rweddy

That is it! Thanks!

Good point, I do this to check the cv joints also. Was there any other changes between years 97-99? Any change in brake size, tranny, etc?

Does anyone have a copy of the volvo vs outback up a snow covered hill video? The outback smoked it up the hill. If you spend any time reading the Volvo boards you will see how well the Haldex system performs. Most will tell you to stay away unless you are under warranty. Volvo’s were are nice cars until you need to drop 6k for a new tranny or the dreaded $1500 drive by wire throttle goes out. Pound for pound there is still no caparison for Subaru’s in the AWD wagon market.

I only own manuals so won't have that issue. Thanks!

Thanks. I was going to look at a 2nd generation with the Phase II motors but they seem to have HG issues also and I don't care for the looks of them as much. After talking to a few shops and reading here it seams that once they are fixed with the new designed HG that they are good for life. Is this true? -R

Ok I am a getting ready to upgrade to a newer Subaru. I currently own a 91 LS wagon, this is Subaru number 11. The newest I have owned is a 96 Legacy Outback 2.2, this had a early death because of airbags issues. Anyway I am looking to upgrade to newer 97-99 outback with the 2.5. From the board, talking to my shop, etc. seems like HG issues abound. So I am looking to get one and had a few questions. What can I expect to pay for getting the HG fixed? Or can I swap in a phase II 2.5 motor as a direct and easy swap? I have been looking around and hope I can find one that has been fixed or that is blown and selling for cheap.

Your car has issues, my 91 with 160k warms up in less than 5 minutes.

So I am looking to upgrade back into a 1st generation outback. I found a nice 97 with leather but no cold weather package. How hard is it to add on heated mirrors and seats? Is the wiring all there and I would just need to get the mirrors to plug in? Also my old 96 OBW heated mirrors were not break away are they on later years?

So when did they finally fix this? My fathers obw wagon blew them at 34k.

I run these on all my roos, great tires in all conditions.

Actually 96-99 Legacies have an issue with their airbag sensors. I have a current lawsuit with my insurance company against Subaru for an airbag issue. After talking with State Farm special investigator they say they have issue with these years going off when they are not supposed to and not going off when needed. My 96 outback bags deployed when I hit a car in going less than 2mpg, both bags deployed and totaled the car with no other damage to the front end at all. I will see if I can find the page on NHTSA that talks about these issues. This is why I went back to a first generation, no bags to deal with.

You should not use MT90 in a subaru manual tranny. The diff and tranny share the fluid and MT90 is not a good choice for the diff. Use 75W90NS > >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

I would go for the 94, 114 on a 2.2 is nothing. This car will go forever. With a phase I 2.5 you never now when the HG might go and this is a $1500 repair.

Cool I will buy this and convert it to wmv. I will email this to whoever wants it.

I would love to see that video!

You can get synpower us version at Dodge Dealerships, used in 2500 trucks, but it is around $20 per quart.

Great, they only make one type or Guardex so I bet they are the same. I guess you don't need snow tires in TX

Get Redline 75W90NS or just run dyno oil. Check out this thread.

90 autos got abs, in 91 manuals did. Someone swapped out a handle. Is it the drivers door by chance? LS handles are painted to match the car while L are chrome.

Good eye, I did not catch that in the picture.

Purolator used to make them for Subaru, until Subaru had major issues with them and went back to the black Japan built filters. These Japan built are far superior to any Purolator, mobile one, fram, etc. Check this out before you buy any aftermarket.

From the pictures it looks like you have a rear hatch off an LS but the interior pictures of the car it looks to be a base or and L. Main thing you are missing is the velour interior!! Quick way to tell is does the car have a sunroof? If not then it is not a LS. Here are a few other standard items on the LS model: Power sunroof, tilt-up or retract, with cover Power Antenna Anti-lock brakes Alloy Wheels Illuminated vanity mirrors Illuminated door lights Height Adj. and self-leveling air suspension (Auto Only) Leather steering wheel, parking brake handle and shifter Variable delay wipers Rear seat headrests I also know 5 spd ls wagons are very hard to find, I am on my second and has taken years to find both of them.

Anyone run these tires? I picked up a set of 4 lightly used on Craig's list for $150 w/ wheels and hub caps. I found a web site that ranked these highly but wondering if anyone had any real world experience? Overall Ratings Snow/ice performance 1 Yokohama Guardex 600 2 Dunlop Graspic HS-1 3 Michelin XM+S Alpin 4 Bridgestone Blizzak WS-15 5 Firestone Winterfire 6 Pirelli Winter Ice Asimmetrico 7 Cooper Weather-Master XGR 8 Firestone Firehawk Touring LH

Has any on on the list converted a turbo wagon to a 5spd? Cost estimates? I am looking at one I found on ebay and wondering what the cost would be to convert it to a 5spd? Worth the $$ and trouble?

Great, that was what I was thinking also but wanted to get others thoughts.