legacycentral bbs

So here’s an odd question! I have my old 1993 Legacy AWD 5mt, love it, just finished pulling the engine out today to address some severe oil leaks and do the timing belt. Now, I randomly stumbled across a 2005 Legacy GT shell for very cheap, the only thing it needs is an engine and transmission... which I’ve just pulled out of mine.

I know Subies share a lot of parts, but how feasible is it to drop a drivetrain into a car that’s 12 years newer? I’d like to have a newer, cleaner body with more suspension options if it’s doable. The struts are shot on mine, along with all the bushings, and finding those parts is difficult now.

Thoughts?

You're going to likely run into issues with the ECU and other various electronics and emissions systems meant for the 05 cars. Some of those things just didn't exist in the older cars and retrofitting is likely going to be challenging.

Yeah, I ended up passing on the 05. After doing a bunch of research, I figured getting the old engine to communicate with OBD II would be too much of a headache. Let alone all the extra emissions stuff.

Good news is, I’ve got my seals, timing belt, and clutch kit! I’m starting on the engine today, cleaning it up really good before I start taking it apart.