Need opinion '96 DOHC vs 97-99 DOHC

[logan9691]

If you had an option between '96 DOHC heads that have HLA and a slightly larger intake port and a set of '97-'99 DOHC heads with shim over bucket which would you choose? Would there really be that big of a performance improvement from the '96 head compared to the '97-'99 head? I've done searching but no one ever really addresses the difference between the two and which would be considered a better choice.

Thanks.
Logan

[PhyrraM]

The difference is minor. For me, if I was going to leave the heads as-is, then I would look for the '96 set. If I was going to do headwork and/or cams, then the later years are a no brainer as they can be treated as EK20K heads at that point.

If you go back and read the old reviews, the '96 Outbacks/Legacies were considered more 'peaky' then the '97-'99s (albeit in NA form). Depending on driving style, this would likely make them more suited to turbo use w/ the OEM cams.

[MikeyMeyagi]

the 96 dohc heads have a much larger combustion chamber, 53cc vs 46cc of the 97-up. Also, the 2.2 head gasket overhangs into the combustion chamber to the point where i dont think the gasket would seal properly. I have both sets of heads on the shelf and can post pics if anyone is interested in the differences.

[logan9691]

interesting, I never thought about the head gasket. Mikey I know you put different cams in yours, which are 97-99 heads. What cams were they and did they simply drop into the heads?

[MikeyMeyagi]

yes, they are ej20h cams and swapped right in.