Ask the Car People.SM


2008 Subaru Legacy

258 messages,  Last post on Jan 05, 2011 at 6:18 PM

You are in the Subaru Legacy & Outback Forum.

What is this discussion about? Subaru Legacy, Subaru Outback, Sedan, Wagon

Messages Page 24 of 26

#230 of 258 Re: 2008 Legacy - Wait for `09? [ateixeira] by pilot1226

Jun 20, 2008 (8:38 am)

Replying to: ateixeira (Jun 19, 2008 11:36 am)
Source: http://www.drive.subaru.com/Sum08/Sum08_OB_Leg.htm
 
Information:
 
STANDARD STABILITY CONTROL
 
For 2009, the Subaru stability control system – Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC) – is standard on all Outback and Legacy models except the Legacy 2.5GT Limited with five-speed manual transmission. The system helps to prevent skidding due to understeer or oversteer by managing individual wheel braking and/or reducing engine power to correct the slide. This system adds to driver control of the vehicle, improving active safety.
 
End Quote.
 
Fantastic! 2009 it is - even if it's more money because it's an `09 and not a leftover `08, VDC appears to be well worth it - I mistakenly thought it was JUST ASR (which isn't new technology).
 
Thanks!

#231 of 258 Re: 2008 Legacy - Wait for `09? [pilot1226] by ateixeira

Jun 24, 2008 (1:35 pm)

Replying to: pilot1226 (Jun 20, 2008 8:38 am)
Cool.
 
Wonder why they didn't put it on that one single model? Strange. Maybe they wanted one model where people who did not want it to have an option.

#232 of 258 VDC by cptplt

Jun 25, 2008 (12:43 pm)

when Subaru first offered a ESC as a standalone Bean VDC model , it was always coupled to the VTD system and I recall discussion then that the VDC could not be done on a stick shift but they are offering VDC on the stick shift Spec B!! I this purely marketing or is there some engineering issue?

#233 of 258 Re: VDC [cptplt] by ateixeira

Jun 26, 2008 (8:30 am)

Replying to: cptplt (Jun 25, 2008 12:43 pm)
It's a marketing term. I bet the hardware varies between models and depending upon the AWD system in place.
 
Shoot, early on, it was a model name, too, i.e. Outback VDC.

#234 of 258 Wheel/Tire sizes & Oil changes by nfn

Jul 11, 2008 (7:33 am)

Hi everyone,
 
I recently purchased (and enjoying) a 2008 Spec B. Looking for comments/answers to the following:
 
1. I will be purchaing a set of winter wheels/tires. Are there any issues going to 17" wheels with 205/50/17 tires? (the speedo reading will be off by 2.1%, which I think is within an acceptable range)
 
2. When it's time to replace the stock summer tires, will 235/40/18 fit the stock 18" wheel? Any clearance issues going to this option?
 
3. Re Oil changes. When is it appropriate to start using synthetic oil for the 2.5 turbo engine?
Also, would Castrol 0W30 or Mobil 1 0W40 synthetic be okay to use rather than the 5W30 currently suggested in the owner's manual? (I use the Castrol and Mobil 1 in my A4's 1.8T engine, as these appear to be the 'best' oils for turbos to prevent sludging.)
 
Thank you,
 
Nick

#235 of 258 Re: Wheel/Tire sizes & Oil changes [nfn] by pilot1226

Jul 11, 2008 (10:21 am)

Replying to: nfn (Jul 11, 2008 7:33 am)
What I've heard on the forums:
 
Better to go to a synthetic sooner than later. I'm pretty sure Mike (Paisan is his user name) has said some gasket problems surface if you use conventional for a long time then switch to the synthetics (because synthetics are smaller, uniform molecules and they slip through the gaskets since the gaskets are "used to" the larger molecules of conventional)
 
Reference the different wheel sizes, if your speedometer is off, then most likely your odometer would be off too. This would affect the mileage on your vehicle.
 
I personally haven't switched to a purely seasonal tire, I prefer all-season since we only have a few days of bad snow yearly here in New Jersey. The rain is more of the motivation behind purchasing a new `09 Legacy.

#236 of 258 2008 Legacy GT 2.5 MT exhaust and cold air intake by woodyboy

Jul 11, 2008 (11:22 am)

I am thinking of adding the Subaru hi performance exhaust, cold air intake and heat shield to my 08 GT. I know this is subjective but is it worth it? (about $1500 installed) I have been quoted 30 HP and 30 ft-lb torque increases. How loud is it going to be around town and highway cruising? Does it increase dirvability by bringing the torque on earlieer in the rpm range? Thanks in advance for your input!

#237 of 258 Re: 2008 Legacy GT 2.5 MT exhaust and cold air intake [woodyboy] by paisan

Jul 11, 2008 (3:51 pm)

Replying to: woodyboy (Jul 11, 2008 11:22 am)
Ok a few answers for you guys...
 
On the Snow Tires:
I'm in NJ and use summers and snows.
If going to summers I wouldn't go narrower than 215-45-17, as that's stock. I run Nokian Hakka RSi snows and they are GREAT in the snow/slush/rain we have here in NJ.
On Synthetics- I would wait to 5,000 miles before switching and wouldn't switch after 60-70k of regular.
 
On the SPT Exhaust, I have it on my 05 wagon, it gives you a bit more power and throttle response and has a nice tone. I happen to know the manager of SPT who designed it and it's a nice unit. The actual increase is 12hp/15lbs of torque at the wheels, so not sure the 30/30 is correct at the crank or not.
 
-mike

#238 of 258 Re: 2008 Legacy GT 2.5 MT exhaust and cold air intake [paisan] by nfn

Jul 12, 2008 (1:59 pm)

Replying to: paisan (Jul 11, 2008 3:51 pm)
Thanks Mike and pilot1226 for your responses.
 
I have seen excellent reviews on the Nokian RSi, so I will definitely keep them in mind when choosing a winter tire.
 
I will wait until the second oil change to convert to the synthetic.
 
Nick

#239 of 258 Re: 2008 Legacy GT 2.5 MT exhaust and cold air intake [paisan] by woodyboy

Jul 12, 2008 (3:01 pm)

Replying to: paisan (Jul 11, 2008 3:51 pm)
Mike,
Do you have the high flow air intake and heat sheild as well as the SPT exhaust? The parts guy at the local dealer gave me the SPT brochure and that's where he quoted the 30 HP and 30 ft-lb increases for using all three products together.

Messages Page 24 of 26

To POST a message, please Sign In.

Advertisement

Browse by Category

Browse by Vehicle
   View All Vehicles

Browse by Board
Browse by Topic
View All Topics

Edmunds Community

Advertisement