All DOHC 2.5 heads the same?

[Splinter]

Ive got a line on some heads for a good price, but the guy doesnt know what car they came from

I know theres like a phase 1 and a phase 2 or something

soooo

Whats the difference, which one is better, and are there any markings on the heads to disguish them?

Also, how hard is it to find cam sprockets?

[DLC]

Phase I EJ25 is DOHC
Phase II EJ25 is SOHC

There was a slightly lower power EJ25 in 1996, but the heads were probably the same. JDM and the new USDM heads featured versions of AVCS.

Chances are high that they're from a 97-99 Legacy.

[Splinter]

Is that the same as a 98-99 RS?

[DLC]

98 RS was DOHC, 99 was SOHC. Same for the Forester.

[Splinter]

So the 98RS has the same heads as the 97-99 legacy?

[Matt Monson]

Same as a '97-99 Legacy or Forester. But '96 DOHC Ej25 have hydraulic lash agjusters in the buckets. Later ones are shim over bucket...

[Yukonart]

There was a slightly lower power EJ25 in 1996, but the heads were probably the same. JDM and the new USDM heads featured versions of AVCS.

This would require the use of an OBD-II ECU, or is the AVCS a more passive system than that?

[napphappy]

The forester shared heads with the RS, as was mentioned.

AVCS would be phase II, so you wouldnt be able to run them with a phase I ecu without major cam gear work. But I do believe you can the AVCS unhooked, or disengaged.

The 96 hla buckets will be a smaller diameter as well.

[Splinter]

But these should bolt right on after have oil and coolant lines for the turbo plumbed, yes?
And I have to change the cam sensor?