Hey guys i have a 96 legacy outback 2.2 with a manual transmission. Recently it started to have a issue where it will sputter when more than light throttle is applied from about 1.5k to 2.5k rpms. Above that its ok and driveable with no issues. I checked the plugs and none seemed to be fouled but were out of gap spec. I regapped them and still having the same issue. New wires as well. I opened the throttle while under the hood to see if the sputter went away and its still there. I also tried to power through the sputter and got a loud pop from the intake. Any ideas?

I would first, check the timing on the timing belt.

Rampage, i know this may sound like a very stupid question. How do i check the timing at the belt?

Remove the radiator hold down bracket. Remove the fans and overflow tank. The fan on your left I lower it out the bottom.

Remove the left and right timing belt covers. 3 10mm bolts each. Turn the crank clockwise and watch for the mark on the front surface of the cam sprocket (on your left) to line up with the notch in the rear cover. Then look at the other cam sprocket and see if it lines up with its notch. Note: it may be a smidgen off, but not a whole tooth.  Sometimes I have to go around a couple times before I can see the tiny mark.

If the marks do not line up I can post a pdf on how to replace the belt or you can download the factory service manual.

Awesome, thank you!! I will try to check tomorrow on my lunch if its not raining

I just remembered, when you unplug the radiator fans, there is a clip in the center of one side that you have to pry out on to release it. Do not pull on the wires, they may come out of the plug.

So i just finished trying to. Pull the fans out and had to give up do to time and where i was at, i swear the car is from the east coast as all the bolts are rusted in and breaking when removing them. I will have to try at a later date when i have access to a shop