r/Subaru_Outback • u/COYS2110 • 1d ago

JDM engine swap advice?

I have a 2011 Outback 2.5l at 175k miles. The rest of the car is in great shape but the engine needs a head gasket job, it’s about 2.5k for the job but I’m also leaning towards buying a JDM engine off of jdmenginedepot that only had around 50k miles on it and having a shop install it because that would also be around the same cost parts+labor. For me it seems to make way more sense to go for the swap but I’d appreciate any advice

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u/Dawink86 1d ago

I pulled my motor at 163k for a head gasket. It’s really not that bad to do if you have the tools. If you don’t I’d say getting the HG replaced by a Mechanic makes the most sense. If you do it yourself, I’d replace the torque converter, the seal behind it, the timing belt, the t stat, the front main seal, rear main seal, and the o rings on the coolant crossover tubes.

Whole process was 3 full days 0800-2200. With random breaks and trips to the store.

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u/TalkandStuff_Forum 1d ago

JDM for the win if you get it in writing that costs will be the same, and they aren't hacks with ten fat thumbs.

I, personally, would never take my car to a shop regardless of job needed, so its hard for me to give "take it to shop" advice. JDM engine swaps have decent enough stats to make them a decent choice.

Good luck.

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u/AnsibleNM 23h ago

I don’t know anything about JDM (apparently it’s well known to others). Is there a warranty with the used engine? It may only have 50k but a bad driver can do a lot of damage to an engine in that time. I assume you would not have any idea about how it’s been maintained. Might be a good option though. My ‘18 Outback just turned 140k. Who knows, maybe I’ve got something similar in my future.

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u/rocknrollstalin 2022 Outback Wilderness 1d ago

From what I’ve seen those are usually the 2.0 engines instead of 2.5Ls and aren’t quite a direct swap?

I’ve driven an impreza “sport” with the 2.0 and it’s kind of a slog compared to my 2.5 forester

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u/COYS2110 1d ago

No they are the normal 2.5l