Question for Subaru guys
 

Calling all subaru guys (18psi?)

Are all subaru 4cyl. bellhousing bolt patterns the same? What about bellhousing to motor mount geometry/location? I have what supposedly is a '96 2.5 twin cam/dual exhaust port engine (standard outback) here that I want to use as a mockup for a project of mine. But the ultimate engine being used will probably be a 2.0 out of a early 2000's WRX or maybe a newer 2.5, but there's a chance I will only be able to afford an older single cam 2.2 when the time comes. Did subaru change 4 cylinder bellhousings and/or motor mount locations at any time in recent history? Back when I had my old wagon I read if you wanted to install a newer turbo engine you also "had" to change the trans...not sure if this was due to a bellhousing issue or strength, etc. Thanks xoxo.

I realize a subaru forum might seem like a better place but MT.net has always answered oddball questions like this.

I don't have any hard facts but my understanding is that the transmissions did change slightly from the older 2.5 to when they started using the ej20t (2002-ish perhaps?). I do not believe the newer 2.5s and the older 2.5 has the same trans mount setup.

eh. that's not what I was hoping to hear haha.

I think you're good.

There are plenty of folks with GM6s/GC6s ('98-'01 2.5RS coupe/sedan) that have WRX engine (EJ205/EJ255) swaps that use the stock RS trans. Additionally, I know others use RS (EJ251) engines with Outback Sport transmissions.

Long story short: Interchangeability with Subarus is similar to OG Hondas.

All relevant Subaru 5-speeds used the same trans mount configuration.

I know my way around the newer subaru's (basically 02+) and have limited first hand experience with the older ones.

As far as I know all the bellhousings are the same

Thanks guys for the responses. This '96 is a Phase 1? block as opposed to the phase 2 which was...later. This one has 4 bolts that attach it to the trans, the phase 2 went up to 7 or so, and shares the original 4 holes with the phase 1. Or so I have read on a few VW swap sites.

I felt weird hosing off an engine with no valve covers or intake, flushing out the acorns out of the intake valve ports, etc.