My second introduction (2003 Legacy L)

[marklj]

I made my first introduction around 8 months back with my previous 2002 Legacy GT:
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2008/06/l_da0d8be7892be6c945a2d3f86f9d1c2a-1.jpg

I rolled it the day after Christmas after avoiding a bear in the road:
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2008/06/l_f74ec85af0268c858e9b0f383e919d41-1.jpg

I have to give that car some major credit, however; I had 4 other people in the car at the time and no one was injured.

I recently bought a 2003 Legacy L (my first stick shift, which i love) and right away and right away did some moderate modifications with the insurance $$:

http://mj87.com/myspace/subaru_newrims.jpg

Since I live in the mountains it is very important to have good cornering abilities. So what i've done so far is add new Whiteline F+R Swaybars and wider/lowpro tires and rims. I'm not trying to brag, but my car handles corners amazingly now.

I am kind of at a standstill on modding though. I dont know whether to keep improving the handling or to move on to increasing power.

Any suggestions?

[Huffer]

Shocks and struts... and probably some decent pads and rotors.

Those look like huge wheels though... if they are heavy they'll be a detriment to your handling...

[KAG]

I would say it's hard to improve handling when Subaru's handle tremendously well to begin with.

Strut tower braces will hold it together better.
And lower it on H&R springs if you like the look.
Otherwise you should be good with the sway bars.

Where in California are you?

[Airgne]

welcom again. here are a few end links, coilovers(i like better than springs and struts), take out as much weight as not needed, f+r tower braces(cusco make also for the rear bars that go to truck floor for more rigidness), rear sub frame locks, rear diff support poly bushings, sterring rack poly bushing kit, sti group n mounts, rear lower arm bar, and front lower arm bar. hope helped out. hey did you salvage anything off your old scooby?

[impreza_GC8]

welcom again. here are a few end links, coilovers(i like better than springs and struts), take out as much weight as not needed, f+r tower braces(cusco make also for the rear bars that go to truck floor for more rigidness), rear sub frame locks, rear diff support poly bushings, sterring rack poly bushing kit, sti group n mounts, rear lower arm bar, and front lower arm bar. hope helped out. hey did you salvage anything off your old scooby?

He's not building a race car.
Springs and shocks would be the next logical step in the suspension buildup, the swaybars were a perfect first choice. Be careful how much you lower the car because those rims do look pretty big and you don't want to rub.
I'm not going to tell you how to build your car or what to do next, if you want to unleash some power there are plenty of ways to do that.

[Huffer]

He's not building a race car.

How do you know this?

JoeT started out in a similar fashion, and has been whomping on WRXs for several years with an autox-ing BE.

[Reason]

Wow that bear must have been scared shitless seeing that sexy car barrel rolling past him. Glad to see nobody was hurt.

I would too skip springs and struts and get coilovers.

[sansMYSTi]

First of all, your former Subie does earn a round of applause - rolling with five onboard and no injuries is pretty damn good.

I cannot help much with power (our options other than swap are pretty slim and/or expensive), but I am very happy with my suspension setup - https://sl-i.net/FORUM/viewtopic.php?t=5254&start=0

My suggestion would be start with a bigger rear swaybar - IMO it is the best upgrade for a wagon, and I am sure the same would go for the sedan. I would also very much suggesting sourcing some JDM Spec-B struts and putting on some lowering springs - it makes a huge difference. My LGT now has handling prowess somewhere between my previous stock bugeye and my previous stock STi. Not too bad for a big, heavy wagon.