Got the bad news yesterday that a main bearing or something on the crank internally is causing a slight knock. I am now trying to figure out my options. I can buy a used EJ25 engine with 18k miles for $1600. Should I do that or is there a better or more cost-effective solution. I did a search but it appears that most people are swapping EJ25 for EJ20 or STI setups. Any ideas for me?

dude, come down to nyc, i'll sell you my ej25 (runs perfectly) for 1100. 52k on the clock. I'll even help you install it! I swapped it out 9 days ago, so it hasn't even been collecting dirt or anything.

you even have an '02 obs! it'll be plug and play! bet we can do it in under 10 hrs.

dude, I may just do that! What did you swap? What type of stuff would I want to have (belts, accessories, etc?)

well, it has an underdrive pulley on it right now, which you may want to swap off, but the engine is complete. I swapped in a built ej25 (cams and such).

since it's '02 obs -> '02 obs, you shouldn't need anythign except an oil filter, oil and coolant. any hoses or connections can come right off your car. I'm defintiely willing to help you out since it would mean i don't have to crate up and ship my engine to some buyer.

My buddy kyle (cirruswrx), and roomate mark(blitzoid) would probably throw a hand in too. we could probably swap with you real quick. $50 or so per person for the help would probably ensure it. I'll talk to the shop where the engine is at at and see what it'll take($$) to let us use the space. If not, I have another freind in the area with a garage we could probably use.

btw, this would make my day since i am moving in a month and need to sell this engine before i go.

$1100 is kinda high if I can get one with less than 20k for only $500 more. I don't mind doin the swap as it wouldn't be my first - just the first time with a subie. Does it come with any spares like alternator, ac unit, ecu, etc?

if all you need is the longblock, i could go lower.
it's a complete engine with ac/ pwr steering/ alternator
i have the ecu and wiring harness as well.
stock flywheel with about 15k on it (got replaced for clutch judder bulletin at 36k)
it's the one out of my daily driver, not the wreck.
half the miles are pure highway. 3 times back and forth across the country and 90 mile/day commute for the last 8 months.

It sounds like all the original poster needs is a shortblock. I've seen plenty of Phase II SBs sell in the classifieds for anywhere from $300-$500. FWIW...

that's if he wants to rebuild the block - add 150 for a new headgasket and headbolts, and assuming he can do the rebuild.

if you don't need the ecu or wiring harness, i'd be willing to do like 950.
lemme know.

If all you need is the shortblock, you can get one brand new from the dealer for about $1350.

ok, here comes my evident lack of knowledge - what is the difference between short block and long block? The problem with my existing engine is that it has a knock behind/below the crank. The tech that listened with an electronic stethoscope (non-subaru tech) stated that it could be a bad main bearing or something in that vicinity. Does this give me any options?

the shortblock contains the crank and pistons and cylinders. the heads bolt onto each side of the shortblock. they contain the intake and exhaust valves, sparkplugs and camshafts. longblock is basically a mechanically complete engine. the shortblock is just the part described above.

you could get away with just a new shortblock. but unless you know someone to rebuild the engine for you, it will cost you more than buying a used longblock to put back together.

a good option is to buy a longblock for ease of swap, and then sell your old heads for 200-300+ and intake manifold ~100 to offset the cost.

there are a number of things that can come up with a rebuild...like the stuff i mentioned above.

gotcha - that clears up my confusion. I will have to discuss this with the guy I would be working with. He may very well be willing to give it a try with just the short block - I will have to ask him before i have an answer for you. Thanks for all your insight, I hope I can take advantage of this! I am actually kind of excited to do this. What things should I do to the engine during the swap while it is still out of the car? Any cheap performance mods that might be worthwhile if I have it pulled?

affordable? send the cams to Delta to get reground....lot of hp waiting for you there for only about 100 a cam i think(you have 2).
twe, through rallitek will do em too, but it's like 500 from them.

if you wanna spend a little more, get a port'n polish and valvejob on the heads...but that'll run you like 1k