Subaru Liberty and Subaru RX Impreza Engine and transmission swap and compatability

Tiny
BOA69
  • MEMBER
  • 1999 SUBARU LIBERTY
  • 2.0L
  • 4 CYL
  • AWD
  • MANUAL
  • 260,000 MILES
I want to swap the engine and gearbox in my Subaru Liberty Wagon 1999 AWD 2.0L, BH Series, EJ20 engine, 5speed manual gearbox, and I'm wanting to install the engine and gearbox setup out of a Subaru RX Impreza Wagon 1998 2WD 2.0L, GC Series, EJ20 engine, 5speed manual gearbox. Are there any modifications I need to do? Do I need to transfer computers and wiring looms as well? Are driveshafts and axles compatible? Any information on this procedure would be greatly appreciated.
Wednesday, August 26th, 2015 AT 8:28 AM

7 Replies

Tiny
RIVERMIKERAT
  • MECHANIC
  • 6,110 POSTS
I doubt you'll need to do much in the way of modifications. Yes, you'll probably need to swap out the harnesses and modules. Unfortunately, I'm not seeing a Subaru Liberty in our reference and the Impreza I see has either a 2.2 or a 2.5 engine. I'm presuming neither is a US model. Driveshafts and axles should be compatible.
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Wednesday, August 26th, 2015 AT 4:14 PM
Tiny
BOA69
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Thanks for your reply Rivermikerat, both engines are Australian models( I'm in Australia anyways) how do I confirm what size engine it is 2.0L-2.2L-2.5L?
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Wednesday, August 26th, 2015 AT 4:27 PM
Tiny
RIVERMIKERAT
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My pleasure mate. IF it's the stock engine, there should be a sticker on the fan shroud. On US cars, that information should also be on the door decal. Also as long as you're dealing with stock engines, you should be able to input the VIN (vehicle code) into a search engine (or at your Subaru dealer) and get all the specifics about the engine.
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Wednesday, August 26th, 2015 AT 4:35 PM
Tiny
BOA69
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I just found out that the RX Impreza motor isn't the original it's been replaced. Can u tell me if/where I can find the engine ID number so I can be certain? I know it's definitely a EJ20 RX Impreza engine. I just got worried when I tried to swap the inlet manifolds over so I could use the best one but the RX Impreza's manifold has a smaller inner dimension and bolt holes are totally different. I'm guna try swapping over the Alternator + Power Steering Pully today and we see if they'll fit, they look very similar. Also is the ECU computer located up behind the glovebox? I do need to swap this as well because the connection plugs are different, the RX has 1x14 pin plug + 1x8pin plug + 1x6pin plug, while the Liberty has 2x14 pin plugs, do you know if there's an adaptor I can buy to save me changing to wiring harnesses that way I can just swap the ECU's. Also is it guna be to much of a mission to put engine and gearbox in while still bolted together? It was fairly easy to remove this way by lifting from the very front of engine, but as all mechanics know- things never go back together as easy as they come apart. Your feedback is very much appreciated.
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Wednesday, August 26th, 2015 AT 7:51 PM
Tiny
RIVERMIKERAT
  • MECHANIC
  • 6,110 POSTS
The Liberty appears to be sold in the US as the Legacy, so I'm going to cross my fingers and send you what we've got. The first image is of the two ECU connectors for the Legacy.

This link is what I use to decode engine and VIN codes:
http://www.vindecoderz.com/EN/Subaru

The second attached image shows the control module location for the Legacy.

I'm seeing a number of links in Google about harness conversion kits. I just can't comment on how good they are.

I've never done a Subaru engine swap, but I can't think of anyone I know that installs them separately.
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Thursday, August 27th, 2015 AT 6:43 AM
Tiny
BOA69
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I just found the engine number on the Subaru RX Impreza engine can someone please convert it and tell me what year-series-model. The number is 9M-TY752VRCAB and it also has this number on it as well 928418928143 and its definitely a EJ20. Rivermikerat could you please send me some more of those information instruction pages u sent me previously, or which site can I go to to view them myself? I'm really in need of some info on how much of the wiring loom and harness needs to be swapped and wat parts of the dash needs removing to complete this process. Mikeriverrat you have been a tremendous help to me with this project so I take this time now to thank you again for your help
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Friday, August 28th, 2015 AT 11:07 PM
Tiny
RIVERMIKERAT
  • MECHANIC
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My pleasure mate.

Here's what I've been able to find so far.

http://www.cars101.com/subaru/vin.html

http://www.subyclub.com/topic/3500-subaru-model-engine-codes-explained/

http://legacygt.com/forums/showthread.php/engine-serial-number-192159.html?s=0fe62b3f6ea9ec56da9f1661f60c4e1b&t=192159

http://www.dunebuggyarchives.com/forum/topic_show.pl?tid=1011

Like the guy in the Dune Buggy Archives, I would contact your local Subaru dealer, or the company itself.
http://www.subaru.com.au/contact-us
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Saturday, August 29th, 2015 AT 3:13 PM

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