Anyone have 96 Outback like me? What have you done to it?

[ronin777]

Hi All,
I'm just curious if anyone here has the same vehicle as I do, a 96 Legacy Outback. I have the base model and I'm just curious what kind of mods you have done to your 96. For starters I'm definitely getting an MSD ignition kit for mine (with the coil pack). I've had an MSD before on my first car (89 Sentra) and I was getting awesome gas mileage so I'm definitely getting that. A short throw shifter would also be nice if I can find one (any suggestions?), I noticed that even when in gear the shifter still has quite some free play when I move it left to right (not sure if that is normal). I can do the body work later, engine & interior work is more important for me. Also can anyone suggest where I can get headrests or replacement seats? I just realized the rear seats didn't come with any headrests and I can't find any online so I figured I may have to replace all the seats if not just the back. Will seats from a 97 fit? Any suggestions from you guys will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks a bunch!

[1996Battlewagon]

Welcome. If you've got a 96, then is it a 2.2 or a 2.5?

Shifter bushings are common problem with these cars, and a short shifter from Kartboy can fix that. Read up on the MSD ignition for a proper install, but yes, that's another well placed mod (the grounding on these cars are not the greatest either).

Read the member's ride pages on the site: they'll be more help then anything I can tell you.

[ronin777]

Thanks for the reply 1996Battlewagon, I have the 2.2 motor.

[daddywagon]

ive got 2 96 outbacks. one is bone stock and the other is lowered with exhaust, and about to be 2.5 swapped.
viewtopic.php?f=6&t=18260&p=205346&hilit=the+daddywagon#p205346 (http://www.sl-i.net/FORUM/viewtopic.php?f=6&t=18260&p=205346&hilit=the+daddywagon#p205346)

[ronin777]

Anyone ever tried to put leather seats from a 97 ouback limited on a 96? Will they fit? Just curious before I start looking in the junkyard.

[daddywagon]

they will bolt right up.

[ronin777]

Great! Thanks for the info. I was considering getting the leather seats from a 97 limited. I wonder how complex it is to wire the heated seat system?

[valkura]

I have one, ej22 even! No mods though, unless you consider a blown head gasket a mod :(

Your car has heated seats now doesn't it? As far as I'm aware (and as far as what makes sense) it'd be the same plug.

[ronin777]

Hey Valkura,
Actually no, my car doesn't have heated seats. That's why I was curious if anyone has added heated seats to a non heated seat car using a seat transplant like I was planning. If not I was doing some research and it looks like I can buy an aftermarket heating unit. Cost starts around $99-116 including the switch. But since the leather seats from a 97 most likely will come with the heater, I'm wondering how hard it is to install the whole thing to my car.

Thanks.