Subaru 2001 Forester and 2003 Subaru Outback engine compatability

Asked by lubeman1 Dec 23, 2013 at 04:53 PM about the 2003 Subaru Outback

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

I have available a 2001 Subaru Forester with 80,000 miles on it and have a 2003 Subaru Outback with a blown engine. Both Vehicle ID's have #6 at 6th position on ID plate. Some one told me that the Intake manifold and other accessories will have to be changed but that the actual long block is the same. Is it necessary to change the head gaskets, was told tha this was a big problem with these engines.

10 Answers

there are a lot of variations over the years....overall I'm gonna say nay~on this...this is just one man's opinion~ buying replacement parts "frankencar"~....see my point?~

1 people found this helpful.
10,535

what you described is correct Lubeman1, swap the intakes and accessories and you'll be good.

1 people found this helpful.

Thanks Nick, any issues with wiring or computer mods necessary that you might think of ?.

10,535

none that I am aware of, just make sure everything is hooked up properly and take your time to double check things.

6,945

The long block is the same, but to be safe, you may want to change not only the intake manifold, but the cam gears and sensors as well.

6,945

I think you mean Nick :) The easiest way to keep it straight is that the electronics down to the sensors need to be carried over, but the mechanics can stay the same.

60

When following online instructions for pulling the engine out of the 2000 Forester, I am told to remove the starter that has a difficult to reach nut on the bottom - is it essential that this be removed b4 pulling?

Your Answer:

Outback

Looking for a Used Outback in your area?

CarGurus has 1,125 nationwide Outback listings starting at $2,995.

Postal Code:

CarGurus Experts

  • #1
    Mark Weiner
    Reputation
    33,210
  • #2
    TheSubaruGuruBoston
    Reputation
    28,310
  • #3
    Keith Cahalan
    Reputation
    3,300
View All

Find great deals from top-rated dealers

Search

Related Models For Sale

Used Subaru Forester
41 Great Deals out of 1,354 listings starting at $3,995
Used Toyota RAV4
117 Great Deals out of 3,078 listings starting at $3,900
Used Honda CR-V
193 Great Deals out of 5,012 listings starting at $440
Used Toyota 4Runner
25 Great Deals out of 528 listings starting at $7,990
Used Subaru Legacy
13 Great Deals out of 209 listings starting at $3,000
Used Subaru Impreza
26 Great Deals out of 664 listings starting at $4,299
Used Toyota Highlander
36 Great Deals out of 790 listings starting at $7,995
Used Toyota Tacoma
31 Great Deals out of 724 listings starting at $9,975
Used Toyota Camry
48 Great Deals out of 1,161 listings starting at $4,594
Used Ford F-150
346 Great Deals out of 13,355 listings starting at $3,000
Used Honda Pilot
41 Great Deals out of 801 listings starting at $737

Content submitted by Users is not endorsed by CarGurus, does not express the opinions of CarGurus, and should not be considered reviewed, screened, or approved by CarGurus. Please refer to CarGurus Terms of Use. Content will be removed if CarGurus becomes aware that it violates our policies.