1997vs1999 EJ25?

While looking for a motor for my 97 Legacy GT I came across a lower mileage 99 2.5 for sale locally. I know that the intake is different, but what else? Will it work in my car? Also, I have heard, although it sounds silly, that the older 2.5s are better motors than the newer...any thoughts, or ideas??

The older 25's were run on Premium For more smoothness. Why drop another open deck EJ25D motor when you can upgrade the power plant to something with more in the 200 and up HP? Yes, you can run a 99' EJ25D motor in your 97.

This car is my wife's daily driver, I would love, love, love for it to have around 200hp! BUT I am on an amazingly tight budget and time frame and am looking for a quick fix to get it back on the road. I am looking at bolt on solutions..a 2.5 or even a 2.2?? So what motor are you referencing??

Oops...the motor that is for sale locally is a 2000 2.5....will that work in a 97??

The 2000 Legacy or "BE & BH" are SOHC EJ series motors. Our second Gen Leggy's are DOHC. The wiring would be the problem and merging the harnesses. Not worth the money. Find a 2.2 or another 2.5 if you don't want to drop big bucks on a swap.

Only the 1996 2.5's required premium fuel. It is weird how they did that for only a year...

Good to know! Thanks, so in light of that info I have found a 1996 Legacy that was wrecked with 120k on the 2.2...will that work??