Is there a difference between the engine and transmission mounts between auto and manual transmissions on these cars? What is a good upgrade if I'm going to replace them?

I think the mounts for manual trans cars are stiffer to help control torque roll of the engine and trans during shifting.

 

Depending on your definition of "upgrade", either buy the stock replacement mounts from one of the online Subaru parts dealers, or if you wan them stiffer, get the "Group N" Impreza STi mounts.

Thanks. Will something like this fit my 1998 legacy outback?

 

http://www.rallysportdirect.com/STI-Transmission-Mount-Subaru-5MT-Models-inc-2002-2011-WRX

Thanks. Will something like this fit my 1998 legacy outback (5MT)?

 

http://www.rallysportdirect.com/STI-Transmission-Mount-Subaru-5MT-Models-inc-2002-2011-WRX

Yes it will. But don't pay that price for it.

 

Order it from Subarugenuineparts.com or 1stsubaruparts.com (easier to call them to order). 1st lists it for $65

Here's the part number. D1010FE020

gotchya, thanks. I'll do plenty of pricing research before ordering. I am just unsure of what new STI stuff will fit on my old 1998 outback. I will probably start with a group N transmission mount and see how it feels. Then new engine mounts and such. Thanks again for your advice.

 

Is there a year that the STI mount changes that won't work for my older car? I know that the 6spd is different.

As long as it's for a 5 speed it will fit. The engine mounts I'm not sure about, but I wanna say 03 and earlier should fit fine.

Here's what I'm getting: https://www.subarugenuineparts.com/product_info.php?products_id=657

https://www.subarugenuineparts.com/product_info.php?products_id=1405

 

I'm hoping that tranny mount is the right one.

Looks like you got it right to me. Lots of people have done this swap so some searching might dig up a thread or two about it.

Thanks for your help and interest. I'm usually a great sleuth when it comes to information, but for some reason there aren't many specifics on what is exactly compatible with a 1998 outback. There is info on almost everything after 98...

 

I'm currently doing a full suspension/steering refresh and want to do the engine mounts to compliment it. Maybe a short throw shifter and new bushings. What do you think of the ebay cheapo short throw lever? Is there a better way to get short throw? I think the shift lever is the only leverage point, and therefore the only part to modify.

 

Back in VW days, there were a few other linkages which were re-lengthened and you kept the shift lever the same. Anyways, thanks for the advice.

I don't know about the Ebay stuff but Kartboy.com sells quality short throw shifters. You can check Scoobymods.com for threads about install specifics. They mostly cover Impreza, but everything that can be done on an Impreza is exactly the same for the Legacy.

 

Scoobymods' kartboy stuff forum: http://www.scoobymods.com/kartboy-stuff-f88.html

Edited February 22, 201115 yr by Fairtax4me

Alright. I received the new mounts and installed them. I dropped the exhaust manifold off of the engine, which helped a ton. There is a little more vibration and I can hear some low frequency harmonics at different speeds but all in all it feels WAY WAY better than the old stock rubber.

 

The group N engine mounts are about 1/4" more wide than the stock mounts, and have harder rubber. The 1998 legacy outback transmission mount has about 1/3 of the rubber that the group N transmission mount has and is almost spongy. The group N mount is as hard as a rock, too.

 

Thanks for your advice, Fairtax