New guy from Wisc. saying hello-& a few Q's for the Xper

[Bluto]

Hello to all- I just picked up a 99 Legacy sedan, limited. Got it from the original owner w/103k on the clock. Ive been searching while unable to post and have a few questions for the experts.

First off, the car sounds like it has loud lifter tap, or even a rod knock;eek. But after crawling all over/under it seems that the tap is coming from the front converter. Looks like there are 3 converters under there, a resonator, and muffler. Im going to take it off & see if the guts are loose. If so, Id like to punch it out but still have to pass emissions test here in Wisconsin, and I prefer a quiet car. Anyone ever run across this?

Next, when leaving a stop, the car shifts into 2nd before I get more than a few car lengths! All other shifts are fine, even 1-2 is ok under moderate throttle. I had an 85 Subaru turbo that was doing this once & the governor sticking was to blame. This 99 doesnt appear to have a gov. Must be electronic shift & use TPS? Tranny experts?

The final thing that is really driving me nuts is the cars handling. A on/off ramp in wet weather will have the car sliding(mostly front) at average speeds! The body roll is pretty bad-the wet noodles,er, sway bars have plastic end links too. It feels like I have bungee cords for sway bars! Im on the stock 15" wheels and doubt a bigger wheel would improve. Everything underneath is tight, but was wondering if any other models had beefier bars that would bolt up? Maybe a spring swap?
Ive used the search button but looks like the older Subaru modles dont get talked about much, And whats w/all the badging in 99? Theres a Legacy, SUS, AWD, Limited, Outback :shock: I got all but the Legacy on the trunk removed & looks much better.


Anyway-Hello to all & sorry for the long 1st post.

[Huffer]

Welcome!

1. The DOHC can become noisy with age... it's usually piston slap - a thicker grade of oil can help that out.

2. Tapping sounds from the exhaust are usually just loose exhaust shields.

3. Reset the car's ECU by disconnecting the battery negative cable for 30mins, stand on the brakes to fully discharge the system. You may be able to get a TCU reflash done by the dealer which may help. Not sure.
If the problem persists then drain the old tranny fluid out and replace it with fresh stuff and some Lubegard ATF Protectant.

4. Handling is dependent largely on your tires. You may have worn or inappropriate or unmatched tires. Subarus (AWD) prefer to have same size/diameter + brand on all 4 wheels... at least try to match the tread pattern and sizing.

New struts and springs will help - the swaybar endlinks are plastic and are fine unless you intend on pushing very hard.. a little bit of flex is good because it softens the kickback on rear end rotation. I have a 22mm rear swaybar on my wagon with the stock endlinks. It's great for daily driving and spirited runs.

[jg09]

Whoa there, Huffer, he said "expert" so I think he was talking to me! :lol: jk

I'm with Huffer on this one. And welcome to the site!

[deadlydave]

Welcome, debadging was a great idea. I did mine within 48 hours of having my current car.

[Bluto]

Excellent advice-keep it coming :smile: Ill try resetting the computer tomorrow. So I need a rear sway bar from an Outback wgn? year?

What about spring from another model? A little stiffer would be good, but I dont want to lower the car any-snow gets deep here & Subarus are fun in the snow :lol:

About the wheels, Should I keep the 15"s or go w/16's? Were any 16" wheels (maybe GT) a direct swap?

BTW; I just filled up & avg. 25mpg... was hoping for closer to 30 :-(

[jg09]

I'd be a happy man if I got 25! I average 21 over all my fill ups. Worse so far has been 19.2

[liquidracing]

I'd be a happy man if I got 25! I average 21 over all my fill ups. Worse so far has been 19.2
same here man! i average 19mpg...yeah, i know that's crappy, but you don't know why :wink:

[Bluto]

Well, Ive reset the computer & car shifts the same-Im ok w/that.

I measured my sway bars & was disappointed to see that I have 20mm front & 18mm rear. Ill have to go aftermarket-bummer. Anyone swap a Tribecca rear in?

Im going to replace the tires first and go from there. Any tire reccomendations? Remember that I will need to go thru deep snow on occasion.
Im trying to improve on a tight budget, but the car handles like crap.

One more thing; I have the factory alarm-is there any way to lock/unlock without the horn going off every time :roll:

[Colorado_Outback]

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires.jsp ... on+T%2FA+T (http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires.jsp?tireMake=BFGoodrich&tireModel=Traction+T%2FA+T)

[Huffer]

Im going to replace the tires first and go from there. Any tire reccomendations? Remember that I will need to go thru deep snow on occasion.
Im trying to improve on a tight budget, but the car handles like crap.

One more thing; I have the factory alarm-is there any way to lock/unlock without the horn going off every time :roll:

Alarm chirp:
http://www.cars101.com/subaru/keyless.html#alpine

Tires:
For deep snow I recommend running on Nokian WR tires... but if you are looking for a decent M+S tire that doesn't look like one or is noisy like on I recommend Hankook W300 Icebears. I have a set on my wagon and I would drive them all year round.

[Bluto]

thanks Huffer :smile: no more annoying 'honk' every time I lock/unlock!

[chuckthefuk]

I measured my sway bars & was disappointed to see that I have 20mm front & 18mm rear. Ill have to go aftermarket-bummer. Anyone swap a Tribecca rear in?

Its been done .. with a result of FAIL. The shape is the same, the size is overkill and the ends do not fit/match at all.

Go with Whiteline you wont regret it.

-Chuck

[track8]

What about spring from another model? A little stiffer would be good, but I dont want to lower the car any-snow gets deep here & Subarus are fun in the snow :lol:

About the wheels, Should I keep the 15"s or go w/16's? Were any 16" wheels (maybe GT) a direct swap? The GT springs I took off this car were pretty soft, I don't think that kind of swap is worth the time/work. Whiteline control springs dropped my car so subtly that I had to do a photo comparison to get the true effect, but the car responds much better, especially braking pitch. I'm sure that will be fine this winter, although the Hankook I-Pikes should help. :grin:

MB Motoring makes cool looking 16's for cheap, or lots of people install WRX wheels. Snowflakes off of a GT will also fit, no problem.

One more thing, the third "converter" on my car was really a resonator, shaped like a converter.