laegion

This is a perfectly normal stance for that car. The reason the front has more "clearance" is so the suspension can flex while the wheels are turned, so they don't rub the fenders. No need for this on the rear since they don't turn.

The springs are the same height, only the struts are taller.

Thank you. I'll check them out.

It's not overheating, it does get a bit warm if it idles for too long, if I haven't topped off the radiator recent enough. If I didn't drive for work it would barely be an issue.

Well then, anyone know a reliable importer? I'm in the PNW if that makes any difference. It seems shipping to the lower 48 is usually pretty universal.

Just bought one with 196k, but suspected head gasket issue...I might be buying a JDM replacement engine.

So. I bought a 2003 Outback LL Bean with 196k. The car is in reasonable shape and runs pretty well except a slight hesitation and sometimes it idles a little rough/vibrates at idle. The main issue I'm having is that it likes to kick out about 1-2 cups of coolant every time I top off the radiator, it doesn't seem to keep pushing out coolant after that but it will have a very slow bubbling from the overflow hose into the tank at idle. I tested with a combustion gas test kit and after 2-3 min of testing the fluid hadn't changed color in any noticeable way. I do not see any active coolant leaks, maybe there is some seeping slowly but not that I can find. The only time I see coolant actually leaking from the car is if I keep topping off the radiator without removing some from the overflow. Also no strange smoke on cold starts, no contamination in the oil or transmission fluid. Currently I can just top off the radiator every morning and drive it all day (about 100 miles a day of stop and go traffic) and it never overheats; although the primary radiator fan does run a bit more than I'm used to with my other car (95 ej22) but that's it. I have replaced the radiator cap with a "safety" style and an OEM cap is on order; but I haven't changed anything else. I'm thinking a coolant flush, new OEM radiator cap and thermostat would be a good start but I'm not sure if any of those (besides the cap) could cause this issue and I'm wondering if I'm seeing the start of a head gasket failure but not enough at idle to show up on a test? Maybe a partially clogged radiator? Any ideas or advice are welcome; especially if you have experience with similar issues with an ez30d. (aside from things like telling my my engine sucks or I should buy another car...lol)

I definitely don't intend to install pretty fans. I could care less what they look like. In my mind my Legacy is like a work truck, function is primary and looks are far down the list. I wouldn't install anything unless is was proven to give better cooling performance. Also, I did install a tow hitch, mostly for a bike rack but I do plan on towing a small utility trailer for dump runs, moving stuff and camping. So it's something I will look into. I mainly haven't because I didn't want to block any airflow through the condenser and radiator if it wasn't necessary for the transmission.

Yes; if I added an external cooler I'd definitely still leave it routed through the radiator. Thanks for the info. I'll look into the 5 blade vs. 4 blade fans. I didn't know that about the test connectors. I guess it's just something I haven't come across in my FSM with the stuff I've used it for so far. Thanks for the info.

L series.

It seems to me that it would be a mistake to assume that new users are also new to Subarus or cars in general; rather than that they had never needed or wanted to register previously. I'm just trying to avoid plastic end tanks because they are the most common failure point on a radiator. If it's more efficient then so much the better. It doesn't look like there is anything wrong with mine yet; it was a false alarm. No it didn't overeat; and no; I'm not mis-diagnosing a combustion to coolant head gasket leak as a radiator. I actually have a combustion gas tester for coolant and the head gaskets were replaced about 30k ago when I put in the other engine. I just thought I had coolant seeping from a side tank seal...but it's my bleed port washer. Either way; I'm still interested in an upgrade as it would be nice especially for transmission cooling when on slow steep uphill climbs with a car fully loaded with camping gear. Do people commonly use secondary transmission coolers with 4eat transmissions? or maybe upgrading cooling fans?

You apparently don't understand the difference between advice and information. I asked for information. What would you know about my cooling needs? You didn't bother to ask, when, where or how I drive my Legacy or for that matter even ask what motor I have in it. You just assume I'm a newb, and that I only drive to the grocery store for prune juice and granola. Not that it matters. I clearly asked for information, not advice. I hope you don't treat your customers with this same level of disdain...you clearly have a lack of customer service expertise and a raging inferiority complex. I didn't sign up for this site to be preached to about how my car is worthless and doesn't warrant modification. That's my determination to make...not yours. I could care less what it bluebooks for, I happen to like it and plan on fixing it and driving it regardless of if hipsters take a liking to the model and increase it's resale.

Looks like a lot of modification work for my car unfortunately...I was looking at the radiator made for the 90-94 Turbo but I read on another post that it's taller and uses a different radiator support. I really don't want to cut and weld on the sheet metal; but I don't mind modifying or making new brackets...

I may go with aftermarket...that's not the point. I asked a question. You all are assuming a lot about my level of knowledge and expertise...I didn't ask for anyone's advice on how to or how not to modify or spend money on MY car. I asked a simple question...if you don't have an answer or don't want to answer that question...move on to the next post. I've already done an engine swap, '99 outback struts, roof rack and lots of other work on this car. What I do and don't deem worthy of spending on it is my business.

I'm happy for your post count! I've also owned a 1984 Trans Am WS6, 1989 Firebird, 1982 Z28, 1994 K2500 Silverado, 1966 VW Beetle, 1968 VW Beetle, 1988 Celica Alltrac Turbo, 1984 Vandura 2500, 1976 Datsun 620, 1993 Probe GT, 1984 Suzuki SJ410, 1988 Yamaha FZR400, 2001 Yamaha TW200, 1984 Polaris 250 4x4....etc. etc. I've worked on all of them and done engine and transmission swaps on half of them... I didn't come here for anyone's high handed advice. I simply asked what, all aluminum radiators, might fit this chassis with minimum modifications. Blast your inferiority complex all over someone else's post. I'm only interested in having my specific question answered. If you can't offer an answer go annoy someone else.

How about you just don't reply to my post if you're gonna be a jerk? There are plenty of 80's Subies running around...so why wouldn't I think that. Not everyone thinks of their car in terms of resale value; or how soon they can get a new one. I'm not going to have anyone make a custom radiator; but it doesn't mean there isn't one that can't be fit with minor mods.

It's nothing to do with performance...I just don't want plastic because plastic side tanks don't last like aluminum. And btw; thanks for insulting my car. I don't need platitudes. I asked for advice on radiators that would fit and are all metal.

I'm looking at a possible need to change my radiator. I'm just wondering what direct fit (or with very minor mods) radiator options there are for 1995 Legacy L, with an auto?