fwa's '97 Legacy wagon, update: The final chapter.

[Reuben]

Unless there is actual play in the STi KYB's, then they won't be dead, just in dire need of a proper regrease.

[fwa2500]

there is play in at least the front left STi strut, possibly the right rear too, all four clunk badly. all of that along with how rusty they are at this point is why i opted for a change (and also vanity, the saggy-butt was driving me crazy).

[fwa2500]

so my noisy valves on cold start up are apparently also hiding some rod knock. not surprising, but somewhat annoying. looks like ill be throwing a third engine in this thing at some point this summer, skirts, bumper and wing are now definitely pushed back a good bit. im starting to seriously consider getting a different car all together.

[Reuben]

How the fuck do you get rod knock in a non turb? Sure it's not piston slap? Audible rod knock deteriorates pretty quickly to a stalling indrivable CLACK CLACK CLACK going by beasts way out. Seriously, about 30kms from a tick heard every now and then to being undrivable is what happened to me.

DOHC it!

[fwa2500]

by having a 20 year old engine with an unknown history and unknown milage. if it does go pop ill likely just grab an EJ25 out of an outback at the junkyard and drop it in. if i can then get two years out of it ill be happy. the trans still sounds like a supercharger at times though, so if that blows up then im selling/parting out the car. im sick of dumping money into something that is just breaking constantly and starting to get rust issues. i cant promise my next car will be a subaru.

[Navi271]

It's awesome it has lasted this long! I guess it's still going... and I bet you have about 100k more miles than my wagon.
The rust was one of the reasons I decided to start investing into a newer car.

Reuben, I can think of a couple non turbo 2.5L's that have thrown rods off the top of my head, but they are more prone to it than the 2.2L.

[Reuben]

Crazy, I never thought they were under enough stress to do that.

And FWA, your next car better be JDM, or I'll book a flight over there and give you some serious sas.

[fwa2500]

well, the low down spec cool style master super wagons feel awesome. 100x better than my dead/dying STi bits. its firm yet comfortable and is just the right amount of drop, definitely a good buy. photos coming soon.


mx/mod list for the summer:
-FL wheel bearing (will be the second time its replaced)
-engine (possible EJ25 drop in to replace my knocking EJ22 and go +30hp)
-skirts, rear bumper, wing (need painted and installed)
-*maybe* 5mt (if budget allows, its not looking good right now though)

Reubs, I'm leaning a bit euro, but I have been eyeing turbo Bajas........mmmmm.....Subie ute......

[fwa2500]

Summer mode ver. 2 by fwa2500, on Flickr


P5240448.jpg by fwa2500, on Flickr

Big thanks to the TiC crew for helping me get it sorted out! Firmer than the STi stuff and yet MUCH more comfortable, it doesn't crash over small bumps anymore, much of the harshness is gone, it doesn't pull on rutted roads anywhere near as much, but most of all it is quiet inside once again.....well, as much as it can be with the exhaust that is.

[98legwag]

Looks fantastic.

[Wagonista]

Hnngghhhh. Do I see a little suspension rake?

[Lancaster6]

Looks fantastic.

+1

I love the look of a lowered, white 2nd gen.

[peugoby]

Looks great! I'm jealous

[Huffer]

<---- also Jelly.

[fwa2500]

Thanks guys! Alex, ya, there is just a tiny bit of a rake. I love it

Big thanks to my friend Adam for this awesome shot taken on our way back from Scoobapalooza in St. Louis this weekend:


Scoobapalooza 2014 by ASR Photos, on Flickr

[Lancaster6]

Love it man. I wish this pic was up when I nominated you for ROTM!

[Wagonista]

Downloaded the full-size and added to my wallpaper rotation.

[Wagonista]

I rode in this car today. It was great.

[fwa2500]

Those ladies in the next car over were hilarious. It was great seeing you again, I'm glad you enjoyed your time in Ohio!

[teriyakibbs]

My favorite car yet, the fact it's a Brighton is a plus. I just picked one up and I'm super happy with it purchased so I didn't have to drive the built leggy every day.

[fwa2500]

Hmmmmm............

[98legwag]

I approve.

[fwa2500]

Holy shit drilling holes is scary.



So worth it though...







Proper photos coming soon.

[Muse]

...Because those pictures are soooo improper. I mean, seriously, they oughtta have a censor bar over some parts of them.

[peugoby]

Looks right at home on there. Nice work on the install, it turned out really nicely!

[98legwag]

Looks great. The wing makes such a nice difference. I just wish I didn't massively screw up the paint on mine. I did way too much clear and now its cracked.

[Wagonista]

How's the fitment when you open your hatch? Does it rub at all against the roof?

[fwa2500]

Took me about 20 minutes to adjust the holes so I had enough clearance, I barely had enough battery power in the drill to finish, haha. Stupid 15+ year old drill with battery packs that don't hold a charge...

[fwa2500]

I hate people. And having to street park every day. But mostly people.

[Boxer Wagon]

Those dirty bastards.

The average commuter is much like your average dog. Smart enough, but they'll shit on your carpet.