EJ22T Shortblock - which heads?

[1996Battlewagon]

It's another hybrid discussion. Here's the run down.

I have a EJ22T short block. It's been rebuilt, broken in and proven for more than 330 wheel horsepower. Stock block halves, stock crank, stock rods, forged Wiseco .20 over pistons.

Eventually, it will be installed into my 97 EJ25D powered Legacy Outback that has - obviously - a EJ25D ECU.

As far as head choices go, what would be the least complicated way to go? 205's? 25D's? 251's? 25G's? (no emissions testing so OBDI is an option) EJ22E's? EZ36R's (ha, gotcha) etc.

Throwing it out there before I ask the really tough question: engine management.

[EJ22D]

It's another hybrid discussion. Here's the run down.

I have a EJ22T short block. It's been rebuilt, broken in and proven for more than 330 wheel horsepower. Stock block halves, stock crank, stock rods, forged Wiseco .20 over pistons.

Eventually, it will be installed into my 97 EJ25D powered Legacy Outback that has - obviously - a EJ25D ECU.

As far as head choices go, what would be the least complicated way to go? 205's? 25D's? 251's? 25G's? (no emissions testing so OBDI is an option) EJ22E's? EZ36R's (ha, gotcha) etc.

Throwing it out there before I ask the really tough question: engine management.

25D heads will be the least complicated way to go since they match the bore size exactly & your 25D ECU will run them just fine. They also have cam options like 20K/R cams or other cams from the JDM turbos for those exact type of heads, which are essentially detuned 20K heads. 20K valves are also very stiff & will fit in those heads.

[1996Battlewagon]

Cool. That's where I've been leaning towards. I really like eekay's set up - Delta torque grind (265) cams in Phase I heads on a turbo block.

I'm almost certain that's the route I'll go but of course, things can be swayed otherwise.

[i<3mysubi]

The 25d heads flow amazingly well. If you have the option do not go with the hydraulic style, go with a shim and bucket.

But the 25d flow numbers are just a few cfm's below sti heads. And if you are willing to do a port and polish then they can easily outflow an STi head.

As far as turbo cams you are probably fine running the 25d cams up til around 250 whtq. But look into other cams if you're going with more power. The 20k cams have a bit more turbo friendly profile