1 Lucky Texan

I could see 'some' of what was being mentioned. However, I've read elsewhere that Subaru sales staff were driving those vehicles! I dunno Carl

One thing I think is ironic - pretty sure the Murano drivetrain is made by FHI !!! Carl

I think the seats are more comfy in the Outback. The cargo space may not be much different, just a taller shape in the forester. take a look at www.cars101.com for weights/dimensions, etc. Carl

Didn't a California based dealership start advertising in a publication popular with gays? I guess I don't know the history of it. Anyway - this is the first time Foresters have been mentioned. I dunno - get what you like. Carl

Yeah, if they just took a licking in a fair race....wait...uh....nevermind ;^) Carl

I always felt it was the Legacy wagons that were - um - more associated with an alternate lifestyle. Seems to me the perception about this predates the introduction of the Forester. Anyway - I wouldn't let it stop me from driving what the h3!! i wanted. Carl

I wonder SV in Troy Michigan can still make superchargers? Carl

The fastest non-wrx soob is probably the turbo Forester. Don't let the looks fool you - its a rocket. Needs a little stiffer suspension, but, being classed as a 'compact SUV/whatever' might get you lower insurance rates. Carl

OOoooh, good post! I once had a Honda that had carpet fuzz built up on the clutch cable inside - bad joo-joo. (his car has a cable?) Carl

just ran across this - y'all probably already spotted it though. An email to jamie might get a copy of any instructions included scanned and sent back to you - I dunno https://www.subarugenuineparts.com/product_info.php?products_id=961

Plus, the slipping has likely glazed the surface which MAY act peculiarly with condensation and temperature, etc. I dunno Carl

You got a base for your 'scope and probably a chair and other gear. And you might wanna share a ride with someone someday with similar gear. I say - fold down. Carl

I don't think any model year of Baja sold more than about 700 vehicles did it? I dunno Carl

Jamal's number 2. might be something to consider. Meguiar's (or other) plastic polish might clear up older, pitted and yellowed lenses. Also, you might consider an eye exam - just in case something is changing in your vision. Just as a precaution. Carl

I understand. I THINK I've seen a photo showing the loaction of the gallery plug(s). A TEE should work OK as well I guess. I THINK also, there's an OEM adapter for the gallery plug. maybe it has instructions, location marked? Carl

there are also 'sandwich adapters' ('plates') which screw on the filter mounting area(or held on by the filter? not sure). They often have a port for oil temp and ports for an oil cooler. I think pressure also. fyi Carl

Someone here will know the specifics - but, if you plan on extensive mods/upgrades to the engine, i THINK there is some kinda difference in exhaust headers having a shared oulet vs, individual outlets. i guess one style has more aftermarket parts available? I dunno - just a weird memory I have of reading about that I think. Carl

I think there's a lot of wisdom in buying cars over 3-4 yoears old, if one is not in a hurry and can deal with an overlooked problem or 2. I was in a position to 'spoil' myself with 1/2 the proceeds from an inherited house. Not wise - but affordable since it was cash up front. I THINK one MIGHT make the argument that finding a WRX wagon(or turbo Forester) that hasn't been 'beat on' by a kid is easier than finding a sedan that hasn't been abused. Not too many kids are gonna say "Daddy, buy me a station wagon" hah! Carl

Somone will know but I'm pretty sure there wers some subes with 2.2 in '96 and maybe '97 . Might've been Imprezas though. You could dig around at www.cars101.com too. Carl

I THINK there is a 'trick' in my wife's OBW that will chage the brightness by holding a button in for 3 seconds or somthing. Sorry I'm not more specific but my memory is not perfect on this and we've never used the function. I think I went through the owner's manual after we bought the car and did the routine once. I dunno - coulod just be an intermittent connector somewhere. Carl

Interesting post. I think ,in the mix, you should also consider a Forester. Don't let the suv appearance fool you. It's an impreza underneath. And, if you like to tinker, a lot of go-fast stuff made for the WRXes will also work on the Forester. To me, it could use some stiffer anti-sway bars, but other than that - they drive and handle great - quick too (the turbo ones) If you keep your foot outta the boost range though - you will get decent mileage. If you didn't want a wagon, I'd suggest you look at the WRX TR sedan. Again, with your mechanical experience you could build it up as you want it and at your own rate. I LOVE my 06 WRX wagon so far. Just last week I had 300 lbs of topsoil in the back, this weekend I'm gonna autoX it! It can do anything! hah! Carl

Do you ever here a 'whooshing' or 'gurgling' noise when the A/C DOES engage? Severla people with H6 Outbacks (including my wife) have reported leaking discharge and suction hoses from the compressor. perhaps you eventually lost enough refrigerant to have total failure (actually, a pressure switch is preventing operation) I dunno - just a thought. Carl

seems to me RELIABLE 400hp is gonna be easier to get outta 6 cylinders. PARTS to get 400hp will be easier to find for the 2.5 or maybe 2 liter engines I think. check out what some of the sandrail guys are doing. and of course NASIOC. I dunno - sounds like a fun project though. Carl

Might depend on end use too. I THINK the STi has oil squirters for under the piston for additional cooling. That might not be critical for an 1/8 or 1/4 miler though. I dunno Carl

I can't answer all your questions - but evidently tread wear ratings figure in to some classes. There's a bewildering number of classes - to go with all the different kinda cars and modifications I guess. ('glance' at this; - http://www.moutons.org/sccasolo/ caution, you may become drowsy) Oh well. I'm just gonna try to focus on getting my car through without knocking over any cones and still have fun. (someone has to be the slowest - right?) Carl