Were there any significant changes btw the 01-04 2.5 SOHC motors? My 01 needs some TLC, and I just got a good price offer for an 04 (think) 2.5. If I can grab the low mileage 04 motor for cheap enough, no reason to R&R the 130k mile current motor. Anyway, I searched a little, but couldn't find any info on actual changes. I am thinking that if I have the ECU I should be allright. Anyone else?

if all the sensors are the same between the engines, they should swap fine(i.e. MAP sen. and MAP sen.) use either ECU as long as its a sohc ecu on a sohc engine your ok.

--keith

Thats what I am thinking... Either way, the basics should bolt right up from what I have read.

if all the sensors are the same between the engines, they should swap fine(i.e. MAP sen. and MAP sen.) use either ECU as long as its a sohc ecu on a sohc engine your ok.

--keith
An '01 should be MAP and an '04 should be MAF, but it doesn't matter. Everything below the intake manifold gasket is identical in terms of fit / compatibility. Just swap the intake manifold and all the parts mounted to it and you're set.

I have read that the '03 and up EJ25 is not as strong as the '00~'02 unit, but unless you're planning to turbo it or use nitrous you won't notice. OTOH it will probably have better head gaskets.

Ok, thanks for the info. I am not planning on any forced induction right now, just want to put something in, drive it for another 150k miles, and then buy the next COOL STI that they come out with. Also, Some people say the head gasket was good for 2004, some say that the bad one extends through 2004, anyone know the real truth about it? I figure I don't want to drop another engine with that scheissig head gasket in there, only to have to pull it out again later. Thanks

So just buy the motor and replace it before putting it in your car, and do the seals and timing belt too while your at it.