TheSamba.com :: View topic - Skool me on Busaru conversion: IS OBD2 Phase 1 EJ22 possible?

Mon Oct 29, 2018 10:08 pm

Title says it– essentially I have a EJ22 Phase 1 motor (and intake) from a 94 Legacy and no engine harness or ECU. Originally this motor was OBD1. I'm having a difficult time sourcing a complete harness and ECU for the swap, but am seeing plenty of complete 96+ OBD2 harnesses with ECU and sensors for cheap (local pick-&-pull yards). The question is can I (relatively easily) convert this Phase 1 EJ22 to OBD2? If so whats needed? Just harness, ECU, all engine sensors, O2 sensor(s?), and MAF? Anything I should look out for?

Mon Oct 29, 2018 11:52 pm

I don't know, I haven't tried, but my thoughts are that a later intake manifold and all the components that go with it is what's required: sensors, wiring harness, ecu, O2 sensor(s), etc. There are so many subtle chages that I think you're in for some headaches...

The conversion to subaru power is well worth it, I installed a '92 2.2, but to keep it simple and affordable for my first conversion, I started with a running car and tried to minimize the changes I made.

If you really want OBD2, I would look for a newer running vehicle and sell the 94 engine to someone else that needs it. Minimize frustration and get back on the road and enjoy it--unless of course you really prefer the challenge of navigating uncharted territory!

Search on "Frankenmotors" for more insight?

Tue Oct 30, 2018 5:17 am

Manifold ECU and harness for sure. and the extra sensors. Atmospheric pressure, 2 x O2 sensors, VSS are all needed. (VSS is after market)

Call Subaru. The block is probably the same until you hit 97 when the CR changed. Manifold is deff diff as Wes can attest to.

Scoundrel you should check out Wes' setup. He has the rear mounted radiator.

Tue Oct 30, 2018 5:53 am

What about a standalone system?

Tue Oct 30, 2018 10:25 am

AZ Landshaper: Thanks, I think this is right on.

Wes: Thanks, I direct-messaged you.

MarkWard: I definitely considered/explored the thought of a standalone system– unfortunately this approach is very costly. Especially in this case compared to being able to source a complete harness, ECU, all sensors, intake, etc from a phase 2 OBD2 car for about $100 for everything.

Tue Oct 30, 2018 12:27 pm

I think there are EJ22 OBD2 engines. All '85s (?) and '86 manual trans's. So, I'd have to guess the answer is yes. And if so, those diagrams and schematics would show what you want? Just what I have gathered from a bunch of reading.

Tue Oct 30, 2018 1:29 pm

Bobbyblack means all 1995 and up model year 2.2l should be OBD-II

bobbyblack wrote: I think there are EJ22 OBD2 engines. All '85s (?) and '86 manual trans's. So, I'd have to guess the answer is yes. And if so, those diagrams and schematics would show what you want? Just what I have gathered from a bunch of reading.

Tue Oct 30, 2018 1:34 pm

Thanks for the translation Dan, for sure!

But I think phase-1 was mentioned as well. Phase 2 blocks came out in or around '99, I believe, and somehow I am scratching my head on this, but weren't there some 2.2 engines that came later? Maybe a turbo version? Can't quite put my finger on it.

Tue Oct 30, 2018 1:40 pm

was still a 2.2 up to 97 but in 95 sub went obd2 so theres a crossover. My last convert was a 95 2.2 w OBD2. Seemed more finicky than my now 92 obd1.
In 97 they changed the compression ratio for more power and the motor became interference.
In 98 all but the impreza were 2.5 in the US AFAIK.

Tue Oct 30, 2018 1:51 pm

There are obd2 subarus all over town in the JYs. Theres one on CL in a 95 for cheap.

There's a lot of info to digest w any conversion.
Starting w a complete vehicle takes a lot of the guess work out of the equation and confirms the parts will or have worked successfully as a machine.

https://tucson.craigslist.org/cto/d/1995-subaru-legacy-outback/6695292489.html

Wed Oct 31, 2018 8:54 am

does it have to be OBD1 to be legal in AZ, i thought it was only cali where it had to be OBD1, if i have missed something, i apologize.

Wed Oct 31, 2018 10:08 am

I think he is having a problem sourcing an early setup. Was wanting to know if he could adapt the later system to the early engine and if so, what was involved. $100 dollar budget.

Sat Nov 03, 2018 2:00 pm

I got a '97 ej22 with obd2. I love it. You just need to be aware of the single port exhaust manifolds.