Date:         Fri, 16 Nov 2007 13:04:59 -0500
Reply-To:     Warren Chapman <vwsyncroguy@YAHOO.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Warren Chapman <vwsyncroguy@YAHOO.COM>
Subject:      Re: Will an early Subaru engine fit the Vanagon?

If the 1991 is, indeed, a LEGACY and not a LOYALE, it will have the
2.2L "EJ22".  That engine is the most popular version used in Vanagons.

Just to make absolutely sure, look under the left rear corner of the
alternator.  You should see "EJ22" cast into the block in a rectangular
frame.

It's worth checking because I bought a Legacy doner car one time and didn't
check and an unscrupulous mechanic had swapped in a JDM EJ20 instead of the
EJ22...telling the owner (a  woman) he had replaced the EJ22 with
a "rebuild".

I recommend buying a whole "doner car"...over junkyard engines because you
will be sure to get everything you need and you can hear the engine run and
verify the mileage and condition in advance. But if you're hiring someone
to pull it from a junkyard, both you and the person doing the pulling
should be very clear about all the parts your going to pull.  (If you get
serious about this, P-mail me and I'll send you a complete list.)
Junkyard "contractors" are a "different breed"...and used to doing things
the fastest, easiest way...which usually means cutting or breaking things
for expediency...so make sure you get one that will listen to your
instructions and remove things carefully.

When getting a quote to pull the engine, make sure they realize they will
also have to pull the complete, UNCUT wiring harness from the engine bay,
from under the driver's side front fender, and also behind the
dashboard,.... after removing the whole dashboard as well as the heater/AC
unit from the interior firewall....a fair bit of work....as much work as
pulling the engine from the engine bay.  I've paid from $125-$200 to get
everything. I can also supply you with a Word document that has detailed
instructions on how to pull the harness.

Warren C.
Moderator
SubaruVanagon Yahoo Group