Pwise2326's MY98 GT

[Pwise2326]

Well I guess its long past due for me to post up here, so here goes:

I have a 1998 Legacy GT sedan (BD), 5MT, that's Quicksilver Metallic in color. I bought it in March '04 with 123k on the clock and she was running excellent. I had all these plans on getting some suspension work and this and that until summertime hit and the car started falling apart. I had the headgaskets blow, the thermostat freeze, the clutch go, the clutch slave cylinder go, the valve cover gaskets, and a couple other things I've repressed in my memory. After the wallet was emptied for parts and paying my mechanic friend under the table with cash and beer, she was back on the road running good and strong. Haven't had too many problems as of late, noticed the power steering pump is leaking, the valve covers are leaking again, and the clutch master cylinder is shot (the clutch fluid gets sucked out and the pedal gets stuck to the floor on high-rev shifts, pops back out...real annoying), so this summer I have a feeling I'm going to be replacing a lot in terms of the clutch again (I know how to drive stick, really!)

As far as mods go, aside from a few cheap cosmetic mods, nothings really been done in that department. I cleared the corners, put on an aluminum gauge bezel, and once the package crosses the pond from England I'll be putting on my JDM taillights and sidemarkers (the ambers). My main focus has been suspension, this winter I bought all the components and once I had everything and it wasn't 30 degrees out me and a buddy swapped my suspension for an 02-03 WRX setup with STI group N strut top mounts, KYB AGX 4-way adjustable struts, and STI Pink springs. It lowered the car quite a bit and really stiffened up the ride and really increased the handling. The springs alone with the stock sway bars reduced more than half of the body roll in corners. Definately a worthwhile swap, PM me with any questions on what you need to get the setup to work on the Legacy's, you need to bolt up a complete WRX-spec unit in order for it to work, no mixing and matching with BD's or later MY's. As far as the engine goes, its still dirty, I did the snorkusectomy (removing the intake silencer) and made a single-wire grounding kit.

Now for the good stuff: Pictures:

Some shots of the Exterior:
Bone stock
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2005/05/006-1.jpg
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2005/05/002-1.jpg
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2005/05/003-1.jpg

Clear corners - Before:
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2005/05/Cornershot-1.jpg
After:
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2005/05/Ryan074-1.jpg

Some interior:
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2005/05/Ryan038-1.jpg

WRX pedals:
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2005/05/011-1.jpg

Gotta have this:
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2005/05/012-1.jpg

Engine: Pretty bland so far...
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2005/05/thedirty25-1.jpg
The single-wire grounding kit I made (need to finish)
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2005/05/Ryan085-1.jpg
The sweet power steering pump leak:
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2005/05/Ryan084-1.jpg

[Pwise2326]

Now for the fun stuff:

The 02-03 WRX-spec suspension conversion:

The parts:
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2005/05/everything-1.jpg
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2005/05/artsypinks-1.jpg
extra WRX parts needed to make it work:
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2005/05/WRXspringseatparts-1.jpg

LGT vs. WRX
front struts/mounts:
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2005/05/StockGTvWRX-1.jpg
Rear springs:
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2005/05/rearspringcomparo-1.jpg

GT stock unit:
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2005/05/GTcompletestrutassy-1.jpg

WRX unit - Pretty in pink:
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2005/05/completepinkassembly-1.jpg
oh it just looks sooo goood....
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2005/05/artsycomplete-1.jpg

Workin away amidst the snow...
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2005/05/takingitapart-1.jpg
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2005/05/meworking-1.jpg

Oh yeah...
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2005/05/thepinksinstalled-1.jpg
Lowered off the jacks...
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2005/05/Ryan071-1.jpg

Final Results:
Before:
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2005/05/007-1.jpg
After:
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2005/05/Ryan068-1.jpg

Front:
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2005/05/Ryan070-1.jpg
Rear:
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2005/05/Ryan069-1.jpg

Nice low stance..
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2005/05/Ryan092-1.jpg

Almost...not quite yet though..
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2005/05/Ryan077-1.jpg

So thats my baby, more to come if everything works out this summer! I'm hoping to do an EJ22t swap this summer if I can source a block, and already have 2 tuning companies lined up to get me all set up with a better turbo, intercooler, and full engine management to push about 300 to the wheels, possibly more if I get crazy. We'll see what happens!

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2005/05/Ryan076-1.jpg

Can't wait for some more of this next winter!
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2005/05/SnowedIn01-1.jpg
maybe I'll finally be able to do that on dry pavement if all the engine stuff works out! Wish me luck!

Ryan

[Reason]

It's about damn time! The drop looks good.

[haplesspete]

Nice job Ryan ! and new parts aswell :D It took me aslong to download the page as it did for you to do the job !!!!

And dude that car looks so well looked after it looks brand new

PETE

[Pwise2326]

Thanks guys! Yeah, well lucky for me the camera hides most of the knicks and little paint chips all over the car, the old ones being touched up by the previous owner with paint for an 02 Impreza...much darker, and the new ones all over my front bumper and front of my hood. The car will get painted one of these days, my buddy works for an autobody shop and gets to use the booth for some cash on the side. Still trying to decide what color to go, I just hope I have the money to get it done before all my paint peels off...this happened a couple weeks ago just spraying the car with a hose before I washed it....

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2005/05/Ryan091-1.jpg

I'm thinking a newer Impreza Silver Metallic with some extra metal flakes for a crazy shine...a custom paintjob will cost just as much as using stock colors, so might as well!

[Lanaue]

How much was WRX conversion?Parts and all.I h8 all the body roll that
my GT has.That would be a welcomed improvement. :smt074

[masube81]

Nice pics Ryan :smt023 those springs look great :smt016

[Pwise2326]

The AGX's I got for $375 shipped from james_s14@yahoo.com , he was selling them on ebay for the cheapest price I was able to find, and he's completely legit, great to deal with. The STI Pink springs were $404 shipped from www.racecompengineering.com (http://www.racecompengineering.com) , the STI strut mounts $315 shipped from racecomp, the misc WRX parts (spring seats, etc) were 80 bucks from the dealership, bringing the total to $1174 give or take a couple bucks cause the whole adding in my head thing isn't working out to hot at 1 in the morning. PM me with questions and I'll get you all set up with what vendors to go to and what you'll need to prepare yourself for the install to make it quick and painless! I have a writeup that needs to be posted up with all the details, but that probably won't come for another week (or if I find more time) at least.

Thanks Ma! Now I just need to get my lighting up to par with you!

[Disturbed_beast]

Hey Ryan my power steering pump was leaking really bad too, but all i had to do was replace a seal and it stop leaking or is your power steering pump leaking from the pump itself? becuase that's what mine looked like after we got the engine out

[pdawg]

ryan
love the lowered look. I also love the licences plate. I'm sure your insurance agent loves it too. :D

[Pwise2326]

Yeah he wasn't too thrilled until he learned the meaning behind it...my dad had it on his '72 Dodge Challenger and saw it was available again so he snagged it for me for Christmas, it just gives me more incentive to get a new engine and more power to make it worthwhile.

[Wiscon_Mark]

I cannont believe I missed this thread, Ryan! I love your car! 5MT, STi springs, eclipse deck :twisted:
Great job. Did you do the spring compression yourself then?

Great Car :twisted: :twisted:

[Pwise2326]

Spring compression myself....err....It's real easy, either find a friend that has spring compressors or go to autozone and pick up a set for 30 bucks. Just place them on opposite sides of the spring and tighten away, loosen the top hat, slide the spring off and loosen the compressors and you won't have any springs popping off at you during disassembly.

More stuff is coming soon, just put in a couple orders (as well as received a few things...)

- EDM tails (TBI)
- EDM Sidemarkers (Installed)
- JDM Projector Headlights (on order)
- JDM Grille (on order)
- EDM headlamp washers (hopefully on order soon)
- Super Pro Steering Rack bushings (TBI)
- Moog Ball Joints (TBI)
- Green Air filter (Installed)
- NGK Iridium IV spark plugs (TBI)
- Magnacore 8.5mm plug wires (TBI)
- EJ25 Valve cover gaskets (leaking again -- on order)

Next to come:
- Wheels (rota tarmac 2's or formels)
- BRAKES!!! I'm eyeing the 4/2pots, but may go with the 05 GT setup
- full exhaust (TWE headers, stromung catpipe, stromung catback)

We'll see what happens there, looks like a swap is out of the picture until I can get myself another means of transportation in the downtime.

**Edit 7/19/05 -- just put in the Green air filter, and boy was the butt dyno lighting up...seeing I was way past due on an air filter, I could really feel it breathing easier. The intake sound is a little louder, but definatly more noticeable even at mid throttle. Next is finishing the custom intake work and once I get the brakes and all my engine stuff sorted out (keeping this one running, not swapping in another unfortunately), I'll be looking into some exhaust work to improve exhalation.

[bgwagon]

wicked!!! love the car man....im also working on an EJ22T build up....:D very exciting

[Disturbed_beast]

Ryan i only wish i didn't have to use my mothers car for transportation, but at least it's a 2000 Legacy, oh and i got a question how the hell did you get your hands on EDM sidemarkers did you find a company to buy them from? Oh yes enjoy putting in those Steering Rack bushings!!! :smt101

[Pwise2326]

The EDM sidemarkers I ended up getting from our friend across the pond Himbigchief, theyre the amber ones, but its cool for now. Are the steering rack bushings that much of a PITA to change out? Didn't look too difficult.

[HimBigChief]

IIRC I should have another set of side markers lying round somewhere.

Still not had any luck finding the people who make the clear ones. Who on here has them, and where the hell did they get them from!?

Ryan, get some Diadem or Silvervision indicator bulbs in the front and they'll look even cleaner! If you can't get them in the US then I can get some over here shipped across. Basically, they are either silver or a cool oil type effect when off, and amber when on. Perfectly legal over here as I've had them in the front of my Outback for a while now. Check:

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll? ... eName=WDVW (http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=72233&item=7987280350&rd=1&ssPageName=WDVW) - for Diadem bulbs

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll? ... 39622&rd=1 (http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=72233&item=7986139622&rd=1) - for chrome/silver bulbs

Anyway, Ryan, your car's looking sweet mate! Get that 2.5 short block off the for sale forum and get WRX manifolds and parts and build yourself a 2.5T instead of the 2.2!

James[/img]

[Pwise2326]

Ha! yeah if anyone finds a set of the clear sidemarkers let me know as well, and I'll have a set of ambers up for grabs as well! As far as the bulbs, I don't believe those are available over here, so if you'd like to pick up a package and throw it in the box with the rest of the goodies that would be excellent! Otherwise, as far as the swap goes, I'm thinking of staying 2.5 as well, so I'm on the lookout for a wrecked STI so I can grab the shortblock out of it. Unfortunately the USDM phase I EJ25 DOHC's wouldn't be able to handle the amount of boost I'd like to run (they handle around 7-9psi for extended longevity, higher boost makes them blow up quicker).

[Wiscon_Mark]

by clear sidemarkers, you mean clear corners, right? Cause the only people i know with them did it themselves, they didn't buy anything.
Like This:
http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/showthread.php?t=384488

[Pwise2326]

not quite, clear sidemarkers (USDM cars didn't come with them, instead we got plastic trim pieces) GGT has clear ones on his car, they are the little triangularish lights on the front fender in line with the trim piece. The ones we have and that are most readily available are amber in color. Matt -- where did you find your's?

[SubaruGenki]

IIRC I should have another set of side markers lying round somewhere.

Still not had any luck finding the people who make the clear ones. Who on here has them, and where the hell did they get them from!?

Ryan, get some Diadem or Silvervision indicator bulbs in the front and they'll look even cleaner! If you can't get them in the US then I can get some over here shipped across. Basically, they are either silver or a cool oil type effect when off, and amber when on. Perfectly legal over here as I've had them in the front of my Outback for a while now. Check:

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll? ... eName=WDVW (http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=72233&item=7987280350&rd=1&ssPageName=WDVW) - for Diadem bulbs

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll? ... 39622&rd=1 (http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=72233&item=7986139622&rd=1) - for chrome/silver bulbs

Anyway, Ryan, your car's looking sweet mate! Get that 2.5 short block off the for sale forum and get WRX manifolds and parts and build yourself a 2.5T instead of the 2.2!

James[/img]

How much do you want for that set of sidemarkers? PM me...

[Perdue]

looking good Ryan...can't wait to see the new mods when they're done!

[HimBigChief]

Done the clear corners on the Outback already. Also got Diadem bulbs in there too. Done them about 5 years ago on my old Peugeots! Another trick mod is if you can remove teh headlight lense and remove teh outer chrome reflective bit and paint it black. Makes the headlights look proper mean and moody! Don't know if it work son the Legacy's though as I think they are sealed!

Oh, Ryan, would you like 2 sets of silver bulbs? One set for the rears too? Make it that little bit more unique!

Notice the excellent sales skills above! :lol: :twisted:

Cheers

James

[Pwise2326]

You had me sold at "I can get you", lol. Thanks for being a much needed EDM/JDM connection! 2 sets is cool, anyone else want in on the list? lol.

[Reason]

Mark, first off I would like to say:
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y16/EJ25Legacy/n00b1.jpg


I have the Super Pro steering rack bushings. It sucked to take out the old ones. You might have to slight bend your power steering lines? Or was it the gas line, I forgot (I would need to look). It was a pretty tit job. I was using a lift at the time (wish I had access to it). I have a write up on it somewhere I will try to find for you. Just remind me if you don't hear anything from me. What do these bulbs look like? I might be interested. In addition we are going to have to set up a day to meet up so I can get those parts from you. Can you do it Saturday or Sunday? you name the time!

[SubaruGenki]

+1 for mark being a newbie.

[Wiscon_Mark]

I don't even have 'em on my car so I wasn't sure what he was talking about....

[blackgtbeauty]

wheeerrrreee ddiiiiiiiidddd yyyooouuu goooooooooo rrrryyyaaaaannnnnnn......

[Wiscon_Mark]

Between his 5 jobs, 3 girlfriends, and 3 majors he's earning at college, SLi has fallen to the wayside :lol:

[2.5GT]

that is nice :eek:

[Pwise2326]

Ha! Really to the wayside...here we are almost 5 years later and sadly I've been without my BD for almost 4 years now. Ended up selling it to a buddy of mine who's girl eventually killed it...apparently running over a curb and popping the oil pan then continuing to drive another 80 miles with the red oil indicator light on is Reaaaally bad. R.I.P. indeed.

So I've had a 2007 Ford F-150 FX4 to get me around since. Definately not the same. I will say though recently my little brother bought a MY99 2.5GT and I was lucky enough to borrow it for a few days....boy did it bring back memories!

[Reason]

I had to double check the sender when I got your pm this mornin when I woke up lol there's all new faces here, there's not many members left from the original active member pool. Someone may pop up once in awhile like this and won't be seen again. When are you getting another one and coming back? :grin:

[Pwise2326]

Amazing. I'm still in awe. Over 171,000 posts. Holy crow.

I know I know I know...After driving my brothers I'm hooked again. No money now for another project, I'll have to live vicariously through him for now. Just got married, got the house, new car on the way (2011 Volvo XC60...) for the wife, so until I hit top grade firefighter pay I'll have to just watch and admire for a while. Let the lurking commence!

[redlegacygt]

lol i thought for a second that someone else had made up a username really close to yours, didn't think it was actually you. Welcome back, even if ya dont have a car. lol

[blackgtbeauty]

Woah, I had to look twice at the e-mail too, been a while since double bubble at BK.