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New member with a new (to me) Subaru


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Hello Friends, 

 

So a couple of weeks ago i picked up a 1997 Legacy L Wagon from one of my customers. I'm a mechanic at a Liberty Service station in Northern Virginia. A bad idler pulley cause it to throw the timing belt, and they didn't want to put that much money into a car with almost a quarter million miles on it, so we made a deal, and the car is mine. Luckily the 2.2L isnt an interference engine, so i was able to get it running with little effort. It was a one-owner car before i bought it, super clean, and VERY well maintained so even with 230,000 miles it still pulls strong. 

 

I'd like to do what i can to make it unique, and a little more functional for my needs, so i need your help. i need you guys to point me to the right threads on here for tips and tricks. here goes:

 

>the rear end in sagging a bit. I know i can just replace the struts and springs out back, but being as this is the "L" model, the whole thing sits a bit lower than im used to, having mostly driven trucks and SUVs in the past. if i wanted to get a little more height, maybe just an inch, tho inches max, should i go with strut spacers, or the struts/springs from an outback or forester. i just want a little more ground clearance for driving up hunting trails and fire roads in SW Virginia, i'm not trying to tackle the Rubicon. 

 

>are there any issues taking the wheels from a newer model and putting them on my car? i want to upgrade from the 14" wheels i have, but i want to make sure i don't get wheels that wont clear the calipers. 

 

>finally, can anyone recommend a HID or LED headlamp kit? i drive down dark roads alot, and any extra lumens are greatly appreciated. i have already restored the lenses on the headlamps, and properly aimed them, but i could still use some more brightness. 

 

Thanks, and anyone who needs mechanical advice on subarus or anything, really, let me know. 

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Welcome to the USMB!  Sounds like you happened on to a great deal with the wagon.

 

Just to clarify, if your '97 has its original motor it is interference.  '96 was the last year for the non-interference 2.2l.

 

You can put larger wheels on the car--15" for sure--just make sure they have the 5 X 100 lug pattern and proper offset.

 

There's tons of great Subie info on here--try the "search" function (use advanced search so you can limit your results to the New Generation forum)--it's a goldmine!

 

Good luck.

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Welcome!  Tons of good info here.  I learn something new every time I look at a thread!

 

15" Subaru rims (and others, I'm sure) will clear your calipers no problem.  My '95 L came with 15" OEM alloys and had the single piston brake calipers but I replaced them (front) with the dual piston calipers (and larger rotors) that are on Outbacks (e.g. a '96 Outback) that will only fit 15" rims.

 

To get some more height, there are tons of threads about lifting.  Easiest option is to swap in Outback struts/springs.  Direct bolt on for  your '97 if you use Outback parts from '96-'99 (or Forester-see years in threads-->).  Check out these threads here here and here.

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