I'm in a pickle (I could use your advice)

[1996Battlewagon]

I've come to the conclusion that my Outback, being a engine swapped car when I bought it, was poorly put together. I've got some suspicion that the EJ22 is on the fast track toward death. The idle is getting rougher and rougher, I'm pretty sure I can hear a vaccum leak, it has barely enough power to get itself moving, a misfire cylinder 2 code is popping up (after I replaced my knock sensor and all four cylinder misfires went away), plus, it's bucking. This weekend I'm going to try and save it with new plugs, wires, and fresh oil. I'm also going vaccum leak hunting, going to check the timming (I think it's off), and try to see if the fuel pump and sender are working.

But, what I was think about doing was another engine swap. A rebuilt EJ25 is not really an option (I don't have that kind of money), but a used working ordered EJ25 is a little less expensive. I thought about getting a used EJ25 and having it rebuilt and machined........ and then I called my friend about how much he spent on getting his 3.4L V6 rebuild and machined.

So what do you guys think? Should I just try my hardest to save my EJ22, or should I start saving for a working ordered EJ25 and do the install myself? And if so, where would you guys suggest getting a used engine?

(Oh, and selling the car is out of the question.......... I can't figure it out, but I love this car alot more than I did my BK or my BMW)

if it were me i'd look towards a newer engine like you said, the ej25 or the used one, because eventually, you're gping to be dropping waay more money into the engine than its worth, trying to fix it... i learned that lesson with my pontiac..

save up for the 25 or get the used 22 IMO

[Huffer]

Well, for starters if you can find a 97, 98 or 99 GT ECU, your replacement EJ25 will run just fine. Even still, it should still run ok without it, but you will not be running it optimally.

If cost is a factor I would find a used EJ22 engine and swap it in. Take less than a day with some friends and time.

[liquidracing]

nope

[jg09]

I'd swap in the EJ25 if it were me. Maybe even one from a WRX... :shock:

[Huffer]

Well if you rebuilt the EJ25 you could sleeve the cylinders to help quell the piston slap, have the crank balanced and install some higher compression pistons, then run 89 octane all day long and rip down the road.

(don't forget the newer design head gaskets)

[liquidracing]

nope

[1996Battlewagon]

Thanks guys for the help. Liquid, I like your thinking! I too am a true believer in the EJ22 and would like to keep it. I think I've come up with a decent plan of action.

I'm parking the car until this weekend (one more final to go to tomorrow and the mom-mobile [Camry foo] can take me). I'm going to do a tune up and trobleshoot this weekend hardcore in hopes of putting the 2.2 on life support. If I can get it to stop missing and run safe, I'm going to start looking for a used EJ25 and start building it. In the mean time, I will drive the 2.2 as safely as possible. As much as I love the 2.2 and good gas mileage, I kinda miss having some sort of power.

I will be working my ass off as much as possible to amass some decent money and try to make the EJ25 as strong as possible. New gaskets, machined heads, and even sleeved cylinders (yeah Huffer, how much do you think that would cost). Then add some go fast goodies like Delta cams (Qman watch out) UEL headers (I love the sound too much to go with EL) and an exhaust. Take out the old 2.2 and pop in the 2.5. I'm sadly going to have to stay NA at this point in my life; and besides, I want the WRX engine in a silver BD anyways.

Or, I'll just keep the 2.2 and run with it, who knows!?! None of my plans are concrete. Alls I knows is, I'm not selling this car.

[Huffer]

The sleeving could cost as little as the parts themselves or you could get TWE to build you a shortblock.
Although, they do offer longer skirted pistons for the DOHC to keep it quiet.
http://www.techworkseng.com/Products/Su ... istons.htm (http://www.techworkseng.com/Products/Subaru_Forged_Pistons.htm)

At a cost of nearly $1000 you better make sure your engine is built right.

[jg09]

Wow, why did I not think of this before? Cosworth makes some bullet proof EJ25 short blocks. If you could get the ej22 running long enough to get you around, you could build up a ej25 short block on the side, then install it when you're done.

http://www.cosworth.com/shop_range.php?typeid=42