so i own a 2002 legacy outback with the 2.5L 5 speed... im trying to find performance upgrades that arent too expensive. my main goal is to raise my gas mileage... im having a huge problem finding parts. im not a huge car guy and everything im looking at either says legacy or outback...which one should i pick and then what kind of "trim"  any help will be grately appreciated!

Legacy and Outback have the same motor. Not really any performance upgrades available. Anything you would buy, like a K & N air filter won't increase hp or gas millage. Stock Subies are not good candidates for hot roding.

The stock intake is already a cold air intake, flows well enough to add a turbo and decent horsepower, and does a good job at keeping water out. As such there's zero performance anything you get from chrome garbage. Same deal with the exhaust system. The n/a is slow and steady, not much you can do to them. The 3rd gen is a heavy car and there isn't much you can do about gas mileage. Mine was a dog, but it was comfortable and cruised nice down the highway... until the subframe cracked in half....

you can make the car more fun to throw around the corner. And reducing mass will give it a little more pep.

 

lighter rims, maybe a lightweight crank pulley. If 5spd, a lighter flywheel. Never haul around tools or heavy gear. If you will always be near home - consider leaving the spare and jack where a friend could bring them to you. If you literally never have passengers, remove the seats.

 

suspension and brake upgrades are common - try a search here, at subaruoutback.org and maybe NASIOC

 

boxer4racing.com and others have bits to help with suspension and similar mods.

Edited April 27, 201510 yr by 1 Lucky Texan

Legacy and Outback have the same motor. Not really any performance upgrades available. Anything you would buy, like a K & N air filter won't increase hp or gas millage. Stock Subies are not good candidates for hot roding.

I noticed an instant increase in fuel economy when I put a k&n filter in my 90 Legacy. Around 1.5mpg increase. I drive 150 miles a day so it didn't take long to notice.