Now I'm invested: 1999 Subaru Legacy Wagon the "Blurple Nurple"

[blurplenurple]

Hi everyone,

A couple months ago I bought this 1999 Subaru Legacy Brighton with 110k miles on the odometer but the common intermittent speedo issue ( so unknown mileage, probably >150k) from the original owner in Seattle. It was a pretty good deal at $3000 and I was happy to see the car had decent paint and a good history of repairs, although it screams soccer mom.

The day I picked it up:


Since then I have:
- Installed JDM side markers
- installed 2004? Legacy GT rims from dead91silvia with Falken Ziex 950 tires (215/45/R17)
- swapped BG Legacy GT rear seat
- replaced power steering boots
- driven from Seattle to Portland like 5 times


Here is the most recent picture that I have before I installed the side markers:


On my way into work today I heard a thunk and felt the steering wheel pull to the side a tiny bit like I ran something over, but the engine was making a whirring/hissing noise like maybe something was obstructing a radiator fan. I pulled into work and cycled the engine, but it wouldn't start up. The starter sounded higher pitch than normal and the engine didn't sound like it was firing. Had it towed to a garage and sure enough, the timing belt had skipped and they're charging $1600 to get it back up and running asap.

At this point, I would have preferred to swap in an EJ20k or something fun, but at the moment I need my daily driver back to commute to work so I'm pushing that back a ways. However, the good news is that since I am going to fork over all that cash for the engine repair, I've dedicated myself to building the Blurple Nurple into a badass ride.

Hopefully when the time is right I'll get to the turbo engine swap but in the mean time I am focusing on:
- Coilovers
- Brakes
- Not going broke

I'd just like to say hi and I hope I can learn from all of you!

Todd


Past experience working on cars:
1984 Toyota 2wd

[Alphius]

Did the shop tell you if it bent any valves when the timing belt went?
It's a good lesson on changing that belt every 105k miles or every 105 months regardless of mileage. I bet that was still the original belt!

The car looks really clean, it'll be cool to see how you mod it.

[blurplenurple]

Did the shop tell you if it bent any valves when the timing belt went?
It's a good lesson on changing that belt every 105k miles or every 105 months regardless of mileage. I bet that was still the original belt!

The car looks really clean, it'll be cool to see how you mod it.

There was no valve damage, the garage said its not an interference engine but from what I've read it is...

From the mechanic's notes, "Found vehicle has no compression and camshafts aren't spinning suggesting a broken timing belt."

In either case, I picked it up this afternoon and its running much smoother now, I didn't even realize it was rough until I heard it purr after having the timing belt & water pump replaced.

During their inspection they also noted the following maintenance items that I will follow up on shortly:
-Replace cooling system hoses
-Replace fuel filter
-Mass airflow service
-Fuel injection service
-Throttle body service
-Gas induction service

[Alphius]

Ha, you're lucky then. The '99 is definitely an interference engine. Good deal!