TheSamba.com :: View topic - Will a 2011 Subaru 2.5 block work with older wiring?

Tue Feb 18, 2014 8:47 am

Hey Guys,
I've done a number of Subaru Vanagon conversions and have always been lucky enough to find complete donor cars. Lately they've all been 2000-2004 subaru 2.5 setups. But I've got a situation where I've got a 2011 2.5 engine, and I'm wondering if I can use this long block with the intake and FI system, ecu and wiring from a 2000-2004 OBDII car that I'm more familiar with? I know there is VVT on the newer motor that could not be used. Thanks for the help, just not too familiar with the newer drive by wire stuff.

Joel

Tue Feb 18, 2014 9:08 am

Hi Joel,

Those late model VVT EJ25s are used quite often for conversions, but the typical solution is to use the wiring and ecu from a previous generation Forester or Impreza. These cars both had the proper ecu that is compatible with the VVT system and throttle by wire, but they were still non-canbus cars, so the wiring was still reasonable.

I don't know that I've ever seen the early Phase II ecu and wiring used on a VVT EJ25, but it seems like it would work as long as you used the intake manifold assembly from the non-VVT engine. The main questions are whether or not the crankshaft and camshaft position sensors from the non-vvt engine could be mounted in the late block, and whether the VVT phase adjuster remains passive and in zero position if not hooked up.

I think Ben would have the answers to those three questions.

Dave

Tue Feb 18, 2014 9:09 am

You should give small car performance a call and talk to a fella name mao. He is very helpful and I remember a similar scenario at a shop I worked at. They proved to be very knowledgable

Tue Feb 18, 2014 9:54 am

Hands down Benny is the 2.5 Master :!:

Tue Feb 18, 2014 11:45 am

If I remember right Ben likes to use the 2007 Harness on the newer motors.

Jeff