97 EJ20G Will this work in my 91 SS?

Matt Monson · Post by **Matt Monson** » Tue Jun 09, 2009 12:14 am

PhyrraM wrote:
If I wasn't out there with my suspension and engine build, I'd buy it for the EJ20K intake setup and the (4.44?) trans.

The one from Jhot has a BCBA tranny, which is a 4.11.

I don't know what the Forester one has but for $600 that swap is a steal whether or not it has the manual tranny shown or the auto tranny from the description.

kimokalihi · Post by **kimokalihi** » Tue Jun 09, 2009 1:23 am

This is true. I bid on it and I'm winning right now for $610. If it really is an auto I have a 5spd already and then I won't have to get a new rear diff.

kimokalihi · Post by **kimokalihi** » Tue Jun 09, 2009 1:25 am

I just hope my 5spd tranny is good. I've never driven this car before. That was another reason I was thinking about buying one of these complete swaps because the trannys were low milage and probably in better condition. I think mine has 175K miles on it and it's probably been driven hard.

kimokalihi · Post by **kimokalihi** » Tue Jun 09, 2009 1:48 am

Will this rear LSD match the 97 EJ20GD Forester tranny?

Here's an used rear LSD SET from a 1998 Subaru Impreza, Chassis GF8. LSD appears to be in good condition, it was pulled out of a working vehicle. LSD should fit years 92-01 GF8/GC8 Chassis models, this is the lsd you want/need to have the correct ratio for the ej20 swap.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayI ... 0310227138

kimokalihi · Post by **kimokalihi** » Tue Jun 09, 2009 2:20 pm

Well I hope that LSD works and I hope that's a manual transmission. Because I won both of them!

$680 for the engine/tranny plus $460 for shipping
$99 for the LSD and axles plus $120 for shipping

I asked them if they could combine shipping on the two because $120 to ship a rear diff is crazy.

I got a killer deal on that engine though! I couldn't believe that guy gave up bidding so easily. Saved me like $600!

Sweet! I'm stoked now.

PhyrraM · Post by **PhyrraM** » Tue Jun 09, 2009 4:07 pm

Grats! He should be able to throw the diff on the same pallet as the engine, no problem.

If the diff turns out to be a different ratio, I'm sure you can find a straight swap for a proper one.

Matt Monson · Post by **Matt Monson** » Tue Jun 09, 2009 4:28 pm

That diff should be a 4.11. It's probably from the swap you won.

kimokalihi · Post by **kimokalihi** » Tue Jun 09, 2009 10:05 pm

Alrighty, they emailed me back saying it was indeed a manual and they forgot to change it on the auction. Which actually probably saved me a lot of money!

Grand Total came to $1,289 shipped for engine/tranny and rear LSD, all 4 driveshafts, ECU, Harness, intake and crossmember.

Just paid for it and it should ship out tomorrow. Hopefully in a week I'll have my stuff. Hopefully I will be able to install it all...lol

PhyrraM · Post by **PhyrraM** » Wed Jun 10, 2009 1:44 am

Not bad. Most swaps like that go for that much and more before shipping.

I'm not sure what EJ20K harnesses/ECUs are going for, but that should get you some money back. Also selling your original 3.9:1 LSD and trans should net you a few bucks.

Are you going to start with the stock SS ECU/MAF/440cc grey injectors? That's a combo that has been known to work well. Once it's running good, you'll most likely want to upgrade the turbo, it's the only real "weak" point of the Forester conversion. Then get the Revtronics EJ20G or stage 2+ chip and you'll be styling.

And don't worry about installation. Aside from swapping the airbox and placing your SS motor harness on the new motor, it's the exact same as putting factory stuff back in there. Even the trans is basically identical on the outside and you can use your clutch/flywheel if it's better than what is on there.

kimokalihi · Post by **kimokalihi** » Wed Jun 10, 2009 2:31 am

Which turbo does this motor have? I've got an almost new 2,000 mile TD04 in perfect condition waiting to go on.

I've got a brand new exedy clutch for a 91 turbo and Clutchmasters WRX lightweight flywheel with brand new insert where the clutch grabs. I've also got the Group A lighweight pulley set. And in the mail is my simply subie fender braces! Yay.

I just ordered my 20mm rear whiteline swaybar and I've got a 20mm wrx wagon front bar already. Along with the STI suspension, I should be taking corners on rails I hope.

Pretty sure I'll be selling the VLSD from my car along with the tranny. I shouldn't need the ECU or wiring harness so I'll sell that too.

I should replace the timing belt while it's out, right? Check the cams seals and main seals.

PhyrraM · Post by **PhyrraM** » Wed Jun 10, 2009 2:59 am

I'm not sure, but I recall reading that the Foresters had a turbo slightly smaller than a normal TD04. That might have been for the autos though, not sure. I'm sure Matt will have more to add about Forester turbos.

A WRX TD04 will drop right in.

Make sure you take lots of pics. I'll add a EJ20K "under the manifold" section to the DOHC swap thread.

kimokalihi · Post by **kimokalihi** » Wed Jun 10, 2009 3:04 am

I'll take plenty of pictures. I have a Canon PowerShot now so I take pictures all the time now. It was a bitch borrowing my parents camera all the time or using my cell phone.

I love my powershot. Maybe I'll even start a....a build thread! Never had one of those before.

Matt Monson · Post by **Matt Monson** » Wed Jun 10, 2009 4:26 pm

It's a td04, but it's better trimmed than a USDM td04. Mine put out 240chp at 12psi. on my old swap. I wouldn't change it unless you are putting one of the vf series turbos on there instead (vf30, vf34, etc).

kimokalihi · Post by **kimokalihi** » Wed Jun 10, 2009 9:05 pm

Alright. Thanks matt.

kimokalihi · Post by **kimokalihi** » Fri Jun 19, 2009 12:02 pm

Conway shipping had my engine for a week but finally delivered it yesterday. Snapped some quick shots. I didn't get to do anything with it because I was busy stripping the EJ22T down completely.

I didn't see any shipping damages. I did notice they cut the power steering lines. Will the 91SS power steering lines work with this engine? I hate how they cut all the hoses instead of simply removing them. Makes it a pain in the ass and all that stuff adds up to a lot of extra cash spent.

Overall it looks pretty good.

kimokalihi · Post by **kimokalihi** » Fri Jun 19, 2009 12:08 pm

How do you know if that's a limited slip differential? Doesn't say anything on it. Doesn't have the label like the one that came on my car. How are you supposed to know what gear ratio it is?

PhyrraM · Post by **PhyrraM** » Fri Jun 19, 2009 5:50 pm

Looks good.

I used my EJ22T power steering lines (and pump) on my EJ20G, but those look a bit different. Worse case, you might have to get a hose place to join the EJ20K engine lines with the Legacy steering rack lines using new rubber in the middle. Shouldn't cost much and for the right place is easier than it sounds.

Nice forklift!

Post by **Legacy777** » Fri Jun 19, 2009 5:50 pm

The newer diffs have a code on the side of the diff that should help identify it.

asc_up · Post by **asc_up** » Fri Jun 19, 2009 10:29 pm

Wait, so exactly what is this motor?

Looks like fun!

kimokalihi · Post by **kimokalihi** » Fri Jun 19, 2009 10:46 pm

It's a 97 EJ20G from a JDM forester. The accessory belts look to be in good shape, should I bother putting the new timing belt on? Probably.

asc_up · Post by **asc_up** » Fri Jun 19, 2009 10:58 pm

Oh wow. I suppose I could have read the title before asking. Don't hesitate to hit me up for help! I've done the same swap on a friends car before.

PhyrraM · Post by **PhyrraM** » Fri Jun 19, 2009 11:17 pm

kimokalihi wrote:....... should I bother putting the new timing belt on? .....

Did you seriously just ask that question?

Consider it insurance on your $1200.

Keep the pics coming, I'm watching this one closely also. Post up any problems, I'm sure there is enough knowledge on the board to solve just about anything.

kimokalihi · Post by **kimokalihi** » Sat Jun 20, 2009 2:29 am

asc_up wrote:Oh wow. I suppose I could have read the title before asking. Don't hesitate to hit me up for help! I've done the same swap on a friends car before.

'

I may do that if I have a snag. Thanks!

asc_up · Post by **asc_up** » Sat Jun 20, 2009 5:46 am

Haha ok. And I meant if you needed manual help, like someone to position the engine as you lowered it or whatever. The BBS is ALWAYS the best place to go for info

kimokalihi · Post by **kimokalihi** » Sat Jun 20, 2009 11:25 am

My step dad can always help me if I need help moving the engine around.

I may need someone who knows these engines in case I can't figure out how to do something.

Can I drop the engine in with the tranny attached or do I need to do them seperately?

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97 EJ20G Will this work in my 91 SS?