u/dapperdyll5798 — reddlx

Forgive my ignorance. Just dropped an ej25 motor in a 98 2.5rs. The motor came out of a 2.5rs automatic tranny. We put it into a manual 2.5rs. I’m scratching my head because with the trans in neutral we pushed the car backwards by hand and noticed the motor was spinning?

The motor turns over with the key, however it does not fire. We have confirmed fuel and spark. We did get it to fire up with some ether for a few seconds.

Seems as if the throw out bearing is not releasing the pressure plate

The tranny also feels super loose in gear. Like you can shift into any gear and still do that “checking you’re in neutral” jiggle?

Apologies if I sound stupid but any advice based on these clues would be greatly appreciated. We are clearly missing something

Hello subi-heads! Im currently working on a 98 2.5rs I have had for 8 years sitting in the garage waiting. My father and I recently dropped in a clean EJ25. Completed that and discovered the fuel pump and tank were worthless. Dropped the rear end and replaced those as well. We still have some work to do to get this thing moving but I wanted to pick your brains on these cars. This body is solid, only 80k Miles. No rust on the body, almost 0 rust underneath. I want to turn this car into a fun little tuner to daily.

Here are my questions.

What exhaust system can I run to get that signature Subie rumble. Obviously need the UEL headers….I’ve read maybe an early 2000s wrx exhaust and have a muffler shop cut and rotate the flange?

What are some mods that make these things better?

What parts can be interchangeable from a wrx or sti that can I put in without heavy modification Suspension? Seats? Etc.

Later on down the road I dream of converting this thing to a Turbo EJ platform….i know that this requires changes to the harness, swapping a transmission etc. is it better to get a custom adapter harness to work with the current harness? Or find a wrecked wrx or sti and take the whole motor and harness form that?

Open to any suggestions or ideas. I’m new to this model