keith05legacyGT

Congrats

Seen similar problems in the past on other cars/trucks, may be the case here (since all else seems to be failing). You said they checked the water pump and it was fine? How did they check it? Reason I ask is sometimes the blades loosen from the spline. So with the water pump out and no pressure on the blades everything seems to work fine, that is you turn the spline and the blades spin. As soon as there is any pressure on the system, the blades slip and do not move any water. So pull the pump, hold the blades and try to turn the spline, if they move independantly even the slightest bit replace the pump. This is really a pain to diagnose since if you pop the radiator cap and watch the fluid you will see it circulating once the thermostat opens, so you think the pump is fine. As soon as you replace cap, it stops. Had this happen on an old truck of mine (three shops and no one could find a problem) and a friends Chrysler. Another friend had the same problem on a Honda. Even a stethascope won't catch this a lot of times. It is a last ditch effort to check after replacing the thermostat again (after markets are notorious for not working for many makes---I have been through 4, yes 4 on one car before I got one that worked right) and making sure there is no air in the system. Good luck, but at least cooling systems are cheap and generally easy to work on.

Not as technically versed as some folks here but I will reply to maybe provoke more insite. Now these answers are based on my exp with my 2005 legacy GT limited. 1.) More brake surface normally equates to better braking with all other components being equal. That is true on any car. 2.) Not sure, may be intentional. 3.) They are sprung very differently and have different suspensions in addition to ride height. Also tire size/type makes a major difference in handling. 4.) According to Subaru, Yes And wrt to the shifter, get the short throw. Have one in mine and made all the difference in the world.

May be simplistic but something similar was happening on my 98 Outback Sport after the clutch was replaced. There is a spring that connects to the Clutch linkage where it passes through the firewall into the engine bay. It went from a bracket on the linkage to a mount point welded to the firewall I seem to recall. I reconnected the spring and the problem went away. May not be your problem but something easy to check.

You can always try Tirerack. They usually have Brembo replacements plus other options. I used to get them there for my 98 outback sport and never had a problem. Prices are pretty decent too. You can call them about exact fitment.

Thanks for posting the solution.

DAMN, now I have to go out and buy another '98 outback or outback sport. Forgot how good looking of a car they are. Congrats

Thanks Howard. Checked the site and the ones I used that I liked were the LeMans HR. Maybe you can get the same test drive I had and try them for yourself.

I haven't downloaded any of tech manuals yet so can't help you there. To be honest I didn't even know they were there until directed by the folks on this site I just know the limitations of the Haynes/Chiltons since I have tried to use them in the past. Great for generic repairs, but model specific they are lacking.

Have the Affinities on my MB and there are nice, but if you can get a set of LeMans (basically a firestone house brand) you will probably like them alot. Was looking for tires for my 98 Outback Sport to replace the OEMs and went to the dealer. He recommended I give them a try instead of higher end/higher priced Potenzas (can't remember which model though), and said if I didn't like them in 30 days bring them back. I took them and loved them. Were not only great in the dry and wet, but worked well in off-road rallies and in the snow (combo of hard pack/ice/powder). I found them to be a good all around tire. Only time I every felt them slip was power sliding in slush Interestingly enough though I never saw anything about them online at bridgestone.com, tirerack or anywhere else so I was a bit leary at first.

Had a '98 Outback sport and was able to find the manual you seek at both the local Advanced auto parts and Barnes. I would use the tech manuals linked though.

That is nice conversion. Any idea on cost?

Oh Mannnnn, I have heard about peoples cars getting hail damage but never anything like that. I agree, total the car and use it for off roading.

Eric, Check your email. Thanks.

When I was doing my test drives test drove the GT wagon with auto and 5 spd and the sedan with auto. They are totally different cars wrt the transmissions. The 5spd feels much quicker and gets on the power faster. The same compares to the wagon -vs- sedan. The wagon feels stable and sure footed. The sedan, well it is an overgrown gokart. I don't think you will wrong with either, I liked the 5 spd sedan the most. FYI-the short throw shifter is definitely the way to go though IMHO.

Finally a post I can add input too. Took both for a drive and ended up buying a Black on Black Legacy GT Limited Sedan 5-speed. Why? Same driving experience with more room and definitely a sleeper, especially since I opted out of a rear spoiler. I am kinda big (read "fat") at 6'2" 260 and the car is VERY comfortable to drive both short and long distance. Have had It a month now and have been totally impressed with it. Yes there is slightly more body roll (will be swapping out the springs and struts and thicker sway bars) than the WRX and the OEM tires need to go. The power is excellent and the car feels very quick. The 2.5 is infinitely tuneable (I am looking to go 300/300 this year). Even with the stock suspension it handles very well, but I do track my cars and like a "sportier" set up. The best part though---watching the ricer's jaws drop when the sedan blows 'em away. Very impressive car, especially for the money. And FYI, I traded in my E46 M3 on this car and get just as much spirited driving pleasure from it, as well as being a more practical daily driver. While I cannot realistically compare the two, I can honestly say I am totally enjoying this Subaru.

Thanks Setright. I can relate with the Mercedes way, since all the parts I need for my '74 are handled in that manner.

Hello all. New to boards, slightly new to Subarus. Previously had a '98 Outback Sport (loved it but killed it off-roading), and currently an '05 Legacy GT Limited (totally great car). The thing I am looking for though is a comprehensive list of model and engine codes for Subarus. I see these codes all over the boards but don't know what they all mean. I try to learn the history of marques I like, ie. know all the model and engine codes for BMW (e36, e46, etc.) but feel kinda ignorant about Subarus. Can someone help me out here? Thanks in advance