mystro

Good stuff gang,that's what was needed. I have learned the muffler does restrict and it's an easy fix and hopefully will not add to much noise,was also advised not the change the exhaust pipe diameter from there to the engine..leave it stock sized. Not sure how much improvement this will make I'm still looking for that miracle micro-chip though ;=)

I'm listening..go for it?

Great pic,I was hoping it was a GT or L :=)

Excellent point hence the need to skid plates for the differentials which Subaru sells or just build a set and bolt on..the L and GT are low riders.

I've read the best results in japan was to leave inplace the stock exhast pipe back to the muffler since the engine seems to prefer that size (not larger) but then replace the muffler on back with a straight thru 2 or 3" internal pipe type muffler..results in only a slight increase in noise but a notable kick up in power with this simple mod plus no loss in torque.

Hmmmm,I guess USA 2.5L owners don't mod the engines..oh well.

Those are also known as the Viking Snowtech from Continetal..ConsumersRe ranked them as best dedicated snow tire in their testing but they also pointed out that a purebred snow tire (Q rated) will wear out very fast in dry road conditions as will all other *snow* type Q rated traction tires but they perform very well in snow naturally.

There are some excellent bulbs such as the Sylvania bulbs that will improve your lighting substantialy but whatever you do..don't put those dorky phony blue tinted bulbs in,not only do they downgrade your lighting but also your image.

Hmmm..I think the microchip for the 2.5 was made in Australia

Oops..Including Bluetooth :=)

I'm not possitve but I think the 05/06 dash is very close to the same..atleast I kept wondering why they didn't include the nav in the 05 becuase it sure looked like it was designed for one. For the $$ tho,a good aftermarket would be a better value. I saw a Hp or Treo PDA recently that had Tom-Tom nav and voice directions..it was mounted on a Goldwing,the screen was a TGT(?) and looked crystal sharp,did everything.

Used to be some info on hopping-up the 2.5L legacy L around..I think it delt mostly with breathing improvements and possibly a micro-chip upgrade..anyone have some links or advise?

The Legacy GT (naturally) *and* the Legacy L (2.5L) are faster (cornering and straight line) vs legacy outbacks mainly because of their lower stance to the ground in the case of the L..atleast that's what we found at some club racing at shelton,wa.

I purchased the Dunlop Winter Sport M3 from Tirerack..naturally they were on sale. :-) The decision was easier when reading the reviews and user reports on the *Winter Performance* tire group and especially this tire. http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires.jsp?tireMake=Dunlop&tireModel=Winter+Sport+M3 Tirerack currently is offering a $50 rebate or 50 songs(Sony) download on most Dunlop tires.

Your conditions are similar to mine except we don't *usually* get deep snow mostly flurries and a couple of inches,it was this scenario that caused me to reconsider getting the blizzak/x-ice type tire and shop the new compounds called Winter Performance,they are suppose to be much better on drycold or slushy roads but also give good traction in snow and ice..this is more my type of winter needs. From what I understand,the Winter Performance type tires has been in the nortic countries for several years before it got here,companies like Nokian are excellent *if* you can find them here. They also seem to all carry the higher price tag which I'm trying to deal with and I need to remind myself of all the advantages they offer.

Studs help on ice but only ice..the new studless compounds are the way to go since they are also good in dry conditions and don't chew up the roads.

The Dunlop M3 is considered a Winter Performance Tire and one I'm certainly considering,I'll use whatever set for winter weather only so they should last me for several years..worth the extra few $$ IMO..there are about 5 tires in the Winter Performance catigory so I'm looking for the best deal possible,I've desided not to get a dedicated snow tire like the blizzac or x-ice. The Dunlop M3 has a $50 rebate (tirerack)..michelin (all tires) $60 instant rebate (costco) so the hunt goes on for a few more days.

Since respected reviews from places like Intellichoice started ranking the Legacy "best in class",the NW US is thick with them.

What is your current MPG city and hiway (be truthful;)? 75mph will certainly lower it compared to 60..that's a big given. My 03 2.5L get's approx 29mpg hiway at 62mph but still only 19mpg city,if I increase speed to 70 my mpg drops to 24.

I did a search in this forum for anything relating to the X-Ice or Blizzac(sp) and could find nothing..that really surprised me since Audi groups are thick with info..does that mean X-ice are not well received by subbie owners? ? I've got a 03 legacy wagon L with 80% wet winter roads and 20% snow conditions to drive in. If I could afford the Finland made Nokian,that would be my choice especially since they are known experts in winter tire technology but alas..my budget dictates the current costco $60 instant rebate on michelins with the X-ice as first choice that is unless I can find some objections?

I don't want cheapo lights but I also don't wantta get scalped for a OEM pair for $200+ and higher from subaru. I looked at the Hella series,anyone know which series will fit a 03 legacy..photos would be a real plus but not nessesary.

I checked subaruparts..cheapest is $198 and I'm not sure that even comes with wiring and switch/fuse..the hella 500 series is only $78 with everything but I don't think it will fit the 03 leg darnit..I sent WIM a PM..we'll see.

The wife gave me a Xmas present at the Bridgestone Winter Driving School when we go the Steamboat in late Jan..it's the half day program but I may upgrade that when we get there..I'm stoaked! Anyway,just curious if anyone here has gone thru this or any WDS type program? http://www.steamboat.com/winter-int.aspx?CategoryId=297

Anyone know of a source for aftermarket foglights that will fit a 03 legacy..$400 for a pair of OEM lights from a dealer is totally out of the budget.

My first post ( I had the edit it already)..I hope it helps If you have a library close by,use it's automotice reference section..chances are they will have what you need and you can make copies. I can't think of how many times the library has saved me.