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Hi all, first time on AUSubaru as I just bought a 2003 Outback and have a couple of questions which I was hoping someone would be able to help me with.

Timing belts - Dayco list 2 different kits for 2003 EJ25 SOHC engines, 1 is for outbacks (KTBA160) and the other is for libertys or foresters (KTBA245). I thought these engines were 99% or so, the same engine! BUT I found out that the outback uses a timing belt which is 3mm shorter than the Liberty kit (same width, pitch and number of teeth too.. wierd). Has anyone ever used the longer belt on an outback?


Gearbox - I recently change a gearbox out of a 2005 forester as the output shaft bearings were making noise. I am about to put new bearings back in this box and re-check the preload (as we are certain this caused the old bearings to pit very bad).. After buying the outback I found the 5th gear is a bit shorter than the foresters though they have the same tyres etc. The engine revs at about 2850rpm, the forester was only 2450-2500 at 100kmh.
Would using the forester gearbox help with fuel economy at all? I do a lot of highway driving and the outbacks engine doesnt seem to like sitting at 2800+rpm.. I know the gearbox would be a fairly straight swap but the speedo is not going to be correct.. Anyone here swapped gearboxes?


I have tried to search for this info but have not found anything to help. Thanks in advance!

Had a think about the gearbox question and realised that it doesn't matter what 5th gear's ratio is because the speedo sender is on the output shaft!

Well I spoke to Subaru docklands to try get to the bottom of this, the guy there in the workshop said they only have 1 part number listed for 2003 model ej25 sohc engines. No 3mm longer/shorter stuff at all!

Still don't know why dayco list 2 different belts, looks as though there is now reason the 2003 forester/lib belts WON'T fit an outback.

The only differences I've seen in the kits available is the ID size of the tensioner bearing.

As for the gearboxes operating at different RPM would most likely be due to the weight differences or each model. If you put a lower ratio in your Outback, you'll probably make the engine work harder up hills and in turn use more fuel.