awrysobriquet's '92 SS "Kali"

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awrysobriquet
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Location: Portland, OR

awrysobriquet's '92 SS "Kali"

Post by awrysobriquet »

Hello all! I've had my '92 NA sedan for a couple of years and this community has been a huge help (mostly through my lurking). A few months ago I bought this '92 SS (Craigslist is a dangerous thing) and have since been working through a lengthy list of improvements. This is a fantastic car (which I'm sure I don't need to tell any of you) and I'm excited to see just how good it can be.

She is already veeery quick with the VF39 turbo, JDM AWIC, SMT6, 440cc injectors, etc. and a good tune. My current focus is suspension and body stiffening...

The below, badly-lit, pic is before I recently got the AGXes + H&R springs installed. When I can get a hold of a non-broken camera and some daylight, I promise better pics. Thanks for looking.

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I'll refer you to this thread for background on what the SS went through in the months before I bought it:
http://bbs.legacycentral.org/viewtopic. ... sc&start=0
Also, Nick's earlier build thread for further background: http://bbs.legacycentral.org/viewtopic.php?t=35309

'92 SS >>since I bought the car<<:
-- fresh fluids all around
-- tune checked with Nick (555BCTurbo) (some tweaking)
-- reunited with JDM Momo black leather steering wheel
-- aluminum eBay bypass valve
-- Magnaflow muffler + spun cat installed at Exhaust Specialties (7th & Belmont - they do beautiful work) ...straight 3in w/ only the glasspack sounded mean, but this is much more livable, still sounds fantastic and clears better ...also, passes emissions
-- lots of general interior clean-up
-- 1x lower ball joint
-- new NGK spark plugs
-- misc U-Pull-It interior trim bits (such as tray spring)
-- replacement Diamond coil pack (one terminal had been arcing to a bolt for a while and had burnt out much of the plastic inside that terminal)
-- various hoses
-- new Napa/Belden plug wires
-- non-hacked-up gauge cluster swap (yay! door-triggered dome light works now and tach no longer bounces on left turn signal... also, open door indicators and no more "BS" light!)
-- PP6 tune road checked with RalliTEK (looks good, decreased plug gap to .030, which improved the misfire problems under heavy boost, no knocking at 15psi...)
-- cleaned IAC valve to cure idle speed issues
-- battery moved back to engine bay from trunk (and new battery)
-- washer fluid reservoir currently out pending more wiring relocation
-- relocated AWIC pump
-- some relay wiring clean-up
-- Hallman Pro boost controller (better control - I'm liking this a lot)
-- front fender liners (!)
-- Perrin lightweight (stock diameter) crank pulley

She required an engine transplant because in attempting to replace the crank pulley, I discovered the following:
-- tight-but-wobbly stock crank pulley notched out inside ~.5 in and key very screwed up
-- timing belt shredded along outer edge
-- lower-left (facing engine bay) timing belt tensioner very loose (it came off in my hand when I pulled lightly on it) and mounting hole wallowed out such that it could not be bolted back on
Aaaand, in a fit of frustrated incompetence, I managed to shear the crank pulley bolt off in the crank when I tried to remove my somewhat installed new pulley after the timing belt revelation. I was well in over my head at this point.

-- Mountain Tech in Oregon City swapped in a refreshed, used 60k mi. EJ22T w/ new gaskets oil seals, etc., etc. + general engine bay clean-up with correct hoses, stock Subaru clutch and flywheel for JDM 4.11 tranny (previous stage 2 clutch and lightweight flywheel where trashed), added a PCV valve system and replaced the passenger-side front hub with an ABS one to restore ABS function (my wallet hates me, but I couldn't be happier!) She behaves better around town with the stock weight flywheel and OEM clutch. Right now set to 17psi, she goes and goes and goes with no issues. Beautiful. I think it's time to schedule a dyno session soon.

-- Magnecor KV-85 spark plug wires
-- KYB AGX struts + H&R springs (much better stance now)
-- aligned -1.6 deg camber front, -1.5 rear (I asked for two in the front, but it didn't get there)
-- front mudflaps (and correct sedan rears soon to replace ill-fitting ones currently installed)

Hopefully arriving this week:
-- front & rear FHI strut bars (crossing my fingers that the front clears the AWIC - it should)
-- lower H-brace
-- fender braces
-- OEM JDM fog lights

I can't wait to get some bracing in. My NA sedan with cheapo eBay strut bars, new GR2s and stock springs turns in and corners better right now. Especially wiith the rear seats out, I can hear the body flexing badly in the SS. AGXes are set at 3 in the front and 6 in the rear.

I've been on a couple of U-Pull-It scavenger hunts recently and have had good luck finding small interior bits and mudflaps. Today I cleaned up the dash further with a panel that replaces the small pocket at the lower-left, which houses a fog light switch from a GC Impreza (similar look to other dash switches) and a dummy plate with a hole for the boost gauge vac hose to route through. I found one of the taller center console pockets in a '91 wagon and between that and the normal pocket housing the wideband readout, I no longer have gaps in the dash! (I don't intend to run a stereo in this car.) Also, found a lumbar support lever and my lower back is much happier. I'm not in such a hurry to replace the seats anymore.

Future:
-- new/resurfaced brake rotors and pads (Waaarped. My NA stops much better at the moment.)
-- rear subframe locking bolts
-- endlinks, sway bar bushings
-- larger rear sway bar?
-- leather shift knob
-- back-lit boost gauge
-- third gear sychro requires more finesse than it ought...
-- seats?
-- paint!!

I promise updates and many (better) pictures in the near future.
Thanks for reading.
Last edited by awrysobriquet on Sun Jun 21, 2009 9:13 am, edited 3 times in total.
+Thomas
'92 L sedan 5MT w/ a few fun bits - SOLD
'92 SS 5MT w/ a lot of fun bits - RIP
'94 SS 5MT - in the process of inheriting fun bits from the '92
'94 TW 4EAT - daily driver, currently 100% stock
'01 Legacy GT Limited sedan - FOR SALE
awrysobriquet
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Joined: Thu Aug 21, 2008 7:23 am
Location: Portland, OR

Post by awrysobriquet »

Oh man! Bracing bonanza has begun. Was at the U-Pull-It and found the bar that bolts across the middle of the opening between the rear seat and trunk. This was from a car that had the non-folding rear seats - it remains to be seen if the folding seat-back clears this. Then the mail man came with front and rear STi aluminum GC strut bars. Both are now in after some hammering on the underside of the hood for clearance and a bit of prying and sheet metal snipping to get the rear mounts in. Body flex is much improved. Project for tomorrow is to take the front fenders off and install the fender braces and H-brace...

Also, found the missing trim piece that goes along the top of the rear window. The yard I was at had three (!) winestone sedans today. Still slim pickings, though.

I had all four rotors resurfaced today and she now stops smoothly. Mmmm. Drivability has taken a couple of great leaps forward today.
+Thomas
'92 L sedan 5MT w/ a few fun bits - SOLD
'92 SS 5MT w/ a lot of fun bits - RIP
'94 SS 5MT - in the process of inheriting fun bits from the '92
'94 TW 4EAT - daily driver, currently 100% stock
'01 Legacy GT Limited sedan - FOR SALE
smh0101
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Post by smh0101 »

hey! I know that car! I've driven and worked on it!!

Its nice to know that is seemingly found a good home! And I think Nick would agree with me on that!!
~Spencer
94 Legacy Turbo (550 Robtune/ej20h v2 Sti RA drivetrain)
94 Legacy Ti Wagon (5mt ej22e)
91 rhd Legacy GT Wagon (factory 5mt, ej20g)
93 rhd Legacy GT type S2 Sedan (4eat, ej20g)
91 rhd Legacy Ti Type S 1.8
03 Lincoln LS V8 Sport
08 300 SRT8
555BCTurbo
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Post by 555BCTurbo »

Yeah...I'm sure it's happy to have some $$$ thrown at it!

Derek must have really trashed that car, because you have had to replace all kinds of things that were A-Ok when I traded it off to him lol

That car will provide you many smiles, and I'm glad you are enjoying it!
Nick

1987 Audi 4000CS quattro...soon to be 20VT
1994 Dodge Ram 2500 4x4 CTD, #11 plate, 30 psi, Scotty II intake, 4" exhaust
awrysobriquet
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Post by awrysobriquet »

Yeah, the car was surely in better shape before it left Nick than when I got it, but much of that (and then some) has been corrected. I don't suppose you want to sell me those glass headlights, Spencer?

Installed three lower grille clips yesterday that were missing. It sits better now and isn't flopping about.
+Thomas
'92 L sedan 5MT w/ a few fun bits - SOLD
'92 SS 5MT w/ a lot of fun bits - RIP
'94 SS 5MT - in the process of inheriting fun bits from the '92
'94 TW 4EAT - daily driver, currently 100% stock
'01 Legacy GT Limited sedan - FOR SALE
smh0101
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Location: Orlando, FL

Post by smh0101 »

awrysobriquet wrote:Yeah, the car was surely in better shape before it left Nick than when I got it, but much of that (and then some) has been corrected. I don't suppose you want to sell me those glass headlights, Spencer?

Installed three lower grille clips yesterday that were missing. It sits better now and isn't flopping about.
Haha, sorry dude, I'm luvin them too much for that, and I think the'll go nicely with the JDM Fogs that are sitting my garage.
~Spencer
94 Legacy Turbo (550 Robtune/ej20h v2 Sti RA drivetrain)
94 Legacy Ti Wagon (5mt ej22e)
91 rhd Legacy GT Wagon (factory 5mt, ej20g)
93 rhd Legacy GT type S2 Sedan (4eat, ej20g)
91 rhd Legacy Ti Type S 1.8
03 Lincoln LS V8 Sport
08 300 SRT8
555BCTurbo
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Post by 555BCTurbo »

Those headlights belong on the Winestone car...


I'm sure it will make its amends...hehehe
Nick

1987 Audi 4000CS quattro...soon to be 20VT
1994 Dodge Ram 2500 4x4 CTD, #11 plate, 30 psi, Scotty II intake, 4" exhaust
smh0101
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Post by smh0101 »

Huh, they seem to suit mine just fine. ;)
~Spencer
94 Legacy Turbo (550 Robtune/ej20h v2 Sti RA drivetrain)
94 Legacy Ti Wagon (5mt ej22e)
91 rhd Legacy GT Wagon (factory 5mt, ej20g)
93 rhd Legacy GT type S2 Sedan (4eat, ej20g)
91 rhd Legacy Ti Type S 1.8
03 Lincoln LS V8 Sport
08 300 SRT8
awrysobriquet
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Location: Portland, OR

Post by awrysobriquet »

OK, no fair jacking my thread over the silly headlights. I'll find some eventually.
Anyway, lots of pictures tomorrow. I forgot the cable for the camera I borrowed. :roll:
+Thomas
'92 L sedan 5MT w/ a few fun bits - SOLD
'92 SS 5MT w/ a lot of fun bits - RIP
'94 SS 5MT - in the process of inheriting fun bits from the '92
'94 TW 4EAT - daily driver, currently 100% stock
'01 Legacy GT Limited sedan - FOR SALE
awrysobriquet
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Posts: 59
Joined: Thu Aug 21, 2008 7:23 am
Location: Portland, OR

Post by awrysobriquet »

Ready for pictures? Good.

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I love this steering wheel.
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I'm pretty pleased with my vacuum hose solution here, though I should get some black hose and a back-lit gauge...
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STi strut braces.
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I need to work on this relay wiring some more and get the windshield washer reservoir back in.
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VF39 turbo.
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Strut bar clearance issues solved with a hammer. :shock:
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Much improved ride height with AGXes and H&Rs.
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Last edited by awrysobriquet on Wed Feb 18, 2009 5:15 am, edited 1 time in total.
+Thomas
'92 L sedan 5MT w/ a few fun bits - SOLD
'92 SS 5MT w/ a lot of fun bits - RIP
'94 SS 5MT - in the process of inheriting fun bits from the '92
'94 TW 4EAT - daily driver, currently 100% stock
'01 Legacy GT Limited sedan - FOR SALE
awrysobriquet
First Gear
Posts: 59
Joined: Thu Aug 21, 2008 7:23 am
Location: Portland, OR

Post by awrysobriquet »

Went to a dyno day today... about 184whp and 249wtq at 19psi on the first pull while it was blowing a turbo oil seal. Second pull was down on power, spraying oil and making smoke clouds. I was also missing a zip tie on the turbo vacuum line, which came off when it was oiled (we put that right back on). It was still running well, but blowing tons of smoke out the exhaust.
Having the turbo pulled and some fabrication work done at the same time (oil catch can, coolant reservoir, intake). I'd been suspicious of that turbo for a while, because it's always oiled the AWIC a bit since I bought the car. When the turbo's back in, it's getting a proper dyno tune. She's been running great around town and is quick, but running rich flat out (AFR of 9!).
Last edited by awrysobriquet on Wed Feb 18, 2009 5:18 am, edited 1 time in total.
+Thomas
'92 L sedan 5MT w/ a few fun bits - SOLD
'92 SS 5MT w/ a lot of fun bits - RIP
'94 SS 5MT - in the process of inheriting fun bits from the '92
'94 TW 4EAT - daily driver, currently 100% stock
'01 Legacy GT Limited sedan - FOR SALE
douglas vincent
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Post by douglas vincent »

PRE dyno?

Which turbo? If stock, I would not run it past14-15 psi.... Just get a better/bigger turbo....
Reddevil, Awaiting new heart, will it ever happen?
1990 wagon, EJ25 12.3 @ 116.5 FAST Family wagon getting new motor soon
1992 wagon, wifes daily, high compression
1992 Touring wagon, should I keep it?
awrysobriquet
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Post by awrysobriquet »

Blew the seal during the first run, apparently (judging by the smoke). We did that second pull thinking the initial smoke was burn-off from a cracked breather hose that's been on my to-do list, but it was pretty clear afterwards that it was more than that. This was at Forged Performance in Troutdale (really good guys BTW).
Car has a VF39, AWIC, 440cc injectors, SMT6. It was supposedly "tuned for 20psi" on this set up and has happily been running around at 17-18 since the recent engine swap.
+Thomas
'92 L sedan 5MT w/ a few fun bits - SOLD
'92 SS 5MT w/ a lot of fun bits - RIP
'94 SS 5MT - in the process of inheriting fun bits from the '92
'94 TW 4EAT - daily driver, currently 100% stock
'01 Legacy GT Limited sedan - FOR SALE
555BCTurbo
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Post by 555BCTurbo »

awrysobriquet wrote: It was supposedly "tuned for 20psi" on this set up and has happily been running around at 17-18 since the recent engine swap.

Yeah...it was until the idiot that had it between you and me somehow messed that up lol
Nick

1987 Audi 4000CS quattro...soon to be 20VT
1994 Dodge Ram 2500 4x4 CTD, #11 plate, 30 psi, Scotty II intake, 4" exhaust
awrysobriquet
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Post by awrysobriquet »

Image
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+Thomas
'92 L sedan 5MT w/ a few fun bits - SOLD
'92 SS 5MT w/ a lot of fun bits - RIP
'94 SS 5MT - in the process of inheriting fun bits from the '92
'94 TW 4EAT - daily driver, currently 100% stock
'01 Legacy GT Limited sedan - FOR SALE
awrysobriquet
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Posts: 59
Joined: Thu Aug 21, 2008 7:23 am
Location: Portland, OR

Post by awrysobriquet »

Apparently, VF39s are not rebuildable, so...
She gets a new VF34 (off eBay). I'm well aware that there are many cheaper options, including another used VF39, but I want known quantities. I intend to drive this car for quite a while, so all of the major mechanical items on this car will ultimately be new/fresh. Since it'll be getting a tune anyway, no harm in changing turbos. The VF34 is a roller bearing design and is said to spool more quickly than the VF39. I toyed with the idea of a Garrett GT28R, but that is outside of my budget. Dimensionally, the VF34 should bolt right in to my current configuration. I'm excited.
Last edited by awrysobriquet on Wed Feb 18, 2009 5:24 am, edited 1 time in total.
+Thomas
'92 L sedan 5MT w/ a few fun bits - SOLD
'92 SS 5MT w/ a lot of fun bits - RIP
'94 SS 5MT - in the process of inheriting fun bits from the '92
'94 TW 4EAT - daily driver, currently 100% stock
'01 Legacy GT Limited sedan - FOR SALE
kimokalihi
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Post by kimokalihi »

Nice torque numbers there! How much is a VF34 anyways?
98 Metro Hatch Daily Driver :)
91 SS EJ20G Engine/Tranny/Diff Swap Build Thread Here
"Your testes are close to your bottom but you still play with them all the time." Jeremy Clarkson
kimokalihi
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Post by kimokalihi »

Took a quick look on ebay and they're just under $1,000 :shock: I paid $140 shipped for my TD04 with only 2K miles on it and it looks new almost. But $1,000...

Can somebody give me an idea of the difference between a TD04 and a VF34? How much more air will it push and what kind of HP/TQ could I expect to gain? I guess that's difficult to say depending on what mods and tuning.
98 Metro Hatch Daily Driver :)
91 SS EJ20G Engine/Tranny/Diff Swap Build Thread Here
"Your testes are close to your bottom but you still play with them all the time." Jeremy Clarkson
BSOD2600
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Post by BSOD2600 »

kimokalihi wrote:Can somebody give me an idea of the difference between a TD04 and a VF34? How much more air will it push and what kind of HP/TQ could I expect to gain? I guess that's difficult to say depending on what mods and tuning.
Subaru Turbo List @ NASIOC

'11 WRX Limited
'94 SS | 3" TBE, 07 TMIC, TD05H-16G, Revtronix Stage 2, Walbro -- Sold
'94 TW | R.I.P.
awrysobriquet
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Post by awrysobriquet »

Yeah, there are a lot of options out there. I paid $950 shipped for a new VF34. Obviously this is not the cheapest, nor arguably the "best", option for the application, but... I wanted something new, faster spooling, similar in size and ready to bolt in. I find the VF34 very intriguing, so let's see how it does. In theory, the car will be back together and tuning next week.

And thanks for that link BSOD2600.
+Thomas
'92 L sedan 5MT w/ a few fun bits - SOLD
'92 SS 5MT w/ a lot of fun bits - RIP
'94 SS 5MT - in the process of inheriting fun bits from the '92
'94 TW 4EAT - daily driver, currently 100% stock
'01 Legacy GT Limited sedan - FOR SALE
douglas vincent
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Post by douglas vincent »

Who is tuning your car?

I would be more than happy to check out your tune on the PP6.
Reddevil, Awaiting new heart, will it ever happen?
1990 wagon, EJ25 12.3 @ 116.5 FAST Family wagon getting new motor soon
1992 wagon, wifes daily, high compression
1992 Touring wagon, should I keep it?
Kelly
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Post by Kelly »

You'll really like the 34. I think you made a good choice. :D
awrysobriquet
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Post by awrysobriquet »

I'm glad to hear that, Kelly. You have some history with this car, don't you?

The tune's being done by Brian Green at Forged Performance in Troutdale. I really just stumbled onto the shop when I went out for a dyno day, but I was very impressed by what I saw of their work in tuning, fabricating and preparing street and race cars.

Douglas, I'd be glad to have you take a look at the car sometime. I've read a few of your threads and you've done some pretty neat things with these cars. I'd love to take a look at your projects and get your opinion on mine.
+Thomas
'92 L sedan 5MT w/ a few fun bits - SOLD
'92 SS 5MT w/ a lot of fun bits - RIP
'94 SS 5MT - in the process of inheriting fun bits from the '92
'94 TW 4EAT - daily driver, currently 100% stock
'01 Legacy GT Limited sedan - FOR SALE
awrysobriquet
First Gear
Posts: 59
Joined: Thu Aug 21, 2008 7:23 am
Location: Portland, OR

Post by awrysobriquet »

VF34 is in. Now with more shiny aluminum bits too! :D

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+Thomas
'92 L sedan 5MT w/ a few fun bits - SOLD
'92 SS 5MT w/ a lot of fun bits - RIP
'94 SS 5MT - in the process of inheriting fun bits from the '92
'94 TW 4EAT - daily driver, currently 100% stock
'01 Legacy GT Limited sedan - FOR SALE
Legacy777
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Post by Legacy777 »

You may have already mentioned it, but who did the tank & elbow fitting work? I'm assuming it's all custom work.

thanks
Josh

surrealmirage.com/subaru
1990 Legacy (AWD, 6MT, & EJ22T Swap)
2020 Outback Limted XT

If you need to get a hold of me please email me rather then pm
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