Farewell, old Legacy

[jamal]

Well, I'm sad to say my Legacy has died after more than 8 years of ownership. Current mileage is 1985xx, so I didn't quite make it to 200k.

Due to a lack of oil pressure which was caused either by my lazyness in checking the level or the extended high-g cornering I did right before it happened, the rod bearings are toast.

Since the body is in such crap condition, and it's an automatic, I decided the car wasn't worth a motor transplant.


So today I bought this:



It's a 98 2.5GT 5-speed. The only problems are the rear antenna and sunroof, which don't work. There's also a slight clunk from the front and I think it needs new tie rods. Other than that it's in great condition and the headgasket doesn't seem to be leaking.

The tires that came with it sucked so I swapped over some parts:



The wheels/tires, 18mm rear swaybar, wrx cd-changer, and wrx front seats so far.

I'll put on the endlinks, ALK, brakes, sti suspension, and then I guess part the Legacy out.

[Dynamic Entry]

Hmmm. Sad to see one die. Goodbye old leggy!

but the new one is my fave body. nice work.

does this mean you will jump internet ship?!?!?!?!?!

[PhyrraM]

PM me when your ready. I've giot the hood, grill and fender from the same car as yours. They are needing thier sisters (fender and bumper+beam) back.

Nice choice. BD GTs are good looking and excellent raw material.

[ciper]

98 EJ25D? I hope yours goes against the trend and doesnt need continual headgaskets! I suggest going in now and torque the head bolts down to 90ft lbs. If you need any engine parts for it I've got a complete running engine located in LA (spun bearing).

[jamal]

they seem to be fine. The car appears to have been very well maintained by the previous owner although I don't have any records. It's possible the HGs have been replaced already. But after 96 they switched the gaskets to MLS, so the 97 and 98s are less likely to leak than the 96. From what I've been able to tell anyway.

And PhyrraM, the car is in fountain valley at our shop, so you can come and get the bumper and fender whenever you want. I rolled the crap out of that fender though.

[SubaruNation]

if you're going to be back up here in august i might take some suspension stuff from you

[jamal]

I'm transferring most of the good stuff onto the new car. I'll have an extra 20mm front swaybar but it will only fit non-turbos.

[SubaruNation]

oh alright,

no probs.

edit: what about that 2.5's suspension, would it swap over to my tleg?

[skid542]

Oh geeze. Too many of the classics have been falling lately. You did a lot of work to that car and it's a real shame to see her go. At least she went out with style. Not a lot of people have been able to destroy an engine.... But honestly, my sincere condolences.


Congrats on the new Legacy. It's a nice body style and should hold plenty of potential.

[entirelyturbo]

Sorry to hear. Especially when you've put so much work into that car.

I'd shed a tear or two for sure if my Legacy blew up.

Truth be told, I see far more 98 and 99 EJ25Ds blow HGs than anything else.

That's not to scare you though. It happens pretty frequently, but that doesn't mean EVERY EJ25D is 100% guaranteed to blow them. I've seen plenty with high mileage, original HGs, and running perfect.

[jamal]

yeah, well, you guys will never guess what parts I went and bought today. And what I get to spend the weekend doing. And what I'm getting $500 back from the place I bought it for.

I nearly used my cancellation contract but decided I didn't want to go through the hassle of buying another car.

[ericem]

Headgasket??

[evolutionmovement]

My sister's 2000 went at 80k. Her car's a lemon by Subaru standards, but even so. I wish they kept the 2.2 longer (or would reintroduce it with DI in a lighter car - damn that would be nice).

[jamal]

yeah. but to be honest if it wasn't bad I was going to spend a long time worrying about it, along with the timing belt and water pump, which are also getting replaced. so now I'll be able to throw on some sticky tires and go to track days mostly worry-free.