I HAVE A 1998 LEGACY OUTBACK, 2.5 TWIN CAM. PROBLEM IS THAT IT DOESNT HAVE A LOT OF POWER, ESPECIALLY UP HILLS. IT HAS NEW TIMING BELT, WATER PUMP, CAM AND CRANCK SEALS, PLUGS, WIRES , FUEL PUMP, FUEL FILTER, CRANK SENSOR. TIMING , WHEN BELT AND SEALS REPLACED SET NO POWER.  TIMING COVER REMOVED AGAIN, TIMING BELT,OK. TIMING CHECKED AGAIN   ABOUT 18% OUT, CHECKED BY TWO REPUTABLE MECHANICS. MASS AIR FLOW SENSOR OK.  THEY CHECKED CATALYTIC CONVERTOR, NOT PLUGGED. NO CODES DETECTED. DONT KNOW WHAT ELSE TO DO, ANYONE EVER HAD THIS PROBLEM BESIDES ME? ANY INFORMATION WOULD BE VERY HELPFUL.  THANK YOU !

please define ''about 18% out''.

 

when you checked the timing it was off?

how many degrees off was the cam sprocket? 10, 20 30 or more?

only one side off? or both sides?

 

if the timing was off enough, you may have bent valves.

this would make it run like crap.

a compression test would tell you how bad it is.

 

but first things first, get the timing right is it is not.

Perhaps the knock sensor is bad.

Ignition timing or cam timing?

 

Sounds like you're asking about ignition timing, which would be due to a faulty knock sensor.

Easy replacement and the eBay cheapies are reliable enough.

 

If cam timing is off that needs to be addressed first and foremost.