TomahawkLabs

I tell my wife the same thing. I drive Subaru's because I cannot afford an Audi or Porsche. I see the Cayman as BRZ without compromise (flat motor, RWD, pure sports car) and the most Audi sedans (with quattro) are seemingly fancy WRX/LGTs. I could totally see previous Subaru owners who have a little more money (or maybe less kids in the house) "upgrading" to an Audi or Porsche.

Thanks for the votes of confidence. I’ll look more into the steering rack myself. I have a jack, stands, ramps, and basic tools. I’ve been bitten by the “this will only take a few hours” only for it to run into problem after problem. My spouse’s first Subaru was a 2016 Outback 2.5. They wanted some extra clearance and ride height to see over the snow drifts in our neighborhood. Sure we can slap some strut spacers in real quick, but boy was I wrong. We eventually got it on but it was a few trips to the auto parts store and some help from some friends that saved the day. I’m a bit hesitant to touch any systems that require bleeding as I don’t have those tools and a lack of friends without newborns. I’ll have to see what the power steering system looks like to replace the rack. I appreciate the shout out to see what timing kit they are using. This shop is more than happy to install my aftermarket parts so getting a quality kit shouldn’t be an issue. I’m really excited to spend some time and money on it. I know once I put in these parts there is no going back. I’m doing my best to stay out of the engine bay. I’ve so far been good about not touching anything until I have to. This car was 100% stock with 89k (just shy of 93k now). Had a fight with a curb last winter and lost. Two wheels wouldn’t balance so it was time to upgrade. Now that we need a new steering rack, may as well go 2015+ STi. Since I’m already getting work done and my shifter is sloppy, may as well replace all those bushings. And if I’m replacing the shifter bushings I bet the bushings on my engine and trans are getting older, may as well upgrade to Group N. The goal is to keep the motor stock until it needs a rebuild. At that point I’ll put some money into go fast parts (DP, Intercooler, fuel) and a proper dyno tune.

My spouse already hates my car because it’s “old” and would much prefer I buy something newer with an auto and unfortunately I refuse to compromise on driving anything that doesn’t have a 6spd and a 2020 STi would require significantly more capital than fixing my Spec.B which I would rather drive anyway. I’d feel more comfortable taking it to a shop for things that can end in catastrophic failure. This like anything else is something one can learn, but I like the idea of using the excuse of timing belt, spark plugs, and a new power steering rack to also upgrade other parts of the drivetrain to enhance the driving experience. For the engine out, i was just going off what I’d seen other do. I do a lot of my own work. I’ve replaced my struts, change my oil, basic fluid upkeep, new pads and rotors. I am planning to replace the boots on my front axels and replace a wheel bear assembly. Nobody wants to rebuild the axels and new OEM ones were like $900. I try do as much as I feel comfortable with, but understand there are limits to my ability.

I recently took my 08 Spec.B to the dealer to get the passenger valve cover gasket replaced as I was leaking oil and during their inspection they found a few items that needed attention. I have a leaky steering rack, my timing belt is due (age not miles), spark plugs of an unknown date (maybe factory), rear passenger wheel bearing, and both front axel boots are leaky. I will be replacing the front axel boots and rear wheel bearing myself as those are easy enough with jackstands in the garage, but the steering rack, timing belt, and spark plugs can be done with someone with more tools and a lift. The steering rack is engine out (so it seems) and I figured "while you're in there) to upgrade some mounts and bushings. My car currently is bone stock in the engine (not even a tune). I have swapped the wheels for OZ Racing Hyper HLT 18x8 and swapped to STi springs on JDM Bilsteins. Because I need a new steering rack I'd rather upgrade to the 2015+ STi rack with a Whiteline Front Roll Center Correction Kit to dial in the alignment. I figure while the engine is out we can/should upgrade the trans/motor/pitch stop to the Group N mounts and throw in the Whiteline shifter bushing set to refresh the shifter and remove any slop. Added the STi Solid U-Joint because "while you're in there". I found a shop willing to do the work for a reasonable price. I can't help but think I may be missing something. I don't have much of a desire for the STi short throw shifter as I like the throw in the stock 6speed for my daily use. This is a daily driven midwest car and will never be a show car, but I am looking to make the driving experience top notch because I do drive it every day. Any suggestions welcome. STi Solid U-Joint: 34170VA030 STi Group N mounts : SKU D1010-KIT, D1010FE000, D1040FE000 Whiteline kits and bushings - Front Gearbox Linkage Selector, Selector, Crossmember pad, and Front Roll Center Correction Kit 2015+ STi Steering Rack - 34110VA121