[AWDFTW]

Howdy and welcome.

As far as grip goes....that depends on your tires and whether the AWD system is working properly.

 

[Superru]

Makes sense.

By the way, the thing about these outbacks that catches my eye is the fact the rear end looks bulky-ish. Now is that true? Will it whip it's a** around a dirt corner?

 

[1 Lucky Texan]

subarus have somewhat neutral handling but that can easily be altered to a 'bias' towards the front or the rear. They won't swap ends like an old-style Volkswagen Beetle, but they won't plow like a Honda Civic either. And driving skills has a LOT to do with holding the line thru a corner at speed.

You might find a local SCCA chapter and run some autoX courses. Dpends on what's in your area. Even an HDPE could help you.


To start with, get good tires, then get good brakes (StopTech Street Performance pads are awesome value but there are many good pads) Then look at struts if yours are old, maybe springs and anti-sway bars. Loose as much weight out of the vehicle as possible - even seats if not needed. Lighter rims will help too.


there are some guys here that will probably chime in with motorsports advice. What city are you in?

 

[Superru]

I wasn't sure on how easy it was to bias the power to the front or rear wheels, so it sorta slipped my mind :29:

I live in Spokane, WA. There isn't much in means of rally courses, but there sure as s**t are alot of twisty dirt roads.

Anyways, I may be leaning toward more power to the front, for added handling, but still leave enough for the rear for it to kick around turns fairly well.

Also, what can I do to the 2.2 in means of pure performance? (Intake, Headers, Tuned-Chip, etc. etc.)

I'm new to little Subaru engines, but I'm sure I could work something out.

 

[1 Lucky Texan]

I wasn't sure on how easy it was to bias the power to the front or rear wheels, so it sorta slipped my mind :29:

I live in Spokane, WA. There isn't much in means of rally courses, but there sure as s**t are alot of twisty dirt roads.

Anyways, I may be leaning toward more power to the front, for added handling, but still leave enough for the rear for it to kick around turns fairly well.

Also, what can I do to the 2.2 in means of pure performance? (Intake, Headers, Tuned-Chip, etc. etc.)

I'm new to little Subaru engines, but I'm sure I could work something out.

I meant 'bias' in the sense that, certain changes to suspension layout will increase or diminish oversteer or understeer. The automatic transmissions 'may' be modified to alter power distribution but for the vast majority of folks , best to leave it alone. The 5 speed's viscous center diff is always ready to lock power distribution at 50/50 when some wheel slips.

there isn't much you can do to any NA soob motor to increase power with 'simple' bolt on parts. you might do a search for the term 'frankenmotor' - over at ultimatesubaru.org .

 

[ChromeDomeAl]

SuperRu, I am in the same boat as you. I want to buy a Gen I Subie, gut it, RhinoLine the entire inside and outside, put a mild lift on it, mud tires, and most importantly - a WRX 2.5 swap. That isn't feasible right now, money permitting, but may be in the next few years. However, I may just turn my current '07 OBXT into a beast and buy a new daily driver in the future.

I used to live in Spokane and spent a lot of time on some back roads NE of Spokane. I would take Francis East and just go exploring. Tons of fun roads up there! As for bolt on power, you won't find many cost-effective horsepower/torque gains without significantly tearing into the engine. Maybe things have changed in the past few years, but that's the reason I sold my old OB and bought this new one (the XT.) However, that doesn't mean you can't have serious fun with the power that's available to you. I managed to get myself into some hairy situations with my old OB, then out of them in a fun manner

Good luck!

 

[Superru]

SuperRu, I am in the same boat as you. I want to buy a Gen I Subie, gut it, RhinoLine the entire inside and outside, put a mild lift on it, mud tires, and most importantly - a WRX 2.5 swap. That isn't feasible right now, money permitting, but may be in the next few years. However, I may just turn my current '07 OBXT into a beast and buy a new daily driver in the future.

I used to live in Spokane and spent a lot of time on some back roads NE of Spokane. I would take Francis East and just go exploring. Tons of fun roads up there! As for bolt on power, you won't find many cost-effective horsepower/torque gains without significantly tearing into the engine. Maybe things have changed in the past few years, but that's the reason I sold my old OB and bought this new one (the XT.) However, that doesn't mean you can't have serious fun with the power that's available to you. I managed to get myself into some hairy situations with my old OB, then out of them in a fun manner

Good luck!

In that case, where can I get skid plates? I might be able to fab them or something, but I just wanna see if I can buy one for cheaper. I think I may also fab a rollcage as well.

The best part I love about Spokane, is that there are Subaru's everywhere, I can find 7 in my apartment complex. All OB's Except for 3 Imprezas. And theres an Impreza OB


Like eye candy.