EJ25 Need some advice

[Soarer]

My buddy had a 2000 Outback with the 2.5 liter motor. It blew a head gasket (like most of them do, so I hear) and we are looking to swap in a new motor. We want to keep things as simple as possible. I see that there are a LOT of 1995 to 1999 ej25's out there, especially on egay. I can't seem to find an ej25 out of a 2000 though. Is the 95-99 ej25 significantly different than the 2000? Could I use the bottom end from a 1999 motor and bolt up all the accessories and wiring harness from the 2000? Or, should I just get a 2000 motor?

[555BCTurbo]

The 1999 shortblock should work fine...


I think

[Matt Monson]

The problem with the '99 shortblock is 2 fold.

#1 If you use it, you need to use the phase I (thicker) head gasket. If you don' the pistons will hit.

#2 Even though the pistons protrude further from the top of the deck than the phase II engines, they also have a deeper cutout on the piston top. As such, they will drop your compression ratio, thereby robbing you of some power.

It will work, but you need to follow #1 and accept #2...

[Soarer]

I found a few 2000-2001 motors. They're much harder to find and they're a bit more expensive. I guess it's because those motors have a tendency to burn through head gaskets so they're aren't as many left and the ones that are around are in high demand.