My 92 Tleg winter/rally fun car revival
Posted: Fri Feb 18, 2011 9:17 am
Last May on my way to work one day I drove past this 1992 Legacy SS and decided to take a look at it. Was surprised to see it for sale for only $1500 and for that I didn't really care what condition it was in. Roughly half a week later I bought it (basically right after I sold my Loyale).
Had a nasty sound that was either broken flex plate, lifters, or something deeper in the engine (sound came from everywhere so was hard to distinguish)
Well here is how it sat when I got it home 80km later.
Car was poorly maintained so I had some work on my hands. Did the usual things like plugs, wires, new front rotors (powerslots) and pads, new struts all around and removed all the stickers plastered on every single window (ugh kids). The engine noise still persisted but the car drove fine without a problem. I seriously thought it was the flexplate but because I planned on a 5spd swap I didn't worry about it too much. Well one day it just didn't want to start, checked that it was getting fuel and spark and was cranking fine. Finally a good mechanic friend of mine mentioned to check the timing. So I did and sure enough the noise this entire time was an idler pulley. It had completely separated and all the bearings were everywhere within the timing covers. So replaced the belt, all the pulleys, new waterpump (while im in there) and boom car fires up and no more noise!!! (also very happy these are non interference engines).
So with that out of the way I was much more relaxed driving it knowing the auto was actually ok lol. Naturally I couldn't stand driving an automatic for much longer and having already sourced a complete 4.11 drivetrain from a 93 Legacy it was time to get all the bits and pieces to do the swap.
Managed to do the entire swap in roughly 10 hours (one full day at buddies shop and couple hours next day finishing the pedal swap and wiring). I was very impressed with how easy the swap was and man what a night and day difference!!!
With that it was time to install a boost gauge and my Momo Jet wheel that was in my summer car. Also got a set of euro tails to replace my broken tails.
Eventually the fuel pump died on me so replaced that with a walbro 255, swapped front brake pads from shitty raybestos to factory sumitomo. Other than typical maintenance issues the car has been very reliable and goes anywhere!! Very fun in the snow.
Saw this and had to get a picture lol
Recently acquired 2 mint fenders and 4 doors to replace this summer. Also had to get a chunk of the passenger rear wheel arch that i'll need welded on. Plan is to flat black the car. Also snagged some 99 Impreza 2.5RS seats and usdm corner lights. Other than deleting most of the AC there hasn't been much progress at the moment. Going to keep this engine stock because my future upgrade is to get a Vr II Sti engine (hehehehe).
Well thanks for looking and now I have a thread started that I can update with progress!
PS I have a few parts I'll be parting with shortly once I take some pics and make a FS thread. Everything is pretty much pickup and free or bring a 6pack of beer
Had a nasty sound that was either broken flex plate, lifters, or something deeper in the engine (sound came from everywhere so was hard to distinguish)
Well here is how it sat when I got it home 80km later.
Car was poorly maintained so I had some work on my hands. Did the usual things like plugs, wires, new front rotors (powerslots) and pads, new struts all around and removed all the stickers plastered on every single window (ugh kids). The engine noise still persisted but the car drove fine without a problem. I seriously thought it was the flexplate but because I planned on a 5spd swap I didn't worry about it too much. Well one day it just didn't want to start, checked that it was getting fuel and spark and was cranking fine. Finally a good mechanic friend of mine mentioned to check the timing. So I did and sure enough the noise this entire time was an idler pulley. It had completely separated and all the bearings were everywhere within the timing covers. So replaced the belt, all the pulleys, new waterpump (while im in there) and boom car fires up and no more noise!!! (also very happy these are non interference engines).
So with that out of the way I was much more relaxed driving it knowing the auto was actually ok lol. Naturally I couldn't stand driving an automatic for much longer and having already sourced a complete 4.11 drivetrain from a 93 Legacy it was time to get all the bits and pieces to do the swap.
Managed to do the entire swap in roughly 10 hours (one full day at buddies shop and couple hours next day finishing the pedal swap and wiring). I was very impressed with how easy the swap was and man what a night and day difference!!!
With that it was time to install a boost gauge and my Momo Jet wheel that was in my summer car. Also got a set of euro tails to replace my broken tails.
Eventually the fuel pump died on me so replaced that with a walbro 255, swapped front brake pads from shitty raybestos to factory sumitomo. Other than typical maintenance issues the car has been very reliable and goes anywhere!! Very fun in the snow.
Saw this and had to get a picture lol
Recently acquired 2 mint fenders and 4 doors to replace this summer. Also had to get a chunk of the passenger rear wheel arch that i'll need welded on. Plan is to flat black the car. Also snagged some 99 Impreza 2.5RS seats and usdm corner lights. Other than deleting most of the AC there hasn't been much progress at the moment. Going to keep this engine stock because my future upgrade is to get a Vr II Sti engine (hehehehe).
Well thanks for looking and now I have a thread started that I can update with progress!
PS I have a few parts I'll be parting with shortly once I take some pics and make a FS thread. Everything is pretty much pickup and free or bring a 6pack of beer
