Considering a first gen OB

[Robe30]

I'm thinking about selling my 02 Legacy GT 5spd wagon and picking up a decent first gen ob. Any major issues w these cars? I've spent plenty of time doing head gaskets etc on my 02 so I'm anticipating that problem.

The reason I'm thinking about doing this is because my LGT is very "fast" not does handle any "trails" or offroading due to the lack of ground clearance.

Thanks for any input guys

[rasterman]

Originally Posted by Robe30

I'm thinking about selling my 02 Legacy GT 5spd wagon and picking up a decent first gen ob. Any major issues w these cars? I've spent plenty of time doing head gaskets etc on my 02 so I'm anticipating that problem.

The reason I'm thinking about doing this is because my LGT is very "fast" not does handle any "trails" or offroading due to the lack of ground clearance.

Thanks for any input guys

If you already know about the head gaskets then you qualify for an associates degree in outbackology. No further education required, congrats!

[Robe30]

Do I get a pinning ceremony?

[Vitaliy]

EJ25D have overheating problems often. I'm shop assistant, i sell subaru parts - ej25d head gaskets are top seller.
However my friends have subaru with EJ25 engine and they never had any problems.
You could to lift 1st gen obw very fast.
1st gen front suspension is the same as 2 gen obw. the rear suspension is easier than 2 gen suspension.

[dvancleve]

If you work on cars, why not just buy Outback struts and raise your GT? Put OB size tires on your stock wheels and Bob's your uncle! You might even get away with using your stock springs, otherwise some OB springs should be pretty easy to find (a lot more OB owners end up lowering their cars than GT owners raising theirs)...

Doug

Originally Posted by Robe30

I'm thinking about selling my 02 Legacy GT 5spd wagon and picking up a decent first gen ob. Any major issues w these cars? I've spent plenty of time doing head gaskets etc on my 02 so I'm anticipating that problem.

The reason I'm thinking about doing this is because my LGT is very "fast" not does handle any "trails" or offroading due to the lack of ground clearance.

Thanks for any input guys

[coz375]

Had a "96" 2.2 outback with a 5sp. In 2007, at 178,000 miles it developed a stuck valve. I fixed it and gave it to a co-worker for the $300.00 I had in parts to fix the valve.

Well it's almost 17 years old, he has almost 250,000 miles on it and never touched the engine again. The only head gasket that was replaced was the one I replaced when I fixed the stuck valve.

[jcfili]

i have a 99 Outback sport with 210 000 miles with a 2.2L engine. No problems whatsoever... just the regular maintenance.

[Robe30]

I have a set if OBXT springs in my garage that would work. I just feel bad about lifting a gt....

Originally Posted by dvancleve

If you work on cars, why not just buy Outback struts and raise your GT? Put OB size tires on your stock wheels and Bob's your uncle! You might even get away with using your stock springs, otherwise some OB springs should be pretty easy to find (a lot more OB owners end up lowering their cars than GT owners raising theirs)...

Doug

[dvancleve]

You probably know this, but the Outback lift is mostly from the struts. I hear you on lifting a GT, but you have it and raising it is fairly trivial... Doug

Originally Posted by Robe30

I have a set if OBXT springs in my garage that would work. I just feel bad about lifting a gt....

[Robe30]

True. I guess I don't need the body spacers etc. I need struts anyway so maybe ill just go this route for now