oregoncoast

Again, this thing is awesome. Thanks for sharing this.

This is some sick ************.

Wow! That looks like a lot of work...but worth it. Will be one unique Subaru and cool ride when its done. I say weld that body on a WRX chassis...talk about sleeper...

Now, if they just weren't so dang expensive!!

I almost traded a vintage motorcycle for that Brat, but couldn't get my stuff together in time....good luck with it! Actually looks cleaner than I thought it would. Those CL photos were pretty limited. I just love the front end on those things.

Very cool...a little more jacked than I want to go. I did go and poke around at dirty impreza for awhile...nice stuff. Not quite sure yet, working out some ideas with the wife...just for fun for now. What I want to build is something between a Rally America car and a soob set up for off-roading (mudding/rocks). I'm actually really liking the idea of an older Outback (2.2), just because it really doesn't fit either of those categories as well as some other models of subarus. And this thing would be driven for long distances and would require a little room for some stuff (parts, spares, personal stuff). I really like the vintage Dakar-Paris vehicles...so that is sort of the idea for this project...not a total tubular framed race car with some fiberglass panels bolted on...but basically a production model with some modification to make it a true "overland" vehicle, but still ride nice on the tarmac. I probably should just buy a quadcab Toyota or Nissan 4x4 pick-up and call it good...of course, what would the fun of that be?? Picking up some great information just poking around here and that other site...as well as using my google-fu. I feel stupid having this thread here...any ideas on getting a mod to move it??

I just realized that I should have posted this in another place and not the Meet N Greet one. If a Mod could please put this thread in the proper place, I would appreciate it. Thanks.

Rollcage for sure, and engine bay cage I think. Skid plate but with some louvers or holes to keep the air going through...not worried about sticks poking through, just big rocks, rocks and more rocks! I was originally thinking of going vintage, but now focusing on something newer with a 2.2 already in it to avoid having to do a swap. Don't want a huge lift, thinking just an inch or two. Don't want a full on baja trophy truck or buggy either..lol. But would love to actually gain a little in suspension travel..is that even possible? Seen some pretty impressive, and expensive Bilstiens for Soobs, anyone got a bit more actual suspension travel vs. just a body lift and bigger wheels? I'd rather stick with stock wheel sizes or close to it. cool! gotta link? I was thinking oil cooler too, I am coming from a desert motorcycle background, so keeping the motor cool is of prime importance to me. Also some air filter mods for dealing with dust and silt. Got any specifics on what has been done and works? Was also thinking about a couple of pusher fans in front of the radiator...anyone ever mount up an auxiliary radiator as well? Thanks for all of the input, please keep it coming..good stuff.

I'm thinking the EJ22 is a good choice too, thanks for the reply!

New member here, thought this was a great place to pose this question. I'd love to hear what the experts have to say: The Project: Subaru desert project Needs to be: Run at relatively high speed, in dusty, high heat environment, with increased ground clearance and preferably increased suspension travel, to handle unexpected wash outs at speed, smallish whoops, ruts and embedded rocks. Top speed not as important as reliability and the ability to be abused and ran hard for several thousand miles over several days, on conditions varying from dry lake beds, deep sand, bad gravel roads to nice pavement. Overheating is a big concern, as is maintaining reliability and closeness to stock where possible (especially the motor). Also, the budget will be somewhat restricted. So the question posed to you guys is: What year/model Subaru would you start with, and then what modifications would you do to it for this hypothetical project I described. I'm into vintage as well as late-model Subarus, so don't limit your ideas. I'm interested in specifics too, such as which brand of springs, tires, etc and which manufacturer of lift-kit, skid plate, etc... Thanks, I look forward to you input... OC