[INDEX]
[Build Begins - 27FEB2019]
February 27, 2019. I purchased my MY98 SF6. $600. Runs, drives, not very pretty but gets the job done.
![522258]()
Shortly after, I swapped out the crappy $6.82 aftermarket stereo for a nice factory unit from an MY08 (PF-2851B-A). Sure, it doesn't really fit in the bezel but a little help from a dremel and you don't notice it.
![522259]()
Fast forward to summer (July 26, 2019). I get a good deal on some XV wheels. They looks really good on the SF. I'm excited.
![522260]()
Less than a week after picking up these wheels, an MY02 pops up for sale. $500. "Needs work". Ok. I'm mechanically minded. I can fix it. I mean, look at it!
![522262]()
Except...
Rod knock.
Ok. Maybe I can find a cheap motor. Or even swap the one from the red one. They're both EJ25 right?
Nope. EJ25D is phase 1 and EJ251 is phase 2. Sure, it's possible to swap them but you would need to swap engine, trans, wiring, and a whole slew of other things. So I'm left with finding a new bottom end and potentially case halves ($1000 easily) or a used motor. I figure an engine can't be much more than $300. After all, it's a Subaru!
$850 later, I've put my deposit on a used engine. That was this morning (August 2, 2019). They've said it will be a week before it's available for pick up (and won't allow me to pull it myself) so I decided to go ahead and pull the engine out of mine. I followed a video series (below) which shows a third generation Legacy/Outback sedan. The bits are all the same, except I found two more bolts that hold the trans cooling lines to the underside of the engine. Didn't find these until I had the engine in the air. Fair warning to anyone else planning to pull one. They're on the bottom of the head on the driver's side. 10mm.
Video series:
![522263]()
![522264]()
![522265]()
Removal was actually very easy. 4/10. Anyone who has some mechanical skill should be comfortable doing this. Most difficult bits were the bellhousing bolts behind the front axles and the removal of the starter from above. The whole process took roughly 4-5 from start to finish. Mind you, this was my first engine removal and I'm including down time for drinks and rechecking the videos mentioned above to be sure I had everything right so far.
While I've got some down time I plan to thoroughly clean the engine bay. This includes pulling all brackets off, cleaning the rust off if possible and then painting them. I'll also be rebuilding my alternator and cleaning the new engine thoroughly. Also on the list is to do a light polish and wax job on the car.
Stay tuned for more!
[Build Begins - 27FEB2019]
February 27, 2019. I purchased my MY98 SF6. $600. Runs, drives, not very pretty but gets the job done.
Shortly after, I swapped out the crappy $6.82 aftermarket stereo for a nice factory unit from an MY08 (PF-2851B-A). Sure, it doesn't really fit in the bezel but a little help from a dremel and you don't notice it.
Fast forward to summer (July 26, 2019). I get a good deal on some XV wheels. They looks really good on the SF. I'm excited.
Less than a week after picking up these wheels, an MY02 pops up for sale. $500. "Needs work". Ok. I'm mechanically minded. I can fix it. I mean, look at it!
Except...
Rod knock.
Ok. Maybe I can find a cheap motor. Or even swap the one from the red one. They're both EJ25 right?
Nope. EJ25D is phase 1 and EJ251 is phase 2. Sure, it's possible to swap them but you would need to swap engine, trans, wiring, and a whole slew of other things. So I'm left with finding a new bottom end and potentially case halves ($1000 easily) or a used motor. I figure an engine can't be much more than $300. After all, it's a Subaru!
$850 later, I've put my deposit on a used engine. That was this morning (August 2, 2019). They've said it will be a week before it's available for pick up (and won't allow me to pull it myself) so I decided to go ahead and pull the engine out of mine. I followed a video series (below) which shows a third generation Legacy/Outback sedan. The bits are all the same, except I found two more bolts that hold the trans cooling lines to the underside of the engine. Didn't find these until I had the engine in the air. Fair warning to anyone else planning to pull one. They're on the bottom of the head on the driver's side. 10mm.
Video series:
Removal was actually very easy. 4/10. Anyone who has some mechanical skill should be comfortable doing this. Most difficult bits were the bellhousing bolts behind the front axles and the removal of the starter from above. The whole process took roughly 4-5 from start to finish. Mind you, this was my first engine removal and I'm including down time for drinks and rechecking the videos mentioned above to be sure I had everything right so far.
While I've got some down time I plan to thoroughly clean the engine bay. This includes pulling all brackets off, cleaning the rust off if possible and then painting them. I'll also be rebuilding my alternator and cleaning the new engine thoroughly. Also on the list is to do a light polish and wax job on the car.
Stay tuned for more!
