catzodellamarina

I have always wondered.. Are they the same engine sizes? Is the turbo just a bolt-on = more power? Is the hood a functional air induction? Any gearing, suspension, tranny, exhaust differences? What is the HP and torque difference?

Can you run stock Crosstrek rims and tires on a Baja or will you need a slight lift? Wonder if the bolt pattern matches up?

My 03' Baja is at 197K. Has had the same noise he is describing for quite some time. More noticeable at startup; less after the oil has gotten around. I had been burning through more oil until I started using a Lucas additive or similar product (whatever is on sale). Now, oil seems to stay around longer. I know my mechanic won't dive into the block on my car. He will do a swap but no work on the guts. Feedback here suggests don't mess with the motor until it dies for good. Are these blocks really hard to work on?

I researched some Subaru body repairs on rocker panels that use welded patches. I have similar rust and decided to grind/cut the area and use smc fiberglass. I removed the entire plastic cover over my Baja quarter panel and this revealed much more rust than patching can fix. Anyone ever had their entire quarter panel and rockers replaced? How about a total sheet metal restoration?

I have a 2003 Baja. Not the cool turbo model I see many pics of people upgrading. I got oil leaks fixed (new seals/gaskets) 2 years ago @ 140K. It has 170K on it. I love the car - the functionality, the simplicity, reliability in winter, the sporty looks, and it really doesn't cost me much to maintain (other than the leak fix). The body is in GREAT shape and I get compliments all the time but the engine is has been getting louder - ticks, clacks - and I think half the noise is due to low oil use. I recently discovered that I am going through a quart of oil about every fill up. I do not see blue tailpipe smoke and like I said, it no longer leaks oil in my driveway. Regardless, it drinks oil. I have tried motor honey, STP, Lucas, and now I run 20W-50 + STP. It is going to die on me someday. I need a rebuild or buy a new car. I AM SICK over the thought of losing my Baja and buying a new car. I do not think I will be happy with a fancy Outback or Crosstrek. I really enjoy the El Camino function of my car. I can live neat, clean, and odor free on the inside, while I throw dirty things in the back and forget about them. Stinky fishing stuff & grass clippings, firewood with ants, I have also carried around a shovel for removing road kill on backroads before they get messy from other cars. I drive a lot of rural roads. I also own a rusty Dakota - my 3rd Dakota. They all fall apart, paint gets sun baked, rust out, nickel & dime me to death, but engines keep on running. So I am not in need of a truck. There is really no option out there that I am happy with other than my Baja. Is a non-turbo model worth putting money into? If so, what kind of upgrades are easily added? Example: higher clearance and bigger wheels like the current Outbacks? I need a new exhaust system. An aftermarket system that doesn't sound like a highschool kid's Weedeater coffee can muffler. Time to rebuild tranny too? I do not want to do the work. My days of fixing & hot rodding cars is over. I wish I could take it to a one-stop shop or one of those hot rod/pimp my ride shows on TV.. but I do not want to look like a pimp when it's done:)