dxrflyboy

Unfortunately, the USDM Impreza only weighs about 400 lbs. less than the Legacy and is less aerodynamic, giving it a highway mileage rating that is, at best, the same as a Legacy. Granted, with a few luxury options stripped out of it, the car may weigh less elsewhere, but I think the Impreza's aging platform is due for a more compact, economical redesign.

The piston crowns will be different between the two engines. I also doubt that the EJ18 combustion chambers are small enough to add adequate compression for NA use. But the only way to know for sure is to measure the cc's of the chambers and piston dishes for both engines.

Hmmm.....Subaru calls it an EL15, but it sure looks like an EJ. That has my curiosity up. I wonder what's different about it. If the block dimensions are the same and parts are interchangeable with an EJ (I'm not saying they are, just speculating here), then maybe Subaru is getting creative with engine designations. In any case, I now want to know more about this engine.

One of my biggest concerns is the integrity of the transmission. Punks are trashing their 5-speeds by dumping the clutch in their EJ20T WRXs. Add the torque of the EJ25T to it and the strength of the trans. becomes even more questionable. I would not want to boost the output of the engine to STI specs without adding the 6-speed STI trans. behind it. The 6-speed is said to handle twice the horsepower of the 5-speed and it should - it's a monster! That said, the Legacy GT is more my style, and the Spec. B comes with the 6-speed for '07. That would be MY choice.

Could you post some pics please?

Wix (Napa, Carquest) & Purolator (Motorcraft + other lookalike brands) = GOOD Champ (STP, AC, + other lookalike brands) = CHEAP FRAM (Pennzoil + other lookalike brands) = NOT CHEAP & NO GOOD Recommended filters = ABF (Anything But Fram)

There are some minor differences between the 06 and 07 models, but mostly with option packages, cup holders in doors, etc. An audio system is available in 07 that allows you to plug an iPod into it.

For the record, head gasket leaks are still occurring as late as the 2004 model year. I haven't seen any '05s apart yet (at least not for HG leaks or slap)...

It will say EJ18 or EJ22 on top of the engine, just behind the crankshaft hub on the RH block half.

Water will condense on cool engine parts from time to time. EJs will frequently have water droplets under the oil cap. Mix a few oil drops in with it and you have white goo. It's nothing to worry about unless there are other symptoms.

The internal sleeve of the control arm bushings are bolted tightly to the chassis. The outer sleeve swivels with the arm. The rubber in between the sleeves flexes to allow movement. The bushing bolts should be tightened with the suspension loaded in the "at rest" ride height to minimize stress on the rubber. Tire wear on the inner edge is caused by either negative camber, toe out, or a combination of the two. Toe is the most critical tire wear angle, and if the inner edge wear is the same on both tires, toe out is the most likely problem.

If it's pulling hard to the LEFT, your problem might be in the RIGHT brake. Did the rotor separate from the hub? If it did, the caliper will squeeze the pads against a stationary rotor, making the pedal feel normal, but with no braking on the RH side, the car will pull hard to the left. You may not even be able to see the problem without taking everything apart, unless part of the rotor is gone.

A BOV is a performance enhancer that prevents backpressure between the turbo and throttle body from slowing the turbo down, which creates excessive lag. The blowoff valve is a simple, quick, cheap, dirty alternative to a bypass valve, which recirculates the pressurized air back to the turbo inlet. I often see WRXs with the BPVs removed and replaced with BOVs. Aside from making a whoosh noise when you shift, all this does is waste the air that the turbo just pressurized by dumping it and create more lag.

Appropriate, since it's a RHD model. Look at the wipers. You can also see the RH steering wheel inside the sedan on the lower right, as well as the Leone plate on the front.

Most 2005 Outbacks had 16" wheels. Exceptions would be XTs, Limiteds, LL Bean, and H6s. I'm not aware of all the brake hardware differences between them. All 2006 Outbacks had 17" wheels, but a more basic version of the Outback is available for '07 with the Forester 16" steel wheels. In all likelihood, the 16s will bolt onto your car with no problem, but you should try a 16 on the front and back to be sure before you buy a set.