I am the proud owner of a 06 outback xt because my 2001 forester's engine threw a rod. My mechanic wants me to get it off his property. I have a lot of fond memories wrapped up in the forester and I feel bad just sending it to the scrap yard. BUT, I can't just sell it because the bank will not release the title because of some bankruptcy non-sense from a few years ago. I have limited mechanical experience. I can do a brake job and a few other things. Should I try to replace the engine myself? If I can get the car running for $800 or less that would great. Otherwise I'm looking at selling it as a parts car or junking it which I'm not too excited about. Thanks!
Depends on a lot... How many miles does it have on it? What condition is it in? I think you will have a hard time getting it running again for $800 unless you cut a lot of corners.
This is just my opinion, but the 2001 foresters used a phase 2 EJ251 (SOHC). The reality is if you could find another one from 2.5RS, Forester, Legacy, Outback of the same Subaru era... it would be a quick swap. Quick being a long weekend or two that has no mechanical experience. It REALLY depends on how bad you want the car still. Upullrparts you could go and see how bad it is to pull one for $2 (the cost in the yard). They have ****ty engine hoists you can use, you walk in and find a subaru of that era and spend an afternoon with your tools getting the engine out. An engine there costs $256 out the door, they also have a few models that match this criteria. Change the oil and do a tuneup on the motor and pray that it works and that's why it's not in the junk yard. IMO it sounds like a fun adventure, but I'm crazy. Worst case scenario is you go in there, you realize you're in over your head and you're out $2 and some time. America.
I like fun adventures! But i dont know how to quit. It would be bad to go in, put a bad engine, and lose 40 hours in the process. Hmmmm.
in all likelihood, any engine you buy used is going to need some work (head gaskets, timing belt, valve adjustment). If your lucky nothing is seriously wrong with it. Also if you are replacing the engine and its a manual, you might as well put a clutch in. If the fozz needs other work, it might not be worth the effort.
The Legacy motor that went into the Forester swap I was involved with we used the intake and timing belt covers from the Forester on the Legacy engine. Made hooking up the harness easier. There was something with a knock sensor too. It was phase 2 EJ251.
This is a jdm ej20 and likely won't be a direct swap. I'd buy from a local junk yard that will warranty the engine.
