What I Found Inside The Engine & Turbo Of My Subaru! Carnage, Animals & An Inevitable Money Pit!
Vložit
- čas přidán 8. 12. 2021
- Thanks to Keeps for sponsoring this video! Head to keeps.com/legit for 50% off your first order of Keeps hair loss treatment!
In this video, I begin to work on my free Turbo Subaru Outback XT and discover that it's a big money pit. I start taking apart the top of the engine and the turbo to discover why this car was free. It's a total mess and I'm starting to think these are not the best cars.
If you need high-quality synthetic engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, filters, and more visit my Amsoil Website. Save 25% by signing up as one of my preferred customers! legitoil.myamsoil.com/
Amsoil Referral number.
5427904
Use Coupon code Legit for 10% off Sonic Tools! bit.ly/3iNDtGU
Special wheel sockets - sonictoolsusa.com/shop/hand-t...
Little ratchet I used on the spark plugs - sonictoolsusa.com/quick-relea... Pick the stubby one.
Instagram @LegitStreetCars bit.ly/2GCFq3X
LSC Facebook page / legitstreetc. .
This link will take you to my amazon garage where you can check out all the parts and tools I recommend! amzn.to/2k606u1
Subscribe here! bit.ly/2xT53bk - Auta a dopravní prostředky
Serious question Subaru people. Should I give this car away to a family in need or am I handing them a bill even after fixing what I think is everything? Head to keeps.com/legit for 50% off your first order of Keeps hair loss treatment!
2
it should be fine after you fix all the broken things on it
Boxer build‼️
Or the BBB, the Better Boxer Build.
Fix it up, sell it and then give away the money, no need to worry about the repair costs
I have a 2006 Subaru Impreza with 266k miles. Haven’t had to do much else than basic maintenance. It’s been one of the most reliable cars I’ve owned. Seeing as the compression and leak down tests were good, once you fix everything else I think you will have a solid, reliable car. I’ve always had better luck with OEM parts on my Subarus too. Keep up the awesome videos!
I strongly recommend replacing the oil pickup (go aftermarket, not OEM) and AVCS banjo filter bolts (NOT JUST THE TURBO INLET FILTER), they an hide a lot of left over shrapnel from the turbo and are notorious break points for the EJ that can lead to catastrophic failure
This is the number one, don't let the old filters turn your new parts into broken parts nigh on immediately. Gets the turbos every time.
Pressure test that TMIC too. The end tanks are notorious for separating and creating a boost control problem. TMIC to intake hose frequently leaks/tears too. Also, that blue vacuum T under the TMIC sucks. Replace with a Company23 barbed T, or at least throw some Corbin clamps on it.
killer bee makes an awesome oil pickup (and oil pan)
Ej's are catastrophic failures
@@ashkente I believe the TMIC was pressure tested in the last video when he took it to that Subaru specialist shop to have it inspected.
Originally from the rust belt, but now live in the South. SO much easier to work on cars down here. Snapped my fair share of bolts back in the day. On a side note, the amount of vacuum lines and their routing is insane…
I know what you mean…whenever I watch tv shows that take place in southern US states I’m always baffled by how good even the oldest cars look underneath…and then I remember that they don’t need to salt their roads like crazy during the winter.
@@EmelieKerek do u work on cars
@@knshobhin560 beyond basic regular maintenance not yet, but I’m trying to learn how to perform more complex repairs to keep my own car up and running. My dad’s a mechanical engineer so he’s teaching me a few things.
In general I just love watching restoration content, too!
@@EmelieKerek same mee too ny dad's not a engineer but he knows way more than cars mechanical things than i does but be doesn't work on them he just don't want to damage anything.
I also love watching this kind of restoration and repair videos it's infromative and fun and kind of addictive too
What else do u like
In Canada, the rust belt to the North. The European cars tend to do better when it comes to rust. So basically choose between fixing a car more regularly or less but deal with more rust.
Imagine being Alex intern, one would learn so much about proper diagnosing and fixing issues on cars permanently.
Love your work and content Alex.
While I've owned several Subie's over the years, one look at the top of that engine explains why I never did more than basic maintenance on them. You sir, are a brave man!
I once bought an alfa 146 and it was a choice between a 1.7 boxer or 1.8 TS, the boxer sounded great even at idle but when you opened the bonnet there were belts everywhere and a wierd spider inlet manifold. The TS was a bit wide for the engine bay but was more familiar layout so I went with the TS.
At least Subarus have long hoods with access from above. Have you seen under the hood of a recent turbo Ford Escape?
@@questioner1596 it looks like a plastic factory testing their product theres that much over the engine! And dont get me started on the rest of it after removing the plastic, il stick to my old forester that takes 10mins to swap the alternator & same with the starter motor, so basic, simple and easy to work on 👌
@@maybenot6075 it’s all fun in games till you have to change spark plugs and don’t have any room on the side of the motor (in my sti there’s no room there)
It may look intimidating at first but it’s really quite simple and easy to work on once you get familiar
Pro tip: use a Solo cup to grab and remove the oil filter - oil that starts to leak as you remove it will be caught by the cup instead of running down your hand and arm.
Huh that's really an interesting idea! I'm gonna have to try that!
Just make sure it’s empty and not full of beer..empty one..
Brilliant idea.
Be a man 🤣 get your hands dirty
@@chrispynaples I get them plenty dirty working on my vehicles, but when dealing with carcinogenic used motor oil, I’d rather limit my contact. You do as you choose.
I would pay soo much money for Alex to be my mechanic he’s soo good and finds every problem. Great work Alex. 👍
You wouldn't really would you? He clearly likes vehicles, and is an entertaining content creator, sure. But is he a trained mechanic? I seriously doubt it.
Anyone who works on cars, he shows you to have a manual to have an idea of what to expect, approach it a bolt or pipe or a time. This job is for a serious car guy and he has a mechanics connection to other shops to do things like exhaust repairs, a lift is also almost a requirement when doing a lot of things under the car.
@@AJ-oj5eu He was a certified Mercedes tech lol
I actually went to high school with Alex, smart guy and still kept the humor.
🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣. Yeah riiiiiite. How much then, £1000 an hour🥴
I know this is a old video and this comment isn't likely to be seen but man this video is just another fine example of how solid a person Alex is. To sink more money into a car than it's worth just so it's safe for someone else is a enormous act of kindness. Love this channel
For the longest time I heard how great Subaru was, Then two friends purchased them. One was new and one used. They both had issues. I was shocked about the new one. Fix it and sell it. Put the money into a better car to fix and donate.
biggest issues are maintenance on these cars. They are the bmw of the Japanese car world in that respect. If they miss any maintenance at all they are prone to failures. The turbo 2.0/2.5 motors and non turbo 2.2s are better on Subarus as far as strength and reliability go. The 2.5 non turbos are notorious for headgasket failure, particularly the early ones. The newer ones aren't bad. Current turbo 2.5 is at 350whp with no issues. I maintain it like a saint though. Oil changes and analysis every 3k miles, vacuum lines replaced recently etc. Sucks about your experience. I hope one day you can find a good one and try them again 🤙🏼
Alex I don't personally know you but strive to have people like you in my life. Who you surround yourself with indicates what type of person you are. Kudos for your attitude and hard work. May you have joyous holidays, blessed with prosperity, safety and health. You have a great channel.
Hi Alex, as a Subaru Outback owner (second Outback, non turbo) I admire your dedication to your trade and love your work. I think the series should be called "Outback Adventures with Alex". Thanks from Australia 🇦🇺 🇦🇺🇦🇺
You'd be very upset if you lived here in chicago with our salt! my 19' outback 3.6 is completely covered in fluid film. It stinks like hell but my outback wont look like this in 10 years
22:56 I once replaced a turbo on a diesel CMax and I left out that screen because I didn't have it, broke the old one and had to get the car back on the road ASAP.
For months I felt incredibly uneasy and paranoid that I would destroy my new turbo in short order and I had a panic attack at any noisde I couldn't immediately place.
I even felt guilty when selling the car a year later and was hoping it wouldn't blow up on the new owner.
This was 2 years ago and, even though I don't own the car anymore, I feel so much better knowing that people will remove these screens because they cause more trouble than they're worth.
This is why I love LegitStreeCars, Alex shows us the real nitty gritty, every nut and bolt, every step, he doesn't gloss over anything.
This is a proper tech channel and I love it.
As a WESTERN New Yorker I can attest to the fact that every bolt or nut that comes in one piece and without the need of an impact wrench or a torch is a celebration of triumph
Hey man. The dealer I work at just replaced a turbo on a Forester XT that looked exactly like that and it came back 2 weeks later with a rod bearing failure. The oil didn't look like it had metal in it at the time. Turbo Subarus can be a nightmare.
I've had three forester XT's come in with a bad turbo- same thing. New turbo, then the bottom end goes shortly after. Between the AVCS oil filters, AVCS cam gears filling up with crud, and the oil filter housing, I think once a turbo goes on these you have to write off that bottom end lol.
Good point. When buying a used turbo Subaru steer clear of any listing mentioning new turbo. It's a huge red flag.
Yup, seen this time and time again.
…and Volvo Turbo. My jaw dropped when I got the quote for a replacement. Like $1900 and that was 30 years ago
💯 see them all the time after turbo failure ring-land failure seems inevitable
We had a 2001 Forester that I handed down to my daughter that finally died at 475K this past spring, and on the original head gasket. BUT, working on it could be frustrating. You have to pull the rear brake lines to change the rear struts. The OE brake calipers last as long as a set of pads if you live in the snow belt. A lot of Subaru fasteners are made of butter. The right front axle is right up against the exhaust and goes through boots. Subaru OE parts are pricey and not that great, and thanks to low production volumes compared to other makes, there's not as many jobber parts available.
As you see, turbo models have turbos made of glass. The old four speed automatics are amazing, last forever, but manual trans units are all over the map in terms of longevity. AWD systems are long lived.
If someone gets this car for free and it suffers a catastrophic failure, they have no investment can can walk away. In the meantime, they had cheap driving and in a pretty safe car with a crazy good AWD system.
Sadly that is not the usual path to Subaru ownership.. However, come to think of it the only Subaru i have ever owned was given to me.
Started watching you around the time of the Fiero Low rider and am utterly addicted. Very well presented, Informative and I'm always keen to watch the latest. Cheers!
I am just impressed that you didn’t just throw the whole car away after seeing the underside. You are an amazing person .
It's content for his channel so of course he's keeping this dumpster fire
@@reloadingdontshoot1 is just that I swear I can feel the pain in that man's eyes when he found the rust and leaks. He must just be a very patient person.
Japanese cars use JIS standard fasteners, this mean they have head sizes 10, 12, 14, 17, 19 and 21. Starting from M8 it basically means the head size is 1mm smaller compared to German DIN bolts.
Weird I thought he said it was a 13 that's why he was surprised.
Those JIS philips are a fun lesson to learn the hard way as a youngster
To work on ford's you need a 8mm, 10mm 13mm 1/2 and torx
@@yeahitskimmel he said what why is it a 12, use 10's and 13's like German cars
If there is a 13mm on a Subaru, someone has messed with it in a bad way.
@@brainwells6634 since you've mentioned ford, I've a few vehicles and one of them is a 2012 ford focus sedan. Initial transmission shake was caused by transmission old/broken transmission mount, which was replaced by ford stealership because I was desperate for a fix. I do know their trans had a recall but the dealers diagnosed it and said other than the trans mount, the TCM and transmission are actually fine, no leakage or anything as well.
The vehicle still lightly rattles/shakes once in a while, is that normal because of the nature of the DCT or stealership trying to make me use their services more?
Alex,thank you for sharing so many details in your videos.This is like a "night school" for some of us and it's free.You for sure are saving a lot of money to people who can do DIY'S.Thanks
Good job on researching about the banjo bolt screens as a common turbo failure issue on Subaru's. There is also one on the opposite side of the engine for the cam timing advance system that can clog and fail also. And make sure to use ATF in the power steering system or it will cause all of the seals to fail in the power steering system.
The intake manifold is usually removed with the TGV, harness, and fuel lines. The PCV, throttle body coolant lines, and sensor connections are on the bottom.
You are to be congratulated on your channel, very concise and constructive. It's a pleasant relief to not hear lots of ums and ahs in the audio. I am an ex mechanic and like your way of doing things. Far too often channels are let down with too much chat about what the person is doing or more to the point going to do, which lends itself to being lots of chat and little "doing". You've hit the right balance and I feel is a good lesson in how a channel should be shown. Keep up the terrific work, John, Australia.
Absolutely killing it with the quality
I’m a Subaru dealer tech in Vermont. I feel your pain. Worked on many turbo EJ’s and they’re a pain every time.
I like what I'm watching...learning lot of things from Legit...thanks have more videos to come!!!
Great content! I live in Sweden and some times when I chance the brakes and rotors its a 2 days work. 98% of the work is to handle the rust. You get used to it.
This has to be my favorite CZcams video series ever because I once had a 2005 legacy turbo before kids. This brings back so many memories of when I owned my dream car.
I had an 06 Legacy GT. Even with the auto because my wife can't drive a stick, I loved the way it drove.
@@paleghost mine was auto too.
Great video! Waiting on the next chapter.
I love these videos, I learn so much from you Alex.
Keep up the good work.
I love the Subie series. As a Subie owner myself (non-turbo SOHC 2.5) I can relate though thankfully mine is much easier and simpler to service.
I watched many CZcams car channels but i enjoy watching this channel because of the step by step detail process..... While the other channels may speed up the process then cut back to show the updates or play music while they are working... i appreciate the details shown here.... It makes me feel like i am apart of the process. Good job on presentation 👍
You made it entertaining to watch, I’ll be looking forward for the next video
This is like watching a train wreck in slow motion.
Loving this restoration series... btw... when you connect the resonator pipe to the cat, make sure you use OEM spring bolts and donut gasket, otherwise you might get stuck having to use washers or putty to fix the leak (learned that one the hard way).
Scary! Merry Xmas from Essex, England. Keep up the good work!
Love your videos! One thing I’d recommend is numbering the videos in a series so it’s clear how many and what order they should be watched in.
Always use the OEM turbo oil outlet tube, never an Ebay one, they are almost always smaller and have pooling issues. Great job alex!
You are a brave man, Sir!
Love these videos brotha keep them up!
Another cool series - looking forward for the next one
The liquid from the intercooler is condensation/blowby, looks like the PCV valve needs to be checked/replaced. I get the same stuff from the catchcan. Seeing you work on this car is bringing back my PTSD on working on my own OB haha. I've owned and wrenched on turbo subarus for the past 15 years, currently have an 05 OBXT.
I have other tips from working on that same exact car...
This car is good for 2 things:
1. a CZcams channel.
2. a junkyard.....
Totally enjoying watching you work on it.
Your car giveaway’s are a great thing and props to you and all the companies that get involved. Hope you are able to keep doing these and even better when they’re a different type of car than what you are use to. Great job!
Really enjoyable to watch. Really hard job. Brave guy to remain cheerful.
I've never owned a Subaru, but I've worked on plenty. They are very straight forward and, for the most part, a piece of cake to work on unlike Euro cars...
What's easy about them. Looks like a car played with a ball of yarn.
The o-ring on top of the power steering pump is common to leak. Check that before replaced the whole power steering pump.
Came here to say this. I thought I needed a power steering pump on my Outback. $2 O Ring and problem solved.
Yes! My soul was happy when none of those nuts/bolts snapped on you. I understand being here in Michigan and working on Michigan cars. Man o man. Break Away, WD40, PB Blaster, and Permatex Anti-Seize is my go to all of the time.
Learned and enjoyed as always Alex
Again an awesome video! Informative and educational. I’m not trying to knock Subarus but from personal experience, once they reach 120-150k miles, time to let them go. Unless you’re willing and can afford to make these repairs. With that being said, you’re doing all the expensive work that comes with a 120-150k mile Subaru. In other words, it should be a great car for a family in need for years to come. Blessings to you and your family. 👍🏻
'Subaru' and 'Engine Carnage' contains redundant words, since the two are so firmly linked.
Three people at work owned a Subaru, and all three had to have their engines replaced or rebuilt.
The Aussie MCM show had 47 out of 48, and they weren't even sure about the 48th.
The power steering pump leak is usually fixed by replacing the suction hose and the o-ring on the transition.
I really love this Subaru series! Definitely enjoy the variety of cars on your channel lately.
We live in texas, what is “rust”?.
That just looks like an awful mess of tubes, lines, and wires. I continue to be impressed with your skills…and patience!
easy job, he just talks a lot and makes it sound bad.... well the rust is bad I will say that lol....
One thing you usually won’t have to worry about is the head gaskets leaking. Unlike the n/a versions 😂. Normally when the turbo takes a dumb, it fills the pickup tube with shrapnel and causes the engine to become a paperweight, so you dodged a bullet so far.
Great work Alex!!!
Alex I watch alot of your videos, I'm from the UK and our whole island is a rust belt! I feel your pain! Keep up the good work!
I had an '05 OBXT and loved that car. Went through a LOT of parts (including a turbo) on it. These turbos have terrible blow by - you will find a good bit of oil in the intercooler and intake as normal. The gunk seal on the exhaust was to replace a flex gasket that goes on that joint, which tends to crack and disintegrate over time. Also, these engine eat oil and they don't have a huge oil pan....and the first part to fail from oil starvation is the turbo bushing.
All good points, I have a legacy gt and love it aswell. Just keep up on the maintenance and drive it like it should be driven and I haven't had any issues yet. At 160 k miles right now. Vf39 turbo, full bolt ons and oil analysis still comes back clean every time. biggest issue I see is people will run them hard then just shut them off. Causing oil buildup in the turbos, resulting in failure. easily avoided by letting it run an extra 30 seconds to a few minutes.
Yep. The oil consumption coupled with the smallish pan and an owner that isn't religious about maintenance is a recipe for failure. These do not tolerate neglect. Period.
Fine for the wonderful Subaru, loved by millions who spend thousands to keep them going. Surprise! A boosted (or non boosted) boxer engine that consumes oil yet it's somehow loved by many. Much more so it seems than a Mazda rotary on premix burning a small amount of oil designed to be burned as a preventative measure to help keep the apex seals healthy. Almost hard to believe it was more palatable to inject engine oil into the rotor housing but i get it as far as what the buying public will accept as "normal". Checking and topping up engine oil when a small separate oil tank containing 2 stroke oil for the oil injection system to draw from would have been so much more correct
Knew a guy that toasted a turbo Impreza just a few weeks old that he bought brand new without being told or having the good sense to check the oil level often. Well, he did i guess but his method was to watch the oil pressure idiot light in the guage cluster. Amazingly a rod bearing spun before the low oil pressure light ever flickered.
I laughed at the 12 vs 13mm bit. I'm so used to working on Japanese cars where 10,12, and 14mm will do almost all of the small bolts. I worked on a Silverado recently that had some 13mm and I'm like damn why cant they just make everything 12mm!
I owned a Subaru Impreza for a few years.
I delighted to see you working on a Subaru.
Can’t wait to see this car restored to its former glory. Great work 👍 🚙
Dear Alex !! A Superb Vlog !!............. Bless !!
the trick with the intake manifold is to leave everything attached to it and remove it with lower intake parts.
I too have made that mistake. waaaay easier to pull the entire manifold - TGV's included
Agreed!
Alex,
Given this car's condition could it be the fubaru?
This is the way! Your comment needs more likes.
Great work, your videos definitely hhelps my maintain works thanks
WOW, what a super project. It appears as if your handling it well 😀. Thanks for sharing.
Me as a Subaru guy laughing at this list of parts adding up... that power steering pump alone is $400... just walk away now.
Agreed, there's way too much on the list as it is...luckily the labor is free but there's $$$$$ in parts alone and he's trying g to fix everything...
Never thought i would personally utter the words "LS swap it".
03:05 must be your first Japanese car you are working on too? 8, 10, 12, 14, 17, 19 & 21mm are the typical socket sizes you will need. Also hardly any use of Torx, Hex, Triple square etc.
There was that Toyota Camry he ran dry without oil…
Japanese don't use a 13mm head for 8 mm screws like most other countries - Superstitious, so use 12mm instead.
Alex you are a wrench machine. Really enjoy how you dig right in. Great video. Your a talented young man💪
Keep up the great work!!
Coming from someone who's done just about everything on my Impreza including a wrx swap, internet mechanics make them out to be worse then they are because it's an easy way to seem right about something. The kind of people that pay $1300 for a timing belt job.
Pre CVT trans aren't known to be problematic and the ej25 while not as solid as the ej20 is no less a stout engine if you maintain it and address a few things people have mentioned. Oil pickup (moroso, killer b), catless up-pipe, etc and surprises aren't too common after that.
I've also recently done the cam adjuster plates on my C63 if that makes me more credible. Keep up the good work!
Cheers
@@jalopy2472 it's an extra measure if you really want peace of mind. In my state of Washington it wouldn't be an issue but I've seen a car pass emissions with no cats at all while this one would still have 2/3.
Should call it “project outback”
Marty from mcm would be having a field day watching a subaru ✌️
This is awesome content. Seems like the repairs will be more than the car is worth but still awesome to see a tech who’s not familiar with the brand take it on and troubleshoot on his own.
I love watching you wrench... basically the same way as me, just with way more experience. Chicago also here!
It's scary seeing the amount of cables and hoses as you dig deeper in the engine... a LOT of potential failure points as a "modern" car gets to 20+ years.... ☠
Right? Makes me feel better about working on German cars. Subaru just likes to dump hoses and wiring harnesses on top of each other.
@@racerboy063 Agreed, they look unorganized and messy.
The more incredulous Alex gets, the funnier it is 😂
when the socket extension fell off the impact driver down through the engine onto the floor and he just goes "...okay" hahaha he is great
Awesome work as always 👏
Welcome to my world for the last decade! Had a hopped up engine-swapped Impreza (in the rust belt) for about 10 years. I started watching your AMG videos right about the time I got the thing back to good health. A C55AMG came up locally that I bought thanks to your content., while the Impreza went to a new owner. Keep fighting the good fight and keep this wagon alive. Save some family from the curse of a CUV or Minivan.
Yeah, you're convincing me that Subaru isn't as good as people make them out to be. That looks like a $4k job at a dealer. At least
Being a Subaru tech for 15 yrs and now working at Carmax....I love when I stumble on one once in awhile. I know this was probably prerecorded... but let me know if ya have any questions. This Gen Legacy was my specialty.
If you have a washer/dryer at the new shop, you can route the dryer vent back into the shop to heat it up. Worked great for me when I lived in Michigan at the trailer park.
Just had a Dyson ad before you vacced up all the rust. I am not from the rust belt but here in the uk the roads get salted and I have all the bolts to free off the rear suspension on a 15 year old pathfinder so the alignment can be done. Joy.
Excellent explanations Alex.
Thanks for doing the work on the Subaru. Don't see this being worked with the explanation that you are giving. Enjoying the videos.
This will be a good restore. Looking forward to it.
Restoroo. I had a turbine do that same thing to me. Except it was on takeoff in Las Vegas and we scattered blades on the employee parking lot. Blades laying in the tailpipe. Exciting!
Wow, this is a serious amount of work for a giveaway. Bless you man for doing this. Great job!
This guy continues to be great - really interesting content, compelling step by step progression, and some intrigue as he advances through the repair. Alex - wear gloves when you handle those really nasty used fluids as they can get into your bloodstream via your skin. Fantastic CZcamsr!!!
Great video and work😁👏
I'm from Wisconsin, but now live in Florida,... so much joy working on cars now!
You are very good at diagnosis on vehicles great job
I watch till the end loved every minute of it
Awesome video Alex keep it up. Also I would like to send you some stuff some gloves that I use that are pretty good.
I am originally from the rust belt, but I grew up in the south and I definitely miss those "no rust" diy repair days! You mentioned a very good point about mechanics having to remove multiple clips, bolts, and fasteners in general and not reinstalling them. That's one of the main reasons I started diy maintenance and repairs. As for donating the car, I guess it boils down to how problematic and common that issue is for that Subaru model. That's a tricky decision you have Alex. Thanks for sharing as always my friend 👍🏽🙏🏽💯
Project "Outback Comeback"? Great work as always Alex!
Yes I grew up in the Buffalo Grove Arlington Heights area not too far from you and I remember trying to remove rusted out exhaust pipes and such and breaking bolts. That’s why I am so happy to be out west in California working on cars with little to no rust on them.
Name for the project, Subie revival, sweet Subie rebuild.
Nice job, learned alot
I was born and raised in the Pittsburgh area… I did small jobs here and there and hated the rust and busted bolts! But I live in SWMO now and it’s not too bad at all!! But I do get the occasional car from the north that haunts my dreams!
Another great video. I live in MN the heart of the rustiest cars you have ever seen.
That engine layout hurts my brain. Overly complicated for sure ! You're a brave man !
I was looking for one of those last year, found one, when I called the dealer it was sold... So I found a 2004 Subaru Forester XT instead, was good. Sold it to my dad who is turning into an a adventure vehicle. And here I am... even though I am a BMW guy... I still want one of those Outback XTs lol. One of the main vehicles that I learned to drive on was a 2004 Subaru Legacy Wagon. So Subarus always have a place in my heart.
These turbo subarus (if maintained, and cared for... and well left stock for the most part) are awesome little daily drivers. Im used to BMW/Mercedes comfort and so on, but once you get the idea that this is just a fun econo-box with some performance, and you have a "Oh a mud trail and some forest, LEEETTTSS GOO" mentality with these cars... you have actual fun. I gotta say that I drove this gen Outback (non turbo) before I bought my Forester XT, and well the outback is way more comfortable than the forester. Not sure if anyone cares, but there is a difference.
I think these Outbacks (turbo or non turbo) are the best from this era of Subarus.
I needs a catch can mate, to collect the gunk. They also help with stopping engine knock. I did this on my 2002 WRX. As for the oil leaks, when replacing the pwr steering pump, replace the low pressure hose as these often go hard and split. Also, I would replace the valve cover gaskets.
Cool project Alex thanks