In a message dated 11/08/01 01:175 AM Pacific Standard Time,
BC-BFLegacyWorks@yahoogroups.com Jay writes:
From: Jay Erlenbach <
legacy_productions@yahoo.com>
Subject: Re: RE: 3' exhaust group buy
Depending on price I am very interested
Jay Erlenbach
92 Legacy Turbo Sedan (US Spec)
OK Jay, so that makes three of us at least curious; you, Zak, and me. To stimulate further interest, here is what Russ of Subspeed wrote in response to a few questions I had;
Larry:
I'm not sure if the message you sent was intended for me or not but it did show up in my mail.
I do in fact have a '92 Legacy Turbo 5sp. It is not on the site because I have no products ready for production at this time. Zak and I have been discussing the downpipe primarily. He indicates that he needs a converter built into this pipe. Do you have the same requirement? We have also talked about how the wastegate gasses should be handled; whether to go with a dump style flange or with a separate tube that would merge into the main pipe downstream a bit. The separate tube is actually better from a performance stand point but will add to the cost due to complexity.
I have been involved with Subarus for 15 years. During that time I have also studied many aspects of the automotive industry including its history, marketing, design, and modifications. I work with Subarus because they posses the most correctly engineered systems of any mass produced car. I design and build performance parts because I want them and no one else builds them (not for the older cars anyway). There are many companies out there now that cater to the late model Legacy and Impreza crowd. Those cars have been popularized by clever marketing (Outback/Dundee) and are not necessarily purchased by customers who understand the difference between Subarus and everything else. I am here to support other like minded enthusiasts. The EA cars are great cars that should never have been overlooked. The potential in them is incredible. Nothing is more satisfying than to absolutely run away from the other imports and big stupid domestics in one of the more mature models.
The Turbo Legacy enthusiast is in an awkward position. Parts for these cars are somewhat difficult to obtain (certain things are available from overseas). Many of the listing that I see for Legacy parts from companies that advertise Legacy performance do not include the EJ22T cars, so your not getting much 'love' there. The people that are involved with the older cars (there are not many of us) consider the Turbo Legacy to be in with the Legacy/Impreza crowd. Since support is limited and since I think that the Turbo Legacy is the pinnacle of the Legacy line I have adopted this model as I have all of the senior models that came before.
SUBSPEED is something I do for the love of the cars. All of the pipe work that I offer is hand made by me. The turbo flanges are hand cut and drilled and the piping is hand fitted and assembled from straight tubing and prebend elbow sections. There is an incredible amount of time and labor in every single pipe I build. This kind of careful design and fabrication does not come cheaply however. That is what the production muffler shops are for. My products are targeted at the Subaru enthusiast who knows the difference and is interested pampering their vehicle with the finest parts available.
Regards,
Russ
To which I responded
Hi Russ,
Yes, I copied you on the email to Zak because I wanted you to know there was interest and in hope that you would provide me with exactly the kind of feedback you have done thank you.
My car is a daily driver on the hiways and biways of Southern California. I am afraid a non catted engine will not pass smog or I would not be so particular. I like the downstream merger designs. My first love is bottom end torque, horsepower second.
I am not a Subie Nubie, nor under a WRX hex. My previous car was a GL-10 Turbo Wagon. It had a custom downpipe, ported and polished heads, and an electronic boost controller. The additional boost really brought it to life so I know where you're comming from.
I sold it (but kept my boost controller) when I discovered the Turbo Legacy, which back then was almost an unknown. I may go even further than you in agreement of the Turbo Legacy as pinnacle, but of the whole Subaru line, enginewise anyway. I think Subaru engineering would support that allegation. Witness the fact that the most outrageous vehicle to roll out of Mitsubishi Heavy under the Pleaides badge had a closed deck EJ22T as it's platform.
Looks like we have similar approaches. Careful design and fabrication at a fair price is fine, though sometimes I have to pass. I just like there to be alternatives to the price premium tacked onto a piece of hardware because it comes from a popular distributor. Failing that, I'm likely to go looking for somebody with the skill and experience gained from doing what I want well, for a long time, and if it results in a savings that's a bonus.
When I bought my 92 Turbo Legacy, I promised myself I would not goose the boost til I fitted an air-to-water cooler. I have one from Japan, and am now collecting other goodies in preparation for a retrofit. Some of the more important things on my list include another turbo, an exhaust system upgrade, and some reworked heads.
I have just this week changed my mind about using a pair of 2001 SOHC heads that are already in work due to some discovered complexities that were unrevealed after pre purchase research. The 2.5 heads will be for sale, and I will be looking for another pair of 2.2 turbo heads, ((if you know of anybody)); unless further research reveals the WRX heads to be superior and bolt on without the problems and inadaquacies of the 2.5 heads.
Have you ever used headers or extractors other than the factory manifold between the heads and the turbo? If so did the result meet with your expectations?
Thanx again for the feedback.
Larry Witherspoon
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