[AutoXCivic]

So after my car was stolen and I got my insurance check ... I set about looking for a new set of wheels. The garage I go to is really liking Subarus so they talked me into going that route. I had initially planned on finding myself a decent GC impreza, but the universe had other plans (as it often does).

Picked it up yesterday. I'll get some more pictures when I get home (had to do it as an attachment, work interwebs won't allow me to photobucket).

2005 Legacy GT Limited (I even managed to find one with a five speed)

It's got higher mileage and the associated quirks (blown strut, some severe bushing wear) but nothing that wasn't going to (realistically) be replaced anyway. There's some small cosmetic issues, like some paint flaking off of the front bumper, but nothing glaring that would turn me away.

Not going to go quite as all out as I was going with the Civic, a few tasteful updates to increase the fun factor, but definitely not going quite as race car.

Definitely can feel the fact that it's much heavier, but still poised and nimble. So far I'm loving it. Going to leave it mostly alone and just do maintenance to get it up to snuff and keep it reliable.

 

[Fast_Eddie]

Awesome car! I've got a 2.5i swp one myself. Is it still on the stock tune and up pipe? If so have you considered getting a catless one and a tune?

 

[Sailor]

We have a GTB Estate on the fleet.
Great cars, but they can be sensitive to oil and filters. Keep these clean or you risk your bottom end. Timing's crucial, too. Detonation will be expensive!

 

[shoebox_civic]

I had an 05 LGT myself for 7 years - a few things to google/do:

-turbo feed banjo bolt screen
-oil pickup replacement
-catless up-pipe to preserve turbo

 

[snm95ls]

I had an 05 LGT myself for 7 years - a few things to google/do:

-turbo feed banjo bolt screen
-oil pickup replacement
-catless up-pipe to preserve turbo

This plus a few minor tweaks to the OEM tune will go a long way towards longevity.

IBringlandfailuregloomanddoom

Check your oil religiously.

Also, head on over to legacygt.com for some good info and a pretty good group of people.

Even though I don't have a Honda anymore, I still check in over here once in a while.

 

[AutoXCivic]

Came with a Catted downpipe and an up-pipe (with a small crack in it :/) Access Port and a tune is high on the next things to get list.

Getting all fluids flushed and changed on Friday.

Also as a side note: holy hell so that's what torque is!!!

 

[shoebox_civic]

This plus a few minor tweaks to the OEM tune will go a long way towards longevity.

IBringlandfailuregloomanddoom

Check your oil religiously.

Also, head on over to legacygt.com for some good info and a pretty good group of people.

Even though I don't have a Honda anymore, I still check in over here once in a while.

I wasn't a huge fan of the crowd there circa 06-07, but who knows, probably different people now

 

[BeerDrinkin]

Nice whip

 

[mattliston]

based on what ive learned working on them, subbies need some love at first.



do valvecover gaskets, timing belt, water pump, plugs, fresh exhaust gaskets, new radiator, and expect the belt tensioner bolts and brackets to snap if the slightest bit rusty.


One big payment towards overall maintenance, but the bastard will run another 100k miles with zero problems guarenteed

 

[AutoXCivic]

Yeah it's about 20K from needing a "reseal" which is that whole deal. I'm going to save up the cash and get it done sooner rather than later. This particular beast needs to have the engine pulled for the job so it's a bit expensive.

Actually came with a new radiator too.

We'll see what the tax return brings in and discuss it with the wife.

 

[mattliston]

Ive found in general they are pretty darn tough. I think you will enjoy it quite a bit.

 

[AutoXCivic]

I've done a lot of reading today and I've come to several conclusions:
1) I don't need to do a 6-speed swap ... cool as that might be
2) The whine from the transmission in 1st - 3rd is normal.
3) I may want to source another 5 speed, just to make sure I have one that's in really good condition. I'll have to drop it for a new clutch and front LSD anyway, this would reduce down time.
4) Subarus are expensive.
5) This is going to be fun.

 

[mattliston]

the 5 speeds are very strong boxes.

yes, subarus are expensive. do not falter and attempt any of the cheap aftermarkets.

dont forget though. subaruas have a massive oem interchangability as well. you have a HUGE parts library to build it to your wants and needs. remember that!!

 

[AutoXCivic]

I learned my lesson about cheap parts with my Honda ... not going the same route here (as that would be a much more expensive lesson). Respected name brand or OEM parts are the only thing going on this car.

I've got some of the parts list already sorted out. Doing massive amounts of research for the rest of the bits.

 

[BLK92_D16]

Congrats! I almost went with a LGT SpecB a while back; but decided on my Lexus IS350 instead.

 

[Sailor]

This particular beast needs to have the engine pulled for the job so it's a bit expensive.

Sometimes it feels like every job on the darned things needs the engine out!

 

[AutoXCivic]

Sometimes it feels like every job on the darned things needs the engine out!

After looking under the hood ... I'm inclined to agree. Sheesh.

 

[BeerDrinkin]

Are you going to get more pics of this pig or what?

 

[robgoof]

Are you going to get more pics of this pig or what?

:willy_nilly:

 

[AutoXCivic]

I'll take some snaps with the good camera this weekend. Jeez you guys are ruthless.