1 Lucky Texan

see if a 6 pack with drain plug washers from jamie at www.subarugenuineparts.com is cheaper, considering shipping versus taxes. Carl

There are a few 'spy shots' and some rumors of a Subaru 2 door hatchback for '08. No mention of a coupe though. If you don't need AWD there are tons of choices for you. Carl

120K ? Has the timing belt already been done? If not, that might be the best time to consider doing the gaskets. If it has, then you must weigh the risk versus cost. Some folks say less that 20% of those vehicles will have a premature HG failure.There is no 'good' time for HG failure, but some very bad times, like on a long trip outta town with family in the car. Are you prepared to have the vehicle towed to a decent mechanic in a strange town? Depending on where you are, you could be hundreds of miles from a Subaru dealership - and if there is a warranty issue on their work, doubtful the local dealership would honor the it - not sure on that. Also, I didn't think the Subaru conditioner would help on Phase 1 engines? Carl

sorry I was just speaking generically. And yeah, using some take-offs or wrecking yard/parting-out parts would be a way to save tons of money. Probably true even for some suspension and brake upgrades now I think of it. Carl

the usual culprits; up pipe, bigger turbo, down pipe and turbo back exhaust, bigger injectors and ecutek or other 'piggyback' or reflashed engine tuning. suspension and brake upgrades along the way too, maybe a clutch upgrade and better fluids for the tranny and diffs maybe. often Cobb and Vishnu and other companies sell 'packages' called stage 1, 2, 3 etc. . Carl

I could see 'some' of what was being mentioned. However, I've read elsewhere that Subaru sales staff were driving those vehicles! I dunno Carl

One thing I think is ironic - pretty sure the Murano drivetrain is made by FHI !!! Carl

I think the seats are more comfy in the Outback. The cargo space may not be much different, just a taller shape in the forester. take a look at www.cars101.com for weights/dimensions, etc. Carl

Didn't a California based dealership start advertising in a publication popular with gays? I guess I don't know the history of it. Anyway - this is the first time Foresters have been mentioned. I dunno - get what you like. Carl

Yeah, if they just took a licking in a fair race....wait...uh....nevermind ;^) Carl

I always felt it was the Legacy wagons that were - um - more associated with an alternate lifestyle. Seems to me the perception about this predates the introduction of the Forester. Anyway - I wouldn't let it stop me from driving what the h3!! i wanted. Carl

I wonder SV in Troy Michigan can still make superchargers? Carl

The fastest non-wrx soob is probably the turbo Forester. Don't let the looks fool you - its a rocket. Needs a little stiffer suspension, but, being classed as a 'compact SUV/whatever' might get you lower insurance rates. Carl

OOoooh, good post! I once had a Honda that had carpet fuzz built up on the clutch cable inside - bad joo-joo. (his car has a cable?) Carl

just ran across this - y'all probably already spotted it though. An email to jamie might get a copy of any instructions included scanned and sent back to you - I dunno https://www.subarugenuineparts.com/product_info.php?products_id=961

Plus, the slipping has likely glazed the surface which MAY act peculiarly with condensation and temperature, etc. I dunno Carl

You got a base for your 'scope and probably a chair and other gear. And you might wanna share a ride with someone someday with similar gear. I say - fold down. Carl

I don't think any model year of Baja sold more than about 700 vehicles did it? I dunno Carl

Jamal's number 2. might be something to consider. Meguiar's (or other) plastic polish might clear up older, pitted and yellowed lenses. Also, you might consider an eye exam - just in case something is changing in your vision. Just as a precaution. Carl

I understand. I THINK I've seen a photo showing the loaction of the gallery plug(s). A TEE should work OK as well I guess. I THINK also, there's an OEM adapter for the gallery plug. maybe it has instructions, location marked? Carl

there are also 'sandwich adapters' ('plates') which screw on the filter mounting area(or held on by the filter? not sure). They often have a port for oil temp and ports for an oil cooler. I think pressure also. fyi Carl

Someone here will know the specifics - but, if you plan on extensive mods/upgrades to the engine, i THINK there is some kinda difference in exhaust headers having a shared oulet vs, individual outlets. i guess one style has more aftermarket parts available? I dunno - just a weird memory I have of reading about that I think. Carl

I think there's a lot of wisdom in buying cars over 3-4 yoears old, if one is not in a hurry and can deal with an overlooked problem or 2. I was in a position to 'spoil' myself with 1/2 the proceeds from an inherited house. Not wise - but affordable since it was cash up front. I THINK one MIGHT make the argument that finding a WRX wagon(or turbo Forester) that hasn't been 'beat on' by a kid is easier than finding a sedan that hasn't been abused. Not too many kids are gonna say "Daddy, buy me a station wagon" hah! Carl

Somone will know but I'm pretty sure there wers some subes with 2.2 in '96 and maybe '97 . Might've been Imprezas though. You could dig around at www.cars101.com too. Carl

I THINK there is a 'trick' in my wife's OBW that will chage the brightness by holding a button in for 3 seconds or somthing. Sorry I'm not more specific but my memory is not perfect on this and we've never used the function. I think I went through the owner's manual after we bought the car and did the routine once. I dunno - coulod just be an intermittent connector somewhere. Carl