thatswhatshesaid

Would any of the wiring for the foglights change? It doesn't seem that it would, but I've never cracked a GT bumper open to look.

Is there anyone that builds bumpers for EJ-series cars anymore? I have seen the (beautiful) work by John, or Mudrat, or whatever he's known as. But since he is not in good standing with many board members, I'd like to steer clear of his neck of the woods. So, does anyone do this? I'll put up my Outback (2000, base model) for a guinea pig if anyone wants to try!

I've noticed similar MPG numbers in my H4 '00 Outback. I think the biggest problem must be the right foot. I can squeeze out 2MPG more per tank if I go easy on the long and skinny pedal. These big, heavy cars take a lot of juice to accelerate. Take it easy on the go-pedal and the motor can ease into cruising speed without going all the way to redline before shofting. When you boot it at the green light, she'll spin way up into the 5 mile-per-gallon RPM range. But you already knew that. Here's another thought: Go easy on the short, fat pedal, too. The friendlier you are to the brakes, the more likely it is you'll be nice to the throttle, too. I try to make stop-and-go traffic more like slow-down-and-go traffic. The huge slash in fuel economy comes from moving the big, lumbering beast from a stop. So...try not to stop. I see huge fuel economy increases when I look very carefully at every stop light, figuring out which lane to get in to be ahead of the pack and watch the adjacent lights to hit the green precisely when it switches, so I only have to slow down, not stop... Oh, and kick all your kids and car-poolers out!

The title says it. I can't figure out how do unlatch the rear center seatbelt from the ceiling. Anyone?

That's interesting - I'd like to look into the shipping...

Sweet! Get it back on the trails! Also, if those roof racks are a burden, I'd love to take all the Yakima stuff you don't need!

I missed the build-up of this incredible rig. DANG!. I remember reading the occaisional post by Subafreak regarding the impending unveiling of this car, but never saw a build thread. Was there one? How big are those dang tires?

I've been scheming about this for a while now. I was thinking about starting with my buddy's '92 Legacy that isn't being used and has a fair amount of body damage. The suspension would have to be SUPER strong - way stronger than any of us imagine. I've looked at the course over the last few years and it is heinous. It's gruesome. It's nasty. It's rocky, silty, sandy, dusty and rough. Huge jumps, rocky hill climbs and silt beds galore (they will stop a trophy truck in its tracks). I would love to see a Sube in the Baja, though. I dream of making the Leg do it. We should make a concerted effort, as a community, to get a Subaru through the ENTIRE Baja. Who knows how to build suspensions? A few of us have cars...we need to make it happen.

That wouldn't be such a bad idea. Do it.

The TTB would be plenty strong for EA or EJ power. You could conceivably run up to 35s or maybe bigger with that kind of low range. But what about the rear axle? The Fords with TTB fronts had solid rear axles. It would not work in the rear. The gears would spin the wrong way. I'm not trying to discourage you, but a well-built 'Yota axle setup would be MUCH stronger (equivalent to D60) and yield a ton of flex and articulation with less hassle of camber issues and more reliability. The aftermarket is also very supportive in the Toyota department. Since the common thing with TTB is to drop it like a bad habit, the aftermarket segment tends to shy away a bit more than with, say, Dana solid units or Toyota equipment. If your heart desireth it, though...I say go for it. It will certainly be a unique rig. And with 35-37" meats, you could produce killer ground clearance.

Thanks, guys. Now I need to hunt down some wheels!

So 15s will work with no modifications? Or do I need the smaller brackets?

It's a Legacy Outback. Porcupine73, I'm not sure I follow. Smaller brakes? New rotors? That's kind of what I'm trying to avoid here. Can you explain it differently please? Sorry I'm such a dunce, I just can't quite wrap my mind around your explanation. Thanks. scoobyclimbs, got any input here?

Sweet! That's one of the coolest Imps I've ever seen. How does she wheel?

I want to get 15s on my Outback so I can slap on some Swampers, but apparently I can't because of my front brakes! Darn! Has anyone done this? I think I read somewhere that "scoobyclimbs" did it, but I can't seem to find the thread. Any input is greatly appreciated. I have the 4 cyl. base Outback, so not the big brakes. Thanks, - Tyler

Yeah, it's attached. I don't think it is on your car, but it is on mine.

I can't even find it on Google Image Search...I'll keep looking.

How about a bumper for my '00 Outback? One that will cradle a winch and hold some auxiliary lights? Do you do EJ-car stuff? I have a million ideas for my Outback, but no welding skills to speak of, and no time. Shoot me a PM if you would like to use my car as a guinea pig.

I was thinking...since the grille is attached to the bumper on these cars, maybe someone could fab up a light bar that "grabs" through the grille and behind it. It would be much simpler than the Impreza bars, since the grille is separate from the hoods on those cars. Does anyone want to draw up something like that? I have no idea how.

No way. There's almost half a centimeter difference. But I would be interested in seeing if EA-car owners could re-4-lug their cars for WRC wheels. Maybe that's the next step in EA evolution. No more 5-lug...just WRC 4-lug patterns! Anyone want to slap them hubs on their car and write up the process for everyone else?

I was thinking...since the grille is attached to the bumper on these cars, maybe someone could fab up a light bar that "grabs" through the grille and behind it. It would be much simpler than the Impreza bars, since the grille is separate from the hoods on those cars. Does anyone want to draw up something like that? I have no idea how.

I can't find it! What the heck? Quit teasing me!

You must go out and drive them. Drive an Outback. Drive an H6 Outback. Drive a Forester. Take someone with you. Sit in the seats. You will always wonder if you made the wrong decision if you don't check ot both options. I test drove about 5 Outbacks and 3 Foresters before I decided... Here's what I have observed: - The Outback is bigger. It's wider, heavier, longer and comfier. I carry more stuff and people than I could with a Forester (4-person road trips to the ski mountain weren't feasible). - The Forester handles much better. I narrowed it down to a 2001 Forester and my 2000 Outback. The Forester felt like an Formula One car in the twisties compared to my big, lumbering Outback. It was tighter and quicker. - The Forester is louder at highway speeds. - The Forester has much fancier amenities for the same amount of money. - The Outback feels better in snow (I don't know why). The cars had similar cheap tires. - The Forester seems to have a bunch of headroom, even more than the Outback. I think the seats are lower. I chose the Outback. I like it, but I had a tough time deciding.

Yo, nipper - how did you mount those? Did you drill holes in the bumper? Sweet setup, andyjo! I likey! I'm mounting some to my Yakima cargo basket, but your wiring is GENIUS! I still want more, though. On the bumper, the hood, and anywhere else I can fit 'em. Thanks, dudes! Let the other ideas roll! I WANT MOOOOOOOORE!

Thanks for the link. I'm eagerly searching for someone who has upgraded/added lights, but nothing yet. I'm checking out the Outback forums at several locations.