Engine swap on a 1999 Forester

The local junk yards aren't entirely correct. The 1999 motors had some differences in the intake and manifold, but that can be taken off and used on a later year motor to be swapped in. 1998 was a phase 1 DOHC motor and will not work in your Forester without substantial effort. However, from 1999-2003 the SOHC 2.5L motors will directly bolt in. Sometimes, however, cam and crank sensors and sprockets will need to be swapped depending on the year/model, but the motor itself can be swapped.

I have a 1999 Subaru forester L with manual tranny. I swapped the original EJ25 engine with a EJ20 from Japan. Most parts are compatible from EJ25 to EJ20: Same timing belts/covers and waterpump, clutch components. Parts that have to be swapped from EJ25 to EJ20 is intake manifold with ignition coil, a/c compressor with mount and one of the camshaft sprockets ( i don't remember if it was the left or right). Engine bolts right in to stock transmission and exhaust. The engine is not as torquey as EJ25 but it is more revy which is a nice thing. Also, more fuel efficient.

did the car through any codes or a check engine light

I have a 1999 forester motor blow what years can work in my