edrach

The last time I used one, I rented it from a tool rental place. Not worth my while to actually own one. If you rent one, negotiate for a spare battery and make sure they actually fully charged the ones you get.

The earlier Subarus all used a Nissan/Datsun keyblank if you couldn't get a new one from the dealer. Looks like that's not the case with the newer models.

Go back to a dealer and have him run your VIN # and hope the original salesman entered the keycode in the computer. If not try to get a key blank from them. I have key blanks for my '97 Impreza, SOA # 57430AA130 and they come with that cute little LED light. If you're pressed (and it's the right number) I'll sell one for $15 (a little more than I paid) plus mailing.

The rims will fit fine. That size tire is scary; I mounted that rim with that size tires and was amazed how little clearance there was between the tire and the rear strut. They didn't rub, but I took them off to be safe.

http://stores.ebay.com/RAP-Whse This showed up recently in someone else's post. Steering racks rebuilt for Subaru (and other cars). My Impreza ('97) had the rack rebuilt when I found the dealer cost was over $600! Their rebuild is $254 with a $125 core charge returned to you once they receive your rebuildable core. Useful to know.

Wow! Great prices. I checked his store and found this for my Impreza:http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/RACK-PINION-1993-1997-SUBARRU-IMPREZA_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQ_trksidZp1742Q2em153Q2el1262QQcategoryZ33589QQihZ025QQitemZ380112970881 That was less than half the price of a new one from the dealer! And if I read the ad correctly, you get a core charge of $125 refunded when you return your old rack.

Now the oil pan gasket is much harder to do than the motor mounts IMHO. If the gasket isn't leaking don't bother until it is. The job is a tad messy and if you don't need it, leave it be.

Check your owner's manual. I believe it specifies GL-5 level for the gearoil. 75W90 is the preferred viscosity; getting the heavier gear oil will only make shifting more sluggish (been there done that). For a high mileage car like yours I would suggest Redline's 75W90NS gear oil; works great in reducing synchro grind on our '91 Legacy with over 260K on the car. I wouldn't suggest the NS in the rear diff; but 75W90 should be fine there.

VIN # can be found on the driver's side of the dash near the windshield or on a plate along the driver's side door pillar. Also check the title; model should be listed there. Also, the DL version only had a single range tranny as opposed to a dual range (hi/lo) for the GL model. I really don't know what came with an automatic. The GL logo is available on ebay and could have easily been changed. Automatic tranny might also denote it's a turbo engine since the turbo brat only came with an automatic tranny. Look for rust under the body where the muffler exits. If the exhaust is compromised, exhaust gases mix with the moisture in the air and form acid which rusts out that area. Not structurely significant but a pain to fix. Regardless of whether this is a DL or GL, if the body is rust free $1000 is a good price. Engine, transmission, suspension, and such can all be replaced with parts from an early wagon which can be found all the time in wrecking yards. This sounds like a fine project car if you are inclined to spend the time on it.

Try OEM (I use Jason in parts at Mike Scarf Subaru 866-528-5282). I bought two kits for our Impreza recently (one was seals and the other bellows if I remember correctly). Not quite as cheap as ebay, but I only had to wait a few days to get them.

From Travis's website: http://shutterdriven.com/gallery/main.php?g2_itemId=14376&g2_navId=x1172b9fa

+! on Smart Service, but for Tacoma area Pacific Import Auto works for me.

Post it in the USRM too. Good job!

Coming as soon as Travis posts a link.

Second event of the season on April 5th. www.oregonrally.com For those weather-watchers among us: http://www.wunderground.com/cgi-bin/findweather/getForecast?query=Hillsboro,%20OR&wuSelect=WEATHER A Primitive Racing Rally School on the same weekend. Fun for all! http://www.writerguy.com/primitive/

You'll have another opportunity on April 5th which is the next scheduled RallyX from ORG.

Leaving for Oregon shortly.

If Fuji Industries is happy with the smaller filter on their WRX and STi models, I'm content to use it on my '97 Impreza.

Due to the difficulty of finding hard data on sales of the Brats for my fight with the insurance company, I started keeping hard copy evidence of every sale for all the gen2 Brats that I could find. Ebay stuff is nice since it shows a final price, but craigslist and other sources always show the asking price and I never know if it really sold for that price or what price it actually sold for. If you sell a Brat (or know somewhat who did) could you please send me an email with year, VIN#, miles, general condition, actual selling price, location (state or province is enough unless you want to add the city), and the date of sale. Add a link to ebay, craigslist or other on-line selling agency if you think it will help the database, send it to me at edrach at spamcop dot net. I would make it available to USMB members who are having a similar time convincing an insurance company of what the "real" value of their Brat is. Thanks. If someone wants to start a database for other models, feel free, I'm limiting myself to gen2 brats only. Perhaps this could be stickied.

I feel your pain. I grew up in NJ (Irvington, Union, Rockaway) and learned to love the state when I took up rallying. I moved here in 1988 via a small detour in Delaware. Outside of moving away from friends I had known for 25+ years, I never regretted the move. I've made new friends, found a new interest (rallyX), and love having cars where the hazards of old age are engine or transmission failure and not rust. I wish you success in finding a decent shop "back home".

Cool, see you there.

That is a mighty fine Impreza wagon.

You might get your wish. Shows rain until Thursday and then it might clear up for the weekend.

Finally, a rallycross event. It's been a long winter. www.oregonrally.com For those weather-watchers among us: http://www.wunderground.com/cgi-bin/findweather/getForecast?query=Hillsboro,%20OR&wuSelect=WEATHER Results can be found at http://www.oregonrally.com/files/RX_3_22_2009.pdf I should have run M4! Congrats to eurowrx for winning the M4 class. Also to cfwdfw for taking 3rd in class in the morning and best time of day running Time Only in the afternoon.