Dr. RX

Yea, the first year that Outbacks looked different was 97.

I don't think so, you stated that is was a turbo car, and all turbo cars are 3.70's.

So, if I read correctly, you checked both sides of the fusable links and they were fine. Does that mean that you checked the link itself? I'm assuming that you tested both sides for power, and when you got a light from both side you felt the link was good. In most cases I'd say that would be true, but if you have any extra links around, it wouldn't hurt to replace them. Also, you mentioned that you had no power to either side of the charge fuse? I'm not sure, but doesn't power only flow through that fuse when the engine is running and the alternator is working? Electrical problems are the most frustrating part of working cars, it can be the simplest of thing, but not the most obvious.

Most rear or front LSDs in WRXs are mechanical, not VLSD, but the center diff usually is VLSD. I don't understand the big deal about banning carbon brakes.

Well, the first year for Outbacks was 1995, but they looked just like a regular wagon. If you took the time to check out the VIN on this car, you'll see it is an Outback, but a 96 model year not a 95.

OOPPPPSS my bad, I misread it, page 10, item 5, it states, "under no circumstances may forced induction components be changed (turbochargers, superchargers, intercoolers)." So I guess a bone stock WRX can race in SSA.

I picked up the CP9125, it was less then $75 with tax. It works fine for me.

Ed, go back and read the part about the 'no forced induction' in the lower classes, that would eliminate the WRX from everything lower the Rally Prep. I went back and read parts of the link again, it does give the local chapters a lot of leeway with classes, but there must be a dual rating so those who are vying for national points can accumulate points in the national recognized classes. I also can't believe that a helmet that was good this year will not be good in 2006. I think I still have one of the helmets that I used back in my racing days, it is still in great condition, yet I would have to buy a new helmet just to race. I wonder if there is sum sort of waiver I could sign.

I would have thought by now that Subaru had learned that the USA is hungry for anything turbo'd, and if it is a STi version, all the better. I was amazed when the USA got it's own version of the WRX STi, but also learned that in Japan, just about every model in the Subaru line-up has a STi version. So, come on Subaru, bring ALL of those STi versions to the goood old US of A. And while you are at it, create a new 2 door Impreza WRX STi.

Gee, I'll have to check, I thought that I updated the spreadsheet about two months ago, maybe I got your info just after I updated it. Please send it again since I'm going to go into it for Mark's input.

I need a little more info, condition and location, I can get the model year from the VIN (this is an 87). For those who may have never seen my database, here is a link, http://www.corkysrocks.net/RX%20Database%203.xls , it is a MS Excel spreadsheet.

Granted I'm comparing 3 RX coupes with 5 speed D/Rs against an Impreza with a JDM WRX conversion, BIG difference.

I believe the different phases have different part numbers, there should be a decal on the back of the engine by the bell housing that has a part number on it (make sure the decal is on the engine, and not the tranny, the tranny will have one also). Then you can call a dealer and have them check the engine number against there record to see which phase it is (the engine might also be on the data, if it has the original engine in it). I would love to be in this situation, I could get a brand new long block from Subaru, and put it in and still be way under the low blue book for this car.

The parts guy is pulling your chain, he should know what the part numbers are to these manuals and be able to look them up for you, sounds like he just doesn't want to take the time, or doesn't know where to look. There will probably be 8 separate books for the Factory Service Manual (FSM), prices will range from $25 to around $100, the whole set will cost around $500 (pure guess). I have a newer set, but there were a lot of changes in 2005, so some will be different.

Like Skip said, if you compare it to your RS, you'll be disappointed. That said, it is not a bad car for a daily driver, but the do have their problem, like any turbo Subaru of that era. The EA82T (the engine code) requires a lot more attention then the the non-turbo EA82, it is not a car that you can just put gas and oil in it an drive it forever. Heat is a killer for these engines and they have a tendency to overheat, so the temp guage must be watched often. They also seem to consume more oil then the non-turbos, so check the oil often. If it is an 85 or 86 sedan in good condition, start with an offer of $500. Of course, if the engine and/or tranny has had a recent rebuild, the price will raise accordingly. Total mileage also plays and important part, the more mile the less the price. If he is an auto tech instructor, I would hope that he has well maintained the car, that will also cause the price to increase. Anyway, if he is open to offers and hasn't put a price of it, it is a place to start. If he laughs at it, asked him what price he was thinking it was worth and go from there.

My 96 Impreza doesn't have either (do to the conversion), but my 95 Legacy has OBD II. I believe all vehicles from 1996 on have OBD II, I think OBD I was on some vehicles for 1987 to 1995. On the 95 Impreza you still be able to get the codes from the CEL (ckeck engine light), there should be a plug under that dash that when connected will cause the CEL to start blinking a series of long and short flashes, these are the code numbers. For example, if there are two long flashes and three short flashes followed by a pause, that code would be 23. I still have this available on my 96 for check trouble codes.

Gee about the only difference in your work place and mine is that mine is asphalt, and it is usually less then fourty when the car decides it needs some work in the winter (they usually run fine during the summer).

Gees Tex, it's the 26th, not this weekend.

So I can't believe that only two people have replied to this.

I found a 99 30th Anniversary Edition Legacy that had great seats (with hight adjustment, needed for my slightly less then 5 foot tall wife), since they are from the same body style (95 to 99) as out 95 L model Legacy wagon, they bolted right in. I might get the door panels to. When we first got the Legacy (a week ago today), it felt like you were sitting on the floor, the sag was so bad.

I'll be there, but they are calling for snow in the lower Cascades next weekend.

Can you take a picture of the metcal (label) on the back of the rear diff and send it to me at corkysrocks@isomedia.com .

Something got left off the file prefemances, here is what it shows for the image in your post, http://rallitek.net/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=253&stc=1 , there is not file type, ie .jpg or .bmp, maybe if you just gave us a link to the file it would work better.

Since an automatic tranny was only available in a RX in 89, it is possible that they got the LSD since all RXs had them and the rear ratio for autos is 3.70. On the XT6 possible 3.90 LSD, someone here on the board posted a part number and a link where you could look up that part number. I checked that part number against my Subrau parts book (1985 to 1990), the parts book only showed it as a good number for a LSD rear diff, it did not give a ratio. I sent an e-mail to the dealer who had the web site listed in the post to confirm the information that they listed, I never got a reply from them.