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Subaru Legacy/Outback Accessories and Modifications

149 messages,  Last post on Oct 14, 2011 at 1:52 PM

You are in the Subaru Legacy & Outback Forum.

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

Messages Page 11 of 15

#100 of 149 I bought an 05 Legacy 2.5 by subarubdo

Nov 29, 2007 (5:12 pm)

Now I'm ready to see what I can do about making it go faster! I've tried to investigate different mods I can do online but it seems the only Subaru's you can modify is the Impreza, or at least, that's all I'm finding.
Can you add a Turbo and essentually have yourself a GT? I noticed the engines are the same with the execption that the GT has a dual overhead cam. That and the trannies set up a little different. Any issues? What can I do?
I'm not looking to build me an STI (though I've seen the STI kit for the Legacy, not bad but, it's a GT mod)
What about wheels? I have 16" (standard) the GT comes standard w/17", can I get 18" or better without hurting the AWD?
One other side note: Does anyone else have issues with the strength of the antena for the radio?
I figured I could ask fellow Subaru owners/drivers for help, since they would be the one's that know!

#101 of 149 Re: I bought an 05 Legacy 2.5 [subarubdo] by paisan

Nov 29, 2007 (7:11 pm)

Replying to: subarubdo (Nov 29, 2007 5:12 pm)
Ok a few things....
 
The non Subaru engines while they may be the same sizewise, they aren't really setup to be turboed. I've done it, but it's not easy or cheap.
 
I'd focus on brakes, supsnesion, tires, etc.
 
Start with tires and brakes, then move on to suspension.
 
Also you may want to get out and do an HPDE at a local race track which essentially is a driving school with your own car and instructor. This will be a great mod, it can be transferred to any car you own.
 
-mike

#102 of 149 Re: I bought an 05 Legacy 2.5 [paisan] by subarubdo

Nov 30, 2007 (9:35 am)

Replying to: paisan (Nov 29, 2007 7:11 pm)
Thanks Mike,
The 2005 model year includes the 2.5l Subaru Boxer engine with similar displacements as the LGT. The GT has a dual overhead cam while the base & limited's have a single overhead cam. Otherwise, the engines are the same.
I'd like to start with wheels and tires but I don't know what the limits are for size. When I've done any investigating on the subject I find that 17" wheels can be no problem and, since the GT sits on the same basic body and comes standard with 17" wheels, that's a no brainer. I was wondering if I could and if I should go bigger and if it make any sense or practicality.
I appreiciate the fact that you also offer up a driving school of sorts. I, however, am not from Washington orginally and have actually learned to drive, even in snow! I also took the Skip Barber school of driving (open wheel racing) and learned to improve my technics. I'm also very framilar with 4wd & awd vehicles. I also grew up with muscle cars (rear wheel drive) and high horsepower. I'm not worried about losing control of my car.

#103 of 149 Re: I bought an 05 Legacy 2.5 [subarubdo] by paisan

Nov 30, 2007 (10:05 am)

Replying to: subarubdo (Nov 30, 2007 9:35 am)
The ones I speak of are similar to Skip Barber, not really a driving school but more a high performance driving experience where you can take your car on-track and really push it to the limits, this is the best improvement you can make on the car.
 
As I said the engines are VERY different, even though the displacement is similar. For instance the compression ratio is different, the coolant and oil systems are different, ecu's are different, lots and lots of stuff that is just not worth turboing a non-turbo subaru car.
 
We did it on a 2.5RS before there were turbos available in the US. It cost about $2k after it was all done and was a real PITA to do.
 
For tires, I'd look at something like either an all-season ultra high performance tire or dedicated summer tires. Next I'd go for Hawk HP+ brake pads and SS Lines.
 
After that go for some upgraded springs and bilstien struts/shocks.
 
-mike

#104 of 149 Re: I bought an 05 Legacy 2.5 [paisan] by subarubdo

Nov 30, 2007 (10:25 am)

Replying to: paisan (Nov 30, 2007 10:05 am)
I didn't realize there was such a difference between the two engines. So, what your saying is; I should trade in my 2.5 for a GT! haha I'd like to get all the performance I can out of my car but without the option of slapping a turbo in, I don't think I'll ever get to where I'd like to. I'm willing to spend some money but when your talking of all the things I'd need to do to get what I want; cost-wise I've moved myself into a GT already. Improving the handling by means of wheels, tires and suspension is one thing, but I'm also looking to improve my take off time. Maybe an exhaust and intake but still, I'm only talking; what?; 10; 15 HP? I feel my car has sufficient power to "get around town" but it lacks in climbing steady grades and a better suspension and tires will not improve that.
Thanks for all your help Mike!

#105 of 149 Re: I bought an 05 Legacy 2.5 [subarubdo] by paisan

Nov 30, 2007 (8:05 pm)

Replying to: subarubdo (Nov 30, 2007 10:25 am)
Yup, in that case, yeah look for a LGT. I just hate to see someone spend good money after bad, since I've been there and done that (several times over).
 
If you want a stick, in a wagon you'll need to look for an 05 LGT Wagon as that's the only year they came in a stick.
 
Here is a pic of mine:
 

#106 of 149 Looking at a 08 LGT by woodyboy

Dec 05, 2007 (6:10 pm)

I am trying to decide between a AT and MT in the 08 Legacy GT. I had an 04 OB 2.5i MT and it was lacking in the performance dept. I do alot of mountain freeway driving. Anyone have feedback on this?
Also someone in an earlier post mentioned the need for 3,750 mile oil changes now required for the 08 GT's. This is the first I have heard about this. Does the turbo put that much stress on the engine?
Someone also mentioned using a cat back exhaust and cold air intake. Are these reasonable modifications to wake up the car a little more. Are there other mods to consider? Do they work to really increase performance? What about warranty?

#107 of 149 08 LGT Mods by paisan

Dec 05, 2007 (7:53 pm)

Having driven a lot of the Subies out there, you definitely want an MT with any of the Turbo cars. The AT will be ok, but it won't allow you to keep it in the turbo range when you really want to pull. I have a bone stock 05 LGT w/5MT and it's a great setup. I hold my own on the track with some very very purpose built sports cars. The difference between a GT and a 2.5i is night and day. I've driven my brother in laws 2.5i w/AT v. my LGT w/MT and it's really quite different.
 
As for mods I'd do the SPT cat-back exhaust, but if you wait about a month I should have that on my car and can give some real-world feeback on it.
 
-mike

#108 of 149 Re: 08 LGT Mods [paisan] by woodyboy

Dec 05, 2007 (10:02 pm)

Replying to: paisan (Dec 05, 2007 7:53 pm)
Thanks for the input! Has anyone heard anything about the need for 3750 mile oil changes on the 08's? As far as I know the 08 GT motors are basically the same as the 05's. 3750 reminds me of the 911's I owned 20 years ago B4 kids.

#109 of 149 Re: 08 LGT Mods [woodyboy] by paisan

Dec 05, 2007 (10:08 pm)

Replying to: woodyboy (Dec 05, 2007 10:02 pm)
3750 is the recommendation for the 08s. They are the same as the 05-07 however due to owner neglect over the past few years (aka people did 10K+ changes) and then had warranty claims, SOA is protecting themselves by requiring the severe use oil change interval on the 08 turbos. I change mine every 5k +/- with synthetics and don't have a problem. They key to any extended oil change intervale beyond 5k miles is that your filter is really only good for 5k miles, so even though the oil itself may be good, your filter isn't.
 
-mike

Messages Page 11 of 15

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