'97 engine swap

[Markl]

Hello all, and thanks in advance for any help!

My son has 1997 Outback Sport, manual. The EJ22 engine failed. He has a 2001 Forester EJ25 in good shape. We're aware of the difference in bell housing bolts and the exhaust port difference. Is this still a possible swap? There's no visible damage to the 22, not window-paned, timing belt is tight, timing marks still aligned, but won't rotate.

We're kinda poor, and really like the old thing - what to do?

 

[bmart]

If you love a car and it isn't falling apart/rusting...fix it and keep loving it.

 

[Rattlenbang]

Not sure why you'd trash a newer model to keep the older on the road. Have you checked around for someone parting one out cheap? I've seen entire cars that vintage going for $500. Do you know why it won't turn? Run out of oil?

 

[bmart]

Hands down, 2009 and older Legacy/Outback models are far superior. I'll inherit a perfect low model newer model in the future, and plan to sell it right from my parents driveway. No thanks. Keeping my army of old ones. Markl is on the money.