Nikolaus.Conrad's 1996 Outback GT. End of the Road.

[nikolaus.conrad]

This is my 3rd Subaru, a Glacier White with Grey trim 1996 BG Legacy Outback I nicknamed Norman. I never thought I could see myself driving a wagon but I love how much space I have and I'm impressed with how much I can haul around. I plan on experimenting and tinkering on my Outback to squeeze some more power and mpgs out of it if possible. Ultimately I want to make it a touring wagon, that's the plan so far. It's a bit tough on a limited budget and having two cars but I see it as a challenge because it rules out unnecessary expenses and will hopefully keep me more focused on one project at a time.

Late January of 2013, I was driving to Williamsport for a car meet an the transmission decided to not work anymore. Lost all gears on 15 south trying to pass a semi, I managed to limp the car back to Mansfield and got a burger at Wendy's. The car was towed by a strap behind my mothers van the rest of the way, finally got home at 1am. Got a new transmission from a 1999 GT but it's a completely different unit than the one pulled from my car. I decided that it was best to scrap the car and pull anything valuable to put on another Legacy.

Recent pics:
March 2013
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2011/08/4FE3AC124DFF4465AA6069CCE8743C1C55750000-1.jpg
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2011/08/ACA9BBFFFE4448D28D90424ACA26BA5E93000000-1.jpg
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2011/08/0EBBDFC5364D4A0C8B3B5098BFC8813A93000000-1.jpg

February 2013
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2011/08/1D2E138CAF3745A38FC558286CE7DF3983500000-1.jpg

January 2013
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2011/08/0D496D33DC724BAA93CB0BE62FED26CD20720000-1.jpg
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2011/08/2498907C57E34AF7A20AF6792014B4FB12210000-1.jpg
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2011/08/37E174267533412F9B8F4BB59C4CCCA112210000-1.jpg
November 2012
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2011/08/76DF029AB77D4BC1B21E3EE9E36F5EC041450000-1.jpg
September 2012
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2011/08/field-1.jpg
July 2012
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2011/08/P7290095-1.jpg
June 2012
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2011/08/P5160011-1.jpg
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2011/08/P5160013-1.jpg
May 2012
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2011/08/Side2-1.jpg

Story behind the car:
I posted an ad on Craigslist looking for an Outback, A man named Jim who owns a semi-truck repair shop in Watkins Glen contacted me about his wife's father's car. His stepfather bought the car almost brand new back in 2001 and owned it until he passed in 2007. Before he passed, he gave the car to his nephew's girlfriend who worked at Cornell University and had recently moved to Ithaca from the Dominican Republic, and she drove it to and from work, and put it in a ditch. Luckily, the only thing broken was a fog light and the bumper has a mark on it. She moved to New York City and no longer needed the car so she gave it back to Jim, where it sat at his truck repair shop for 2 years. Jim and his wife contacted me and told me if I wasn't interested in it, they were going to scrap it, I took a look at it and a few days later it was mine :grin:

The day I bought it (May 2011) the milage was 179,310. One year later in May 2012: 203,000 :lol: :smt021 :smt120 :smt005 :smt030 :smt010
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2011/08/241435_10150254422529703_663179702_89143-2.jpg
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2011/08/SubaruOutback1-1.jpg

When I brought it home, I took it for a drive in our field. And took some photos.

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2011/08/Outback2-1.jpg
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2011/08/Outback-1.jpg
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2011/08/Outback3-1.jpg

Mod List:

Mechanics:
1998 Legacy GT ECU
1996 EJ25D replaced with a 1995 EJ22E (156K)
1996 4EAT soon to be replaced with 1999 GT 4EAT (138k)
Power Mode button for sport mode
Toggle switch/button for FWD
Dodge Neon Coil Pack
1999 spark plug wires
NGK Spark Plugs
Mann fuel filter
UEL headers
Track pipe
Aero resonator
OBX muffler

Chassis:
American Racing Estrella rims
Michelin 215/60R16 tires

Exterior:
GT Front Bumper
GT Rear Bumper
GT Fogs
JDM center garnish
Mesh grill with moar fogs
Hood scoop
Defogged headlights
3rd Gen Legacy spray nozzles
Rear Wing
Rain guards (Soon)
Ditched the Hitch
Stickers!

Interior:
GT gauge cluster swap
New stereo
Map light/Sunglass holder
Leather wrapped auto shift lever
2005 Legacy steering wheel
Sony Xplode speakers

To Do List:
Turbo -EJ22 with VF11 @ 5lbs boost (Eventually)
5 Speed swap/Full transmission build -Possibly selling
Ebay catch can
Interval wiper arm
2.5 RS seats or WRX seats (Eventually)
GT Side Skirts -Coming soon
Take care of rust -Eventually
Lower -Coming soon
Rear wiper upgrade
Folding mirrors
JDM headlights
JDM taillights
Paint moulding trim to match gray
Paint door handles to match white

[Huffer]

Looks pretty nice - definitely get under the car and the rear fenders and have that rust taken care of. Even if you get get it down to bare metal, weld in some clean pieces and primer it, it'll protect it better than just leaving it.

[mike-tracy]

If that thing has an EJ25D, then you can get some easy power by simply swapping the ECU to a 97-98 one from a GT or Outback. The 96 ej25d was tuned for premium, but the ecu swap lets it run fine on regular.

[nikolaus.conrad]

My email never notified that there were comments on this!

Huffer- Agreed, I want to do the entire rear fender wells (sand to metal, paint, undercoat) but I don't think that'll get done till next year. The fender corners definitely on my list before snow flies!

Mike-Tracy- It does have the EJ25 but I think it requires more than just swapping the ECUs, the 1996 EJ25 has different heads than the 97-99 EJ25, I believe a higher compression ratio for the 1996 model which requires 91 octane.

[mike-tracy]

I've done it before, it just "works." Coincidentally I have one for sale, from a 97 outback, should you be interested. You're right that the heads and cam profiles are different. They are closely related to the ej20g turbo motor.

[nikolaus.conrad]

I might try that, I recently did a 2.5 to 2.2 swap on my friends GT and we're running the 2.2 ecu so I have a spare laying around =] Thank you for the offer though!

More pics to come soon!

[thegonz]

nice car and your about an hour and a half from me too im sure ill see ya around

[nikolaus.conrad]

Thank you! Where abouts are you?

[nikolaus.conrad]

Update! Did some minor modifications.

Scooped
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2011/08/3k23pc3o75Oe5P05R1a1na205192c7b031337-1.jpg

Rear Lip
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2011/08/Wing-1.jpg

Now it looks like every other Outback on the road lol

[Huffer]

Nice! What did you install the wing/rear spoiler with?

[nikolaus.conrad]

I followed Zues Marine's DIY, I found a spoiler at the local junkyard (was sapphire blue) and rattle-canned it Rustoleum White. My holes I drilled were terrible and I screwed up a lot, it isn't easy drilling into your own hatch. lol

Right now, nothing is holding the front hooks because I couldn't think of any way to secure them, so I just have the three bolts holding it to the hatch. It's pretty sturdy, hasn't flow off yet :smt016 I also caulked up the holes while I had the rear torn apart to prevent water getting in :smt023

What did you use to secure yours?

[Huffer]

Mines factory, but on my old impreza i affixed a top spoiler to my hatch with marine grade adhesive. It was extremely strong and never came off.

[nikolaus.conrad]

I forgot your GT came with a spoiler haha Where do you get Marine grade adhesive?

[b5a4]

hey its almost like mine! I go to Alfred University sooo not too far away... Looking good, they look so much better with the wing!

[nikolaus.conrad]

w00t white outbacks! I know exactly where Alfred is, my Uncle went there for college! And thanks, it does make a huge difference.

Do you need any exterior parts? There are seriously 5 white with grey trim Outback wagons in my junk yard right now.

[b5a4]

haha not right now but, If I need some parts I'll make sure to contact you

[thegonz]

i live in phoenix

[nikolaus.conrad]

Phoenix...? New York?

[nikolaus.conrad]

Update! Nothing special, just stickers on the back. SLi represent!

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2011/12/02894f44-1.jpg

[Huffer]

I like that WTF MATE! sticker.

[98legwag]

LOL at the AWD drive sticker. I've seen it before but it still makes me laugh. I think its time for a rear wiper upgrade on there. I did it and love it. Looks and works better.

[nikolaus.conrad]

Haha thank you =] Someday I wish to cover the entire back with stickers, especially if I travel somewhere pretty far with the car. I need to drown out how loud my license plate is :roll:

[chuckthefuk]

mmmm Sticker-Ru

[Tylerhartman]

You should so fix that rust!! haha me and my dad are planing fixing mine this summer.

[nikolaus.conrad]

The rear door in the first picture was replaced, however the driver's rear door is starting to get a huuuuge rust hole in it. And the rear fender corners are gone hahaha, Since winter just hit up here in New York the roads are covered in salt so I'm not that worried about trying to fix it at this moment. This summer I plan to do a 5 speed swap, GT suspension, and bodywork.

[nikolaus.conrad]

New ideas for Le wagon..

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2012/01/subarulegacytouringwagongt1999gif-1.jpg

I'd like to make this look like a North American version of the GT-B, so far I'd like to add the front and rear bumpers and skirts from the US GT and later down the road, add a JDM front or something. I'll be parting with my front Outback bumper to xoSubieLegacyxo. I'll also be doing a 5 speed swap in the spring, I managed to score a trasmission in my yard with less than 8,000 miles. And since I have most of the parts for the manual swap, my turbo project is going to be 2nd on my list. I'm looking for a 2.2 with right around 100k on it, I'll use Legacy Turbo cylinder heads, n/a UEL headers, a custom up-pipe and down pipe with 2.5 inch exhaust, an intercooler from a 2006 WRX, and a VF11 turbo from a legacy Turbo, plus some sort of external management. I'm not looking for major power, I'm looking for mostly efficiency but a bit of power would be nice. Later down the road, I'll rip the Legacy Turbo Heads off and use my 2.5 heads I have in the garage with a TD05 and full 3" exhaust to the rear bumper. :smt029

Comments and critiques are welcome :smt025

[nikolaus.conrad]

Got these at my yard yesterday from a 2005 Legacy. A lot better looking I feel than the original wheels.

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2012/01/wheels-1.jpg
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2012/01/newwheels3-1.jpg

[chuckthefuk]

A+

[nikolaus.conrad]

Thanks Chuck :grin:

[prodriver1]

nice find on those rims! they look the biz :smt023 now you need more offroady tyres to fill up those wheel wells. :grin:

[nikolaus.conrad]

Thanks! The wheel gap is a bit ridiculous, I'm thinking about putting on LGT shocks or something close to that. I'd like to make this almost like a North American version of a GT-B. But who knows at this point lol

[prodriver1]

Thanks! The wheel gap is a bit ridiculous, I'm thinking about putting on LGT shocks or something close to that. I'd like to make this almost like a North American version of a GT-B. But who knows at this point lol
go with KYB, I have the GR-2's but I wish I had gone with the AGX's as they are adjustable. as far as springs go I have an outback and outbacks go up so I'm going with forester springs, but for lowering idk, maybe you should have gotten a L or GT. :smt005 its like lowering a jeep or jacking up a Ferrari, just wrong.

[Tylerhartman]

You have a 05 legacy in your junkyard? your so lucky!

[httrdd]

Nice find. How much they run ya?

[nikolaus.conrad]

Prodriver1- hahaha I hear ya

TylerHartman- Imagine how shocked I was! We also have Dodge Charger and Crown Vic cop cars in it too.

httrdd- Thanks, they were $20 a piece. 2 of them have real bad road rash of the side of the rim, more than likely fromm the accident the car was in.

[nikolaus.conrad]

Oh Hai Mailman, thanks for my package today :grin:

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2012/01/intercooler-1.jpg

Thanks to chochocho from LegacyCentral BBS!! :smt023

[Tylerhartman]

Prodriver1- hahaha I hear ya

TylerHartman- Imagine how shocked I was! We also have Dodge Charger and Crown Vic cop cars in it too.

httrdd- Thanks, they were $20 a piece. 2 of them have real bad road rash of the side of the rim, more than likely fromm the accident the car was in.

That's so weird my Junkyard has a newer Dodge Charger too, They need to scrap the Charger and get a STI :D I want some seats and a steering wheel. I'm sure someone could find a home for the Trans and motor :)

[prodriver1]

Oh Hai Mailman, thanks for my package today :grin:

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2012/01/intercooler-1.jpg

Thanks to chochocho from LegacyCentral BBS!! :smt023
and now for the fun part... sitting for hours with a tiny little flat head to straiten all those bent veins and push out all the debris.

[nikolaus.conrad]

These are to come, probably going to mount them in my grill. I had these rigged on the Spitfire a few years ago.

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2012/01/Yellowfogs-1.jpg

[Dead91silvia]

Thanks! The wheel gap is a bit ridiculous, I'm thinking about putting on LGT shocks or something close to that. I'd like to make this almost like a North American version of a GT-B. But who knows at this point lol
go with KYB, I have the GR-2's but I wish I had gone with the AGX's as they are adjustable. as far as springs go I have an outback and outbacks go up so I'm going with forester springs, but for lowering idk, maybe you should have gotten a L or GT. :smt005 its like lowering a jeep or jacking up a Ferrari, just wrong.

You should see what I have done and seen done to cars... Lifted 240sx, lowered 4Runner... I could go on... Look at STi's, thay are lowered and lifted for rally all the time :smt023

But yeah, GR-2's and some GT springs will work to get it lower. I have a set of L springs, but I'm thinking you might want to get some GT's springs. They have a stiffer spring rate, or at least it feels like it.

[nikolaus.conrad]

its like lowering a jeep or jacking up a Ferrari, just wrong. Look at STi's, they are lowered and lifted for rally all the time :smt023

Burn!!

haha kidding, There are two GT wagons in my yard right now and I can't get the whole suspension part off without basic tools :smt010 If I could, they'd be mine in a heart beat. I have L springs and struts from my parts car but they are beat beyond use, the car rode like a truck lol.

[nikolaus.conrad]

Yesterday was nice and warm so I decided to paint my grill, I got an awesome L7 replica badge from 02legacygt :smt023

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2012/02/grill-1.jpg

The force was strong with this one... dismantled the badge into 6 pieces. The plan is to make it like a GT grill with the L7 badge, nothing too fancy.

[04Legacy]

Nick find me a set of those wheels please!!!!!!! I want those wheels so bad.

[nikolaus.conrad]

I'll trade you for your snowflakes :smt016

[Huffer]

That badge comes off easy if you heat up the adhesive and put it off from the back.

BTW: AGX struts are crap. A shock dyno proves that even shocks from the same batch had widely different rebound and damping rates. And the adjustments? They're crap too.

[nikolaus.conrad]

That badge was pretty chipped up so I really didn't care lol. Did you used to have AGXs?

[GTDrifter]

cant wait to see the outback next week, color your fogs to make it more awesome

[Huffer]

That badge was pretty chipped up so I really didn't care lol. Did you used to have AGXs?

No - I considered them but I stuck with GR2s. I saw very little need to "mess" with an adjustable shock that really isn't. Much like coilovers. Most people set and forget. I like my "OEM" spec suspension mods. No need to worry about reliability or serviceability.

[Dead91silvia]

That badge was pretty chipped up so I really didn't care lol. Did you used to have AGXs?

No - I considered them but I stuck with GR2s. I saw very little need to "mess" with an adjustable shock that really isn't. Much like coilovers. Most people set and forget. I like my "OEM" spec suspension mods. No need to worry about reliability or serviceability.

I have a friend that does a lot of track racing and he told to NOT get AGX's. He hates them and said they are crap and also said stick with GR2's or go Tokico. Too bad Tokico dont make crap for our cars... :smt022 Had those on my Silvia and loved them!

[nikolaus.conrad]

No - I considered them but I stuck with GR2s. I saw very little need to "mess" with an adjustable shock that really isn't. Much like coilovers. Most people set and forget. I like my "OEM" spec suspension mods. No need to worry about reliability or serviceability.

Exactly the reason I'm not getting adjustable shocks

I'm not planning on track racing, only on a few various rare occasions like for a meet or something. I want to get back into Solo racing this year. For what I'm using the wagon for I feel the LGT shock will work just fine. I wish to upgrade I'll probably do KYB or something. Nothing too fancy for suspension, as long as it works and rides nice.

[nikolaus.conrad]

cant wait to see the outback next week, color your fogs to make it more awesome

I hope to have the grill done by then so you can see both :grin: What did Chad use for his fogs? I'm having trouble finding a spray to tint them. I also got a GT side skirt so I need to find another one, the ones at my yard are all beat to shit. There is also a GT wagon rear bumper I plan to scoop up the next time I have money :smt023 Like tomorrow or something :smt026 :smt026 :smt026

[GTDrifter]

he borrowed scuba's metalcast spray.

[nikolaus.conrad]

Gotcha, maybe next time I'm down there I could get mine sprayed? :grin:

[GTDrifter]

You'll have to ask scuba if you could use his spray, start sanding your foglights though

[nikolaus.conrad]

If I can find some sort of spray paint, I'll just do it that way. Are these fogs made of glass or a really tough plastic?

[GTDrifter]

Chad would be the perfect one to ask, I'm pretty sure he said they were glass

its duplicolor metalcast spray

[98legwag]

The fogs on the OB are glass.

[nikolaus.conrad]

Bump it up for updates!! Got a rear GT Bumper today, which will go on the car with the GT front soon :smt025

[GTDrifter]

If you want your foglights metalcasted just give them to me at Denny's next time you go, I'll spray them up and give them back.

[nikolaus.conrad]

If you want your foglights metalcasted just give them to me at Denny's next time you go, I'll spray them up and give them back.
Lol Steve said that can was being passed around like a whore. How in God's name does it still have any tint left in it?

[prodriver1]

Yesterday was nice and warm so I decided to paint my grill, I got an awesome L7 replica badge from 02legacygt :smt023

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2012/02/grill-1.jpg

The force was strong with this one... dismantled the badge into 6 pieces. The plan is to make it like a GT grill with the L7 badge, nothing too fancy.
thats a tough badge:) mine just fell off when I closed the hood. :smt005

[prodriver1]

That badge was pretty chipped up so I really didn't care lol. Did you used to have AGXs?

No - I considered them but I stuck with GR2s. I saw very little need to "mess" with an adjustable shock that really isn't. Much like coilovers. Most people set and forget. I like my "OEM" spec suspension mods. No need to worry about reliability or serviceability.
I have a wagon and adjust-ability for carrying cargo would be sweet with the AGX's I dont really care much for performance just hate sagin wagons. audi allroads (my other fav car) has rear suspension that adjusts according to the weight of the cargo, just trying to upgrade the subarus awesomeness :smt023 .

[prodriver1]

The fogs on the OB are glass.
yes :smt011 I have gone through many sets... they crack when I drive through rivers :smt013 to bad I never remember to shut them off LOL.

[GTDrifter]

If you want your foglights metalcasted just give them to me at Denny's next time you go, I'll spray them up and give them back.
Lol Steve said that can was being passed around like a whore. How in God's name does it still have any tint left in it?
yeah, there's not too much left but we could always buy a second can

[nikolaus.conrad]

Sounds good Harry, how much does it cost?

[GTDrifter]

Scuba said $11

[nikolaus.conrad]

Sweeeeeeeeet

[nikolaus.conrad]

Bumpdate, Painted and mounted my GT front bumper on a winter day that was suppose to be 47, more like 36. The paint job wasn't the best, and the color is off but it does the job for now, I'm thinking about painting the whole car white. Nothing is set in stone, I may even take this off in a few days. lol

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2012/02/GTLip-1.jpg

I just need LGT springs and better wheels, I'd like to sell the 2005 Legacy wheels I bought. Too small of a tire.

[Tinobag]

Lookin good. I have a set of LGT springs and struts if your interested.

[04Legacy]

I'll take the legacy wheels off of your hands!!!

[nikolaus.conrad]

Lookin good. I have a set of LGT springs and struts if your interested.
I'll be in touch :smt023


I'll take the legacy wheels off of your hands!!!
One of the four is gouged really badly, I can send you pictures of them or next time I'm in Williamsport you can take a look at them. :smt025

[04Legacy]

I'll take the legacy wheels off of your hands!!!
One of the four is gouged really badly, I can send you pictures of them or next time I'm in Williamsport you can take a look at them. :smt025[/quote]

That's fine. As long as they aren't bent I'll be a happy camper. I can stop by to one of the meets when you come down next or you can send the pics of them it doesnot matter. They will be repainted any way so I'll have the curb rash fixed.

[GTDrifter]

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2012/02/426421_10150572123274087_121583919086_90-1.jpg

Fix it lol

[nikolaus.conrad]

Harry, that's terrible LMFAO! I plan to fix it as soon as possible.

In the mean time....
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2012/02/Toodamnhigh-1.jpg

[xoSubieLegacyxo]

Well it looks like we got ourselves a joker here! You and your monster truck!

[prodriver1]

:smt010

[nikolaus.conrad]

Well it looks like we got ourselves a joker here! You and your monster truck!
I'm working on the monster truck don't worry, by summer it should be a totally different animal :smt025

[nikolaus.conrad]

:smt010
I'm sorry Prodriver lol, lifted 4x4s aren't really my thing. Give me a few months and my car will look very different for the better :smt023

[prodriver1]

:smt010
I'm sorry Prodriver lol, lifted 4x4s aren't really my thing. Give me a few months and my car will look very different for the better :smt023
I don't matter lol, I have my own opinion I hope it doesn't bother you, I'll stop I swear. I want to buy you a GT wagon and trade you :smt005 (see that was the last of it lol) bottom line, at least its a subaru :smt023 and better than that, you love it and thats the BEST :smt023

[nikolaus.conrad]

Thanks! :smt023 Outbacks are a dime a dozen here so if I find one I'll send it your way :smt016

[prodriver1]

Thanks! :smt023 Outbacks are a dime a dozen here so if I find one I'll send it your way :smt016
ahhhhh ha ha ha :grin: :smt016 hey if you find a rust free one though let me know, I'm looking for a "rest of my life" outback shell to put all my new stuff on.

[nikolaus.conrad]

Will do! Although most are pretty rusted here, I'll PM you if a gem is found :smt023

[Tinobag]

Yo! Where's my intercooler!? Haha! No pressure, just wondering whats up. :smt016

[nikolaus.conrad]

I have a box and I'll mail it on payday! Don't worry I haven't forgot :P

[Tylerhartman]

Bumpdate, Painted and mounted my GT front bumper on a winter day that was suppose to be 47, more like 36. The paint job wasn't the best, and the color is off but it does the job for now, I'm thinking about painting the whole car white. Nothing is set in stone, I may even take this off in a few days. lol

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2012/02/GTLip-1.jpg

I just need LGT springs and better wheels, I'd like to sell the 2005 Legacy wheels I bought. Too small of a tire.


Time for JDM fogs, GT side Skirts?? This is one mighty fine wagon. I might keep my eye out for a GT bumper now :)

[nikolaus.conrad]

I threw in some GT Fogs I got from a fellow member, I'm looking for another GT skirt and I have a GT rear bumper which will go on in the spring =] And thank you

[nikolaus.conrad]

Did a small mod yesterday. I got a 'new' coilpack from the junkyard from a Dodge Neon. Now, before you think "OMFG a Neon?????" Let me run this by you, Our factory coilpack have a voltage reading at about 29,000 volts and the Neon coilpack has a voltage reading of about 34,000 volts. Not a huge upgrade but definitely noticeable. The acceleration is much smoother, climbing hills are easier, and the MPGs have slightly increased, I'd say about 1-2 MPG. I did have to make a wire harness to connect the Neon coilpack to the Scoob harness, not bad. However, you will need a different set of wires for the neon coilpack. I ghetto-rigged my wires to the coilpack but i works for now, I'll take pics tomorrow. I'm also saving for the MSD red coilpack for a future upgrade :smt023

[nikolaus.conrad]

Pics of my ghetto rigged coil pack, you'll need the 98 and 99 set of sparkplug wires to have a clean look. This is just temporary and works fine.

The new coilpack only held on with 2 bolts to the manifold (I think with 97, 98, and 99 manifolds only 1 bolt will fit) my friend Amanda asked if it was going to fly away lol
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2012/03/Coilpack-1.jpg

The wire harness, plug and play.
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2012/03/Coilpackwire-1.jpg

I'm still planning on fitting the rear GT bumper and the side skirts, probably the last things I do before the trans swap and engine refreshen.

[nikolaus.conrad]

Set my mileage to the correct reading today, not too hard at all. This week I should see 200,000!! I'm excited to see it rollover

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2012/04/Mileage-1.jpg

[nikolaus.conrad]

I'm going to try to take my trailer hitch off today, I can't mount the GT bumper with it there. If anyone wants it, let me know!

Also, I picked up a scoop for an OBS and deciding what I'm going to do with it, I still have my scoopless hood so I may have moar scoop-age going on soon muahaha

[xoSubieLegacyxo]

I'm going to try to take my trailer hitch off today, I can't mount the GT bumper with it there. If anyone wants it, let me know!

Also, I picked up a scoop for an OBS and deciding what I'm going to do with it, I still have my scoopless hood so I may have moar scoop-age going on soon muahaha

DIBS ON THE HITCH! Bring it to the meet!

[nikolaus.conrad]

Lmao It's in my trunk right meow

[nikolaus.conrad]

500 Posts!! and small update, my Outback hit 200,000 miles on Wednesday this past week. It's at like 200,200 now. I have spring break this week so hopefully I can get my rear GT bumper on either tomorrow or something. Pics to follow!

[nikolaus.conrad]

Teaser!

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2012/04/GTrear-2.jpg

[nikolaus.conrad]

I got the rear GT bumper on, painted the rockers black, and put fogs in the grill. I'm not happy with the color of the bumpers, I'm trying desperately to find a better matching color lol. I may photoshop a few of these pictures to show future plans.

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2012/04/rocker-2.jpg

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2012/04/rocker2-1.jpg

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2012/04/Side-2.jpg

Comments/critiques are welcome

[r3v_v3ng3]

Nice, do you also have the gt skirt? its hard to tell from the pics

[geckoboy86]

Doesn't look like it (especially with the first pic)....Sideskirts are going to be a pain to install (which is why I haven't done mine).

[nikolaus.conrad]

I don't have the GT skirts installed because I only have one right now, and I'm still thinking of a way to mount them lol. I'm thinking lots of double sided adhesive.

[GTDrifter]

drill holes in the bottom and use those plugs that you screw a screw in and they fan out to hold it in place

[nikolaus.conrad]

I really don't want to drill holes in my rocker panels, if I can find a way to do it and prevent rust from forming then I'll consider it. Is that how your rockers are being held on?

[chrish8r]

I really like the direction this is going. it seems the muffler is positioned a little low on the GT bumper?? or maybe its just me

[nikolaus.conrad]

Thank you! And yeah it's a tad low, still on the stock exhaust. I hope to have a new exhaust by the end of summer, I'm on the outlook for an factory STi muffler. Also, I found some rustoleum grey metallic paint at Wally World after work that I'll use to repaint the front and rear bumper. It matches very very close to the Outback grey lol

[Dead91silvia]

Holy Rustola! I still cant believe how much rust you guys have... depressing...

You should get an eraser tool and burn off the Outback stripes. That would change the look a lot...

[nikolaus.conrad]

I need to do that, I'm curious to see how it will look. The rust isn't too bad, but I need to take care of the amount I have. I hope to do that this year because I didn't last year lol.

Update time, I found the PERFECT match for Outback grey, it's Rustoleum Metallic Charcoal from Walmart. It's like $5.67 a can. Also, I added the square yellow fogs from page 2 I think. Got them wire and it looks great! Looks great in the night too, mounted them in my mesh grill I had laying around from my old Leggy.

Pics!
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2011/08/Side2-1.jpg

The best way I could think to mount my fogs, the brackets I found in my basement and were used to hold the cap on our truck lol. The bracket is actually from the Outback rear bumper when I put the GT rear on, recycling at it's best! lol
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2012/04/Fogs-1.jpg

All lights on
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2012/04/Front-1.jpg

Grill fogs and parking lights
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2012/04/Frontfogs-1.jpg

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2012/04/3quarter-1.jpg

I'm pleased with how it looks, I need new wheels and a drop, then it'll look like something. Comments and critiques are welcome!

[Dead91silvia]

Put the license plate on straight! :smt021

Over all I like it! Has a different look for sure!

[Matty2Hotty]

+1 on the front plate straight and get some yellow vinyl for the lower fogs. Some jdm projectors would look good too. Looks good.

[nikolaus.conrad]

It's JDM Yoooo lol I'll do that soon :smt023 JDM projectors are on the list along with JDM tails, but it does the job for now. I've thought about tint for the lowers but I don't know if that will be too much yellow or not.

[chrish8r]

Yellow fogs are the best......expecially when it snows or rains

[nikolaus.conrad]

It rained pretty good last night and I did see an improvement in seeing the road, I'm keeping my eyes open for yellow tint now. Any suggestions for which brand to use?

[chrish8r]

i used the metro restyling tint film off of Amazon. it is like 6 bucks for a 1'x1' sheeet. and that was enough to do both of my 6" outback fogs. and it has been on there for around 2 years so far

[geckoboy86]

Looking good...I might steal the grille fogs idea.

[nikolaus.conrad]

I'll keep the film in mind, but I'm leaning more towards spray from a can only because the GT fogs are starting to get a bit hazy. Sand them down and clearcoat them, all that good stuff.

You're more than welcome to steal my idea Shane, I'll let you know what size they are so you can find a size that will fit. They fit nice and snug behind the grill, it's hard to tell from the pics but I have mesh (gutter mesh lolz) so a rock doesn't break them. They're the only set I have and I love them lol

[nikolaus.conrad]

Update: Fixed the plate now it's no longer JDM... haha

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2012/05/Plate-1.jpg


And went to the last infamous Williamsport car meet this past Wednesday. You'd think we swapped bumpers or something lol

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2012/05/Meet-1.jpg

[Huffer]

Is that a JDM modded grille you have? I'd mod a stock one to get rid of the gap under it. On black cars it's not as noticeable.

Try to fix that rear quarter rust soon though. That'll eat into the body if you're not careful.

[nikolaus.conrad]

It's a modded factory L grill lol one of the few things I could actually salvage from my old car. I'm not too worried about the gap underneath lol. The quarters will be fixed this year, not sure when but probably in the fall. I'm using fenders from my old car for material :smt023

[Dead91silvia]

Update: Fixed the plate now it's no longer JDM... haha

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2012/05/Plate-1.jpg


MUCH BETTER! :smt023

As for the rust, you do need to see how bad it really is. I have a rust free passenger QT panel Huffer never took me up on if your interested...

I still cant get over the rust over there, makes a guy wanna cry. Any time we see a car that rusty over here, we only think of them as parts cars.

I also agree with huffer on the grill... You should see if you can find an SUS grill! That would make it look a lot different for sure! Or you can mod the SUS one also. They are a tall grill and the slats can be cut out of thats how you want to run it.

[nikolaus.conrad]

Hahaha I knew you'd like the fixed plate :smt016 When I took the bumper off I inspected the area it covers and it isn't all that bad. I am finding some more rust under the car, I'm going to wire brush it and take care of it before it gets too bad. Like I said in the original post this car is in pretty good shape for a New York Subaru; it's a beater, but in really good shape. Most cars here are missing their rocker panels. I should get a few years use out of it, by then hopefully I'll find another car to stick all the goodies from this car onto.

My old car, this is what an east coast parts car looks like lol
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2012/05/OlsSubie-1.jpg

And this is for Dead91Silvia, this is why we don't have 80s japanese cars anymore here. Found it at Horseheads PickaPart.
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2012/05/Camry-1.jpg

[xoSubieLegacyxo]

Update: And went to the last infamous Williamsport car meet this past Wednesday. You'd think we swapped bumpers or something lol

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2012/05/Meet-1.jpg

The red Legacy looks familiar. I don't know about "infamous", but it's always a blast getting together with ppl you can relate with. haha

[rickyjxxx]

I'll keep the film in mind, but I'm leaning more towards spray from a can only because the GT fogs are starting to get a bit hazy. Sand them down and clearcoat them, all that good stuff.

If you're interested in a spray, this is what I used on my E30 headlights to make em yellow:

http://www.krylon.com/products/stained_glass_color/

and a pic

http://img19.imageshack.us/img19/5974/dsc01781n.jpg

[nikolaus.conrad]

I don't know about "infamous", but it's always a blast getting together with ppl you can relate with. haha
It's something. lol Always fun :smt023

rickyjxxx- I'll have to check that out! Thanks!

[nikolaus.conrad]

I just remembered today, I bought my first Legacy in July of 2009 and it was two years ago yesterday it was totaled. Two days later I bought my silver Legacy and last year when that wouldn't pass May Inspection due to rust I retired it and bought the Outback. The 11th of May will be the day when I have had my Outback a year!! I think I'm too excited to have a car for more than one year lol. It and I have come a long way.

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2012/05/Rusty2-1.jpg
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2012/05/Rusty-1.jpg
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2012/05/Newcar-1.jpg
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2012/05/215449_10150281023374546_808079545_95475-1.jpg
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2011/08/241435_10150254422529703_663179702_89143-2.jpg
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2011/08/Side2-1.jpg
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2012/04/Front-1.jpg

I really didn't do anything to the 91 Legacy, except fix/bandaid broken parts (Transmission, starter, heater core). at the time the only forum I was a member of was LegacyCentralBBS, which I rarely went on. I planned to clean up the headlights, throw on new fenders, new tires, and new exhaust but never got to it. I wanted to do a Manual AWD swap from the Auto FWD setup it had, but looking back on it now there is no way I could have done it in that point of time. The 96 was a problem when I first had it, it would start and run fine until it got warm and it was shut off, then it wouldn't start. The problem was the Crankshaft position sensor, after I replaced that it ran great! At some point the ABS unit short circuited and would put the car into Limp/death mode when it was plugged in, So I just ran it without ABS. I joined SLi a month after I had the car and did some light mods, GT bumper, mesh grill, GT wing, 'new' wheels from the 91, and a new radio. When I retired the 96 I carried over the GT front bumper, mesh L grill, and headlights. I'm going to be using more bits from it when I do my transmission swap :smt023 Soon I hope.

[nikolaus.conrad]

Minor update: today I hit the 203k mark, and my speedo and tach were all over the place. Both would hit zero then come back on then the speedo would read as if it were the tach. The ABS light would come on then turn off, also my radio kept turning on and off by itself and switching through CD/AUX/and radio. But my car would still run and drive normal, but with only a small decrease in power :smt017 I think I need a new battery or alternator, the car was dead and needed to be jumped after I got out of work. Two weeks ago I jumped a co-workers Civic, then last week my friend's Buick died, and now mine. Every week the parking lot claims another car! :smt021 lol

Car problems aside, since school has ended for the semester I've had the chance to work on projects. Last night I finally removed the transmission from my old car and started tearing it apart. I've always wanted to take apart a Subaru transmission to see how it's made, It's little things like this that I love doing, No wonder why I'm still single lol. The syncros are pretty shot, once I accidentally shifted the car out of gear by bumping my arm into the shifter. If something gets screwed up on this, it's no big deal. It's kind of practice before I touch the transmission I'm going to use for my swap :smt023

Almost but not quite dismantled transmission
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2012/05/39tranny-1.jpg

Moar pics soon! I also have some exciting news for another ride thread of mine :wink: More details soon!

[nikolaus.conrad]

Yesterday I split the old transmission, it was a lot easier than I thought it would be. It was pretty straight forward and only took me about 2 hours total. Sorry about the super crappy pics lately, I only have a cell phone camera at the moment :-(

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2012/05/Blowntrans-1.jpg

Also, yesterday I received a lightweight flywheel in the mail from Huffer, Thanks again!

[GTDrifter]

Can't wait to see it this semester.

[nikolaus.conrad]

Thanks Harry! This semester? Are you going back to Wilpo in the fall?

Edit: 600 posts!! :happy3:

[nikolaus.conrad]

My plan for my transmission swap is this; I have two transmissions, one from and L and one from and Outback. My plan is to combined both to make a custom transmission to be easy to install and work as if it's from the factory. The Outback transmission has low miles (Only 8,000 miles) but the wrong gearing, the L has the gearing I'd like to use except the syncros are shot. The biggest reasons why I'm not just using the Outback transmission alone is because of the taller 5th gear. Having a tall 5th gear gives the engine a higher RPM at highway speeds making it easier to tow, but I'm not going to be towing anything with my car. I can borrow my father's truck for something like that :grin: I'd like to have a lower RPM for highway speed, I feel this will increase my fuel economy and help keep the wear on my engine and transmission parts down a bit. I also don't want to fork out money left and right since I'm on a college budget, so price is also playing a huge part in this build.

This is where the madness starts...

Gear ratios for all North American AWD 5 speed manual Subaru transmissions are about the same. Chuck the Admin gave me a wonderful site with the gear ratios and final drive ratios of most JDM and UDSM subaru 5 speed and 6 speed transmissions, but I can no longer access it :smt010 These numbers are from my head and I feel are relatively similar.

Transmission Ratios
1st gear = 3.545
2nd gear = 2.111
3rd gear = 1.448
4th gear = 1.088
5th gear = .871 (Outback)
5th gear = .781 (L)

Final Drive Ratios
L, LS, LSi = 3.9
GT, Outback = 4.111

Parts I plan to use for the build:

Outback Transmission
1st 2nd 3rd 4th gear
Syncros
Front diff
Center diff
Transmission housing
Bearings
Shifter linkage

L Transmission
Final drive 3.9 ring and pinion
Mainshaft
rear transmission casing
5th gear

In a nutshell, what I'll be building is a transmission with new internals, a lower 5th gear, with a 3.9 final drive ratio, which boils down to pretty much a modified L transmission preforming like an Outback transmission. With the 3.9 FD I'm going to be using smaller tires since the final drive and tire size is directly related. My new tire size with 3.9 is going to be 215/55R16 and this should give me the same results as the 4.11 and 205/70R15 (And better lowering capabilities :twisted: ).

The engine RPM is determined by three variables. The transmission ratio, the final drive, and tire size. I've been crunching some values and numbers and have come up with this; here is a list of some quick math using the ratios above, the tire size, and various speeds. These values are not approximate as nothing ever works in the real world as it does on paper.

I used this site to help calculate my values: http://tech.oldsgmail.com/axle_RPM.php

L Engine RPM
Legacy L @ 3.9 FD, 185/70R14 (24.1" diameter), gears 3 (1.488), 4 (1.088), and 5 (.781).

3rd gear @ 30 mph = 2429 rpm
4th gear @ 30 mph = 1776 rpm
3rd gear @ 40 mph = 3239 rpm
4th gear @ 40 mph = 2368 rpm
4th gear @ 50 mph = 2960 rpm
5th gear @ 55 mph = 2337 rpm
5th gear @ 60 mph = 2550 rpm
5th gear @ 65 mph = 2762 rpm
5th gear @ 70 mph = 2975 rpm
5th gear @ 75 mph = 3187 rpm

Outback Engine RPM
Outback @ 4.11 FD, 205/70R15 (26.2" diameter), gears 3 (1.488), 4 (1.088), and 5 (.871).

3rd gear @ 30 mph = 2292 rpm
4th gear @ 30 mph = 1722 rpm
3rd gear @ 40 mph = 3056 rpm
4th gear @ 40 mph = 2296 rpm
4th gear @ 50 mph = 2870 rpm
5th gear @ 55 mph = 2527 rpm
5th gear @ 60 mph = 2757 rpm
5th gear @ 65 mph = 2987 rpm
5th gear @ 70 mph = 3217 rpm
5th gear @ 75 mph = 3447 rpm

I usually go at about 70 mph and I feel that 3200 PRM is a bit excessive, especially if I'm not towing anything. Here is my calculated RPM:

Nikolaus.Conrad's Transmission Build
Modified @ 3.9 FD, 215/55R16 (25.3" diameter), gears 3 (1.488), 4 (1.088), and 5 (.781).

3rd gear @ 30 mph = 2251 rpm
4th gear @ 30 mph = 1692 rpm
3rd gear @ 40 mph = 3002 rpm
4th gear @ 40 mph = 2256 rpm
4th gear @ 50 mph = 2820 rpm
5th gear @ 55 mph = 2226 rpm
5th gear @ 60 mph = 2429 rpm
5th gear @ 65 mph = 2631 rpm
5th gear @ 70 mph = 2834 rpm
5th gear @ 75 mph = 3036 rpm

I'd like to have the lowest engine RPM possible for speeds 55mph and up, and the L transmission seems to deliver this. But since the components are so worn, I feel it's necessary to use the Outback internals with such low miles. When this is all said and done, I expect to see an accurate speedometer, improved MPGs, factory dependability, and many miles for the road ahead. I'm sure there are little things I forgot to mention, if there are any questions, I'll do my best to explain better.

[xoSubieLegacyxo]

TOO MANY NUMBERS!

[nikolaus.conrad]

Yeah I know :-? I feel this is the best way to explain my build, other than I've ran the numbers and it will work lol The RPMs for my build match up to the Outback transmission RPMs pretty close, I'm only off by 50 rpms (Except 5th gear).

[mike-tracy]

Would this help you:

http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/showpos ... ostcount=3 (http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/showpost.php?p=25407272&postcount=3)

This one is prob the one you saw before:

http://www.northursalia.com/techdocs/tr ... ychart.pdf (http://www.northursalia.com/techdocs/trannychart/trannychart.pdf)

[nikolaus.conrad]

Yes, that has excellent information. That is very similar to the site Chuck told me to look at. Thank you!

[Dead91silvia]

I gotta give it to ya! You are one motivated guy! I havent even done that stuff yet...

[nikolaus.conrad]

Thank you! :grin: I want to make sure everything is 100% correct since I don't want to tear it apart when it's assembled lol It's not that hard once you work with it for a while, if you need help let me know!

[nikolaus.conrad]

Went to Le Junkyard about about a week ago (haven't had time to update sorry :-( ) and I got a new rear driver's door in the same color as mine for $22, everything was 1/2 off lol. At the time that's the only thing I could think to grab :smt021 I went back and got parts for my Spitfire since there was a Mark 3 Spitty in the yard. It's updated in member rides 2 and you can click the link in my signature to check that out as well :smt016 I went back a 3rd time to grab a leather wrapped steering wheel from a 2.5RS that had red stitching but I found something better. As you may recall I got wheels from the 2005 Legacy, well I went to see if that still had the steering wheel and it did! So I bought the almost new wheel instead of the one from the 2.5RS. I also got a newer coil pack from a 2004 PT Cruiser and a new serpentine belt, all for $20. The newer coil pack should have less miles on it and it looks to be in better shape than the one I bought before, although I really haven't noticed much of a difference between the two.

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2012/06/steeringwheel-1.jpg

The new wheel feels great! I'm still getting used to the spoke in the center at the bottom though lol. Everything still works, nearly. The horn still works and I rigged the cruise control settings since it's the lever from the old wheel. However, I do not have an airbag. The yard wouldn't let me buy it because it's under "explosive charge" :smt017 That and I''m not willing to try to rig it myself. All my other cars didn't have airbags so I'm not too worried about not having one. I just hope this doesn't bite me in the ass down the road, erm, face. YOLO! :lol:

[nikolaus.conrad]

Update: My Outback has been limping ever since Thanksgiving, and now it's on it's last leg. A few days ago I went to Williamsport to see a good friend of mine who was visiting for the day and 1/2 way there my car started overheating. I immediately pulled over and checked my fluids, everything seemed to be in order, I tried to add some water to the radiator but it was full. Upon later inspection my friend Paul pointed out the coolant smelled of oil. Long story short I think my headgaskets are shot. I drove home with the temp spiking occasionally but other than that no problems. I'm seriously thinking about scooping up a 2.2 from my yard and throwing that in when I swap transmissions. I have my eye on a 2.2 with 156k on it.

Also, the Spitfire will get painted this weekend and hopefully I'll bring it home next weekend. And as soon as I get that on the road the Outback is going under the knife for a complete reconstruction surgery. I plan to replace the following:

Engine- 2.5 to 2.2
Transmission- auto to 5 speed
Rear Diff- 3.9
Gas tank- one I can actually fill up!
Exhaust- Kitteh delete
Wheels- 16" Alloys thanks to GTDrifter

More than likely this car will be out of commission for the rest of summer so I might be driving the Spitfire until the fall.

[nikolaus.conrad]

I ran into a problem with my transmission build, can someone help me out? Nothing big, thanks!

viewtopic.php?f=70&t=25034 (http://www.sl-i.net/FORUM/viewtopic.php?f=70&t=25034)

[nikolaus.conrad]

Leaving soon to go and pull the new heart for the Wagon, will post pics later!

[nikolaus.conrad]

I just realized I became a member of SLi two years ago today, doesn't seem that long ago! Also just realized I forgot pics, don't mind me I'm scatter brained!

I got a wicked awesome farmer's tan pulling this baby, I'm going back to take those folding mirrors!
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2012/06/newengine-1.jpg

And since my Wagon is my sports car/hauler, it was only natural to stick the engine in the trunk. A layer of old rubber floor mats and garbage bags and I was all set :grin:
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2012/06/engineinthetrunk-1.jpg

It needs a lot of work but I'm confident I can get this running with no problems. I also got the Spitfire home today so that's another project to get done as well! Updates as I go along!

[amgarrety]

Just curious, how much did that engine cost? I wonder if they just have any 255s laying around?

[nikolaus.conrad]

The engine was $205, there are a few 3rd gen Legacys in the yard but most are picked over pretty good. I'm not sure if any have their engines left or not.

[04Legacy]

The engine was $205, there are a few 3rd gen Legacys in the yard but most are picked over pretty good. I'm not sure if any have their engines left or not.

I can get engines from the junkyard i go to for $75-$100.

[redlegacygt]

The engine was $205, there are a few 3rd gen Legacys in the yard but most are picked over pretty good. I'm not sure if any have their engines left or not.

I can get engines from the junkyard i go to for $75-$100.


Is that Harry's u-pull it? lol

[nikolaus.conrad]

The engine was $205, there are a few 3rd gen Legacys in the yard but most are picked over pretty good. I'm not sure if any have their engines left or not.

I can get engines from the junkyard i go to for $75-$100.
That'd be sweet but driving down there and coming back, I would spend just as much as buying one here. Not to mention the headgasket issue my car is dealing with now, the furthest I can drive south is Mansfield.

[nikolaus.conrad]

Update time! Headgaskets have gotten to the point where I can drive about 2 miles and it overheats, been like this for 2 weeks now. Fun. I missed taking the Subaru to a Subaru meet because of headgaskets so I took my father's Volkswagen. The Spitfire is on the road and is being driven right now (check the ride thread, link in sig). I'm borrowing an engine lift tomorrow and yanking the 2.5 out and replacing it with the EJ22 and hopefully I can get it working 100% problem free before the Rhode Island meet on the 28th. The clock is against me but I'm confident I can tear it apart and put it slap it back together to drive 300 miles there then back. This week will be interesting for sure hahaha

[airlia101]

Just found your build here after hearing your post in the RI meet thread. The transmission work sounds crazy (in that fun, tinkering sense lol), and your wagon itself seems well-loved. Good luck on the engine swap!, hope everything goes well for you!

[nikolaus.conrad]

Things could be going smoother, the engine hasn't been removed yet but that'll change today hopefully. I'm finding little hints here and there that suggest the engine was probably taken out at one point in time. The first thing I noticed was the little rubber door cover that gives you access to the bolts on the torque converter is missing. There are some bolts missing from the timing belt covers and in a few spots are broken. and the bolts to hold the header on are rock solid tight! Not to mention whoever slapped it on used a regular steel nut instead of a stainless nut so it rusted to the header and essentially became part of the header. I've been drilling out a nut I rounded off for about an hour now because my bits keep getting dull :smt013 UGH. However, the replacement engine is almost 100% together, I replaced the waterpump as well as fixed a massive dent in the oil pan so now it holds oil, cleaned it up a bit, and I have all the timing sprockets and rollers on it. I just need a timing belt now which is in the mail on the way to my house :grin: I'm going to wait to put the engine in so I can put the timing belt on, much easier to do when it's out of the car! I'll update this here shortly with pics and shit :smile:

[nikolaus.conrad]

I got the 2.5 out today! It only took about an hour and 1/2 and some heavy drilling of stuck manifold bolts. My timing belt came in the mail today! So tomorrow I'm going to try and put it on and put the new motor in, if everything goes smoothly :lol:

Rhode Island here I come!

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2012/07/enginepull-2.jpg

[GTDrifter]

You could always take the jdm machine that you brought to chads meet lol

[nikolaus.conrad]

HAHAHA might as well bring the Spitfire!

[xoSubieLegacyxo]

You could always take the jdm machine that you brought to chads meet lol

:smt017 I thought VW was German?

[nikolaus.conrad]

I've got everything buttoned up on the new motor and it's ready to go in.

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2012/07/TimingBelt22-1.jpg

I paid a friend of mine to make me a track pipe, I wish I had some UELs to slap on with this :cry:

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2012/07/TrackPipe-2.jpg

Fitting in the new engine, excited!

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2012/07/enginefit-2.jpg

Sitting pretty 'n' stuff

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2012/07/newengine2-2.jpg

I'm going to try and get everything hooked back up later today and see if I can get it to start! But for right now it's 5AM and the only reason why I'm up is because I took a shower at 3 and couldn't fall back asleep.

[chrish8r]

mmmm...I like that track pipe. Are those O2 spacers already on it??

[nikolaus.conrad]

Yep! Spacers are about an inch and 1/4, should be enough to help with a CEL code right? It was all ready to bolt up, then this was discovered...

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2012/07/torqueplate-2.jpg

UUUUUUUUUUGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH :smt013 :smt021 :smt022 :smt005 :smt010 :smt030

I forgot to put the torque plate from the 2.5 on the 2.2 before I put it in, so now I have to pull the engine again and fix this. I just have to keep thinking about the road trip this weekend, it's the biggest motivation to keep me going!

[amgarrety]

You got this! At least you have enough time to mess up a few times. I mean, it is inevitable, right? No engine swap is hassle free. Even taking a motor out, rebuilding it, and putting it back in has its troubles.

[nikolaus.conrad]

Exactly, there are bound to be problems and I'm thankful to have some time to correct them. I swapped the plate with no issues today, and got the engine back in without hassle. Tomorrow I'm turning in the kittys for scrap, picking up some parts, and hopefully buttoning this up. I want to take it on a test run and hopefully that will happen tomorrow night, this way I can run it for a while to see if I get any CELs before I get it inspected and correct it. Crossing my fingers, it's almost finished for now! Next is to replace that autotragic :smt023

[xoSubieLegacyxo]

some motivation for you good sir....

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2012/07/sk033007i-2.jpg

[nikolaus.conrad]

Thank you Chad :smile: I'm almost there!

[98legwag]

In the words of Mortal Kmobat: FINISH HIM!

[amgarrety]

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/

[nikolaus.conrad]

The update everyone (including me) has been waiting for, It's finished! I got it to start yesterday and it drives with no problems or grinding noises or anything, it just feels a bit under-powered probably because the 2.2 has to haul 3200lbs of Outback with an auto trans hahaha I had it started and running straight off the header and it's offensively loud, but sounds good! I took it up my road with just the header and what a noise! hahaha Today I'm going to try and make the exhaust a bit quieter and drive it for a bit to see if there are any problems before taking it to Rhode Island. Also going to clean it out, it's been neglected for quite some time so a good vacuum and wash are needed! So far there are no CELs so hopefully the oxygen sensors are still good and doing their job on the track pipe, I've been worrying about this the entire time.

[nikolaus.conrad]

Video! Bad quality because it was taken on my phone

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2012/07/th_0725121714-2.jpg (http://s758.photobucket.com/albums/xx226/Dittler47/?action=view&current=0725121714.mp4)

[GTDrifter]

yaaaaay

[nikolaus.conrad]

So the meet is in less than 48 hours, and the car is still loud, offensively loud. I'm going to try one last thing and if that doesn't work then I'm driving it to Rhode Island with how it is. I took it on the highway today for the first time and it feels alright cruising, it's only in town with stop and go I'm experiencing hesitations and poor mileage. Oh and the CEL came on, I'm going to see what that code is tomorrow provided there's an autozone open in Elmira, we had a tornado rip through downtown today and it looks like the apocalypse hit. Elmira is in a state of emergency until tomorrow, there are 23,000 people without power.

http://thelede.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/0 ... lmira-n-y/ (http://thelede.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/07/26/possible-tornado-touches-down-in-elmira-n-y/)

[98legwag]

I heard about the tornado on the news last night. Happy that you seem to be alright.

[nikolaus.conrad]

Thank you, so far I haven't heard reports of any deaths so thats good. We had a tornado last year and my friend got a really good picture of it.

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2012/07/542527_4156968364201_1956727197_n-2.jpg

[Reuben]

Incredibru!

[nikolaus.conrad]

Well, the Outback made it to Rhode Island! Before I left I tried to fix the exhaust but it was still leaking from the header. I said screw it and left anyways. I drove about 10 miles out of town to a gas station in Chemung to fix it because I was watching my gas gauge drop. I then discovered why my car was impossible to shut up, the midpipe had rusted completely off the muffler so I took that off, threw it in my trunk, and secured the trackpipe to the header and took off. I drove to Rhode Island (360 miles) with my exhaust ending at the track pipe, I have decided I will never straight-pipe a car, take a straight-pipe caar on a road trip (again), and to always make sure that my car is ready to make such a trip well in advance before the trip. It was ridiculous but plenty of fun weaving through traffic at 80, even at that speed I averaged 27mpg!!!

[nikolaus.conrad]

Got home with no problems mechanically wise, I did get a fix it ticket for my exhaust and that'll be taken care of this coming week. I had a great time at the meet, met a lot of great people who just loved to talk about their cars! Some pics:

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2012/07/P7280080-1.jpg
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2012/07/P7280083-2.jpg
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2012/07/P7280084-2.jpg
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2012/07/P7280091-1.jpg
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2012/07/P7280090-2.jpg

The next morning I met amgarrety at Dunkin for breakfast and we boxed in an Integra.

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2012/07/boxedin-2.jpg

Then I went to search for a Walgreens to get $5 cash back for tolls, couldn't afford $20 +fee from an ATM! I'm cheap as Hell haha Along the way I found this

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2012/07/P7290096-1.jpg
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2011/08/P7290095-1.jpg
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2012/07/P7290094-1.jpg

The inside should make a cool wallpaper for a computer, I'll play around with this picture tonight on photoshop

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2012/07/P7290097-1.jpg

Sorry that the pictures are crappy, I only had my 4yr old point and shoot :-(

[amgarrety]

Then I went to search for a Walgreens to get $5 cash back for tolls, couldn't afford $20 +fee from an ATM!


Why didn't you sleep in our room over night? We would've given you things so you didn't have to spend unnecessary money! I mean, you might've had to deal with a bit of a damp floor (thanks to our leaking A/C), but we could've found a dry spot for you haha

[nikolaus.conrad]

Because I didn't want to impose and if I'm going to doing trips like this more I though getting a hotel room for the first time by myself would be a good experience to know what to get out of the room and how much it would cost lol

And a bed of my own sounded very comfortable after dinner that night, but with the neck pain I woke up with the next morning I might as well have slept on the floor! lol :lol:

[amgarrety]

You were fine, we were more than happy to lend you a free place to crash for the night.

Well next time, take us up on the offer for sure. Now that you've been through the hotel room renting experience once :razz:

[nikolaus.conrad]

I'll keep that in mind for the next time there's a car meet in a far away land lol Thank you for the offer!

[Baddog]

Lookin' good!

[Dead91silvia]

Well, the Outback made it to Rhode Island! Before I left I tried to fix the exhaust but it was still leaking from the header. I said screw it and left anyways. I drove about 10 miles out of town to a gas station in Chemung to fix it because I was watching my gas gauge drop. I then discovered why my car was impossible to shut up, the midpipe had rusted completely off the muffler so I took that off, threw it in my trunk, and secured the trackpipe to the header and took off. I drove to Rhode Island (360 miles) with my exhaust ending at the track pipe, I have decided I will never straight-pipe a car, take a straight-pipe caar on a road trip (again), and to always make sure that my car is ready to make such a trip well in advance before the trip. It was ridiculous but plenty of fun weaving through traffic at 80, even at that speed I averaged 27mpg!!!

I think my ears are still ringing! :smt005

[Reason]

That doom is a garage, the airport would use it for the sand trucks and shit. But they since had another larger building made. So thats not in use and just sits there...

[nikolaus.conrad]

That doom is a garage, the airport would use it for the sand trucks and shit. But they since had another larger building made. So thats not in use and just sits there...
It was next to the airport so that makes sense, I want to go back with a better camera and shoot!

[nikolaus.conrad]

I FIXED MY EXHAUST!!! Tomorrow I'm having an officer sign it off and mailing the ticket in! I drove the car a few miles today to try and see if a CEL would pop up and only one did for the Knock Sensor, I was pumped because I have 4 laying around and the CEL wasn't for an oxygen sensor!!! The past few days have been pretty productive and I'm stoked that it's quieter, still have some leaks but on the plus side I gained a little rumble :smt025

[amgarrety]

Darn I'm going to miss the Muscle Wagon :razz:

[nikolaus.conrad]

Lol its still a muscle wagon it's just quieter now :cool:

I got the ticket taken care of today and I also got a CEL to pop up, code P0137 I think? It was for a heated Oxygen sensor, maybe my track pipe is cooking the O2 sensor? I need new ones anyways so once I get enough money I'll replace it and see if that helps.

Also, I'm looking for a broken JDM center garnish for the BK/BG if anyone has one laying around :grin:

[nikolaus.conrad]

I've been thinking a lot about my 5 speed swap lately, and I've concluded that it needs to happen. I need to throw my transmission back together and get a clutch kit, rip apart my donor car and get all my parts laid out. I'm looking for a Legacy Turbo front crossmember because 1) my current crossmember has a recently discovered rust hole in it and 2) future small turbo build :grin: For the rear subframe I'm thinking about unbolt the whole thing (diff, axles, hubs, springs, and brakes) all intact and simply re-bolt it to the Outback GT. I don't want to mess with trying to work around the rust issue (breaking frozen bolts off the diff) and I feel this will be quicker and simpler. If someone feels this isn't what I should do please tell me, I'm just laying out thoughts here.

I have the following:
5 speed transmission
pedal box
clutch cable
Manual ECU
rear diff
driveshaft

Also I discovered a while ago that there is a problem with the ERGs regarding 5 speed swaps for the 2nd generation Legacy. This applies to people who are swapping transmissions who have the EJ22. If you have the EJ22 with an automatic transmission, more than likely your car has an EGR. Why does this matter? Because you're going to need an ECU from a manual transmission car, and 5 speed Legacys with the EJ22 never came with an EGR (correct me if I'm wrong). You can use the ECU but your car may perform poorly since the ERG isn't doing it's job, and you'll get CELs left and right. The solution? Get an ECU from an Outback or GT with an manual transmission, all EJ25Ds were equipped with an EGR regardless of manual or auto. They plug right in and so far to my knowledge there is no wiring adjustment you need to make. Plus the EJ25 ECU will manage your fuel better giving you more MPGs :smt023

Now that I think of it, this is probably the reason why I had so many CELs in my old BD. I swapped my ECU for a 2.5 ECU from an Outback. This was one of my first posts so don't harass me too much! :oops:

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/viewtopic.php?f=1 ... R+gremlins (https://sl-i.net/FORUM/viewtopic.php?f=11&t=20094&hilit=EGR+gremlins)

[nikolaus.conrad]

I'm thinking of getting this muffler when I have an exhaust fabbed up, I'm going to put on a 2.5" midpipe and tailpipe for when I boost my EJ22

http://www.ebay.com/itm/110922572158?ss ... 3758wt_864 (http://www.ebay.com/itm/110922572158?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649#ht_3758wt_864)

[chrish8r]

I have an OBX muffler on my wagon!!! I have a video on youtube of it(one with just the new muffler and one with uels and a full catback). but with you track pipe, that thing is going to scream.

[nikolaus.conrad]

It will! I want a proper exhaust on my wagon so badly!! I need some UELs pronto :smt025

[chrish8r]

I bought my headers for 120 bucks shipped to my door.

[nikolaus.conrad]

Shoot for that price I don't know why I don't have headers lol

[Muse]

Hey, good to hear that you got the exhaust fixed... That was... a bit excessive on the noise front, if a little on the cool side.

[nikolaus.conrad]

^Lmao, it's gotten a bit louder because it was extremely temporary, I just needed it to be written off by the Cop. It's pretty loud again but I haven't really driven Norman since the Rhode Island meet. It was taken off the road shortly after because I'll be getting my own insurance, so it's been sitting at my Mother's house. The Spitfire has been the DD, and the Outback GT hasn't seen any love lately :-(

I've been waiting forr my Uncle to let me borrow his Sawzall and I finally have it now, so I'll be cutting up my parts car and grabbing the rear subframe, gas tank, and driveshaft. I'll also be parting what's left of it out so if anyone needs anything just let me know :grin: Nothing really for body parts because it's rusted to Hell, and the interior is beat but I'll throw some pics on here. I've also made to decision to put back together the 5 speed transmission because I've wasted so much friggen time thinking of how to take the 5th gear off and I probably could have had the stupid swap done by now :smt013 So I'll have the Outback gears in the L transmission casing with a 3.9 diff ratio, and I'll be using 215/55R16 tires. If anyone has said 215/55R16 tires please let me know, and they have to be that size.

[nikolaus.conrad]

1001 posts!!!

Edit: Ok somehow I lost 40 posts, what's up with this? lol

[nikolaus.conrad]

I now have my own insurance for the Outback GT, I'm insured with Allstate and they cut me a pretty good deal. So I'll be saving some money to put this car back on the road before snow flies, I'm hoping before october is over it'll have plates and everything. This payday I'll be getting 2 new Oxygen sensors and hopefully next week I'll be getting a set of UEL headers.

[nikolaus.conrad]

A new pic I kind of like

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2011/08/field-1.jpg

[nikolaus.conrad]

Hopefully this next payday I'll be getting tags and registration. I got a new front oxygen sensor from eBay for $20 (just to get me through this winter) which will be slapped on soon when the trackpipe is rewelded. And hopefully I can get a WRX muffler from xoSubieLegacyxo's car for a temporary setup, with some sort of midpipe. I miss this car so effin' much.

[nikolaus.conrad]

I'M BACK.

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2012/10/newplates-1.jpg

I also replaced my front oxygen sensor and I haven't had a CEL yet. Fingers crossed it'll stay that way until an inspection.

[nikolaus.conrad]

Update to now, the car still has the j-pipe and is still loud. I will be getting some new uels soon along with an full exhaust. I'm tired of a loud beater sounding car. In the past week and 1/2 I've had two flat tires and have gotten two more spares. Also, almost fried the center diff because the spare is too small and my transmission won't engage in fwd mode because it binds. Horray for a 5 speed swap!! I also picked up two out of four "new" wheels I'll post a pick later. I'm using an iPhone, how do I post pics? Lol not that tech savvy yet lmao

[nikolaus.conrad]

I'm also not getting a lot of emails to members rides and members threads of who in subscribed to, any way to fix this? I feel left out of the loop lol

[r3v_v3ng3]

Update to now, the car still has the j-pipe and is still loud. I will be getting some new uels soon along with an full exhaust. I'm tired of a loud beater sounding car. In the past week and 1/2 I've had two flat tires and have gotten two more spares. Also, almost fried the center diff because the spare is too small and my transmission won't engage in fwd mode because it binds. Horray for a 5 speed swap!! I also picked up two out of four "new" wheels I'll post a pick later. I'm using an iPhone, how do I post pics? Lol not that tech savvy yet lmao


Welcome BAck!!! :smt023 for a 5spd swap.
You can hook the iphone up on your computer and drag the pics from your iphone to your photo folder. Then upload it your photobucket or whatever photo hosting your using.
Or you can send the pics to your email and download it from your email and upload it to your photo hosting site.

[Muse]

Photobucket also has a free app, I think.

Welcome back, sir.

[98legwag]

Photobucket also has a free app, I think.

That they do. I use it all the time.

[nikolaus.conrad]

Thanks! I will definitely check that out!

[GTDrifter]

I use the photobucket app as well, a lot better than trying to put it on your computer

on my phone you could hold down on the pic in the gallery and upload that way, you could also upload multiple at once

[r3v_v3ng3]

I use the photobucket app as well, a lot better than trying to put it on your computer

on my phone you could hold down on the pic in the gallery and upload that way, you could also upload multiple at once


Dammit! I've been doing it the hard way :smt021 lol
I'm downloading the app now :grin:

[nikolaus.conrad]

I use the photobucket app as well, a lot better than trying to put it on your computer

on my phone you could hold down on the pic in the gallery and upload that way, you could also upload multiple at once


Dammit! I've been doing it the hard way :smt021 lol
I'm downloading the app now :grin:
So am I! Lol

[nikolaus.conrad]

Some new pics finally, I have more on my old phone I'll try to put on here.
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2011/08/76DF029AB77D4BC1B21E3EE9E36F5EC041450000-1.jpg

Instagram shot!
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2012/12/372FECE4D6BF460AA8CB6655077F1C2741450000-1.jpg

Took this yesterday
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2012/12/BEC549A3D2864BC0962B37C3ADA36CD941450000-1.jpg

Yeah yeah it's Instagram but I've finally got a good camera from my new phone, so better pictures will be in the future, got a couple of really good ones for the Spitfire so be sure to check that page out too!

[nikolaus.conrad]

Ok so I have a problem, I JUST changed the oil yesterday and I have a loud tick from 1k rpm to 2.5k rpm. I have no idea what it is, and I don't like how it sounds. The past few weeks I've been driving really slow because my brakes are shot, so "Because Racecar" can be ruled out lol there is no loss of power at all and the tick goes away in higher rpm. I'm stumped and hope someone can point me in the right direction to take care of this.

Thank you

[shoguy]

Nick-nice machine! lots of work done to it, and I like the looks with the GT bumper and everything. I grew up in Watkins and spent a lot of time in Horseheads and Elmira, I know the area well, spent a lot of money at Pick-a-part too, great place!

have you done anything with valve adjustments with your engine? could be just a valve tap you are experiencing

[1996Battlewagon]

That's a 2.2 right? They get valve tick that can be adjusted.

viewtopic.php?t=406 (https://sl-i.net/FORUM/viewtopic.php?t=406)

[nikolaus.conrad]

Nick-nice machine! lots of work done to it, and I like the looks with the GT bumper and everything. I grew up in Watkins and spent a lot of time in Horseheads and Elmira, I know the area well, spent a lot of money at Pick-a-part too, great place!

have you done anything with valve adjustments with your engine? could be just a valve tap you are experiencing
That's awesome!! I love Watkins Glen, I went camping there all the time with my family as a kid. Cruising the lakes are fun too. Pick A Part is an awesome place and I got most of my parts from there that are on the car now. I was born in Pennsylvania but I grew up in Elmira/Horseheads and have lived here since.

I think my issue is a sticking lifter, I've changed the oil about 1000 miles ago but I had an issue with the car starting last week and its really dirty now. I plan to change it tomorrow. I've never touch the adjustment of the valves, I changed the oil and 80 miles later it was ticking.

[nikolaus.conrad]

That's a 2.2 right? They get valve tick that can be adjusted.

viewtopic.php?t=406 (https://sl-i.net/FORUM/viewtopic.php?t=406)
This is awesome, much thanks! :smt023 I'm going to have to tear this apart pretty soon

[nikolaus.conrad]

Some pictures I haven't posted.

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2013/01/EEA88165AE5748EFA963B95CC09E2A9A90040000-1.jpg

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2013/01/6A61491E832440C49A9AAFE8ACB8ECD711276000-1.jpg
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2013/01/E3289058B0244C55AB5F54655B33BA8311276000-1.jpg

My car died the day after Christmas then we got a foot of snow. I'm thinking it was a bad coilpack, damn PT Cruisers...
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2013/01/02C5B64C48994B18B634121A86EBAC4490040000-1.jpg

I also got a set of new UELs and got my trackpipe fixed so now they bolt together. Christmas was pretty baller.
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2013/01/FEA6FF77E2EE4E03949DA0BB0859A41190040000-1.jpg

And the past week I've only had the UELs and the trackpipe as an exhaust, it sounds like a truck but I like it haha

[Muse]

ohhhhhh, boy... So, what you're saying is that it sounds like it did in RI, only, like... a thousand times cooler?

[nikolaus.conrad]

Yes, that's I'm exactly what I'm saying. It sounds great but is way too loud for everyday use lol

[GTDrifter]

Yes, that's I'm exactly what I'm saying. It sounds great but is way too loud for everyday use lol
Nonsense

[chrish8r]

You should definitely make a video. Id really like to hear how loud and how much rumble it has. haha

[nikolaus.conrad]

You should definitely make a video. Id really like to hear how loud and how much rumble it has. haha
That'll be my next post ;)

Warning: my lifters are sticky and they tick

[nikolaus.conrad]

I'm embarrassed that my cars lifters are shot but here it is lol took it before going into work earlier today

http://i758.photobucket.com/albums/xx22 ... 6833EA.mp4 (http://i758.photobucket.com/albums/xx226/Dittler47/54DF7AF6-EE2B-4956-8A9A-9FA58FC2248A-11494-0000098EE46833EA.mp4)

[chrish8r]

I'm embarrassed that my cars lifters are shot but here it is lol took it before going into work earlier today

http://i758.photobucket.com/albums/xx22 ... 6833EA.mp4 (http://i758.photobucket.com/albums/xx226/Dittler47/54DF7AF6-EE2B-4956-8A9A-9FA58FC2248A-11494-0000098EE46833EA.mp4)

That is the most heavenly, hollow sounding exhaust ever!! Sounds similar to all my redneck buddies trucks. haha

[nikolaus.conrad]

Hopefully the resonator and muffler I got for it will make it a more solid, deeper tone. I've also grown to like the fact my car is a glorified farm car haha

I'll throw some videos going down the street or something with more rpms, it sounds good around 3-4k :twisted:

[GTDrifter]

TAP TAP TAP TAP TAP TAP TAP TAP TAP TAP TAP TAP TAP TAP TAP TAP TAP TAP TAP TAP TAP TAP TAP TAP!

Lol can't wait til its all done

[nikolaus.conrad]

TAP TAP TAP TAP TAP TAP TAP TAP TAP TAP TAP TAP TAP TAP TAP TAP TAP TAP TAP TAP TAP TAP TAP TAP!
You could make a sick beat to that!

[GTDrifter]

Like dubstep
backfire tap tap tap tap tap tap tap tap tap tap backfire backfire tap tap grind tap tap tap tap backfire BASSDROP

haha

[nikolaus.conrad]

Like dubstep
backfire tap tap tap tap tap tap tap tap tap tap backfire backfire tap tap grind tap tap tap tap backfire BASSDROP

haha
YES

[nikolaus.conrad]

I got new shoes!! New rims GTDrifter gave me and tires another friend gave me fit very nicely and look great. Stock exhaust is back on, rigged so it has a few leaks but its good to hear for the UELs on the car. Also i got a jdm center garnish that ill be throwing on in a few weeks, i was going to smoke the reverse lights but i like the tint of them already. Dies anyone know where to get LED reverse bulbs? id like something a little brighter to see when i need to reverse at night. Updated pics

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2011/08/2498907C57E34AF7A20AF6792014B4FB12210000-1.jpg
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2011/08/37E174267533412F9B8F4BB59C4CCCA112210000-1.jpg
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2013/01/83F68D7D35154ECBAEE81E99BFB42DC012210000-1.jpg
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2013/01/C4817F4112D449018645DEA5AF759DB712210000-1.jpg
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2013/01/A9E51D6D3DBD4C9BAEE2D9B7CD4452BD12210000-1.jpg

[98legwag]

You can try superbrightleds.com.

[Dead91silvia]

My buddy has the same wheels on his Fozzy!

Looks good!

[shoguy]

love the writing in the salt, and the exit sign makes me miss home! the beast is looking good, when is it going to lose some height?

[nikolaus.conrad]

You can try superbrightleds.com.
Ill take a look! Thank you!

[nikolaus.conrad]

My buddy has the same wheels on his Fozzy!

Looks good!
Thank you! All three of my Legacys have had this style rim on them lol I might be looking for something different for summer but we'll see.

[nikolaus.conrad]

love the writing in the salt, and the exit sign makes me miss home! the beast is looking good, when is it going to lose some height?
I'm going to miss this place when I go back to school, and hopefully pictures like that will help me not miss it as much lol. I'm planning on getting some L wagon springs and struts from a friend in Williamsport soon, maybe in the next few weeks? It all depends, a new exhaust is on top of the list right now though lol

[98legwag]

You can try superbrightleds.com.
Ill take a look! Thank you!

Your welcome. And I can tell you the "1156 LED Bulb - Single Intensity 12 LED" is not very bright.

[chrish8r]

DDM Tuning has some nice LED bulbs as well I have heard. They have LED projectors called "Cree" bulbs.
http://www.ddmtuning.com/Product-Catego ... -Truck-SUV (http://www.ddmtuning.com/Product-Categories/LED-Bulbs-Lights/Car-Truck-SUV)

USDM96SLI has these kind of bulbs in his reverse lights, here is a link to the thread with the pictures of them lit up:
viewtopic.php?f=6&t=25474 (http://www.sl-i.net/FORUM/viewtopic.php?f=6&t=25474)

[GTDrifter]

looks awesome!!

[nikolaus.conrad]

DDM Tuning has some nice LED bulbs as well I have heard. They have LED projectors called "Cree" bulbs.
http://www.ddmtuning.com/Product-Catego ... -Truck-SUV (http://www.ddmtuning.com/Product-Categories/LED-Bulbs-Lights/Car-Truck-SUV)

USDM96SLI has these kind of bulbs in his reverse lights, here is a link to the thread with the pictures of them lit up:
viewtopic.php?f=6&t=25474 (http://www.sl-i.net/FORUM/viewtopic.php?f=6&t=25474)
Thanks Chris!! I was thinking of that exact car but I couldn't find it lol

[nikolaus.conrad]

You can try superbrightleds.com.
Ill take a look! Thank you!

Your welcome. And I can tell you the "1156 LED Bulb - Single Intensity 12 LED" is not very bright.
I'll keep that in mind lol

[nikolaus.conrad]

looks awesome!!
Thanks Harry!

[GTDrifter]

I vote for dennys or dunkin tomorrow...Its too cold out

[nikolaus.conrad]

I vote for dennys or dunkin tomorrow...Its too cold out
I agree, I'll text you

[04Legacy]

Way to included Nic :-(

[GTDrifter]

I sent you a message on facebook nick

[nikolaus.conrad]

Nic- Meet us somewhere in like 30 minutes!

[nikolaus.conrad]

Small update for everyone, I knew it was only a matter of time but the transmission in the Outback GT dropped on route 15 headed to Williamsport. I got the car back home and yesterday I pulled a transmission from a 1999 Legacy GT with 138000 miles. This week Norman will be taken to a shop and have the transmission replaced. I have no idea where this puts me for the SLi Maryland meet in 18 days since I'm scraping together every penny I have for this new transmission. I'm also strongly thinking of selling my 5 speed swap but I'm not 100% sure on it, I need to meditate on it lol

However, there is good news in all of this. The new GT transmission when installed will be modified with a "power mode" toggle switch/button for sport mode and another toggle switch/button for the fwd feature. I've also got every part that I need for a full new exhaust system, which includes headers, track pipe and universal cat for the track pipe, aero resonator, and obx/forza muffler. The muffler I got before was much too big and unnecessary I felt, it had a 4.5" tip. Pictures of new parts will be posted later today so be sure to check back.

[chrish8r]

Small update for everyone, I knew it was only a matter of time but the transmission in the Outback GT dropped on route 15 headed to Williamsport. I got the car back home and yesterday I pulled a transmission from a 1999 Legacy GT with 138000 miles. This week Norman will be taken to a shop and have the transmission replaced. I have no idea where this puts me for the SLi Maryland meet in 18 days since I'm scraping together every penny I have for this new transmission. I'm also strongly thinking of selling my 5 speed swap but I'm not 100% sure on it, I need to meditate on it lol

However, there is good news in all of this. The new GT transmission when installed will be modified with a "power mode" toggle switch/button for sport mode and another toggle switch/button for the fwd feature. I've also got every part that I need for a full new exhaust system, which includes headers, track pipe and universal cat for the track pipe, aero resonator, and obx/forza muffler. The muffler I got before was much too big and unnecessary I felt, it had a 4.5" tip. Pictures of new parts will be posted later today so be sure to check back.

That is a real bummer about the transmission. But atleast you were able to find a replacement in good time. Cant wait to see the picture update later.

[Dead91silvia]

So hows she looking for the meet? We are gonna see you even if the car is down right?

[nikolaus.conrad]

So hows she looking for the meet? We are gonna see you even if the car is down right?
I have no ride if the car isn't operational, if someone would be willing to come to New York (I only live 10 miles from PA) I would have money for gas and lots of food to offer, :grin: and I would forever be greatful. But we just dropped of the transmission to the garage about an hour ago, and the car is getting towed to the shop on Thursday. So it should be good by this time next week, fingers crossed!

[Yamazaki]

I have no ride if the car isn't operational
What about the Triumph? You'd be welcome in that.

But it's good to hear that the OGT should be able to make it.

[rkrenicki]

I would offer to pick you up, but you are pretty far from my route, I will be driving around NYC to get to the meet, but not that far west.. :(

[nikolaus.conrad]

Ok picture whore update time, brace yourselves... Progress is on its way.

A small side project that has been put on the back burner for now, I've been scoping out JDM center garnishes to try out an idea I've had, after Christmas I decided to jump on one that a forum member was telling me about at the dirty Impreza meet in wellsboro this past fall. My plan is to replace the fugly USDM garnish with a JDM and keep the USDM tails. But in the summer it whenever it becomes warmer here in New York, I'll tint the amber red and throw in some red LED turn signals. I stole this image from red85celica (I think that's his username lol) Robin will know who I'm talking about

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2013/02/CEF25B2628C543C7A4AC91114DDFAD2F97840000-1.jpg

Fast forward: When the transmission dropped on 15 l immediately thought of a green 1999 Legacy GT at my local yard, Horseheads Pick A Part, and as soon as I could I got there to look for it and couldn't find it. My thoughts were that it was scrapped so I wandered for a few minutes and stumbled upon it a few minutes later. Since it was about 25 degrees F I was hesitant to take the car apart but I figured I'd look under the hood anyways for shits and giggles. This is what I found.

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2013/02/8E22AE255D2B432DA41AFCA95B22AF3097840000-1.jpg

Someone had already done most of the work for me, it was 6 bolts for the trans mount and it was mine! My best friend when I was growing up helped me pull it, we have only seen each other once since we graduated high school.

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2013/02/489BDB0A5C2A4FA5A93A7F47CA45575910001000-1.jpg

I hope it works good, it should last a while.

Also, the wrecking yard is using my cousins old Nissan pickup he bought brand new in 1995. Pretty cool!

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2013/02/7DA4B5726FE34E868BDAAFF47E23ACFA10001000-1.jpg

Lastly, new exhaust, everything has to happen at once doesn't it? Lol I finally got all the parts I need to tack together a fully functional exhaust system. From header to tailpipe. Here are some pics:

My new cat from eBay, compared to a 2 liter of soda

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2013/02/712E6A702E0F4E5BA4283AFFF7FE44CE97840000-1.jpg

Honeycombs

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2013/02/86AE5643B05D440CAB7214150635207B10001000-1.jpg

Thank you FedEx man!!!

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2013/02/13730A063197424286300945A05DE8D110001000-1.jpg

My ADD was off the charts with how shiny this is!!

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2013/02/7AFEC14CE3C242EAA83B6B894E37DA6410001000-1.jpg

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2013/02/6538D9FBA0FA498ABE0FEE115E8AC75210001000-1.jpg

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2013/02/7A37F9D70067476DA58770A70C801C1810001000-1.jpg

Don't mind my bed head lol

And my car is still parked in the driveway, until Thursday at least...

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2013/02/D79C8E65D82D43F18CCCA115C862386910001000-1.jpg

[nikolaus.conrad]

I have no ride if the car isn't operational
What about the Triumph? You'd be welcome in that.

But it's good to hear that the OGT should be able to make it.
If it were summer, I would have no problem at all driving to Maryland. But we just got the body and rust taken care of on that car and the last thing I want to do is drive it in salt. I'm definitely coming down that way to York to visit friends and go to car meets this summer, I'll gladly drop by for a shoot with your cars! Lol

[nikolaus.conrad]

I would offer to pick you up, but you are pretty far from my route, I will be driving around NYC to get to the meet, but not that far west.. :(
It's all good man! I need to find more Legacy enthusiasts in my area. Everyone drives imprezas lol

[shoguy]

If it were summer, I would have no problem at all driving to Maryland. But we just got the body and rust taken care of on that car and the last thing I want to do is drive it in salt. I'm definitely coming down that way to York to visit friends and go to car meets this summer, I'll gladly drop by for a shoot with your cars! Lol
I am right in York also, so when you come down here, lemme know and I want to meet up too! Sucks about the trans letting go on you, but looks like you are on your way to making it better, you are getting that machine into good shape!

[nikolaus.conrad]

I am right in York also, so when you come down here, lemme know and I want to meet up too! Sucks about the trans letting go on you, but looks like you are on your way to making it better, you are getting that machine into good shape!
You'll be hearing from me! lol If I can get the mechanics fixed then hopefully I'll have the body work done on it this summer so it looks a little better. I don't like my cars having holes in them!

[chrish8r]

Thise OBX mufflers stay shiny too!! I thought it would rust quickly because of how much they cost, but mines still looking good( eagle one mpolishing wool works great).

[Dead91silvia]

Good to hear the OBGT will be good to go!