EJ206 rebuild

[ZeroNZ]

Hey guys,

Can anyone recommend an engine reconditioner in the Wellington region for my 1999 Legacy EJ206 engine?

Wanting to leave it stock (if possible, it is my daily), so would be using factory gaskets which I can get at trade pricing. Needing a rebuild as the left hand head gasket has blown and it is using a lot of oil and water and keeps fouling the plugs. I've also considered a replacement engine but if the pricing is similar enough (or not that much more) then I would prefer a recondition.

I'm also considering a manual swap while I'm there so is there any considerations I need to take into account regarding the engine rebuild? I have heard that there is a difference between the cam sensors. Also wanting to keep the car as I quite like it and the body is in really good condition, so I'd rather do the engine than buy another car.

Cheers, Steven.

[Joker]

f (as in following)

[Rosssub]

How many kms has your engine done? Should be able to find a replacement long block for a few hundred more than a head gasket job $800-$1200.

No difference in cam sensor between auto/manual, the crank trigger changes at Rev D/version 7.

If you're planning on changing to manual, fit an oil cooler and a timing belt guide. The EJ206 is missing both.

[ZeroNZ]

The engine has done 206k, it's due a cambelt anyway so I thought now was as good of a time as any. It's also got some bad piston slap when cold but I've been told this is a common Subaru thing.

With the timing belt guide, I'm assuming this would be available through Subaru too? I'm planning on getting the parts through Armstrong Subaru and I worked at Armstrong Nissan so I get trade on all parts so I would prefer to get them through there if possible, although an aftermarket oil cooler should be sufficient?

[Rosssub]

Could be piston slap, or the big end bearings rattling until they get some oil pressure.

Grab a timing belt guide from pick'a'part or put a wanted add on here. Aftermarket timing belt guides are over priced. Partsouq if you want new OEM, gaskets are a lot cheaper too:

https://partsouq.com/

Coolant reaches operating temp much faster than oil. The coolant flowing through the OEM oil cooler/oil mondine helps warm the oil up to temp when the engine is cold, then helps keep the oil cool at higher temps. With just an aftermarket air oil cooler fitted your oil will take longer to warm up.

[ZeroNZ]

The knocking lasts until the engine starts to warm up so I thought it might be piston slap due to the pistons possibly expanding when warm, but big ends sound a bit ominous haha.

I had a quick look at that site and it seems really good for parts, much cheaper than what I was quoted at trade!

I'll have to find an oil cooler on a parts car, also any good links to a manual conversion guide?

Cheers for the help too!