than he expected. Im not going to get really into this because I'm on my phone. But if If you want a budget turbo swap that is quick and easy, I would swap the shortblock for an STi one, or you can find late 90s turbo engines for pretty cheap. Put that in, use the engine harness from your car, use a AEM f/ic. You can have it done in a month or less depending on your skill level, it will be way cheaper too.
What late 90's turbo engines should I be searching for?

[chuckthefuk]

Version 3 4 5 6 jdm still. Or 93-00 jdm Turbo impreza

[lord flashheart]

Ej20k or ej20g

[jeckel1284]

Do the jdm engines bolt up or do i have to make modifications to make it fit? Also, does anyone know what can of HP can i get out of these engines?

[chuckthefuk]

ALL EJ-series motors bolt up. Same mounts and same bolt pattern for the transmission.

You will need a turbo front subframe / cross-member or notch your non-turbo one.

[mike-tracy]

Bro, check out this thread: viewtopic.php?f=31&t=3347 (https://sl-i.net/FORUM/viewtopic.php?f=31&t=3347)
It's very general, but covers a lot of what you are asking.

To echo what others have said,
Here's my opinion:
Want a swap that passes emissions and is (relatively) cheap and infinitely tunable and you can find aftermarket parts for?
USDM 02-05 ej205 swap. You don't have to stick with the 2.0 as your short block, many go with a 2.2 or 2.5, but still running the wrx heads and its obd-2 electronics. If you need a random part, you can get them locally, or even from your dealer. You send your dash wiring harness, and an 02-05 WRX dash wiring harness to IWIRE or Zephyr and they merge the two so your car works 100% as before, and is electronically a WRx as far as tuning goes.

JDM swap: Sounds cool, but the older stuff is hard to tune for. You either get a chip'd ecu, or a $$$ standalone and rewire. Won't pass obd-2 emissions till the later models (2nd gen impreza?) $$$$. Need a part in a hurry? ha.

Only reason I went JDM swap is because the early stuff is 98% compatible with my 91 Legacy. Only needed a 90$ patch harness, svx igniter and 2 legacy igniters (about $100 for those 3) to run a 95 JDm ecu ($80) in my car. As I mentioned, tuning this is a bioch, and I'll prob get a different car before I get a standalone. As you can see, sourcing parts gets expensive fast. Just get a t-boned, rearended, or rollover WRX and you're set.