Benfolio's '98 l EJ25/MT swapped ZOMBIE WAGON

[Benfolio]

Purchased for $500 in Febuary '09.

Timing belt broke at 156k and instead of fixing it, the owner decided to sell it via Craigslist.

When I got it:
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2009/04/0427091905e-1.jpg

Was lowered for a while:
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2009/04/img_0570-1.jpg

Now it's LIFTED!
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2009/04/img_20120519_163356-1.jpg

Newest pics at the bottom!

[2.5GT]

For that price it's not that bad. Give it a little elbow grease and you'll be good to go :smt023

[Benfolio]

Took a better look at the pile of parts in the back and it looks like the timing belt tensioner and belt itself are okay, but the BOLT that holds the tensioner on broke off inside the block, and the tensioner did some damage to the timing cover. No biggie there.
BUT, the big question is: were the valves bent?

[anothernord]

Awesome find. It'll be a great project car/beater/rallyX contender.

[Benfolio]

It'll be...... something.

Put the timing belt back on. BORROWED a tensioner bracket from an EJ25 we have lying around at work (at a MAZDA dealer, go figure) so I didn't have to drill out the broken mounting bolt, and muscled the belt back on.

Turned the key and what do you know!

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2009/04/726301-1.jpg (http://www.supermotors.net/registry/media/726301)

Yeah, it's not right. But it runs! It idles! Kinda.... and it DRIVES!! I moved it across the lot!!! Now it doesn't want to start and idle as well. Hrm.

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2009/04/726300-1.jpg (http://www.supermotors.net/registry/media/726300)

Sooooo maybe next time I have time I'll do a compression check. Maybe just ONE head's got bent valves? Still have to clean it up and go through it all. Make sure it all works and other things are repairable.

[JLav211]

Sounds bad-arse. :grin:

[Benfolio]

It started up great, like, four times in a row. Then I put all the crap back on it, and it didn't want to start.
Finally it DID start, and wouldn't idle. Kept dying. I think I'm killing it. :lol:

Just hope I can get it to run long enough to pull it in the shop and get it in the air someday.

[Navi271]

wow, i find it amazing that runs! it sounds awful! haha..
yeah sounds like something got bent up in there, like a mysterious ticking noise..... i love how it putts when you take the camera to the muffler!

take it all apart and put it back together right! thats my advice

[Benfolio]

take it all apart and put it back together right! thats my advice

You mean, with a EJ25 and a manual trans????

:smt023

[Benfolio]

Found rust inside the quarters....

[Benfolio]

Cleaned, sanded, and treated!

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2009/05/0501091425-1.jpg

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2009/05/0501091425a-1.jpg

Bumper cover was a PITA to remove. Thanks to the magic properties of CRC Freeze Off, didn't break any bolts!

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2009/05/0501091425b-1.jpg

[Navi271]

yay! i get to do that this summer!
looks much better without rust

[Benfolio]

Painted the fixed rust and put her back together. Took some pics of the two cars together.

Before:
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2009/05/0504091732-1.jpg

After:
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2009/05/0504091909-1.jpg

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2009/05/0504091909a-1.jpg

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2009/05/0504091910-1.jpg

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2009/05/0504091910c-1.jpg

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2009/05/0504091911-1.jpg

[Benfolio]

Pulled the motor and trans today. Motor wouldn't fit in the back but the trans did!

Rides kinda funny now.

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2009/05/0509091324-1.jpg

[Benfolio]

Pulling the engine out of the 2.5GT

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2009/05/p1020430-1.jpg

So sad, it will probably never run again. :cry:

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2009/05/p1020431-1.jpg

EJ25 in the wagon!

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2009/05/p1020432-1.jpg

Aaaaannnnd DONE.

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2009/05/p1020433-1.jpg

How I got it to start:

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2009/05/p1020437-1.jpg

Some automatic parts left over.

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2009/05/p1020434-1.jpg

The 2.5GT remains.

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2009/05/p1020435-1.jpg

Damn 14" L wheels don't clear GT brakes :smt019

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2009/05/p1020436-1.jpg

[Benfolio]

Now that it's home (and I have a decent camera), here's the first pics of it with the swap complete:

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2009/05/img_0027-1.jpg

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2009/05/img_0028-1.jpg

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2009/05/img_0030-2.jpg

OOOOHHHH YEEEAAHHH

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2009/05/img_0031-1.jpg

[Navi271]

yay!!! it finally LIVES!!! thats awesome man, wish i had a MT in my car..

[Benfolio]

Thanks. Yeah, probably wouldn't do that again unless I HAD to.

[Zac]

nice! what was wrong with your GT that you needed to swap to a wagon?

[sybir]

nice! what was wrong with your GT that you needed to swap to a wagon?

Obligatory "it was a sedan" response. :grin:

[Benfolio]

nice! what was wrong with your GT that you needed to swap to a wagon?

Obligatory "it was a sedan" response. :grin:

SOMEONE had to say it. :lol:

On top of the fact that I always wanted a wagon, and was looking for a wagon when I found the sedan (actually looked at a L wagon early in the hunt but it was a non-runner), the sedan's been in a few accidents, the paint is 3 different shades, the trunk has a bondo'd rust hole, and the quarters are rusting from inside out.

The wagon's never been hit (hard), is a one owner car, is a wagon, came from Idaho, has more room for my kids and dogs, is a wagon, and the price was right. Just wasn't sure what I was gonna do with it until I went through it. The more I looked at it the more I wanted to swap it, and not try and fix and sell it.

[Zac]

ahh ok I see good reason for having a wagon! I have one too and I love it!! only a ej22 though :(

[impreza_GC8]

I see good reason to have a wagon too, I love mine. But what are you going to do with that gorgeous sedan? Do it a favor and turbo swap it!

[Benfolio]

I see good reason to have a wagon too, I love mine. But what are you going to do with that gorgeous sedan? Do it a favor and turbo swap it!

It looks alot better in pictures, TRUST me. Both bumpers are banged up, the fenders have dents and scrapes, I replaced the right front door and the clear is peeling, all four door mouldings are chipped and gouged, the quarters are rusty, the trunk is rusty and leaks, the mirrors are scratched, the hood has some chips but was repainted and someone sprayed over the emissions sticker, etc, etc.

I'm parting it out. It's got lots of good stuff..... not sure what I'm doing with the leather interior though. Wish the back seats would fit my wagon. I haven't seen a two tone grey leather rear seat for a wagon. Ever.

[Benfolio]

I took some pics of it today! It's getting..... changed tomorrow. Won't be able to park quite like this anymore....

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2009/08/0821091714-1.jpg

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2009/08/0821091713a-1.jpg

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2009/08/0821091713-1.jpg

[Benfolio]

Installed the Hotchkis Street Springs onto my '05 WRX struts yesterday, and put them in the car today. Also changed the left front CV axle.

PICS!

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2009/08/img_0572-1.jpg

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2009/08/img_0574-1.jpg

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2009/08/img_0580-1.jpg

Stalking the corporate office.....

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2009/08/img_0582-1.jpg

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2009/08/img_0583-1.jpg

:wink:

[Airgne]

looking good.

[Benfolio]

Thanks. Trying to take care of that front bumper. That and the grille are next on the list. Maybe some tint.

[)2edline]

Not buttsag at all!

hotness.

[Benfolio]

Changed it up a bit, installed Outback KYB GR-2's with stock OB springs, and tophats. Forester spare steelies with 215/65R16 General Grabber AT2's.

Test fitting the wheels/tires with the WRX/Hotchkis stuff still in, but unbolted from up top:
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2010/08/imag0139-1.jpg

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2010/08/imag0140-1.jpg

The difference.

Front OB/KYB on the left, WRX/Hotchkis on the right
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2010/08/imag0141-1.jpg

Rear OB/KYB on the left, WRX/Hotchkis on the right (holy crap!)
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2010/08/imag0142-1.jpg

Stopped at a local Subaru meet on the way home after the lift was done. Couldn't find any people though....
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2010/08/imag0144-1.jpg

Some daytime pics:
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2010/08/imag0152-2.jpg
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2010/08/imag0153-1.jpg
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2010/08/imag0154-1.jpg
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2010/08/imag0155-1.jpg
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2010/08/imag0156-1.jpg
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2010/08/imag0157-1.jpg
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2010/08/imag0158-1.jpg
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2010/08/imag0159-1.jpg

Had fun. Direct swap. Some noise from the old worn front CV axles. Bleh.

[Navi271]

We have lift off!!! lol

Nicely done! I like the lift. Only thing is the wheels... I like wheels that I can see through. I'm not a huge fan of the solid metal. But you never usually see steel wheels in aluminum color. That's seems kinda cool to me :cool:

[1996Battlewagon]

Sweetness! You did it man! How do you like the Grabbers?

[JLav211]

Love the steelies. I put a set together for my winters when I had my Subie and I thought the look was bitching. Nice.

[superu]

Looks really good man! I didn't realize you'd also done a 2.5 and 5MT swap :shock:

I'd love a 2.5 and better gearing (4.11s at least) for my rig. Its kind of a dog with the 2.2 on 3.90 axle ratio 5MT.. But i still play with it ;)

You've done a very nice turn around with your wagon... props to ya!

[LiftedGT]

Wow nice wagon!! Apart from the L body I'm going for something pretty similar...I have a '97 2.5GT Wagon beater, 5MT, OB/KYB springs (4" lift from original drop), and am hoping to get some AT2 Grabbers (white letter) soon, diy the badge, fix the grill, and maybe spray the wheels. I personally really dig the steelie look. Keep us posted (literally).

[Benfolio]

FINALLY got it in some mud to test out the Grabbers. They did good. I didn't get stuck, so I guess that's a plus.

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2011/04/5593277313_eb4a421103_b-1.jpg

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2011/04/5593278913_8c5eebf8eb_b-1.jpg

[superu]

Pulling the engine out of the 2.5GT

So sad, it will probably never run again. :cry:

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2009/05/p1020431-1.jpg


The 2.5GT remains.

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2009/05/p1020435-1.jpg

What's the fate of this GT? are you keeping it or parting it out by any chance?
If parting it out, I'm interested in the little maplight on the ceiling by the rear view mirror :razz:

nice work with the mud too! YAY grabbers!!

[geckoboy86]

If you do parting of the sedan, I would love those outer taillights.

Nice Wagon...I would love to have one but I would want mine to be a postal.

[Benfolio]

I parted it out over a year ago, BUT I STILL HAVE THE MAP LIGHT!!!! I think... I have something.... it had a sunroof, so it comes with the switch. I'll check when I am home tomorrow.

Tail lamps are GONE. Sorry.

[Benfolio]

Bought a rally innovations light bar/skid plate for a 99-01 2.5RS with hopes of using it on the Legacy.... didn't work out as planned but fit nicely in front of the grille!

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2011/04/imag0056-1.jpg

All I had to do was flip the mounting brackets upside down, and use long ass head bolts (from a Mazda, I think. Found them at work!), and enlargened the two outer holes where the bumper clips to under the grille. Drilled down through the plastic reinforcement and put a big washer and nut under there. It's not a completely SOLID mount, but will work great for lights, which it has holes pre-drilled and tapped on the backside of it.

Still might use the skid plate, somehow....

[superu]

I parted it out over a year ago, BUT I STILL HAVE THE MAP LIGHT!!!! I think... I have something.... it had a sunroof, so it comes with the switch. I'll check when I am home tomorrow.

Tail lamps are GONE. Sorry.

Awesomeness for the maplight!! woot woot! :smile:

[LGT Kirby]

I'm diggin it! Looks really good.

-Kirby

[Benfolio]

RS seat hotness added.

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2011/04/5613679335_7368153307_z-1.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/42964170@N08/5613679335/)
IMAG0061 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/42964170@N08/5613679335/) by 98Wagoon (http://www.flickr.com/people/42964170@N08/), on Flickr

[mike-tracy]

Looks good, man, those seats are the bomb!

[Navi271]

Yay! I have RS seats too! Much nicer than the legacy L seats.

[Benfolio]

I had to fix one of the bolsters, but they feel great! A little higher than the 2.5GT seats I had in there (getting used to it), but I am much more comfortable, and bumps and whatnot don't get transferred to my butt as much as the stock seats did. And they look GREAT for having 160k on them.

[Navi271]

haha, thats funny. Mine had a little problem with the mounts. It takes a little getting used to, but now after a few months they feel like normal seats that came with the car.

And that's another thing. Stock legacy seats after 150K are saggy and uncomfortable! RS seats the same mileage are still awesome. It must be the nicer foam.

[Benfolio]

My new exhaust setup:

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2011/05/5709345908_f8daa2e808_z-1.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/42964170@N08/5709345908/)

Well, not ALL of it is new. Just this part:

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2011/05/5708776223_573b827ff2_z-1.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/42964170@N08/5708776223/)

Check out my mad fabrication skillz!

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2011/05/5708778939_8c2bf89e43_z-1.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/42964170@N08/5708778939/)

[DarkPhoenix]

Nice. I think the wagon would look great lifted with the Snowflakes.

[superu]

My new exhaust setup:

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2011/05/5709345908_f8daa2e808_z-1.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/42964170@N08/5709345908/)


I like that header. The right/pass side drops down next to the driver's side, but INSIDE, most you see drop down then wrap WAAY around the outside of the driver's side.

What brand and how much? what's the ID too?
thanks

[Benfolio]

Oh, hello thread. No idea about the brand, bought it off a 2.5RS that was in a scrapyard.

NEW PICS.

Because my friends named it the "Zombie Wagon":

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2012/05/img_20120519_163501-1.jpg

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2012/05/img_20120519_163510-1.jpg

Moved the lights to the bumper, removed the bar and roof carrier/spare tire. For fuel saving reasons..... getting 30-31MPG now.

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2012/05/img_20120519_163413-1.jpg

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2012/05/img_20120519_163446-1.jpg

[chrish8r]

Is that truck bed liner on the side?? it looks good

[Benfolio]

Is that truck bed liner on the side?? it looks good

Yep. Thanks! Just shined it up with some tire dressing :lol:

[Benfolio]

SOLD as of today, 6/10/12

Its been fun, but its time for something different.

[superu]

My new exhaust setup:

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2011/05/5709345908_f8daa2e808_z-1.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/42964170@N08/5709345908/)

Well, not ALL of it is new. Just this part:

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2011/05/5708776223_573b827ff2_z-1.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/42964170@N08/5708776223/)

Check out my mad fabrication skillz!

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2011/05/5708778939_8c2bf89e43_z-1.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/42964170@N08/5708778939/)


How'd it run for you catless? Mine sukt when I took the cats out.

Anyhoo I guess it's moot if she's gone eh? ;)

[Benfolio]

Its got a cat. A teeny tiny high flow cat. Ran fine. Stunk a little, but no CEL.