legacycentral bbs

Hello. I am new to this forum and am needing some advice on an engine swap in my 99 legacy outback limited. It has a 2.5L engine, and was recently diagnosed with a thrown rod. Basically I need a new engine. I have a couple of options and would like some advice before I pull the trigger. My first option is to get a used engine from a salvage yard. It has 140k on it and compression between 195 and 205 psi. They are asking $1000 in addition to the other motor. Another option is a JDM engine from ebay in California. It has between 40 and 60k on it. Don't know the compression on this motor. They are asking $1100 plus shipping. This includes a 6 month warranty. Any thoughts/recommendations? Other places to look? Thanks in advance!

Either one should be an acceptable choice. I would do the head gaskets and timing components on either for safety.

Another option might be to rebuild your current shortblock. I just did the exact same thingand a rebuild with a good crank, new rod and new pistons was $1500. My engine guy is expensive, but good. I will need to add about $400 for gaskets and timing components.

Welcome to the BBS.

As PhyrraM mentioned, either option would work. I'd probably go with the local one since you can physically put your hands on things.

Thanks for the quick response.

At the moment, I am leaning more toward the JDM motor. An extra $ 2-3 hundred for half the miles and a 6 month warranty. Anybody have experience with buying engines off ebay? Good experience? Are there lots of scams out there?

Thanks again...

I've bought two motors from ebay and both times went great. I like ebay because they guarentee your money if anything happens. They are pretty strict on sellers doing things right. Do your research though on the seller, look at their track record, and previous buyer comments. Also, some don't do returns or warrantys, so check on that.

Hi,
I didn't see it mentioned, so here it is: Put in a '95 EJ22 out of an Auto car. It's 99% plug-n-play and I did this a year or 2 ago.

This swap is covered extensively on the USMB site.

It'll cost a lot less and is mechanically a more reliabe engine. The '95 has the dual port heads and EGR (on the Auto) that you'll need. Reuse the flex plate from the 2.5. Re-route a couple of vac lines. It runs off your existing ECU, too.

Yes, you'll give up some HP/torque, but unless you live in the mtns/haul/tow it's not a big deal..but it is noticeable.

And if you live in the Pacific NW, I have one for sale.

GL,
Td