95L engine swap from 1.8 to 2.2 or 2.5 questions

mcu81 · 07-29-2002, 09:58 PM

I have a 95 L 1.8 and the motor is slow, i wanna upgrade to a 2.2 or 2.5. I have heard the 2.2 will run off the original ecu. is this true? and can i drop in a phase 2 2.2 on the stock ecu? thanks all

-mikey

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mcu81 · 07-30-2002, 10:03 AM

no 1?

Darby · 07-30-2002, 10:38 AM

i'm not sure about the whole ecu thing, but i'd go for the 2.5, 2.0T or STi but you're gonna have to do tranny work as well. I've got a 2.2, it is more powerful than the 1.8 but it does feel like it's lacking sometimes.just my opinion. 2.5's are easier to find aftermarket parts for too.

RaceCarRiot · 07-30-2002, 12:13 PM

bobjr94's site -- www.fakewrx.com -- has fairly simple directions...it won't work quite as well (might give up a few hp somewhere efficiency-wise) as a FULL (wiring/ecu/headache) swap, but will be much easier, and still run fine.

from my experience, you can run ANYTHING off the 1.8 ECU...not that it will run *well*, but...

ciper · 07-30-2002, 12:46 PM

Why waste the time? An older legacy or imprezza can be picked up for cheap.

But if you are hell bent on it Id suggest the 2.2l . It seems ever few weeks a new group of people are using the 2.2 engine in some project. For example, many put the 2.2 engine in volkswagon vans for better reliability and sometimes double HP.

Kostamojen · 07-30-2002, 03:59 PM

This makes me wonder... Could the 1.8 run on the WRX ECU? That way I could have a 7000 redline

But It would probably have trouble in other areas... Although the WRX is a MAF based car same as the 1.8... Hmmm...

RaceCarRiot · 07-30-2002, 04:44 PM

nice 2.5L engines go for ~$800...how is a bump of 50 (factory reliable) hp for that kind of money more expensive than buying another car?

Kosta -- hmm...i DO have a '94 WRX ECU laying around...think i should try it?

i'd imagine since the 1.8 has fewer sensors, ones that wouldn't be relaying data to the ECU, it would probably get confused and throw itself into limp mode.

-adam-

mcu81 · 07-30-2002, 05:27 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by RaceCarRiot
nice 2.5L engines go for ~$800...how is a bump of 50 (factory reliable) hp for that kind of money more expensive than buying another car?

Kosta -- hmm...i DO have a '94 WRX ECU laying around...think i should try it?

i'd imagine since the 1.8 has fewer sensors, ones that wouldn't be relaying data to the ECU, it would probably get confused and throw itself into limp mode.

-adam-

awesome, but where can i find a 2.5 for 800? i been searchin and everybody wants 2 grand.......

mcu81 · 07-30-2002, 05:28 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by RaceCarRiot
bobjr94's site -- www.fakewrx.com -- has fairly simple directions...it won't work quite as well (might give up a few hp somewhere efficiency-wise) as a FULL (wiring/ecu/headache) swap, but will be much easier, and still run fine.

from my experience, you can run ANYTHING off the 1.8 ECU...not that it will run *well*, but...

thanks adam, ill be attempting this as soon as i find a 2.5 for 800 bucks.....well for a grand or under

Kostamojen · 07-31-2002, 12:33 AM

I know of a EJ25 locally I could get for $900, but only locally... And its not through a shop or anything

mcu81 · 07-31-2002, 07:29 AM

yea, but shipping to philly would b killer! if shipping was less than 350 and its a phase 2 motor, i may b interested

Subie Gal · 07-31-2002, 10:20 AM

in the off rally season i'm swapping full 2.5 running gear, tranny, ecu, wiring harness, engine into the 1.8....

and that's what's needed to make it run properly...
WIRING HARNESS, ENGINE, TRANNY, ECU....

not just slap in the engine and the ecu and call it a day

there's a lot that goes into it.....
none of it is cheap or non time consuming either

Jamie
www.subiegalracing.com

mcu81 · 07-31-2002, 05:16 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Subie Gal
in the off rally season i'm swapping full 2.5 running gear, tranny, ecu, wiring harness, engine into the 1.8....

and that's what's needed to make it run properly...
WIRING HARNESS, ENGINE, TRANNY, ECU....

not just slap in the engine and the ecu and call it a day

there's a lot that goes into it.....
none of it is cheap or non time consuming either

Jamie
www.subiegalracing.com

sent u a pm bought your car and stuff

DoinkMobb · 07-31-2002, 06:10 PM

Is the RS tranny absolutely necessary for the swap? There's nothing wrong with mine, closer gear ratios would be nice, but i can live with my longer ratios.
What's the cost of an engine swap? I need to start selling personal belongings.

Subie Gal · 07-31-2002, 06:34 PM

not absolutely necessary...
but my b/f just swapped an ej20T into his 1.8...
using the stock tranny...
lasted a month... no more tranny...

(granted, it IS a rally car...)

just seems best to $$$ and do it right...
jamie
www.subiegalracing.com

Wellhung · 08-01-2002, 12:02 AM

There's a 1.8 at the end of my road for sell, and I test drove it just to feel the difference between 2.2&1.8, and for the increase of 0-60 in 11.5 seconds to 0-60 in 10, I think it'd be more cost effecient to check around for a RS instead of "tossing" in the 2.2.
Like I say though, I'm not the most experienced.....but I'm working on it.

Kostamojen · 08-01-2002, 12:28 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Subie Gal
not absolutely necessary...
but my b/f just swapped an ej20T into his 1.8...
using the stock tranny...
lasted a month... no more tranny...
(granted, it IS a rally car...)

And how many miles were on that tranny?

07-29-2002, 09:58 PM	#1
mcu81 Scooby Specialist Member#: 5796 Join Date: Apr 2001 Chapter/Region: MWSOC Location: Motown Dub V Vehicle: 2007 11 F150, 2004 WRX-dont get married!	95L engine swap from 1.8 to 2.2 or 2.5 questions I have a 95 L 1.8 and the motor is slow, i wanna upgrade to a 2.2 or 2.5. I have heard the 2.2 will run off the original ecu. is this true? and can i drop in a phase 2 2.2 on the stock ecu? thanks all -mikey * Registered users of the site do not see these ads.

08-01-2002, 12:02 AM	#16
Wellhung Scooby Newbie Member#: 21724 Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Dawsonville, Ga Vehicle: 1995 Impreza LX 2.2 Red...ish	my little, and I mean little, experience There's a 1.8 at the end of my road for sell, and I test drove it just to feel the difference between 2.2&1.8, and for the increase of 0-60 in 11.5 seconds to 0-60 in 10, I think it'd be more cost effecient to check around for a RS instead of "tossing" in the 2.2. Like I say though, I'm not the most experienced.....but I'm working on it.

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07-30-2002, 10:03 AM	#2
mcu81 Scooby Specialist Member#: 5796 Join Date: Apr 2001 Chapter/Region: MWSOC Location: Motown Dub V Vehicle: 2007 11 F150, 2004 WRX-dont get married!	no 1?

07-30-2002, 10:38 AM	#3
Darby Scooby Specialist Member#: 17175 Join Date: Apr 2002 Chapter/Region: Tri-State Location: ct Vehicle: 2002 Outback Beaner 2 counts, right?	i'm not sure about the whole ecu thing, but i'd go for the 2.5, 2.0T or STi but you're gonna have to do tranny work as well. I've got a 2.2, it is more powerful than the 1.8 but it does feel like it's lacking sometimes.just my opinion. 2.5's are easier to find aftermarket parts for too.

07-30-2002, 12:13 PM	#4
RaceCarRiot Scooby Specialist Member#: 6542 Join Date: May 2001 Chapter/Region: South East Vehicle: 1997 Ver IV silver	bobjr94's site -- www.fakewrx.com -- has fairly simple directions...it won't work quite as well (might give up a few hp somewhere efficiency-wise) as a FULL (wiring/ecu/headache) swap, but will be much easier, and still run fine. from my experience, you can run ANYTHING off the 1.8 ECU...not that it will run well, but...

07-30-2002, 12:46 PM	#5
ciper Scooby Guru Member#: 15543 Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: san francisco, ca Vehicle: 90BJ Legacy LS ABS AWD 946 Rio Red Jpn built	Why waste the time? An older legacy or imprezza can be picked up for cheap. But if you are hell bent on it Id suggest the 2.2l . It seems ever few weeks a new group of people are using the 2.2 engine in some project. For example, many put the 2.2 engine in volkswagon vans for better reliability and sometimes double HP.

07-30-2002, 03:59 PM	#6
Kostamojen Scooby Guru Member#: 2272 Join Date: Sep 2000 Chapter/Region: BAIC Location: haha XD Vehicle: 95 L AWD LIFTED!!! 1970 Subaru FF-1 Coupe	This makes me wonder... Could the 1.8 run on the WRX ECU? That way I could have a 7000 redline But It would probably have trouble in other areas... Although the WRX is a MAF based car same as the 1.8... Hmmm...

07-30-2002, 04:44 PM	#7
RaceCarRiot Scooby Specialist Member#: 6542 Join Date: May 2001 Chapter/Region: South East Vehicle: 1997 Ver IV silver	nice 2.5L engines go for ~$800...how is a bump of 50 (factory reliable) hp for that kind of money more expensive than buying another car? Kosta -- hmm...i DO have a '94 WRX ECU laying around...think i should try it? i'd imagine since the 1.8 has fewer sensors, ones that wouldn't be relaying data to the ECU, it would probably get confused and throw itself into limp mode. -adam-

07-31-2002, 12:33 AM	#10
Kostamojen Scooby Guru Member#: 2272 Join Date: Sep 2000 Chapter/Region: BAIC Location: haha XD Vehicle: 95 L AWD LIFTED!!! 1970 Subaru FF-1 Coupe	I know of a EJ25 locally I could get for $900, but only locally... And its not through a shop or anything

07-31-2002, 07:29 AM	#11
mcu81 Scooby Specialist Member#: 5796 Join Date: Apr 2001 Chapter/Region: MWSOC Location: Motown Dub V Vehicle: 2007 11 F150, 2004 WRX-dont get married!	yea, but shipping to philly would b killer! if shipping was less than 350 and its a phase 2 motor, i may b interested

07-31-2002, 10:20 AM	#12
Subie Gal GC84Ever Super Moderator Member#: 301 Join Date: Sep 1999 Chapter/Region: NWIC Location: WA Vehicle: 2001 2.5 RS/70 Van 02 WRX Rally Stud	in the off rally season i'm swapping full 2.5 running gear, tranny, ecu, wiring harness, engine into the 1.8.... and that's what's needed to make it run properly... WIRING HARNESS, ENGINE, TRANNY, ECU.... not just slap in the engine and the ecu and call it a day there's a lot that goes into it..... none of it is cheap or non time consuming either Jamie www.subiegalracing.com

07-31-2002, 06:10 PM	#14
DoinkMobb Scooby Specialist Member#: 3787 Join Date: Jan 2001 Chapter/Region: South East Location: Lutz, FL...that's N. Tampa Vehicle: 2008 Dandyboy-mobile Now w/ more rainbows!	Is the RS tranny absolutely necessary for the swap? There's nothing wrong with mine, closer gear ratios would be nice, but i can live with my longer ratios. What's the cost of an engine swap? I need to start selling personal belongings.

07-31-2002, 06:34 PM	#15
Subie Gal GC84Ever Super Moderator Member#: 301 Join Date: Sep 1999 Chapter/Region: NWIC Location: WA Vehicle: 2001 2.5 RS/70 Van 02 WRX Rally Stud	not absolutely necessary... but my b/f just swapped an ej20T into his 1.8... using the stock tranny... lasted a month... no more tranny... (granted, it IS a rally car...) just seems best to $$$ and do it right... jamie www.subiegalracing.com