New to this stuff.

[zactimusprime19]

Hey everyone, lets start off by saying I'm a huge fan of the forum, it's definitely helped me out with some basic questions that needed answering.
I drive a completely stock 03 legacy sedan and I was looking into putting some suspension upgrades in. I'm leaning more towards lowering it a bit simply because I love the look of it. Being a complete newbie I really don't even know where to start. I know there a ton of ways to go about this and I could use some advice on what works and what doesn't.
Anything would help, and just so y'all know i'm just a college student with limited tools so I would prefer something that budget friendly if that's possible.
I would also like to add an exhaust system, and I know that other subie parts fit so any advice on what to use off of other cars(for both suspension and exhaust) would be great!
Thanks a ton!

[1996Battlewagon]

Welcome sir! This place is basically home.

You have so many options for lowering it's unreal. The cheapest and perhaps easiest is using OEM Subaru stuff. Go on CL and look for some low mile, WRX or STi struts/springs. They will bolt right up.

You could also get a pair of KYB GR2s and pair them with some H&R lowering springs. Look at some member's rides to get inspiration.

[MonstarMotorsports]

I don't believe wrx or sti struts will lower a basic legacy. (could be wrong though) but I dont recall them being lifted like outbacks/foresters/bajas

How ever going with wrx struts makes it far easier to get a set of lowering springs. Id search for anything 02-07 complete struts/top hats, and find a cheap set of used springs to throw in. Should be able to be sitting pretty for less than $300.

As for exhaust, UEL headers, and custom cat back. (customs cheaper than anything else) If you bring in a muffler (and cats if you want cats) into a muffler shop and say weld me up a new 2.25" catback with these parts. shouldnt run you more than $100 bucks for the pipe/labor. Personally AERO makes my absolutle most favorite mufflers/cats. But theres tons to choose from out there. UEL's can be had for less than $200 as well.

[zactimusprime19]

I don't believe wrx or sti struts will lower a basic legacy. (could be wrong though) but I dont recall them being lifted like outbacks/foresters/bajas

How ever going with wrx struts makes it far easier to get a set of lowering springs. Id search for anything 02-07 complete struts/top hats, and find a cheap set of used springs to throw in. Should be able to be sitting pretty for less than $300.

As for exhaust, UEL headers, and custom cat back. (customs cheaper than anything else) If you bring in a muffler (and cats if you want cats) into a muffler shop and say weld me up a new 2.25" catback with these parts. shouldnt run you more than $100 bucks for the pipe/labor. Personally AERO makes my absolutle most favorite mufflers/cats. But theres tons to choose from out there. UEL's can be had for less than $200 as well.
Thanks to both of you for the info it actually helped a lot.
Now one question I have about the exhaust, what's the difference between running cats and not?

[02_Legacy]

So there is some misinformation in this thread, impreza suspension WILL NOT FIT, well it will fit the front but not the rear and personally I do not suggest mixing and matching. The kyb and h&r setup is very common for 3rd gens and is specific for your car so you know that it will fit. Also 4th gen legacy bl/bp stuff will work which allows a few more options. Also look at rougeben's thread about the tokico struts at there is an awesome deal on them right now, if you just search for tokico you should be able to find it.

[MonstarMotorsports]

^ whoops, he's 100% right, forgot the 3rd gens went to multilink.

so scratch that on the wrx struts lol.

as for the exhaust. If you have to meet emissions or DEQ, you'll need cats. They are just emissions junk. Taking them out will allow more power and make the car louder. however a good high flow cat works just as good as no cat at all.