Hi Guys
I am the newest member (#25) on this group. I have had a 93 Legacy
Twin Turbo Automatic Wagon for 3 years now and done about 100,000kms
in it. Like all of you, I am completely happy with it and expect it
will last forever. It's solidly made and a joy to drive.
The performance of the car is amazing as you know. I particularly
like driving over hill roads which we have quite a few around my
area. Blasting past much slower cars is part of the deal. Passing
lanes - who needs passing lanes?
I have spent 2 club days on a local race track doing timed sprints
around the track. The car is quicker than many Porsche 911, 924 and
928s in the local clubs, and at a fraction of the cost. The slushbox
is a handicap driving out of corners because the gearbox is hunting
for the right gear instead of blasting out of the corner but I'm
still having fun. The grin factor is huge.
I have left the car completely standard and resisted upgrading
airfilters, intake and exhaust manifolds etc for several reasons. The
first reason is that it's the family car and must remain 100%
reliable. It must also not cost any more money to maintain than it
already does (services and tires). It must never be off the road for
repairs. If I put more power through the transmission the gearbox
will almost definitely go terminal. And the final reason is that if I
start improving the car I will not be able to stop.
So why am I a member of the performance group? Becaus I still need to
know how to make the car go faster.
Alan
Introducing myself
Moderators: Helpinators, Moderators
-
matt scicchitano
Introducing myself
Alan, welcome to the group 
There is a slight chance that you won't get
a ton of info from the guys here simply because the list is mainly made up
of US-Spec 90-94 Legacys which were the BC BF series, where as everywhere
else in the world seemed to switch to the BG series in 93( we didn't get
them till 95), such as your wagon. Still, your questions and comments are
appreciated.
I can understand the point of not wanting to upgrade due to the automatic,
but as far as overall engine reliability and service costs, in many cases
some modifications can help. Take the exhaust for example. A more free
flowing exhaust can really only help things because it is getting rid of
some of the backpressure which, inturn, is taking away more heat which is
better for the turbo(s), and if the turbo's even just a little bit cooler,
that means the oil and coolant can stay that much cooler( again, probably
not much, but it is definately more good then bad, if anything), which
overall is better for the engine
Also, take for example a better
intercooler. It would lower the intake air temp which does two things,
enables you to make a bit more power as well as it helps prevent detonation
a little bit more. A win-win situation
You can also add some parts that can further help with reliability such as
an aftermarket tranny cooler.
Also, simply by adding a K&N panel filter will net you a bit of extra pep
while not hurting things in any other areas. If anything, you may experience
better fuel milage with a few of these mods done, thus lowering your
day-to-day running costs
In any case, good luck with the car and be sure to chime in now and again to
let us know how things are going with it.
-Matt
There is a slight chance that you won't geta ton of info from the guys here simply because the list is mainly made up
of US-Spec 90-94 Legacys which were the BC BF series, where as everywhere
else in the world seemed to switch to the BG series in 93( we didn't get
them till 95), such as your wagon. Still, your questions and comments are
appreciated.
I can understand the point of not wanting to upgrade due to the automatic,
but as far as overall engine reliability and service costs, in many cases
some modifications can help. Take the exhaust for example. A more free
flowing exhaust can really only help things because it is getting rid of
some of the backpressure which, inturn, is taking away more heat which is
better for the turbo(s), and if the turbo's even just a little bit cooler,
that means the oil and coolant can stay that much cooler( again, probably
not much, but it is definately more good then bad, if anything), which
overall is better for the engine
Also, take for example a betterintercooler. It would lower the intake air temp which does two things,
enables you to make a bit more power as well as it helps prevent detonation
a little bit more. A win-win situation
You can also add some parts that can further help with reliability such as
an aftermarket tranny cooler.
Also, simply by adding a K&N panel filter will net you a bit of extra pep
while not hurting things in any other areas. If anything, you may experience
better fuel milage with a few of these mods done, thus lowering your
day-to-day running costs
In any case, good luck with the car and be sure to chime in now and again to
let us know how things are going with it.
-Matt
-
Gordie Hatt
Introducing myself
Hi all
I own a 91 Legacy Turbo sedan. When I got it last December it had
only 71,000 kms, it now has 111,000. I havn't done anything to it yet
but as stuff wears out i think i'll have some fun with it. It is a
ball to drive and as Alan says the grin factor is huge. I'm pretty
sure that this car would run circles around my old Nova SS, if it was
still alive. I've been driving disel Jetta's for the last 8 years
and i've missed a car that will go when you stand on it, but this car
will.
I've been trying to find a 5 speed gearbox for it so i can get rid of
the auto it is going to go sooner or later. Perhaps if i get lucky
i'll be able to aquire a parts car at 10 years old most cars here if
they get in a accident get written off, the salt on the roads in the
winter is almost as bad as the salt in the air from living on the
Atlantic coast, i live in Nova Scotia.
So while i'm not real active in souping it up now i am so i do pay
attention cause it is nice to know what i need, does anyone know a
good Canadian supplier for go fast and non official subaru
replacement parts, the duty and taxes and the dollar difference more
than doubles the price of parts crossing the border to the United
States.
Thanks for all the knowledge and experiance and advice that i hope to
get here.
Gordie Hatt
Nova Scotia
I own a 91 Legacy Turbo sedan. When I got it last December it had
only 71,000 kms, it now has 111,000. I havn't done anything to it yet
but as stuff wears out i think i'll have some fun with it. It is a
ball to drive and as Alan says the grin factor is huge. I'm pretty
sure that this car would run circles around my old Nova SS, if it was
still alive. I've been driving disel Jetta's for the last 8 years
and i've missed a car that will go when you stand on it, but this car
will.
I've been trying to find a 5 speed gearbox for it so i can get rid of
the auto it is going to go sooner or later. Perhaps if i get lucky
i'll be able to aquire a parts car at 10 years old most cars here if
they get in a accident get written off, the salt on the roads in the
winter is almost as bad as the salt in the air from living on the
Atlantic coast, i live in Nova Scotia.
So while i'm not real active in souping it up now i am so i do pay
attention cause it is nice to know what i need, does anyone know a
good Canadian supplier for go fast and non official subaru
replacement parts, the duty and taxes and the dollar difference more
than doubles the price of parts crossing the border to the United
States.
Thanks for all the knowledge and experiance and advice that i hope to
get here.
Gordie Hatt
Nova Scotia
-
mwebb@A-T-M.com
Introducing myself
Greetings,
I have a 90 Legacy LS Wagon. I bought it 2 years ago with 65000 miles. The
air suspension has been a pain in the ass since day one. I made the dealer
replace (at their cost) the failed fronts + the compressor and the solenoids
shortly after I bought it. This solved the problem for 2 years. Now the
rears are going flat!
Now I am going to replace the air with something a lot more reliable, and
better.
I am thinking about the KYB GR2 struts. I would like to have the Leg GT
Eibach springs from SPD however they do not fit the 90 or 91. I am open to
suggestions!
Note: The K&N replacement filter works nice. I put it in the stock box and
drilled 5-8 5/8 in. holes in the bottom of the air box. This adds a nice
note of "air rush" to the slightly raspy sound of the boxer when you stand
on it.
Question for the group:
The car has developed a heavy pulsing under moderate to heavy braking. This
is only noticeable as the car slows between 45-40 mph. Above and below this,
it is not apparent. I replaced the front pucks and turned the rotors and had
no problems, the backs were replaced a little later, however I did not turn
the rotors. Shortly after this work the pulsing started. Any ideas??
Mike
I have a 90 Legacy LS Wagon. I bought it 2 years ago with 65000 miles. The
air suspension has been a pain in the ass since day one. I made the dealer
replace (at their cost) the failed fronts + the compressor and the solenoids
shortly after I bought it. This solved the problem for 2 years. Now the
rears are going flat!
Now I am going to replace the air with something a lot more reliable, and
better.
I am thinking about the KYB GR2 struts. I would like to have the Leg GT
Eibach springs from SPD however they do not fit the 90 or 91. I am open to
suggestions!
Note: The K&N replacement filter works nice. I put it in the stock box and
drilled 5-8 5/8 in. holes in the bottom of the air box. This adds a nice
note of "air rush" to the slightly raspy sound of the boxer when you stand
on it.
Question for the group:
The car has developed a heavy pulsing under moderate to heavy braking. This
is only noticeable as the car slows between 45-40 mph. Above and below this,
it is not apparent. I replaced the front pucks and turned the rotors and had
no problems, the backs were replaced a little later, however I did not turn
the rotors. Shortly after this work the pulsing started. Any ideas??
Mike
-
jason grahn
Introducing myself
Hi Mike, good to have you on the board. Air suspension huh? When i picked up
my legacy i wanted it, but as you've said, it isn't relable. ANYWAY, as for
suggestions.. Today (tuesday) i'm going to be swapping in a set of Legacy
Turbo struts; they're gas filled instead of the stock oil filled. And since
the there are KYB AGXs for the Turbo, those would bolt in too. =)
As for springs, don't go with those Eibach springs. Pretty harsh ride. Go
with the stock springs, they're cheaper. A friend of mine put in a set of
AGXs with his stock springs and it's really comfortable. Might want to give
that a try.
J.
1990 Legacy LS AWD
SPT = Stock Parts Tweaking
my legacy i wanted it, but as you've said, it isn't relable. ANYWAY, as for
suggestions.. Today (tuesday) i'm going to be swapping in a set of Legacy
Turbo struts; they're gas filled instead of the stock oil filled. And since
the there are KYB AGXs for the Turbo, those would bolt in too. =)
As for springs, don't go with those Eibach springs. Pretty harsh ride. Go
with the stock springs, they're cheaper. A friend of mine put in a set of
AGXs with his stock springs and it's really comfortable. Might want to give
that a try.
J.
1990 Legacy LS AWD
SPT = Stock Parts Tweaking
-
Josh Colombo
Introducing myself
Mike,
I've had my fair share of warped rotors, it's possible the rears are causing
the problem but not likely, I actually had a similar experience about a year
ago. I turned the front rotors, still had a slight problem, then turned the
rears, not quite as bad, but still there, and got worse, that meant that the
front's were warped only after a couple weeks of use. I would suspect that
to be the case, because if you take too much material off the rotor it will
not dissipate heat as well and in turn warp. Also a common misconception
about rotor warpage. Using the brakes hard may not be that bad for them, as
long as you allow them time to cool down evenly, IE: drive around using the
brakes lightly. If you use them hard and then just stop, the brake pads
retain heat more then the air so the rest of the rotor cools faster than the
part where the pads are, so you have a "hot spot" and in turn cause warping,
even faster than using the brakes hard. So the moral is, don't be romping
on the brakes a mile away from home and park the car...of course unless you
like replacing rotors...
As far as your suspension. I would definitely recommend the KYB GR2 struts.
I've been running mine for about 3 years now and love them....NOTE: REPLACE
all 4 at once. Do it now and save yourself the headache of replacing the
other two later...I unfortunately did not do this.
As far as springs go....that's an even longer story. I've been looking for
springs for about 4 years now, (on and off). The main problem, at least
with my car is that it is 2wd, the Eibachs that Mike from SPD has is for the
4wd legacies. The rear transfer case and drive train add about 100 lbs to
the rear of the car...so that's how the springs were designed, so you could
put them on but the car may not be proportionally balanced. Also the pillow
ball mount for the 2wd rear struts is different than the 4wd, but that's not
too big a problem. Also I have a sedan so I'm not sure if this changes
anything for the wagons.
I did however find springs supposedly that will fit on my car at Teague's
Auto http://home.att.net/~teaguesauto/index.htm He is using them on his
project legacy which is a 2wd sedan. So if anyone has something he's
probably the man to contact.
Sorry about the lengthy post but hope it's beneficial, check out my site if
you would like to see any more info about my car and upgrades.
Josh
I've had my fair share of warped rotors, it's possible the rears are causing
the problem but not likely, I actually had a similar experience about a year
ago. I turned the front rotors, still had a slight problem, then turned the
rears, not quite as bad, but still there, and got worse, that meant that the
front's were warped only after a couple weeks of use. I would suspect that
to be the case, because if you take too much material off the rotor it will
not dissipate heat as well and in turn warp. Also a common misconception
about rotor warpage. Using the brakes hard may not be that bad for them, as
long as you allow them time to cool down evenly, IE: drive around using the
brakes lightly. If you use them hard and then just stop, the brake pads
retain heat more then the air so the rest of the rotor cools faster than the
part where the pads are, so you have a "hot spot" and in turn cause warping,
even faster than using the brakes hard. So the moral is, don't be romping
on the brakes a mile away from home and park the car...of course unless you
like replacing rotors...
As far as your suspension. I would definitely recommend the KYB GR2 struts.
I've been running mine for about 3 years now and love them....NOTE: REPLACE
all 4 at once. Do it now and save yourself the headache of replacing the
other two later...I unfortunately did not do this.
As far as springs go....that's an even longer story. I've been looking for
springs for about 4 years now, (on and off). The main problem, at least
with my car is that it is 2wd, the Eibachs that Mike from SPD has is for the
4wd legacies. The rear transfer case and drive train add about 100 lbs to
the rear of the car...so that's how the springs were designed, so you could
put them on but the car may not be proportionally balanced. Also the pillow
ball mount for the 2wd rear struts is different than the 4wd, but that's not
too big a problem. Also I have a sedan so I'm not sure if this changes
anything for the wagons.
I did however find springs supposedly that will fit on my car at Teague's
Auto http://home.att.net/~teaguesauto/index.htm He is using them on his
project legacy which is a 2wd sedan. So if anyone has something he's
probably the man to contact.
Sorry about the lengthy post but hope it's beneficial, check out my site if
you would like to see any more info about my car and upgrades.
Josh
-
mwebb@A-T-M.com
Introducing myself
Thanks Jason,
When you say cheaper?? Are you saying I can get NEW stock springs for less
then the Eibachs?? You lost me on the turbo stuff?
Mike
When you say cheaper?? Are you saying I can get NEW stock springs for less
then the Eibachs?? You lost me on the turbo stuff?
Mike
-
matt scicchitano
Introducing myself
Mike, you can always just go with the KYB GR2 struts and if you really want
springs, simply get Legacy Turbo springs. At their limit, they are roughly
70 percent stiffer then the normal Legacy springs, but under normal driving
conditions they would not be considered harsh in the least bit. Just make
sure you get springs from a 91. May be a nice set-up.
-Matt
springs, simply get Legacy Turbo springs. At their limit, they are roughly
70 percent stiffer then the normal Legacy springs, but under normal driving
conditions they would not be considered harsh in the least bit. Just make
sure you get springs from a 91. May be a nice set-up.
-Matt
-
mwebb@A-T-M.com
Introducing myself
Matt,
Thanks. This is what I am looking for. I must have springs and struts. The
air compressor is straining to keep up with the leaking bags! I like the
sound of the KYB GR2's and the Legacy turbo springs. Are you talking Legacy
Turbo Springs from a dealer? Are you sure the 91's will fit a 90 wagon?
Mike
Thanks. This is what I am looking for. I must have springs and struts. The
air compressor is straining to keep up with the leaking bags! I like the
sound of the KYB GR2's and the Legacy turbo springs. Are you talking Legacy
Turbo Springs from a dealer? Are you sure the 91's will fit a 90 wagon?
Mike
-
Dave aka DLC/dackampf
Introducing myself
The 90 and 91 had slightly different rear suspensions than the 92-
94. The 91 Turbo was the only year before they changed it.
If you can find some 91 Turbo springs from a salvage yard or even
from an online dealer you'd be much better off. FHI doesn't sell
their stuff cheap and since it was only from one year they're
probably an arm and leg.
I considered buying a sedan with air but backed out when i found out
how much it actually cost to replace. I got my wagon for the same
price and i think it's much more attractive than a silver sedan (no
offense to any silver sedan owners, my 90L was(is) silver).
Dave
94. The 91 Turbo was the only year before they changed it.
If you can find some 91 Turbo springs from a salvage yard or even
from an online dealer you'd be much better off. FHI doesn't sell
their stuff cheap and since it was only from one year they're
probably an arm and leg.
I considered buying a sedan with air but backed out when i found out
how much it actually cost to replace. I got my wagon for the same
price and i think it's much more attractive than a silver sedan (no
offense to any silver sedan owners, my 90L was(is) silver).
Dave
-
mwebb@A-T-M.com
Introducing myself
Matt,
The Guys at the local dealer are not showing a 91 turbo wagon in their
books, and the sedan is different. Any ideas??
Mike
The Guys at the local dealer are not showing a 91 turbo wagon in their
books, and the sedan is different. Any ideas??
Mike
-
Dave aka DLC/dackampf
Introducing myself
The Touring Wagon was introduced in mid 92 so it's not surprising
they don't show it on their books.
I guess it's possible the rear setup is different on a Turbo Sedan as
opposed to a N/A wagon, but it'd surprise me if they weren't
compatible. I guess you might have to actually find one and see.
Dave
they don't show it on their books.
I guess it's possible the rear setup is different on a Turbo Sedan as
opposed to a N/A wagon, but it'd surprise me if they weren't
compatible. I guess you might have to actually find one and see.
Dave
-
Dave aka DLC/dackampf
Introducing myself
Sorry...
FHI is Fuji Heavy Industries, the parent company of Subaru.
FHI is Fuji Heavy Industries, the parent company of Subaru.
-
boybill7@uswest.net
introducing myself
Hello, It is nice to belong to a group of Subaru nuts such as
myself.I recently purchased a 93 Legacy Turbo which replaced my
trusty 90 Legacy L AWD which replaced my GL wagon and so on. I am
interested in mods and tweaks.I am especially interested in getting
an intercooler.If I could find a 93-96 WRX part at a reasonable price
I would purchase it,but being a tool and die maker by trade I will
probably end up fabricating one. I was wondering if the volume of the
intercooler has to jive with the engine,or can I just make one any
size I want.If anyone has the WRX part maybe they could give me the
outside dimensions of the "box".Nothing fancy,measuring with a ruler
will do. I look forward to sharing info with all of you.
Bill Covert
myself.I recently purchased a 93 Legacy Turbo which replaced my
trusty 90 Legacy L AWD which replaced my GL wagon and so on. I am
interested in mods and tweaks.I am especially interested in getting
an intercooler.If I could find a 93-96 WRX part at a reasonable price
I would purchase it,but being a tool and die maker by trade I will
probably end up fabricating one. I was wondering if the volume of the
intercooler has to jive with the engine,or can I just make one any
size I want.If anyone has the WRX part maybe they could give me the
outside dimensions of the "box".Nothing fancy,measuring with a ruler
will do. I look forward to sharing info with all of you.
Bill Covert
-
Bodhi
introducing myself
Bill -
I have one on my car. (turbo MY99 2.5RS) I can get you exact
measurements, but I would guess it is in the area of 18x8x2.5.
That's just a wag. The only caveat is that the intercooler attaches
to the throttle body at a slight angle, so don't plan on it being
perpendicular (sp?) to the throttle body. Also, I you have to find a
special boot to attach the intercooler to the afformentioned throttle
body. You may want to give JCSports (720-898-0948) a call. They can
give you more details. I'll try to get those measurements as soon as
I can.
-Paul
I have one on my car. (turbo MY99 2.5RS) I can get you exact
measurements, but I would guess it is in the area of 18x8x2.5.
That's just a wag. The only caveat is that the intercooler attaches
to the throttle body at a slight angle, so don't plan on it being
perpendicular (sp?) to the throttle body. Also, I you have to find a
special boot to attach the intercooler to the afformentioned throttle
body. You may want to give JCSports (720-898-0948) a call. They can
give you more details. I'll try to get those measurements as soon as
I can.
-Paul