Legacy Engine transplant

[Chelle]

Hi folks. I have a 2litre, non turbo 92 Brighton SW (EJ20) which just
overheated, siezed and died without warning. A friend has donated a
complete EJ20 2 litre motor but it is a quad-cam. Thought of just
using my inlet manifold and coil packs as I am not sure what goes
where otherwise. Also donor motor is manual and mine is auto, I am
hoping the flex plate will fit the quad-cam motor.
So.....was wondering if anyone has done this before or should I look
for one the same as mine?.
Thanks,
Michelle

 

[StephenH]

Hi folks. I have a 2litre, non turbo 92 Brighton SW (EJ20) which just
overheated, siezed and died without warning. A friend has donated a
complete EJ20 2 litre motor but it is a quad-cam. Thought of just
using my inlet manifold and coil packs as I am not sure what goes
where otherwise. Also donor motor is manual and mine is auto, I am
hoping the flex plate will fit the quad-cam motor.
So.....was wondering if anyone has done this before or should I look
for one the same as mine?.
Thanks,
Michelle

tough call, and on a friday night also so i can't ask the other techs.
the ecu is set for the single cam, and I think that may be the
downfall. I would look for a single cam motor myself.

 

[johninky]

I would be surprised if it did. This engine doesn't use a
distributor. Instead uses "timing sensors" located on the camshafts
and crankshaft. I guess you could check at the dealer to learn if
these sensors on the original engine are the same used on the quad-cam
engine but my guess is they aren't. Also guessing the exhaust system
is also different.

 

[johninky]

Forgot to mention you mat want to also replace the radiator. It may
have been the source of your problem.

 

[S]

Hi Michelle!

Hi folks. I have a 2litre, non turbo 92 Brighton SW (EJ20) which just
overheated, siezed and died without warning. A friend has donated a
complete EJ20 2 litre motor but it is a quad-cam. Thought of just
using my inlet manifold and coil packs as I am not sure what goes
where otherwise. Also donor motor is manual and mine is auto, I am
hoping the flex plate will fit the quad-cam motor.
So.....was wondering if anyone has done this before or should I look
for one the same as mine?.

I think, in addition to what others have said, that the transmission
bell housing is a little bit different between the older SOHC EJ20 and
the newer DOHC version; one has a stud where the starter mounts, while
the other has a bolt. There is a work around, but it isn't trivial,
and considering everything else that you are going to need to make the
swap work (ECU, exhaust, air intake plastic, ???), I'd hesitate to
recommend the job unless you just like a challenge. If your donated
engine has a car attached which could supply bits and pieces as needed
it would simplify things a bunch. We grafted an EJ22 into a newer
Outback a couple years ago to replace a dead DOHC EJ25. We had the
inventory of a complete Subaru salvage yard to work with, and it was
still a pain getting everything sorted out.
FWIW, I'm pretty sure the EJ22 (a proven robust power plant) will drop
right in in place of your EJ20, but for absolute guarantee of a
trouble-free swap, your best bet will be to find another SOHC EJ20.

ByeBye! S.


Steve Jernigan KG0MB
Laboratory Manager
Microelectronics Research
University of Colorado
(719) 262-3101

 

[1 Lucky Texan]

Hi folks. I have a 2litre, non turbo 92 Brighton SW (EJ20) which just
overheated, siezed and died without warning. A friend has donated a
complete EJ20 2 litre motor but it is a quad-cam. Thought of just
using my inlet manifold and coil packs as I am not sure what goes
where otherwise. Also donor motor is manual and mine is auto, I am
hoping the flex plate will fit the quad-cam motor.
So.....was wondering if anyone has done this before or should I look
for one the same as mine?.
Thanks,
Michelle

At the Forum www.ultimatesubaru.org there is a section devoted to
transplants that may be helpful. I think there may be one at NASIOC as
well. not sure - www.nasioc.com