what to use when upgrading my engine?

[andrewinma]

I own a 1999 Subaru Legacy Outback, all the details of the car on this website (http://www.cars101.com/outback_archive98-99.html). It is my first car and a perfecting winter car for my frequent skiing trips. Automatic, heated everything, AWD, perfect. But if im trying to pull out onto a street in a hurry, the car really lacks the "umph" from the starting line. I was wondering what i could do to improve the amount of power delivered, at those low RPMs, to give my car better acceleration.

The car has 130,000 miles on it and my question is should I even be upgrading my car, even though it is a bit older? Also, what parts should i be buying and within a reasonable level. I'm still in school so i don't have the money to go all out and buy an Imperza STI. Thanks a ton for your time!

[Osei]

there's nothing you can do.

enjoy it for what it is, reliable transportation.

 

O.

[HarryN]

there's nothing you can do.

enjoy it for what it is, reliable transportation.

 

O.

 

+1.

 

You're still in school so save your money for school. When you graduate and land a decent job, then you can think about whether or not you want to keep your car or get an STI (preferably a 06 or 07).

[__raj]

IMHO don't bother especially if funds not available and in school.

 

The 2.5L especially worn one cannot have much performed to it to increase power in an appreciable amount. Enjoy your reliable comfy ride and school(it is a blast).

[BAC5.2]

Cobb told me the same thing when I had a 95 Legacy. They just told me to get an Impreza.

 

There ARE things you can do to help improve performance, but you have to understand what you are getting into and that the return on the investment will be almost nill.

 

"Normal" upgrades apply. A better flowing exhaust will help the engine move air. Similarly, a high-flow panel filter will reduce pumping loses and allow the engine to more easily move air. The money you spend per horsepower gained will demoralize you though.

 

You can go wild, and do an engine swap. If you have the know-how, and have the friends and tools, it's not terribly difficult and it's not terribly expensive (~$5000).

 

You could also keep looking around and try to find a used 02 WRX Wagon that you could pick up for cheap. It'd have about the same miles as your current car, but obviously be a little faster and a little smaller.

 

Lots of options, but the best is to probably leave it as is. If you want it to be reliable, keep it stock.

[ehsnils]

"upgrades" in the form of good maintenance is likely to be the best option. A thorough check of all items and cleaning of many parts, especially the injectors can give some good results.

 

At worst you may get a better MPG.

[Max Capacity]

"upgrades" in the form of good maintenance is likely to be the best option.

 

 

That's what I was thinking while reading this. Do you you need to in the Fall to make sure it run's trouble free all Winter. You don't want it breaking down on the drive in the cold season.

 

OP where do you ski ? I work at Okemo.

[andrewinma]

That's what I was thinking while reading this. Do you you need to in the Fall to make sure it run's trouble free all Winter. You don't want it breaking down on the drive in the cold season.

 

OP where do you ski ? I work at Okemo.

 

hahaha small world, i pass by there on 89 as I make my way up to Sugarbush. Its a 5 hour drive from Cape Cod but it is completely worth it. I've been buying season passes for years.

 

Yeah, I think the smart move will be just keeping the car running well. I'm already pretty meticulous about that hahaha. I'll wait till I have the resources to go all out, but thanks for the tips on what to buy! I see the new STIs driving around and they look pretty sleek, but buying used will certainly be the way to go.