What did you do with your 1st gen OB today?

[Subhuman]

Many of the other Subie forums have them so I'm starting this thread up to find out what y'all are doing to your 1st generation Subies. STICKY REQUEST

Cheers!

[Subhuman]

My wife's car is our first subie (Redbaru) which is a '97 OB wagon. I am in the process of re-snorking it and getting it as close to stock as possible with an exception of her JDM replacement engine.

Today I installed the last few air filter parts that were taken off when I had a CAI going on in there.

[Chdmorrison]

i made a screen to go over my sunroof, i added another 12v outet in the back, i put in a new Knock Sensor. And i did my PCV valve. Next is to intergate a power inverter into the rear of the subie. and i am also working on plans to make a easliy removable light bar for the top.

[gum.william]

New timing belt/rollers/tensioner/water pump/front brake pads and rotors/brake and clutch fluid change. Next up, Rallitek sway-bars! (anyone have a good used set?)

[gotsquat]

Originally Posted by gum.william

Next up, Rallitek sway-bars! (anyone have a good used set?)

I ordered one today even though they're out of stock from rallitek. I'm hoping I didn't miss out at my shot at a new one because the rep wasn't real optimistic about them getting more.

Otherwise I've been on a old Outback "firm up" mission. In the last couple weeks I've replaced all four struts, tranny mount, front end links (all of which we're beyond worn), and I have a Group N pitch mount on the way. Each upgrade has made a significant improvement in the handling and ride quality. I really hope that swaybar comes back into stock! That would be the last piece of the puzzle to complete my mission.

[Subhuman]

Restored and cleared the headlamps and then installed side markers

[gotsquat]

It came! I installed it in about an hour. The picture shows it mounted in the middle position, but I settled on the softest position (closest to the end) because it didn't overpower the front as much. I can't imagine using the stiffest setting without installing a bigger front sway. Even in the middle position, the front felt too light.

Edit 9/15/11: After getting used to the "soft" setting, I found myself wanting even less roll, so I moved it back to the middle. Now that I think about it, one of the things that surprised me initially with this car was how heavy the front felt in corners. Now I'm embracing the lighter front end feel I was used to in my Accord. I wouldn't be surprised if I go the the stiffest setting on the sway before too long!

Edit to the edit 9/16/11: Yup, it took only one day for me to put it on the 25mm setting. It's amazing how much difference it makes! The whole car feels so much more solid, and it corners likes it's on rails! Best bang-for-your-buck mod for this gen of Outbacks.


I also installed the STi pitch mount, and that makes a nice improvement in acceleration off the line. I'm thinking about installing the matching transmission mount (in an effort to eliminate the lashing in the tranny when letting off the gas), but I think it would add more noise and vibration than I want.

[RobLog]

Now that the kids are back in school, it's safe to come out of the house. Getting ready for a 2,500 light year ... um ... 2500 mile road trip:

-changed oil/filter
-drained-n-filled trans
-renewed fluid in power steering (first time ever) using turkey baster method.
-rotated tires, checked air pressure
-filled windshield washer reservoir
-added distilled water to battery
-flushed cooling system and refilled.
-checked oil level in front and rear differential ... OK
-checked brake fluid tank ... OK
-replaced flux capacitor tubes
-cleaned and charged worm hole generator
-took her out for a wash-n-wax

Ready to go!

Edit: car ran perfectly, including on some pretty hairy hills, i.e. CA-Hwy120 eastbound from the valley into Yosemite, from Yosemite Valley up to Glacier point, and CA-Hwy299 westbound out of Redding. Very happy with my car.

[gotsquat]

Cleared headlights, and finally decided to remove the fog lamp guards. It just drove me nuts that I could never get them clean with them on. With the PIAA driving lights, I can really light up the night!

[caoutback]

I thrashed my ride over the weekend and came to the conclusion I REALLY need a bash plate/ skid plate and a Low Range if I'm gonna continue having a lot of fun with her. Checked for damages and realized I bashed my oil pan, destroyed my drivers axle and steering boots,bent up my pinch weld and rockers on my drivers side as well and bent my heavy duty bumper when I had the front end held up by the side of it on a rock. Have videos and hope to post sometime within the next week. Have picks of my pan though.


Did better than I expected though