Outbackid's 2002 Outback: Update 4/8/14 Sold!

[Outbackid]

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2011/09/CDCyX39-1.jpg (http://imgur.com/CDCyX39)


I used to own a 2002 Outback, the details are in a section below and all posts through April 2013 are about that, but I now own a 2005 Legacy GT and a 2005 Outback XT. The OBXT will not get it's own thread as I do not intend to keep it, but I will now update my journal for my '05 LGT. Link here: http://www.sl-i.net/FORUM/viewtopic.php?f=6&t=27137

Original Thread: ['02 Outback:]


"This is my first car and I love it! I got it from my brother who has headed off to college, and whenever he did work on it, I helped. He replaced it with an LT1 Firebird, in case anyone was wondering.

So far, all I have done is mostly repairs and maintenance (145k on the clock) but It drives perfect. We had to replace the clutch a couple weeks back, and we used an Excedy replacement and while we were at it, we replaced the oil separator plate.

I'm planning on doing a few things to it, but not all that much. Borla replica headers in a couple weeks, wheels (maybe next spring, budget permitting), and a set of H&R drop springs this winter.

Mod List:
Cheap JVC Head unit
250w Alpine amp / 12" Rockford punch sub
Custom Zune/Ipod holder (made by my brother)
New Excedy OEM Replacement clutch (not really a mod, but worth mentioning)
Snorkus delete

On to the pictures:
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2011/06/DSC00970-1.jpg

Trans out
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2011/06/DSC01158-1.jpg

Cleaned out trans
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2011/06/DSC01192-1.jpg

Obviously the old clutch on the right
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2011/06/DSC01172-1.jpg

And to the dismay of my parents, when we did the clutch we left the exhaust on the porch :cool:
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2011/06/DSC01161-1.jpg

Today I finished up clear coating my tow hook cover that I had to replace, due to it coming with an unpainted replacement when we got it. I've just never gotten around to it until now.

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2011/09/DSC01435_2-1.jpg

Well, that's about it for now."

[Outbackid]

Well, my rear brake pads and my driver's rear rotor are shot, so I bought new parts and I'll be installing 'em soon. Also, Headers and a new muffler should be bought soon.

[r3v_v3ng3]

i have the same stool lol

[Outbackid]

Well, I'm halfway done with the brakes. But I broke off a bolt in my caliper bracket. :smt013 I will update later with pics.

[Outbackid]

I got the bolt out, so I need a new one. Thankfully, it was barely stuck.

[MRLancaster]

Your cars a BH btw.

[Outbackid]

Your cars a BH btw.

Whoops. Fixed.

[chuckthefuk]

Welcome to SLi.

Looking good there :-D

Grab a copy of your Factory Service Manual from my signature and go nuts :-D

These cars are a blast and your lucky to score a 2000+ outback..

I rock a 96 Outback and I can tell you:
-I wish I had the body cladding .. instead i have stickers :-(
-I wish I had the multi-link rear suspension.. i could fit so much more in the trunk.. but alas I have shock towers :-(
-I wish I had the fancy interior and proper cup holders :-(

Either way welcome once again and enjoy SLi
-Chuck

[MRLancaster]

You will have a blast with this car! I love mine to death!

[Outbackid]

Welcome to SLi.

Looking good there :-D

Grab a copy of your Factory Service Manual from my signature and go nuts :-D

These cars are a blast and your lucky to score a 2000+ outback..

Either way welcome once again and enjoy SLi
-Chuck

Thanks! The 2share links don't appear to be working though.


I rock a 96 Outback and I can tell you:
-I wish I had the body cladding .. instead i have stickers :-(
-I wish I had the multi-link rear suspension.. i could fit so much more in the trunk.. but alas I have shock towers :-(
-I wish I had the fancy interior and proper cup holders :-(

Ironically, These are the things I complain about. :lol: I like the body cladding, but the multi-link makes WRX stuff a no-go and I don't really like the woodgrain or the tan interior wise, but the cupholders are nice. It's also got heated seats so my bum stays warm in the winter. I can't really complain though, I love my Subie.

[Outbackid]

You will have a blast with this car! I love mine to death!
Your build is my inspiration, but I'm avoiding the N1 exhaust haha. I plan on the suspension you have, and I love the new color. Keep it up.

[Outbackid]

For my Third Post in a row, UPDATE TIME!

I finished my brakes, and I couldn't be happier. All parts were from Rock Auto and very reasonable. My broken bolt issue got worked out with a new bolt, so that's all taken care of. Now, pictures:

Old Rotors:
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2011/10/DSC01524-1.jpg
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2011/10/DSC01525-1.jpg

Old Pads:
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2011/10/DSC0152820-1.jpg
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2011/10/DSC0152921-1.jpg


Bolt I broke:
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2011/10/DSC0152719-1.jpg


New brakes on:
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2011/10/DSC015091-1.jpg

[Danny-G]

:shock: Those old brake pads were more than shot. How was stopping when those pads were in?

[Outbackid]

:shock: Those old brake pads were more than shot. How was stopping when those pads were in?
Well, that is by far the worst of the pads, but it honestly wasn't too bad. Much better now though.

[Guig'z]

Continue like that! Great build up!

[Outbackid]

Update! I drove up north and bought me some wheels and tires today, might have them mounted tomorrow.

[Outbackid]

The wheels:
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2011/10/300969_2443334532228_1517802103_2580713_-1.jpg

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2011/10/313339_2443334052216_1517802103_2580711_-1.jpg

And a bonus engine bay shot!

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2011/10/308534_2443332052166_1517802103_2580702_-1.jpg

[MRLancaster]

Jealous of your interior :( Mines falling to pieces, gotta find a tan interior to start getting new panels. Cant wait to see the wheels! What size rim, and tire? If theyre smaller than your stock, your going to have to drive 5mph faster than the speed limit to go the speed limit. If the speed limit is 25mph, your going to have to have the speedometer at 30 to be at 25. ect ect

[Outbackid]

Jealous of your interior :( Mines falling to pieces, gotta find a tan interior to start getting new panels. Cant wait to see the wheels! What size rim, and tire? If theyre smaller than your stock, your going to have to drive 5mph faster than the speed limit to go the speed limit. If the speed limit is 25mph, your going to have to have the speedometer at 30 to be at 25. ect ect

Here's where this gets a bit interesting. The wheels are 17 inches, but they came with 3 205/40/r17 tires and one 215/40/r17 tire mounted. Two are Nittos, one is a General, and one is some other offbrand. So tomorrow or the next day I'm getting the set of tires I also picked up for these mounted, a set of 4 identical Michelin Pilot HX-MXM4's in 225/45/r17. My speedometer will be off by 6.2%, so when it reads 60, I'll really be going 56.3.

My new plans are no longer really including a header, as I kinda am leaning towards some KYB GR-2's for the Leggy GT so I get a small drop and eventually swapping to LGT H&R springs (once AI get some cash).

[Huffer]

Awesome wheels. I love the tough look!

[Outbackid]

Awesome wheels. I love the tough look!
Thanks! The finish on them is God awful though, so I may have them bead blasted.

[MRLancaster]

Your most likely going to want to get the GR2 GT and the H&R at the same time since the Outback Struts and springs are taller than the GT, I don't think the outback spring will work in the GT strut. (I could be wrong it they may fit, but Im leaning towards no) I spent about 500 on my H&R, GR2's and a control arm. and shipping ect. So not too shabby

[MRLancaster]

Cant wait to see those wheels on as well!

[Outbackid]

Cant wait to see those wheels on as well!
Thanks man. And from what I've heard, the OB springs should fit in the GR-2's and drop it about 1.5" I love how your car sits, that's how mine should by the spring.

[MRLancaster]

Thats good that they will work!

[dodik]

outback springs work just fine with legacy struts and it will lower your car about 2 inches all around. you will not like the rpms your car will constantly run with 225/45/17 ideally you'd need 225/50/17 and the wheel gap will be even larger all around.

[Outbackid]

outback springs work just fine with legacy struts and it will lower your car about 2 inches all around. you will not like the rpms your car will constantly run with 225/45/17 ideally you'd need 225/50/17 and the wheel gap will be even larger all around.
I know the wheel gap and the RPM's will change, I'm willing to deal with it though.

[Guig'z]

I am running some 225-45-17 on my Legacy B4 JDM and my JDM V7 STI wheels, not much of a difference seriously!

Continue like that men! Going well!

[Outbackid]

Well, I may be selling the wheels here this week, opting for a nicer 18" set of Audi RS6 replica wheels. I somehow recieved a call on them in my small city in like 5 hours. Odd.

Here's the potential new wheels:

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2011/10/5O65Q05Z63na3mf3p8b9qb864665b73141671-2.jpg


https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2011/10/5V15W05R43nf3k53o1b9q0a7d3ec3ad2816b6-2.jpg

[Outbackid]

Well, A couple of updates. No new wheels. I'm selling the Drags, and I got new tires for the stock wheels. It's looking like Christmas money may be going into suspension along with the money I get out of the wheels. I also got in a little fender bender in a parking lot, Leaving some scratches.

[Outbackid]

Another update. No suspension for me, but I will be getting a muffler very soon and headers not too far down the line. Plan is to keep the stock wheels, since I got those new tires. And I'm looking into short shifters as well. Anyone know about short shifters for my car?

[amgarrety]

http://www.rallysportdirect.com/Kartboy ... ow-Shifter (http://www.rallysportdirect.com/Kartboy-KB-002-Short-Throw-Shifter)

It says 2002-2007 WRX in the title, but if you read the description, it also works for the 2000-2004 Subaru Legacy.

[Outbackid]

http://www.rallysportdirect.com/Kartboy-KB-002-Short-Throw-Shifter

It says 2002-2007 WRX in the title, but if you read the description, it also works for the 2000-2004 Subaru Legacy.
In that case, wouldn't any WRX shifter fit?

[amgarrety]

I assume?

[Outbackid]

I assume?
I'll look into it then.

[rougeben83]

Any 5 speed shifter made for the 02-07 WRX will work for the 5 speed BE/BH. You can use one from a GC if you use some washers on each side of the pivot bushing.

[Outbackid]

Oh ok. Another wheel option has approached me. I have the opportunity to buy some 16" 5 spoke RS wheels for $100 with tires. Problem is, I'm not sure they would look good. Thoughts?

[Outbackid]

Update: F**k. I have had an incredible stroke of bad luck over the past months. I had a deer jump into the side of the Outback, causing about $1800 in damage. Then, I had an awful misfiring issue that was finally resolved last month. And now, last night marks the worst night I've had in nearly 2 years. As i was driving down the highway after dropping my girlfriend off, my engine dies and I hear a change in noise. I pulled over, my car was smoking like crazy. I popped my hood, and I can see my rods. I somehow managed to blow a hole in my block.

[Huffer]

Ouch. Well, at least SOHC engines are easy to pull and replace.

[Outbackid]

Ouch. Well, at least SOHC engines are easy to pull and replace.
True. I may be throwing in an EJ257 block. Just the block with all my EJ251 stuff on it, eventually turbo. Anybody know if this will work alright? It'll be slow until I save for turbo with the EJ257 compression. And the block I might get will will be machined to 100mm and probably CP pistons.

[Outbackid]

It's looking more and more at EJ25D shortblocks now so I can just be done with it for cheap. Anyways, I snapped some pictures of my progress from yesterday and some shots of the carnage. I got the hood off, battery out, intake out, alternator removed, throttle body 90% off (damn vacuum hoses), and removed the absolutely destroyed alternator belt. It really was due for replacement a long time ago. Anyways, here's the shots:

Block Carnage:
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2012/05/20120507_184016_393-1.jpg

Block bits:
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2012/05/20120507_184029_405-1.jpg

Progress:
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2012/05/20120508_071201_878-1.jpg

[Outbackid]

More progress yesterday, removed A/C compressor and P/S pump. It's looking more and more like an EJ25D shortblock is the plan.

[Huffer]

Probably be easier to yank the whole engine, and take it apart on an engine stand?

[Outbackid]

Probably be easier to yank the whole engine, and take it apart on an engine stand?
Nah, that would mean disconnecting air conditioning lines and high pressure P/S lines. Just pulling the big things off before removal.

[r3v_v3ng3]

Nah, that would mean disconnecting air conditioning lines and high pressure P/S lines. Just pulling the big things off before removal.

nope you dont have. You can remove the engine without removing/disconnecting them. Just move them aside

[Outbackid]

Nah, that would mean disconnecting air conditioning lines and high pressure P/S lines. Just pulling the big things off before removal.

nope you dont have. You can remove the engine without removing/disconnecting them. Just move them aside
That's what I did. I took them off of the block and moved them over.

[r3v_v3ng3]

Then you'll be able to remove the engine without disconnecting the lines. Like huffer said, it'll be easier that way

[Outbackid]

Then you'll be able to remove the engine without disconnecting the lines. Like huffer said, it'll be easier that way
Exactly what I'm doing, I guess I was just confused.

[r3v_v3ng3]

Oh aight. Disassemble the engine first to see what else is damaged. Then figure out what to order/get.

[Outbackid]

Oh aight. Disassemble the engine first to see what else is damaged. Then figure out what to order/get.
Well I'm actually buying a longblock. but it threw a rod for sure (you can see through the hole in the block) so I am at least in need of a new block and at least one new rod.

[Outbackid]

Update: The new ~50k mile EJ25D longblock has arrived from Quebec! Now to tear it down and swap the heads.

[Outbackid]

PICTURES! This thing is clean as can be.

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2012/07/20120706_174918_231-1.jpg

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2012/07/20120706_174914_958-1.jpg

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2012/07/20120706_174842_777-1.jpg

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2012/07/20120706_174833_378-1.jpg

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2012/07/20120706_174819_386-1.jpg

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2012/07/20120706_174810_461-1.jpg

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2012/07/20120706_174802_587-1.jpg

[Thomistopheles]

Nice! That is pretty clean, hopefully it was well taken care of. It's kinda weird seeing a power steering resevoir that isn't rusty like mine. :lol:

[Outbackid]

New motor is in and working, but burning TONS of oil. Looks like the heads are screwed up from the blown motor. In hindsight, I should have had them checked while they were out. Oh well. Time to disassemble it again.

[chrish8r]

Good thing that you got another motor. Sucks that it is burning all that oil.....

[r3v_v3ng3]

Yeah the seller sometimes clean the shit outside to make it look like its good inside. That sucks bro, this should be a good time to rebuild one of your motor

[nikolaus.conrad]

This thing is awesome!! Makes me want to work on my Outback more!

[Outbackid]

New engine is in and running! Running badly, though. It's idling really strange, shooting up to 3k at startup and then coming back down to about 1250 and bouncing around a couple hundred RPM. It is also blowing LOTS of white smoke on startup and on throttle, and is throwing P0507 and P1507. I checked them out, and they are IACV codes. I have seen a few things on replacing the thermostat first, so I'm doing that soon to replace the gunked up JDM one off the new engine.

[1996Battlewagon]

I checked them out, and they are IACV codes. I have seen a few things on replacing the thermostat first, so I'm doing that soon to replace the gunked up JDM one off the new engine.

If your computer is saying there are two IACV codes, than it's more than likely your IACV. Replace it.

I just want to make sure I'm reading this right. You have a 25D shortblock with your old 251 heads? Or did you transplant the entire dual cam longblock? I thought the wiring harness connectors were different?

[Dead91silvia]

umm... Why do you have a EJ25D dual cam in a BH? The running problems might be the fact that you have a SOHC ECU running a DOHC motor.

Just wondering...

[Outbackid]

It's a hybrid setup. EJ25D block with the factory EJ251 Heads.

[Outbackid]

It's running! Turns out it was just the PCV sucking Oil up into the intake. Still working out minor issues but she's running! Now to get to performance parts :twisted:

[Navi271]

Yay! Glad you got everything figured out.

[98legwag]

Sweeeeet.

[Outbackid]

Yay! Glad you got everything figured out.
Thanks! I've really missed this thing. Next step is exhaust. Anybody know what kind of black paint/coating I could use on a muffler ? I was thinking header paint. I think I'm just going to buy an N1 style muffler but I don't like shiny cans. I feel like a shiny muffler would just look ridiculous on a stock ride height Outback. Also looking into eBay headers for this thing, anyone have any suggestions on who exactly is a good seller to buy from? Lastly, where is a good place to buy H&R lowering springs? I'm looking into getting some later this winter.

[1996Battlewagon]

Vibrant sells flat-black mufflers.

[Outbackid]

Vibrant sells flat-black mufflers.
I don't really want to spend $100+ on a muffler right now. I'm just looking for a bit of a nicer tone on a budget. It's kinda tough to pay for stuff like this as high school kid that can't work a lot of hours :/

[Outbackid]

Whatever I get, it won't be as hilariously janky as my brother's setup on his first car :lol:
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2012/11/iJMQo-2.jpg

[Navi271]

Yay! Glad you got everything figured out.
Thanks! I've really missed this thing. Next step is exhaust. Anybody know what kind of black paint/coating I could use on a muffler ? I was thinking header paint. I think I'm just going to buy an N1 style muffler but I don't like shiny cans. I feel like a shiny muffler would just look ridiculous on a stock ride height Outback. Also looking into eBay headers for this thing, anyone have any suggestions on who exactly is a good seller to buy from? Lastly, where is a good place to buy H&R lowering springs? I'm looking into getting some later this winter.
I've used some sort of high temp paint and primer on my headers and cats before. Header paint should work. Prep it well because it will soon start flaking off if you dont!
I'm not sure about a good seller for headers, it's been a long time since I bought mine.
I got my H&R's earlier this year courtesy of member/owner "Reason." PM him and he should probably be able to hook you up.

Glasspack FTL lol

[Outbackid]

Yay! Glad you got everything figured out.
Thanks! I've really missed this thing. Next step is exhaust. Anybody know what kind of black paint/coating I could use on a muffler ? I was thinking header paint. I think I'm just going to buy an N1 style muffler but I don't like shiny cans. I feel like a shiny muffler would just look ridiculous on a stock ride height Outback. Also looking into eBay headers for this thing, anyone have any suggestions on who exactly is a good seller to buy from? Lastly, where is a good place to buy H&R lowering springs? I'm looking into getting some later this winter.
I've used some sort of high temp paint and primer on my headers and cats before. Header paint should work. Prep it well because it will soon start flaking off if you dont!
I'm not sure about a good seller for headers, it's been a long time since I bought mine.
I got my H&R's earlier this year courtesy of member/owner "Reason." PM him and he should probably be able to hook you up.

Glasspack FTL lol
That glasspack actually sounded decent believe it or not. That car sparked my love for Subarus so even if it was awful I still love that car.

Anyways, I'll talk to Reason later. I do hope that header paint won't flake too quick but if it does it's no big deal.

[Outbackid]

Update: New project?

New motor is running awesome, gone a few thousand miles on it without a hitch. I have been saving up for parts but a new project may be coming to me soon. I may be picking up my science teacher's '97 Outback Wagon (4EAT :/) here in a couple days for a pretty good deal. No rust, blown HG. I can pull this thing, fix it and sell it in a fairly short amount of time, so hopefully I can make a good profit. That would leave me with LOTS of parts money :cool:

Or I could fix it, keep it and swap it if I sold my car. What do you guys think?

[Outbackid]

It's official, picking up the second car in a few hours :grin:

I won't bother making a thread for it, it's just repair work but this should eventually free up parts money!

[Outbackid]

New car is in the garage, just in time for a snowstorm. I'm researching my options now... I kinda want to swap this one.

[Outbackid]

Second car running! Selling mid-April, hopefully will finally have some money to spend on this thing or whatever I find myself driving.

[kiyo1990]

Hey nice wagon. There are some nice mufflers out there for a budget.

[Outbackid]

Hey nice wagon. There are some nice mufflers out there for a budget.
Yeah, but I'm in a bit of debt to my parents for a while to pay off the last few hundered bucks on the project '97 OBW. But now I'm having a misfire on the '02, so I'm just driving the project for now.

[Outbackid]

Well, this car is now for sale. I picked up something that makes some nice whooshing noises.... :grin:

[Outbackid]

Might as well provide an update, I now have my 2005 LGT and I picked up an '05 Outback XT last fall as well. That one is a project for the time being, but I just got my fist mod for my LGT: a Cobb SF intake used with <5k from a '13 WRX. I am swapping the MAF housing/velocity stack this weekend with someone local who has one for a legacy and just happened to need one for a WRX :)
Anyways, here are some pictures.

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2014/04/r15pYqs-1.jpg
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2014/04/HOvXF53-1.jpg
With a buddy of mine's '02 LGT
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2011/09/CDCyX39-1.jpg
And the intake:
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2014/04/evXZF4y-1.jpg

[Outbackid]

It's worth mentioning that the car was sold last summer, so I will edit the title accordingly and I will now be updating my LGT's thread.