97 Legacy Outback Limited in Gunnison, CO

[Crowboy]

http://www.at0m9labs.com/photos/BluRoo.jpg

This is actually my 3rd Subaru. The first was a '98 limited that only had a bad knock sensor and a small oil leak, really not a very interesting project so I sold it. The second was a '98 limited with a cylinder 4 misfire and a bit of body rust. Picked it up for $600, put $300 into it in the form of a top end rebuild in my kitchen, drove it 7,000 miles or so, then sold it to a buddy.

Now I'm on to this one, picked up for $300 with a catastrophic timing belt pulley failure. All 16 valves were bent. Pulled the stock engine for a rebuild in a snowy driveway steeper than the one in the picture and dropped in a tired, but running motor to be able to move the car and find out which other bits need replacing.

The motor will get a full rebuild, but no major changes to the setup other than some port matching. Other immediate plans:
- Lightened flywheel (ACT or Exedy 13lb-ish and yes i know about the random misfire issue)
- Exedy organic clutch
- Ebay UEL header
- Revised cat-back
- Short shift kit. Probably the stock shifter from a 04 RS.
- Upgraded swaybars. Probably the Whiteline 22mm adjustables.
- Fogs and driving lights
- LED interior and gauge lights

Gonna be a driver. Build thread to come.

Greetings all!
Zack

[chuckthefuk]

Welcome to SLi.

That is one clean Outback... its rare to find one in such a immaculate blue example.

Looking good so far, can't wait to see this evolve .

What are your overall goals for this project since its your 3rd and the previous 2 didn't seem like anything special.

Check out service manual links in my signature or literature/manual sections. Grab a copy to help you along with your rebuild.
-Chuck

[Crowboy]

Ya, I'm a fan of the blue. But, this is the car's good side. Both bumpers are damaged, back hatch is lightly crumpled, passenger fender heavily crumpled. No rust, though, and the underside is clean. Rust is the reason #2 never went far.

Got the service manual link. I've downloaded the relevant ones for the work so far. I'll come back for more as I need them.

The primary goal for this build is to refresh the car to nearly new as far as drivetrain and suspension are concerned. The car will be my daily driver, but a little background might be required before the upgrades I have planned make sense for a "daily driver."

My commute is about 45 minutes each way in the winter. 15 minutes of twisty 35 mph canyon road followed by 30 minutes of straight, relatively flat 55 mph highway.
In the summer, a seasonal dirt road opens up that shortens the commute to 25 minutes and substitutes the twisty canyon with a gravel rally over a saddle on the ridge.

I regularly have to travel to Aspen, CO for work which involves driving the Black Canyon of the Gunnison, Independence Pass, or Kebler Pass. Delicious asphalt twistys on the first two, twisty dirt rally on the last.

So, my emphasis is on driver feel and feedback. I think my daily drive warrants some more spirited suspension, but more horsepower doesn't do much given the speed limits of the roads. I'd like just enough performance mods to take back a little of the power I lose at 7,000 to 10,000 ft where most of my driving takes place. I've found on my truck and a couple other vehicles I have worked on that helping the engine breath easier is the best first step. Really, though, the exhaust upgrade is mostly planned for the sound.

[chuckthefuk]

That is a well thought out plan..

Lots of choice for your Lego... oem.. sti.. aftermarket.. etc...

Welcome once again to SLi and start a members ride thread once you ready :-D

Cheers
-Chuck