Older (non-RS) Impreza swaps?

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02-08-2003, 08:05 PM

Mr. Thorsen

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Older (non-RS) Impreza swaps?

I tried sifting through some searches here on i-Club and on Google, but didn't have much luck. I have recently been considering a mid-'90s Impreza wagon as a daily beater/backup for my fun car. It seems to have almost all the features I'm looking for: enough space for four people and their gear, AWD, and car-like handling. The one thing it has that I don't think I could handle is a 110bhp 1.8L NA motor.

So, I started wondering about basic motor swaps that wouldn't break the bank. I'm not looking for forced induction due to the electronic and fuel complications; I'll save that for the project car.

What I am wondering about is the 2.5L from the later RS or one of the beefier Legacy motors. If anyone has any info to share, or can point me toward some informative resources, I'd appreciate it.

Thanks.

02-08-2003, 08:26 PM

Kevin M

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Keep searching here and on NASIOC.com, Mr. Thorsen. There are soon to be quite a few EJ25s lying around after WRX/STi swaps. Or, a cheaper and possibly simpler route would be to find an OBS with the 2.2 liter. It had 140 hp, and almost everything that fits a 2.5 will work for it too. Or, you can find a 2.2 almost anywhere dirt cheap for swap into an older impreza or OBS with 1.8 liter. Either way, I agree that it is a perfect beater! If I hadn't lucked into my 280ZX, I would be on exactly the same hunt as you. Good luck!

02-09-2003, 06:38 PM

RSEnigma

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check http://www.i-speedusa.com/home/ never dealt with them but from the looks of it they know wut they're doing and it never hurts to ask. also as an engine to look for as an option is the forester's 2.5 (i think its the same as the rs...)

02-09-2003, 07:27 PM

Mr. Thorsen

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Thanks for the responses. I have a few different ideas for motors; the questions are mostly about what would line up with the motor mounts and the rest of the drivetrain.

02-10-2003, 01:22 AM

Kevin M

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I believe the mount points and transmission hardpoints are universal, but like above, Bill at i-Speed can tell you. He's Skywalker here on i-club.

02-11-2003, 03:41 PM

2.2RS

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Man, it seems to me (my memory ain't what it sued to be) that the EJ22 and up will bolt to the trans, but the trans and clutch aren't as strong.
If I were to do it, I'd buy the whole package. There are lots of 2.2 Legacys out there for cheap, just get a 5spd and there ya go, electronics and all.
The 1.8 is a dog motor. You're right, you won't be happy with it.

2.5 is the same in the Forester as the RS, but you will pay a premium for the extra 25 or so HP.
Or, save yourself a lot of grief and spend a little money to get a 2.2 wagon. Most 1.8's are fwd (around here anyway).

02-11-2003, 10:23 PM

Kostamojen

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The problem with doing the tranny is well is that you have to convert everything to hydrolic. I say just stick with the stock tranny and toss in the engine... If the tranny explodes some day, THEN do the swap.

Oh, and the STI tranny mount WILL NOT bolt up with the EJ18 tranny mount, as the mount and braces are different. (The EJ18 tranny has one brace as opposed to 3 for the newer cars)
The Motor mounts on the other hand fit just fine.

02-12-2003, 06:25 AM

N/A

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Just get an entire front clip from Japan from another WRX wagon (GF body) and get the needed rear diff and axles. Then swap everything over. If your going to do it at least make it worth your time and effort.

02-12-2003, 07:45 PM

Kevin M

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Quote:

Originally posted by N/A
Just get an entire front clip from Japan from another WRX wagon (GF body) and get the needed rear diff and axles. Then swap everything over. If your going to do it at least make it worth your time and effort.

That would of course produce a superior car, but would require a superior budget as well. Pretty much any Impreza swap will have relatively equal bang-for-the-buck ratio, considering the price differences between a 2.2, an EJ25, and an EJ20T.