Emjayex

Ok, some context...

1998 Legacy OBW, 5 speed manual, 163k miles. 

So heres my problem. Its an intermittent one, but a strange and possibly dangerous problem nonetheless. This has happened to me maybe 3 or 4 times in the past 2 or so months. 2nd, 4th and reverse gear seems to get really tough to get into. 1st, 3rd, and 5th are all perfectly fine. When it gets stiff, it almost feels like a misplaced shifter bushing is in the way of 2nd, 4th and reverse gear positions. Its popped out of 2nd on me a couple times trying to get into gear. 

Again, its weird because it doesnt happen all the time, and seemed to start happening once it started getting cold. Its happened to me while turning onto a busy street most cars going 50-60 mph and it got sketchy. 

Side note: my shifter does need bushings replaced as it rattles like CRAZY. I was thinking of just going for a short shifter in the near future. 

Any thoughts? Tips? Will a short shifter fix the issue? Would trans fluid be the culprit? Might the whole trans be ready to fly out the window???

Edit: fixed some typos

So, tires...dont want to necessarily "cheap out" on tires, but I hear that its best to get the best tires you can afford. So Im wondering what are some "good" performance/summer tires that are under maybe $500-$600 bucks a set. 

Im not tracking my car, but have been considering dabbling in autox.

Definitely some spirited driving though

Tires im looking at: (all come in 215/45 r17

Kumho Ecsta

Hankook Ventus V2

Lexani LXUHP

On 11/18/2023 at 10:48 AM, KZJonny said:

Also, you can probably get a full cat back for the price of a set of new headers… and that will likely sounds nice if you choose well, or have something custom made.

For the heat shields, either put worm clamps around them and tighten them down a little till they are snug, or just remove them. Aside from the ones on the header, none are going to cause your car to melt if they aren’t there.

Even the header ones are kind of optional, but really shouldn’t be removed if at all possible.

Btw, I did just want to update that I got my heatshields to stop rattling. I got a bunch of steel wool and stuffed it in the heatshields where it was rattling and for now, its all fixed

I have some clamps just in case it starts rattling again

1 hour ago, KZJonny said:

Hey dude, we all start somewhere. Enjoy the 1st gen wagon. I miss my '02 Outback, wish I had kept it.

If I can suggest a thing, start with a thorough looking over of all the rubber parts in the suspension. All the bushings and mounts. Everywhere. (control arm bushings, sub frame and differential bushing, engine mounts, trans mounts, etc...)

They are typically cheap to get, and while they *may* be a nightmare to remove and replace (rust, seized bolts, etc...) you might be very surprise at how much of a difference in driving experience you get from replacing as many as you can. Even with normal OE-type bushings... You can put fancy coilovers or struts on the car for street cred and a lower ride, but if all the parts that are actually doing the work to keep the car driving as it should are old and dry-rotted, guess how that's gonna feel?

'98 is pretty old and anything original will probably be pretty stuff and likely on the way out, if it hasn't been replaced already. You will also learn an absolute shitstack about how everything under the car works, etc....

That + the best tires you can afford will gain you the best possible return on your modifying dollars.

Thanks man, will do!

Ahh gotcha. I am planning to do all the work myself, and I think I will just rock the current struts for now. Ill try and remember not to cheap out on everything. I guess its pretty obvious that Im new to modding cars (its my first car)

Thanks for not being snobby about everything and being patient with a newbie!

13 minutes ago, KZJonny said:

So, KYB are pretty much OE, but if yours are old/original, they'll still be an improvement. Look at rockauto.com for those, Bilstien B6 (OE Spec B replacement) and maybe Bilstien B8s (expensive, and designed for lowered cars). The reality is you gotta pay to play.

I'll go out on a limb and tell you straight up that at $500 set of coilovers will be garbage. Warranty or not, you probably won't like the ride in a DD, and I seriously doubt they'll help you much if you do some casual autox.

Worth remembering that coilovers are probably going to need a rebuild well before an OE type strut, which is designed for long life and 'comfort' for quite a while... like 80-100k (kms, I'm in metric).

Take a look around for a used JDM parts importer, or talk to @Enlight about his importing service. I paid ~$500 CAD for a set of "low mileage" Bilstien struts w/ Spec B springs on them for my wagon. Huuuge improvement over stock, and believe me they keep the car pretty well planted on some aggressive driving over twisty roads. Those + a improved rear sway bar + a set of Continental DW06s and the car handles well under duress.

I am pretty sure that Rallitek still offers springs, Tein, Eibach (expensive but awesome), maybe King? Takeoffs from STi's are common and well liked. Referred to as 'pinks'.... because, well they are pink.

There is probably less selection for you since you are working on a much older car, and one that never had the aftermarket support that the much more common 4th gens did.... But, do some research and figure it out. Have a look at yahoo auctions japan, there will for sure be something or buyee for the english translated comparable....

I know a lot of suspension stuff from 02-07 wrx's fit on my car, so yes Ill keep doin research on it all. Right now, my current struts/shocks seem to have been replaced very recently. Im guessing less than 20k miles on em. Would it be worth just throwing lowering springs on my current shocks?

I found these struts for $160. Do you think they will be good enough or close enough to oem spec? The price definitely caught my eye lol

https://newparts.com/product/fcs-auto-parts/NP3992173Kit

Again, thank you so much, I cant find too much info on my car in general, so this helps so much! Im so excited to know that there really are tried and true budget setups

1 hour ago, KZJonny said:

Kk... If you are building on a budget, my first question is why coilovers?

Serious question. What are you trying to acheive, how will you be using the car? If the answer doesn't involve track use semi-regularly, why are you spending money on coilovers?

A good set of say KYB or maybe takeoff Bilstein struts + lowering springs will get you the little drop you want, and also probably all the aggressive handling increases you're likely to be able to take advantage of.

Decent struts and spring + the best tires you can afford  >>> inexpensive coilovers and mediocre tires.

 

If, for whatever reason you think you really need them, then go for it. Changing to a set of solid endlinks is always a good idea, but I don't see the need for adjustables, no. Unless you plan on corner balancing the car, and really getting into the weeds with say... autocross or track work.

 

Someone is always going to be happy to sell you a thing, or spend your money for you. Maybe take a step back and post up what you intend to do with the car etc.... Plenty of folks here putting down some mad track times on Koni cut-a-struts and some Swift springs or what have you. Learn from folks who've done it before.

 

I just looked up KYB struts, and I didnt realize how affordable they were! I am mostly DD'ing the car and maybe want to dabble in autox too.

Ive read and heard some good things about Raceland coils on daily's that arent slammed to the ground. So for 500 bucks I wanted to get em, especially with the lifetime warranty.

But now that I know KYBs are as affordable as they are I just might go that route. I think I looked up Bilstein once and they were a bit more expensive than I was expecting (with a set of lowering springs of course). Im trying to budget coilovers/struts & springs, wheels and tires, and keep it under what I paid for my leggy. 

I really appreciate the input man, and after this winter I think I just might pick up some KYB struts! 

And lowering spring suggestions other than swift springs? (Just curious)

I guess that begs another question though, Ive done a little research on it, but are there any other necessary supporting mods for coilovers?

Like maybe adjustable sway bar endlinks?

6 hours ago, KZJonny said:

That is essentially all they are, just with the ball joint/tie rod end attachment point "relocated" to keep the swing and travel of the other suspension parts in the "right" place when you've lowered the car a bunch.

Unless you are really taking some height out of the car, I wouldn't worry too much, there is always some benefit to using a roll centre correction setup, but you're likely better off using some adjustable control arms in the rear, and the front has a reasonable amount of camber adjustment already. Plenty of folks here slightly lowered and still using OE-style parts with not complaints.

If you have a good alignment place your trust, install the coilovers and set the height. Bring the car to the shop and ask them for whatever wheel camber/toe/etc... you want, and ask if they think you need the RCC kit. Many places will do an assessment for $X, then let you put that towards the alignment when you have it done. Gives you a chance to go and buy parts that maybe you didn't realize needed replacing before spending the money on the job.

Might prevent you from buying parts you don't need. And OE type suspension parts are available everywhere for reasonable $$, where RCC stuff is special order and not cheap.

Oh man! THIS is the kind of answer I needed!!! Thanks SO much man, I really appreciate it! Im building on a tight budget and Im trying to figure out what I absolutely need, and what I might just want lol

(Building a car is a big want in general though lol)

Thank you SO much

So, Ive been seeing some things about how lowering a subie will mess up the roll center stuff. I own a 98 legacy outback, and want to lower it a tad. Ive been researching a bit on supporting mods needed when installing coilovers. What comes in a roll center correction kit?

I have an extra set of brand new tie rods and balljoints I just havent had the time to put on my car yet, but it seems like all the roll center kits I see are just tie rod ends and then balljoints. Any insight is very much appreciated

I know this is a really old thread, but that is so cool. A little legacy runnin with jeeps!

I recently bought a 1st gen leggy outback, which is also a 5 speed, and I cant wait to test out the limits during this winter! (Though its not nearly as clean as yours)

Hey everyone!

I was wanting to pick up a set of wheels for my 98 Legacy Outback. Im seeing thats I dont have too many affordable options I like the design of (less than $800). Trying not to spend more than what I bought the car for. 

I noticed Rota has a lot of options (yes reps too, Im ok with that). Does anyone currently run Rotas? If so do you have specs, pics, and opinions on em?

And also, if I were to get them, where would I buy them from? Im in the US btw. Im not doing any hard driving, just a little spirited driving here and there and just want a set that looks good and that can handle some accidentally hit potholes

Thanks in advance!

Hey all! Im still relatively new on here and Im excited to get a little deeper into the community. Seems like its been awhile since anyone's posted on this thread though lol

Heres my Legacy Outback. Its my first car, and I love it! Ive got plans for coilovers and a better set of wheels in the future. It has some SG forester wheels (painted black) with snow tires on for this winter. 

18 hours ago, silverton said:

I believe they serve a purpose with directing light as well, but it's your stuff...try it.

Lol thanks man, maybe I will

Or maybe would it be ok to just cut/sand it down?

1 hour ago, silverton said:

I believe that's what they used to align the headlights via machine back in the day

Ohh ok. I guess that would make sense. They just look sorta ugly lol

Im thinking about getting the single piece headlights soon, do you (or anyone else) know if they have the same nubs?

Hey guys,

Wasnt sure where to post this, but whats with the little nubs on my headlights? Is it some aerodynamic gimmick? They stick out like a quarter inch or so, looks sorta weird.

Also, btw, I own a 1998 OBW, so its the 2 piece headlights. 

Hopefully this is a good enough pic to see what Im talking about

2 hours ago, KZJonny said:

Also, you can probably get a full cat back for the price of a set of new headers… and that will likely sounds nice if you choose well, or have something custom made.

For the heat shields, either put worm clamps around them and tighten them down a little till they are snug, or just remove them. Aside from the ones on the header, none are going to cause your car to melt if they aren’t there.

Even the header ones are kind of optional, but really shouldn’t be removed if at all possible.

Ok, Ill try the worm clamps out and see if I can fix it. 

Im not sure if Ive seen any exhaust options for my car. I know some wrx/impreza stuff might work with some custom welding or whatnot. Ill check again. I just dont want it to be too loud

2 hours ago, KZJonny said:

You may have a little more luck at nasioc.com as well... Lots of information on Imprezas over there, and maybe even which headers may be appropriate.

And I've had a couple of NA EJ25s as well, so I get it. Still pretty fun and torquey when paired with a manual trans. I have an auto right now for a winter car, and it's not the best....

But, what I meant was that the EL header you have is going to get you better performance by a tiny margin than the UEL. Better exhaust scavenging and less reversion with the synchronous exhaust pulses. No rumble tho.

Ahh yes, forgot about NASIOC. Ill post my question over there as well. 

And thats a bummer. The auto is 4 speed, right? I do have the 5 speed though and I enjoy it. Its taken quite a beating since its what I started learning manual on lol

Hmm, I might have to look at what the stock headers sound like with a decent muffler. I guess I just dont want it sounding like the typical grocery getter or like a fart can either.

And speaking of exhaust, do you (or anyone else) know of any heatshield fixes? Mine rattles like crazy and its all I hear around 2k-3.5k rpm

Yeah, I might do that. Thanks man!

And I see, Id love to do some power mods but since Ive only got the EJ25D making about 160hp, ima just leave it til it dies and enjoy it while its alive

2 minutes ago, Emjayex said:

Yeah, thats what I was thinking

I gues it is just getting it all to fit with the reat of the exhaust. Thanks!

 

And if I understand your question, (feel free to correct me if Im wrong) the 2nd gen Legacy and 1st gen Imprezas do have basically the same engine. The ej22 and ej25 depending on what trim level you got. 

Im just asking about Impreza UELs, cuz i want to get a little boxer rumble and I cant find stuff for 2nd gen leggys

Correction, I can only find stuff thats noted specifically for Imprezas. Nothing specifically noted to fit 95-99 Legacys

3 minutes ago, KZJonny said:

Done no reading on this at all, but legitimately curious. What is the proposed benefit of the Impreza headers? I am assuming it's the same engine in both cars?

Generally all EJ headers are going to fit the exhaust ports the same, so anything custom will just be getting them to mate with your midpipe etc....

Yeah, thats what I was thinking

I gues it is just getting it all to fit with the reat of the exhaust. Thanks!

And if I understand your question, (feel free to correct me if Im wrong) the 2nd gen Legacy and 1st gen Imprezas do have basically the same engine. The ej22 and ej25 depending on what trim level you got. 

Im just asking about Impreza UELs, cuz i want to get a little boxer rumble and I cant find stuff for 2nd gen leggys

Hey guys, 

I own a 98' Legacy OBW and I was wondering what options I might have for UEL headers. Based on what Ive researched, the impreza uel headers have a bend at the end of the headers that dont seem to line up with the stock legacy exhaust. 

One of the N/A impreza UELs I found...

https://caautoparts.com/products/hds-si97-25rs?currency=USD&variant=42277207539877&utm_medium=cpc&utm_source=google&utm_campaign=Google Shopping&stkn=afe895cfea0d&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQiAmNeqBhD4ARIsADsYfTczs104nk_gPvwn8Yt3oPSJSVp6N1HOXvQi5twUU_9PvauB66PpxskaArrBEALw_wcB

What modifications would i need (if at all) if i bought impreza headers?

Any tips are much appreciated

Hey everyone!

Im very much wanting to kill my wheel gap on my 1998 Legacy Outback. (I know its an outback and technically should probably be lifted)

So some info on the car, 162k miles. On stock shocks with sg forester wheels (current snow setup). I plan to get some decent wheels and tires after winter (will rock the ride height for the winter) and maybe lower my car somehow. I am only going to be dd the car with a side of backroads and occasional spirited driving. I do often have friends and family that will ride in the back so I cant go too low. What are the best ways I can lower my car on a budget? 

Ive been looking at some budget coilovers, 02-07 wrx shocks or 04 STI shocks. If I did rough math correctly, it should lower my car about 2-2 and a half inches. Other than that im not too sure what else I can do. Dont want to go lowering springs because Im not sure if its worth sacrificing my current shocks (in case I want to sell my car in the far future). And also my budget is pretty limited. Maybe 600 max. Nicest coilovers I might buy, and am very interested in is the FactionFab F-spec coilovers. For mods, I dont want to spend more than what Ive paid for it. Itll be a fun first car/budget build. Any tips?

And also, any cheap/cheaper mods you guys think are worth it? 

Thanks for takin the time to read this, many questions and I wanted to give as much info as I could

Hello all!

This would be my first post here. I just wanted to share my 1998 Subaru Legacy Outback. I picked it up in NC for 2k, and I drove it back up to MN, so like 95% rust free. Its a lovely 5-speed manual, 161k miles, and currently has my winter setup on right now. Which is some 205/60 on SG Forester wheels that were painted black. 

Looking to lower my car a tad and get a nice set of wheels for the summer soon.

Current mods/things I have done to it...

Buddy had a spare cone filter laying around so, I know Im probably going to get someone saying it doesnt do anything, but Ive got it on there anyways. It sounds cool

Painted grille black

Megaracer Blue shift knob

Changed out headgaskets, stage 1 clutch installed, timing kit, and all seals.

Boss audio single din

Some dress up bolts

And Subie wave sticker

...more to come in the spring/summer of 2024