new to subaru

[sexystover]

hey guys i am planning on picking up a 1998 subaru legacy outback with around 150k miles on it, its 5 speed and me being the motor head i am i want it to sound good but perform just as well, so i was wondering what aftermarket websites are there for the car. where can i find exhaust or intakes or even turbo/supercharger kits? any help and opinions are aprecited, and id also like to note that i prob wont be going FI anytime soon because first it needs a full tune up and clutch along with tires

[Bohemian_Funk]

Well... I try not to answer first for fear of epic retribution from those who know more than me, but I suppose I can part with some knowledge. So since you've probably spent more time than I filing around this and other Subaru-based forums, you'll no doubt have noticed a familiar theme. Subaru's are essentially "legos" for so-called "big kids". Yes, even more so than Honda's. Unless I'm completely mistaken, the 1998 Outback has essentially the same engine as the same year Impreza 2.5RS (2.5L SOHC), and thus for engine modifications you would look along the same lines. The best idea for your engine that I can think of before ANYTHING "performance" minded would be an aftermarket head gasket, as the 2.5L Subaru engines like to blow headgaskets. If you plan on turbocharging it, then I suggest you piece together everything you'll need to support that modification before getting a new headgasket, as you'll want a thicker headgasket anyway for a lower compression ratio. Good way to save yourself a lot of hassle, not to mention about 200+ bucks just for the extra gasket. Personally, I wouldn't get a turbocharger "kit" (nor would I put a supercharger on a boxer engine, but that's a different story), but rather I would find a local tuning shop (preferably one that specializes in Subaru), and ask them to help you design a proper system based on your budget and needs.

As for exhaust/intakes... same deal as above, only what you'd be best off looking for is an exhaust for the Legacy 2.5GT, as it'd be designed specifically for the same engine as yours, and if you get a 2.5GT sedan exhaust, it'll tuck back in a bit so you'll get the extra oomph, but it'll look less like a big can sticking out of the back of your wagon, and thus less likely to get you attention from the cops.

Also, what exactly do you mean by "won't be going FI anytime soon"? All I can think of is "fuel injection", which the car all ready has (it's the "E" in "EJ25E", which is the engine code for the '98 Outback).

I hope I answered your question to your satisfaction,
Scott

[shazapple]

FI is probably Forced Induction.

Tires, rims, and Suspension upgrades would be the route I would go. Get a whiteline rear sway bar and a nice set of tires.

[Bohemian_Funk]

Ah yes, I'm surprised I missed that. I probably should've noted that my suggestions were almost completely engine-based. A good set of brakes would probably be a good plan, too :lol:. If you've got "big money" then the brembo "big brake" kit for the 04 STi would be your best bet I'd think. You'll need a good set of 17" wheels to go with 'em, though.

(Just noticed a discrepency in my last post, lemme just change that)

[sexystover]

no BIG money here, haha actually the opposite , ill be surprised if i even can afford to get the car running haha

[Bohemian_Funk]

Well in that case, see if you can find a newer wrecked Legacy GT (like, 05 or something like that... or you'd be more likely to find a wrecked STi or WRX), and take the brake calipers. Then just buy a new set of pads n' rotors that match. Hell while you're at it treat yourself to a set of new brake lines :lol:. Always a good saying: be sure you can stop before you can go fast!

[sexystover]

very true, BTW

I NOW OWN THE CAR

hahah yea so now i just have to get it to my house an dsee what i have to work with, im going over the guys house to get it ready to trailer home sometime this week, freaking wasps thought the doorjams and mirrors were good home, so this should be fun, ill take pics when i get over there an dpost what i have to work with when i get home

[Bohemian_Funk]

Oh man that happened to me once in a '76 Toyota Celica GT that I was going to get for free. I decided against it due to the lack of working engine, plus the 5-6 grand worth of work to get the rest of the car in good shape... as well as the fact that it was COMPLETELY moved into by wasps and whatnot. In the engine bay, in the trunk, etc., etc.

[sexystover]

well sorry no pics, i was so excited to go work on it i forgot the camera, but i killed about 25-35 wasps and got rid of one nest the size of a softball and one the size of a golf ball. also there were some just starting a nest in the fender so i sprayed them as well. BTW i found out the car has heated seats and mirrors!!! wooo im so happy, its 5spd heated seats, mirrors, and i can haul stuff in it haha, so heres my to get list

battery
wires
plugs
clutch and tires

after that it should be driveable and ill just need to do some minor TLc work to get it in tip top shape, then comes a brake upgrade, exhaust and maybe an intake

and coil overs for a sexy dropped wagon !!!

car s white with silver/gray bottom area for those wondering

and it has gold badges, does tham mean anything special?

[Bohemian_Funk]

Uhhh... I'm fairly certain it means it's an Outback, congratulations!

As for your coilovers, your wagon shares its suspension with the WRX and the 04 STi, with minor alterations to the strut tops. Megan Racing makes a few good sets for pretty cheap compared to, say, Tein.

[sexystover]

kool so any 04 wrx/sti suspension with tophats will fit? neat

[Bohemian_Funk]

Well... Check the suspension section of the forum/nasioc, there's a much better explanation that my last post just plain does not cover. Realize as well that your car will be a LOT lower than it is right now if you go aftermarket, as well as about a MILLION times stiffer. My suspension is so soft, for example, that if I give the wheel a few well placed flicks of the wrist, I can get my car to rotate laterally while the wheels just about keep the original line, like a teacup ride. Yeah, it's a small wonder my car doesn't bottom out more often than it does when I have 3-4 passengers.