rweddy

And pretty damm funny

Probably blown Head Gasket. 2.5 motors have some HG issues. These are all over the place, some go for 200k with no issue, some blow at 40k. It has a lot to with maintenance, climate, luck, etc. They redesigned them in 00 but these to can have issues. My father-in-laws 02 just blew and he has only 36k.

The Odyssey is the best mini van on the market by far. We have an 03 with over 50,000 and never had a single issue with it. There are no issues with them or any trouble areas. The only area is they really need snow tires, with the all season tires they are terrible in the snow. I put a set of studded snows on ours and now it does just as good as my outback in the snow and better in the ice. But I got a set of Blizzacks for my outback this year so I really want some snow!! Sorry to hear you have to leave but there is no comparison to mini vans when you have little ones.

I agree with Josh, rare but esp. with Auto not worth 5k. I would think 3500 or 4k tops.

96-99 Legacy DOHC 00-Up Legacy SOHC I believe you can find a few late build 99 with SOHC but this is very rare.

Yes.

Welcome to the board.

All I know is for the nominal performance gains is it worth the possible risk? Even if it is true or not true for the very little performance gains I would not risk one in my car. I have heard many very experienced mechanics say they would never use them in their cars so I would rather spend my $$ on proven technology.

I would not use them, not worth the risk imo. Test

Reliability wise there is no difference between legacy,outback, forester, etc. If you can afford it get 2000 up with the 2nd generation 2.5 motor. Manuals tend to be more reliable than auto in the long run, but the newer autos are built very well.

Well stated Bulwnkl!! This is totally true and this is why I do not run Redline MT-90 in my Subaru’s (great for my other cars with manuals though) I run 75W90NS. I had over 50k on my 91 and over 30k on my 96. This is my question and answer from Redline. I am trying to figure out what type fluid I should run in my vehicle manual transmissions. I have used your MT-90 in multiple vehicles with great success. My question revolves around running a GL4 transmission fluid in a Subaru where the transmission and front differential share the fluid. The factory recommends using GL5 fluid but I have run GL4 in most all my manual box and the difference between running GL5 and GL4 is night and day, with the GL4 working sooo much better. What type of fluid would you recommend I run in a Subaru with shared transmission and front differential? Thanks Richard, In your Subaru transaxle where the GL-5 gear lube is called for I would recommend the 75W90NS, I would expect the shiftability to be close to the MT-90. The NS fluids have no friction modifier so are not to slippery for the synchros the problem with most GL-5 gear oils. The 75W90 would be suitable for the rear differential. Regards, Dave Red Line Oil

Yep, look for a 99 with low mileage or go for a lift now!

No worries at all Redline is at dealers Castrol at Dodge/Chrysler dealerships, beware it is 4 time more expensive than redline here in the states.

I did say to use synthetic just not gl5 synthetic like Mobil One in the tranny. Redline MT-90 and Castrol TAF-X/"Syntorq" are GL4 type syntheic oils. These are the best to use in a Subaru where the tranny and front diff share the same fluid.

1. Do not use use synthetic GL5 in your tranny, this is fine for rear end but not for the synchors in your tranny. For your tranny use Redline MT-90 or Castrol TAF-X or "Syntorq" 2. See above 3. You will not need this, funnels for Autos. Manuals have fill holes on the transmision. Have fun and try not to get too messy!!

Giving up on Saab huh? I totally agree with Commuter, there are some HG issues with 2.5 but not as bad as you would think from this board. Check the usuall like he said, do tight turns in a parking lot and look for any grabbing. You will love these cars, once you get bitten by them, I am on number 10. They go forever,parts and service is cheap, and they are great in bad weather. As far as price goes that is totally by region, that is a good price for Colorado but I do not know about CA.

Do not use Mobil1 or any other GL5 synthetic lubricant in your tranny!!These are too slick for the gears/ syncros and this is why they work poorly and you get grinding!!! Check out http://www.ultimatesubaru.org/forum/showthread.php?t=15000 They only lubes I would ever use are Redline MT-90 or Castrol TAF-X or "Syntorq"

I hate when people tell me this also, it is not worth the added debris they allow into the engine even if you did get 10hp.

Welcome to the list. So the car starts fine when you shake the gear shifter? If so this sounds like a neutral switch issue. I would unplug all the connections and treat them with dielectric grease, this should fix your issues.

The 2.5 motor 95-99 can have HG issues. I would have the car checked out by a good subaru tech. If you are looking for a bullet proof then get a 90-96 Legacy with 2.2 motor.

I would just change them as they go out.

I am not sure if a EOM filter is better than others, but I stay away from consumer grade Fram types myself.

I would stick with OEM parts especially for these pieces considering you have so much labor involved in the r&r. I would also change the timing belts if you are doing all the rest. Also tighten up the oil pump and locktight the screws.

I agree totally, change your AT Fluid for sure. This cheap insurance.

Another way to pass is to have your tank at about 1/4 full and put 3-4 cans of heet into your tank. You will pass with flying colors.