Thoughts on the 1996 Legacy GT-B? Considering buying one...

[SOREN]

I'd love to get some input from anyone who has one, I checked the threads of the couple that I found on the members rides list. I've always loved the Leggy, and finally got my hands on a twin turbo sedan (94 RS). That car is currently in the body shop getting fixed before it goes to it's new owner, and so I'll be left with 2 STi's, but no Legacy. The GT-B will be legal in June here in Canada, and is sure to be an "in-demand" car. I've found one with very low K's in white, sunroof/moonroof combo in 5 speed, and have been trolling the yahoo japan listings for pimp gear to swap onto the car. I'm exited about it, but I'm also unsure.

Basically, I'd like you to pump up the GT-B so I can get exited, or if there are issues with it, let me know so I can be wise.

I'd also love to know how you'd compare the Bilstien on the GT-B compared to the regular model's stuff. My main issue with the Leggy (as I've been used to driving the old STi's) was the gushy ride. GREAT on long trips, and comfy, but I like to feel the road. This car would likely be our "SUV", and my wife will be driving it - so maybe it's not that important, but for the first time in a long time, I feel like this could be a keeper car for my family. I was planning a sambar for that purpose, but this could be too cool to let go.

Opinions?

Coles Notes: Do you want me to stay in the Legacy fam, or become a suber-bro who only touches STi's :D (whatever you do, don't banish me to NASIOC! :D)

[mike-tracy]

My opinion of the GTB is that the engine is overly complicated. Good shops that can fix the problems with these things will be hard to find. Can your dealer order OEM JDM parts (I believe yes)? Upgrade path is really limited vs single turbo cars, and engine management adds to that expense (if nothing else, to enable the car to run safely on Canadian fuel). But you'll have a twin turbo... :smile:

OK I've never driven a TT Subaru, but have had several rides in them when I was in Asia. Fun cars even completely stock. I never rode in a GT-B, however I have that suspension on my Legacy right now. My opinion of it is that it's really comfortable while still handling pretty well. I'd rate it in between GD WRX and STI in terms of handling. It's not track suspension for sure, but it is sporty, and there is no wallowyness about it. Makes the car feel more...European. Is there a Bilstein factory in Canada that can rebuild the suspension? You'll really want that done unless you have have verifiable evidence that they have been done in the last couple years. Only place I'm aware of to send them to (in the US) is California.

[Yamazaki]

Wait a year and get a '97 GT-B, you won't be sorry. Having said that, the RS is just a sedan version of the GT-B and I personally like sedans over wagons. The '97 RS would be my pick.

[SOREN]

My opinion of the GTB is that the engine is overly complicated. Good shops that can fix the problems with these things will be hard to find.
Yeah, it sure is complex, but I've not had any issues with my RS twin turbo that we couldn't figure out. My best buddy has been the mastertech at lexus/toyota for 7 years, MT at Acura for 8, BMW tech for a year, and has been a subaru nut for about 3 years. We were just doing a front mount tonight for his 94 WRX, before this he built an 02 WRX completely - so I'm pretty good for getting to the bottom of issues.


Can your dealer order OEM JDM parts (I believe yes)?
No. They won't do it if they pay attention to policy, or if they just want to be mean! Thankfully, I've got easy access to partnumbers and subaruparts.com and Chaplainsgenuinesubaru in the states has most everything (Except the turbo/servo system)


Upgrade path is really limited vs single turbo cars, and engine management adds to that expense (if nothing else, to enable the car to run safely on Canadian fuel). But you'll have a twin turbo... :smile:

I never worry about engine management -maybe I should, but I've never had a problem with any of the Japanese cars I've brought over. I also don't really do "real" mods myself, because I rarely keep a car around long enough! I got my Legacy Twin Turbo last January or February, and I've got someone who wants it bad, so it'll be sold in a week or so.


however I have that suspension on my Legacy right now. My opinion of it is that it's really comfortable while still handling pretty well. I'd rate it in between GD WRX and STI in terms of handling. It's not track suspension for sure, but it is sporty, and there is no wallowyness about it. Makes the car feel more...European.

This is super helpful - and I'm really thankful for this info. I really wonder how it is compared to my 94 RS. I'm not absolutely sure that they had put bilstien in the leggy RS in that era. I'm hoping it's more focused than my RS was, but it's a wagon too - so that'll change things.


Is there a Bilstein factory in Canada that can rebuild the suspension? You'll really want that done unless you have have verifiable evidence that they have been done in the last couple years. Only place I'm aware of to send them to (in the US) is California.

Don't know about that one. All I know is it's got about 15,000 miles on it total. They usually are very lightly used from Japan (the ones I buy at least!) I've only ever had to change radiators, brakes and random cooling hoses.


Wait a year and get a '97 GT-B, you won't be sorry. Having said that, the RS is just a sedan version of the GT-B and I personally like sedans over wagons. The '97 RS would be my pick.

Okay - that's probably good advice, but can you tell me why? More horsepower? More torque? More bugs figured out? or, is it that it's a different shape, with the wider lights etc..

Thanks guys! Keep the info coming!

[Yamazaki]

Wait a year and get a '97 GT-B, you won't be sorry. Having said that, the RS is just a sedan version of the GT-B and I personally like sedans over wagons. The '97 RS would be my pick.

Okay - that's probably good advice, but can you tell me why? More horsepower? More torque? More bugs figured out? or, is it that it's a different shape, with the wider lights etc..

Thanks guys! Keep the info coming!
The power isn't 'more', but power ratings from Japanese cars of that era are misleading. According to Subaru, the '97 RS/GT-B has the same power as an '06 Impreza STi, and that just simply isn't true. Anyway, the power seems to be more smooth than the earlier models.
I think the bug thing is true as well, but I'm only going off of the limited testimonials I've heard personally. As for the Bilstein suspension, your '94 RS doesn't have it, but the '97 RS does.

[SOREN]

Yamazaki - thanks, I always appreciate your vast Subaru knowledge, especially with the Legacies, as I don't know as much on them (compared with the Impreza models). That's really good to hear that my RS doesn't have the bilstein! I really wanted to hear that - so I think I could expect a more confident ride out of the GT-B, even though it's a wagoooon. Just for clarification purposes, it simply isn't true (power ratings re: 97RS/GT-B) because the actual power level is less or more than the 06 STi?

You know, I could get one for this year, and swap it out for the "new" model next year! :D

[Yamazaki]

The condition that you told me it's in doesn't sound bad. Also, I wasn't putting it into perspective. I was thinking about it as if I would be considering it. I try to keep a car that I like for as long as I can. You are happier sampling a wider variety of cars, but go through them more quickly to do so. With that said - get the '96 GT-B, then next year get a '97 GT-B. Then you'll be able to tell others how they compare, and a lot better than my second/third-hand testimonials.

The advertised power ratings were capped at 280ps until a few years ago. So that means that on paper a '96 GT-B has the same amount of power as a Skyline GT-R or a Supra. We all know that isn't right. Torque ratings weren't limited, so just look at that when checking power from J-spec cars. In reference to my previous post, the '96 GT-B has 34.5kg?m/5000rpm and the '06 STi has 43.0kg?m/4400rpm.

[SOREN]

Forget it! I'm doing it. I just sent the "Let's do it!" email. Here's a pic. I won't get this until June (not legal in Canada till then)
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2011/02/1-1.jpg
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2011/02/5-1.jpg
Thanks for the input! I'll be sure to post pics and impressions versus the older twin turbo sedan I've got

[TGX4776]

fill the back with jdm parts for people.

[SOREN]

yes, already planned - those people are meee! I'm looking at a set of rims for myself and a buddy, an extra set of lights, and a couple other goodies. I won't have this thing until June.

[TGX4776]

man. i'd love a gt-b limited front bumper and bumper beam......

[DarkPhoenix]

That is one sexy wagon.

[Huffer]

First thing you should do, make it single turbo.

[SOREN]

Thanks guys! Lol - single turbo. I'd do that if I was really into gains and doing it up right, but honestly, this is going to be my family's "van" I think FMIC would be pretty baller too, but I won't be doing it. My wife will be driving this most of the time, I've got my own STi's for going to and from work, but this will be the kid-mobile and vacation cruiser. My wife sits in the back with the little one, and they watch movies - she stretches out etc. And I enjoy driving, because these are such gorgeous beastly beasts! :D

Thanks for the nice comments. I've got to decide what I'll trick it out with in Japan, before it comes over, and then wait.. and wait.. June/July is sooo far away!

[Huffer]

Trust me, you WILL want to convert to single turbo. It is much more reliable and the VOD turbo lag on the 2ndary is gone. This translates to a much smoother ride for everyone.

[SOREN]

yeah, Huffer, I hear you for sure, but I'm not so much the modding type. In the last 2 years, I've had the pleasure of a 94 WRX wagon, a Ver 1 STi wagon, a Ver 2 Sedan, a Ver 2 555 wagon, a Legacy RS TT (94) and now will have this. It has a potential for sticking around for a while, but I never know. I'm always seeing something shiny! I think I'd look at converting if I blew a turbo for sure, as the TT is very complex, and I'd rather simplify, instead of dealing with that line box of servo death! I'd always figured I'd get a pimp Sambar with the VW combi kit and hold onto it, while I shuffle all my other cars around. Now I'm not sure - maybe I'll keep this.

I certainly don't mean that it's a bad idea - I just don't usually do purposeful mods such as these. :(

[SOREN]

Update.. I've been away for a bit, having surgery, and recovering.. y'know.. the usual! :D

Anyways, we're within 2 weeks of it landing here and being available to me! I'm so exited. I ended up getting:
Rays Versus Sesto Turismo rims (17) in gunmetal with Maxgrip III's
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2011/06/sestoturismo-1.jpg
a Mine's lower arm bar
cusco strut brace
a different grille - can't remember what the brand is though - but it's white, a big hole in the middle with mesh, and it pokes out about 1.5" I think (and it's white, natch) Looks like this a bit:
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2011/06/SUBARU9599LEGACYBG5JDMGTFRONTMESHGRILLGR-1.jpg
a full Fujitsubo Exhaust, but I'm not sure which one :(
aaaand... a Longboard! :D More for giggles. Mine's wearing out, and I wanted a story to go with this new one! :D

Should be pretty fun!

EDIT - Did up a photochop from a scan of HyperRev with my wheels (think these are 18's though) and my grille (or close enough to it)
http://forums.jdmvip.com/vbimghost.php? ... g&imgid=90 (http://forums.jdmvip.com/vbimghost.php?do=displayimg&imgid=90)

[hansvonaxion]

The advertised power ratings were capped at 280ps until a few years ago. So that means that on paper a '96 GT-B has the same amount of power as a Skyline GT-R or a Supra. We all know that isn't right. Torque ratings weren't limited, so just look at that when checking power from J-spec cars. In reference to my previous post, the '96 GT-B has 34.5kg?m/5000rpm and the '06 STi has 43.0kg?m/4400rpm.

But the 97 has 34.5kg.m, same as the 96.
The third gen 98 gets 35kg.m but gains 50kg in weight.
I wouldn't imagine any major revisions between 96 and 97 when there was a new generation the following year with more power. :smt102

Congrats on the purchase. I have a 96 GT-B in black, looking forward to seeing your mods.

[Dead91silvia]

I'm looking into bringing one into WA sometime soon. Same guy I got my Pulsar from just got an EVO III imported so he knows some people. I love my BD, but a Wagon that will kill sounds like some much fun!

That car looks clean for sure!

[SOREN]

Little bit of an update due.
Got on the road in Vancouver at 11:30 on the Friday night, and stopped by the time I got to Revelstoke. The sun was up at that point, and I was beat, so I pulled off, and slept for a couple hours just outside of Revy. I knew a buddy was there, bit had plans to meet another friend in canmore, so I was going to ditch my Revelstoke friend, but came across a familar car with a vip sticker, and decided to wake him, and mess with his head a bit. After installing a strut brace, we hit the road. We met with our other friend in Canmore this evening, and parted ways in Calgary. Overall, a great time! We had some great laughs, and just did the trip slow.

Impressions of the Legacy? It's great. Rough around the edges a bit cosmetically, but should come out okay after a good detail. Mechanically awesome though. No leaks, stutters, a nice tight shift, no slopyness, and fantastic suspension. Huge improvement over stock.

I really enjoy the washing the car, and making it more "yours" the first day you get it, but I often show up in the AM, and have the afternoon to slowly go over everything. I didn't get to do that this time, and with having a new baby, I still haven't found the time to detail it yet.. ah well.
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2011/07/IMG_9953JPG-1.jpg
I didn't get to wash 'er until 4 days after I got 'er

My buddy in Revelstoke - found the hotel he was flopped in, and helped him get his car back to Calgary area.
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2011/07/IMG_9956JPG-1.jpg

From there, we carefully made our way, checking coolant, and having some fun. He almost got passed by a Delica that we'd seen a couple times. We saw a RHD MR2 and Fairlady, no other notable cars that I can think of. I was really happy with the Legacy's performance. The suspension is much better than the RS that I'd had (and it wasn't bad, just a touch "Luxury"). The rev limiter is 7500 in this one, and that surprised me. When My buddy in vancouver picked me up , he'd mentioned that the car was boring, and slow! :D I supposed compared to skylines etc - makes sense. After getting the hang of driving it/boosting it, I have to admit - I'll be jealous of my wife driving it a bit. I think one of those "boring" characteristics is that you don't feel the speed. As in, at all. The seats are soft, and the power is evenly distributed, so you never really get thrown around, but it is really cool once you get used to it.

Eventually we got to Canmore, and pulled into a rest stop to meet with our mutual buddy/ So, straight baller, he pulls up in his white Legacy, with the Tommy Kaira bumper. WOW. Both our jaws dropped. Seriously - if anyone is looking for a legacy, this is it. Such a nice car, low K's and it's Auto. The paint is amazingly bright and new on it, and the bumper is so nice. Speedline wheels and a nice interior, plus he's done lots of the right things for maintenance. I've hyperlinked his name above here, so you can get in touch with him. I think he's asking about 9K, and I'd say that's more than fair for the nicest legacy I've seen up close - no joke, no exaggeration. Forgot to mention the sound.. Very nice fujitsubo exhaust there too. Griff and I were both stoked for his car! :D

While we waited for Inokiyo to show, Griff checked things out, so I put the hood up on mine, so he wouldn't feel bad! :D This is what you'd have seen most of the time if you were along! :D
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2011/07/IMG_9962JPG-1.jpg

and then..
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2011/07/IMG_9966JPG-1.jpg

Here are some pics of the three of our cars together.
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2011/07/IMG_9967JPG-1.jpg
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2011/07/IMG_9978JPG-1.jpg

Grif and I headed for supper, and then drove on to Calgary. That's the last I saw of him! :D

Sunday night after I got home, I took my 3 year old daughter camping with the legacy, out to Elk Island. We slept in the back, and had a great time. She was telling everyone we met how her new car was so amazing, and you could sleep in it! :D.

Overall, really happy with it. I think a big single would definitely be a great way to go on these though, so you can get that surge, and thrown back completely - higher up in the RPM's.

[peugoby]

Great read & congratulations! I'm a bit jealous you can import 15 year old cars from Japan up in Canada. Enjoy the ride, looks great. I'd also agree that the ride on the Bilsteins is a vast improvement. I have them on my Legacy wagon & adore them.

[SOREN]

Spent some time this weekend cleaning 'er up and polishing. Took off the foam mudgards, and a couple stickers off the back. (Subaru and AWD ABS) as well as put my grille on.

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2011/07/IMG_5558JPG-1.jpg

I still need to get the 3m tape remnants off from the foam mudgaurds, but overall, I think she's looking good.

[SOREN]

Had a local meet for JDM cars, mostly Subaru showed up, here's what mine looks like now (pretty much the same)
http://img217.imageshack.us/img217/6458/20110813img7276.jpg
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2011/08/IMG_0714JPG-1.jpg

My old one still looks pretty good, he's got new rims for it now:
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2011/08/IMG_0748JPG-1.jpg

Thought this was funny, someone snapped a pic of me getting in the Toyota SERA - it's got gull-wing doors, and is very small. I'm 6'4" and the seat is all the way back, and a mad lean, but I did actually fit! (for an idea of how small - see the top of the headrest..at my shoulders)
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2011/08/DSC_3722-1.jpg
If you want to see pics and video, you can here:
http://forums.jdmvip.com/JDMVIP_Meet_Ed ... ars-3607-t (http://forums.jdmvip.com/JDMVIP_Meet_Edmonton_on_August_13_2011_Import_Discussion_Videos_amp_Photos_Of_JDM_Cars-3607-t)

[camroncamera]

BUMP!

So do you still have the JDM factory 17" GT-B Wheels? I love this 5-spoke design and am looking for a set in perfect condition :)


Forget it! I'm doing it. I just sent the "Let's do it!" email. Here's a pic. I won't get this until June (not legal in Canada till then)
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2011/02/1-1.jpg
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2011/02/5-1.jpg
Thanks for the input! I'll be sure to post pics and impressions versus the older twin turbo sedan I've got

[SativaMan04]

Simply Amazing!! WOW! If you don't mind, how much was everything total to get the car?