Matt S.
09-12-2007, 11:11 PM
Hey guys,
Just dropping in. I just picked up my new daily driver which will be replacing my tried and true '93 Legacy LS Sedan(currently for sale).
It's a 97 GT 5spd wagon. I got it fairly cheap and new I'd put a bunch of money into it but I figured it would be a great replacement for my '93. I bought it and took it right to the local Subaru dealer which I used to work for and had them do:
Head gaskets and all related seals/gaskets that go along with it(intake manifold gaskets, oil pump seal, valve cover gaskets , resealed the piston access plate/baffle on back of motor, intake coolant pipe gaskets, cam seals, etc.). Also had heads pressure checked and resurfaced.
Needed new exhaust valves so had those put in.
Water pump kit
New timing belt and V-Belts.
All coolant hoses replaced.
Plugs.wires, fuel filter, PCV valve, etc.)
New tires and a 4-wheel alignment
Rotten rattly heat shields cut off
New ball joint
New clutch throw-out bearing, pilot bearing, and had the flywheel just cleaned up a bit. The original throw out bearing was making noise. So I planned on putting a clutch in it. But the tech said the clutch plate was new or at least fairly new, but everything else in there was original. Would you believe someone went through the trouble of putting a clutch plate in this car and ONLY replaced the clutch plate!? WTF? Anyway, I had a bit of clutch chatter and the fluid was old. I can't believe how smooth the clutch is now with new fluid and the flywheel just being cleaned up a bit with a scotch brite pad. Very happy for sure. Also, it is now the quietest 2.5 DOHC I have ever heard with the newly adjusted valves being done.
Car already had recalls done and still will need some things in the future, but I figure it's going to be a pretty reliable car now. One new problem I encountered with this car that I have yet to with the previous 40-some Subarus in my family since 1984 is a noisy fuel pump! The Subaru guys were quite surprised at it as well. That will have to wait a bit.
Plans with the car are just to keep it maintained and running good and dress it up a bit. I picked up some 17" GT-B/RS wheels for it as I always loved that style wheel and also got the GT-B red emblem grill for it. I want to get the jdm areo splash guards and get them and the ground effects painted, get the projector headlights and fog lights, clear rear corners and center section, front fender lights, basically make it close looking to a BG5 GT-B. Probably one of my favorite Subarus of all time. I much prefer the "factory hot rod" look over the aftermarket body kits and wheels.
And a short throw shifter needs to be gotten as this shifter is horrendous at best. Also some new struts and mounts will be due within the next year as I would think there is not much left of the stockers with 146,000 miles on them! All in time
No pics yet as I just brought it home tonight. I look forward to keeping it running good and picking up all the info I can from you guys.
-Matt
Just dropping in. I just picked up my new daily driver which will be replacing my tried and true '93 Legacy LS Sedan(currently for sale).
It's a 97 GT 5spd wagon. I got it fairly cheap and new I'd put a bunch of money into it but I figured it would be a great replacement for my '93. I bought it and took it right to the local Subaru dealer which I used to work for and had them do:
Head gaskets and all related seals/gaskets that go along with it(intake manifold gaskets, oil pump seal, valve cover gaskets , resealed the piston access plate/baffle on back of motor, intake coolant pipe gaskets, cam seals, etc.). Also had heads pressure checked and resurfaced.
Needed new exhaust valves so had those put in.
Water pump kit
New timing belt and V-Belts.
All coolant hoses replaced.
Plugs.wires, fuel filter, PCV valve, etc.)
New tires and a 4-wheel alignment
Rotten rattly heat shields cut off
New ball joint
New clutch throw-out bearing, pilot bearing, and had the flywheel just cleaned up a bit. The original throw out bearing was making noise. So I planned on putting a clutch in it. But the tech said the clutch plate was new or at least fairly new, but everything else in there was original. Would you believe someone went through the trouble of putting a clutch plate in this car and ONLY replaced the clutch plate!? WTF? Anyway, I had a bit of clutch chatter and the fluid was old. I can't believe how smooth the clutch is now with new fluid and the flywheel just being cleaned up a bit with a scotch brite pad. Very happy for sure. Also, it is now the quietest 2.5 DOHC I have ever heard with the newly adjusted valves being done.
Car already had recalls done and still will need some things in the future, but I figure it's going to be a pretty reliable car now. One new problem I encountered with this car that I have yet to with the previous 40-some Subarus in my family since 1984 is a noisy fuel pump! The Subaru guys were quite surprised at it as well. That will have to wait a bit.
Plans with the car are just to keep it maintained and running good and dress it up a bit. I picked up some 17" GT-B/RS wheels for it as I always loved that style wheel and also got the GT-B red emblem grill for it. I want to get the jdm areo splash guards and get them and the ground effects painted, get the projector headlights and fog lights, clear rear corners and center section, front fender lights, basically make it close looking to a BG5 GT-B. Probably one of my favorite Subarus of all time. I much prefer the "factory hot rod" look over the aftermarket body kits and wheels.
And a short throw shifter needs to be gotten as this shifter is horrendous at best. Also some new struts and mounts will be due within the next year as I would think there is not much left of the stockers with 146,000 miles on them! All in time
No pics yet as I just brought it home tonight. I look forward to keeping it running good and picking up all the info I can from you guys.
-Matt