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View Full Version : Potential swap, feedback?


tnrknght
08-01-2012, 12:17 AM
Okay so my 98 legacy wagon has 238k on the stock 2.2l w/ auto trans. My friend has a 98 forester w/5spd hes parting out. I do believe those were 2.5l and Im currently debating on swapping the motor/trans over. Im not positive on the mileage but if it runs I can always do some work to it before it goes in. Main concern is, what kinda benefit can I expect to find? Will it be worth the work?
grayguy
08-01-2012, 12:30 AM
the 2.5 is a way torquey motor, it's worth the swap for sure
Dead91silvia
08-01-2012, 12:51 AM
Well, this is an interesting question...

After knowing the difference from the 2.2 to the 2.5, I like the 2.5 better, however the 2.5 cost more to run. More so the head gasket thing, but I'm use to it and do the work myself.

I have owned 2 different BD's, each having the other motor. The 2.2 is peppy for sure, but the 2.5 feels a bit more killer, but this is me... Also remember, you will need the rear diff if you are also doing the trans. I think the gear ratio is different.

So more balls, 2.5.... More reliability, 2.2.... My 2.5 in my BD has 275K and is still going strong and 2.2's hold up better... so longevity is all a matter of how well they are taken care of...
tnrknght
08-01-2012, 02:20 AM
Okay so this brings me to another question, will the rear diff from the forester bolt up to the legacy? Probably not?
Thomistopheles
08-01-2012, 02:33 AM
The rear diff will bolt in.
http://opposedforces.com/parts/info/27011AA342/
Dead91silvia
08-01-2012, 09:16 AM
Rear diffs from almost all Subaru's bolt to another. Impreza, Legacy, Forester... pretty much all will bolt in.
Reason
08-01-2012, 10:48 PM
Use the 22 heads on the 25 block, you will enjoy it.
tnrknght
08-02-2012, 01:14 PM
I was told the same thing, that the frankenstein would be a torque-happy animal, but wouldnt have much top end. I had been considering this though, because anyone can have a motor swapped in, but building something thats not in every car would be nice. Im having the 2.2 thats in my wagon worked on in a few weeks, I figure as long as I can keep that motor going thatll give me time to do a proper build and not rush it.