Replacing but what end goes toward engine ? Dont trust what other owner may have done to car. He just drove it till it was about dead. thanks

i hear, the subaru t-stat will only fit one way, it's taller. but cheap ones will go either way. this means spring side up.

 

but everyone says subaru part only.

ditto, best to use a Subaru OEM thermostat. After market brands are really cheaply made for a Subie, and don't work well.