sflint50 Posted December 22, 2003 Share Posted December 22, 2003 Hello all, I'm new here to the forums, and to Subarus...so go easy on the acronyms when replying to my posts until I get my bearings. lol Background: I recently aquired a 1997 OBS via salvage (very light front end damage). It is a brisbane blue pearl 5-speed manual with 118K miles. Clean, clean car. Believe it or not, the people kept all service records and even the original window sticker in the car:D I've kind of become a scooby nut since the 02 WRX came out...thought I wanted one of those til I drove an OBS. hehehe Now that I have my favorite body style, I'm kinda making a frankinscoob by adding in things from newer imprezas. So far I only have the 99.2.5 RS front bumper, which does WONDERS for the look of the OBS, but I have lots of other ideas as well. Sooooo, my question is where can I find an upgrade path for 97-01 OBS 2.2L motor? I did a search, but I was unable to decifer all the acronyms and motor codes, so forgive me if this is a repost. I'm just looking for better performance, ie a little more power. Also, can someone post a link to an OBS webring or site that deals with the improvement of this model? In addition, my scooby starts to smoke when sitting still (after heated to normal operating temp.) I looked underneath and have noticed an oil-like subtance all over the exahaust. I check my oil level a LOT and it hasn't budged. It does smell like burnt oil. Any ideas? Thanks in advance and sorry for the long post! Sheila Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DerFahrer Posted December 22, 2003 Share Posted December 22, 2003 Mods: you can try a K&N panel filter (leave the airbox there, EJ22's don't like ram-air filters too much), Scoobymods or MRT or Stromung exhaust, stuff like that. There isn't much in the way of cheap, bolt-on HP mods that will get you any more than 2-5hp... Exterior: give RS wheels a shot, or WRX ones might work too... Identify where the oily substance is coming from. You have two choices: engine or transmission. Could be oil pan gasket, or could be tranny axle seals... Tough to say without more specifics... Good luck! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sflint50 Posted December 22, 2003 Author Share Posted December 22, 2003 Thanks for the quick reply! What about this computer chip thing I keep seeing? As for the oil, I replaced the seal around the oil pan plug, but this smokin thing is still going on. I'll see if I can get it up on a rack somewhere get it cleaned up, drive it, put it back in the air and see where the little bugger is leaking from. I just wanted some specifics to look for...thanks! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
meep Posted December 22, 2003 Share Posted December 22, 2003 The oil is likely from the front crank seal. While you're in there, it's time for a new water pump, T-belt, and O-ring seal on the oil pump. Also check oil pump casing screws for tightness. Best low $ improvement is the "snorkusectomy" intake mod. The '97 intake flows pretty darn well, enough that many question the $250 for an aftermarket intake, especially when the snorkusectomy mod does just as well and doesn't harm low-rpm takeoff with bogging. Aftermarket headers have not really proven themselves yet, first borlas would crack, 2nd run did better but I don't know if the difference has been great. If you've got a couple hundred bucks in your pocket, I'd really look at cams first. I think there are a few folks that grind them now-- paeco automotive will grind anything if you don't find a ready-made soobee cam. Emily at CCR (she frequents this board) should know. The 2.2 is a bulletproof motor and will run wide open all day long. Target $40 per HP as your improvement measure. Mike Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1 Lucky Texan Posted December 23, 2003 Share Posted December 23, 2003 Well hello again Sheila - welcome to the BEST sube forum around! To the list of possible culprits for the oil smell - I've read of split CV boots throwing grease onto the exhaust. BTW - got a way to post a picture of the bumper upgrade? Did it disable the airbag system? Man! I'm envious! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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