93 loyale wagon --> college adventuremobile project

[russellthehippo]

(I'm reposting this from the member rides thread bc I think it's more relevant here.)

Hi all, I'm excited to be a new member of this community! Looks like a lot of good info and fun stuff gets shared here. I'm going to document my ride in this thread.

 

My beloved "Beast" - '92 Geo Metro - died a couple weeks ago (transmission) after getting me through two years of high school and three years of college.

I thought it would be hard to find anything as practical or as endearing as it was for me - boy was I wrong!

 

 

Enter Subaru! I am the proud new owner of this 1993 Loyale wagon with 4WD and the 5spd. Only 116,000 miles and in beautiful condition for only $1,500. It's mechanically sound - except for a hole in the muffler and a potentially busted catalytic converter (slight burning smell) - and starts, runs, and shifts like a dream. Old owner changed ball joints, struts, timing belts, battery, engine seals, water pump, fuel pump, and some other little stuff (with documentation  ). So the first thing I did was drive it up a mountain on rough, muddy old logging roads, and the 4WD works like a dream even with stock 13 inch all-seasons. 

 

I have big plans to turn this into my next Adventuremobile and hope to get to at least 250,000 miles with regular TLC, or at least until autonomous electric vehicles render these fabulous cars functionally obsolete. First things first: I proceeded to take it home and rip out the ancient rotting speakers and the terrible cassette/radio head unit. 

Here's the plans:

Now:
I'm going to get new hatch struts - the old ones are pretty weak and future plans necessitate this.

Next I'm going to put in a solid sound system. I don't need to wake the neighbors, but I want to be able to hear my low- and mid-range bass and drum tones doing 65 mph with the windows down.    Plus, I want all my sound components hidden, out of the way of the Soob's extreme practicality. I'm going to put four of these thin-profile Kicker speakers in the doors, this shallow-mount 8" subwoofer in the liftgate with a custom enclosure - hopefully this isn't too hard/is possible - and hook it all together with this 4-channel Planet Audio 800W amp and this Bluetooth-ready head unit. Should be a massive sound upgrade without too much cost.

 

I'm also going to do the classic new-used car routine: new spark plugs & wires, change oil/filter, air filter, tranny/diff fluids, power steering fluid, coolant flush.

I'm also probably going to play it safe and replace the vacuum lines and radiator hoses, brake check and service, clean out the EGR (replace if necessary for $70 or just plug the vacuum line), and probably the entire exhaust system (might use a cat, might not - no emissions checks here in Idaho and I don't want to deal with the hassle). 

 

Next is a roof rack - probably some simple, cheap gutter-clamp rack with crossbars which I can use for mountain bikes, kayaks, and mattresses.   

 

 

Later:

One thing I love is tailgate camping, with music/light coming from the car so you don't have to get out a bunch of complicated equipment. So with that in mind, I also want to put two or four speakers into the liftgate/trunk area to play some tunes out the back when the hatch is up. Also in the trunk I want to inset some LED light bars so I can light up a campsite or whatever else without taxing the battery too much. I kind of want to add a 120V plugin or two in the back as well.

If I get real adventurous I might add fog lights or a towing hitch. 

This all should complete a pretty dope hatch setup for camping, etc while complementing the sound system (but not breaking the bank). 

 

I'm aiming to keep the whole project under $3,000 total - so my modifications budget is $1,500. 

 

What do you guys think?

What suggestions do you have?

Which should I watch out for, replace, or modify on a '93 Loyale?

Do you think this is doable within my budget?

How do you think this Loyale would do on a 4,000-mile road trip to Juneau, Alaska and back?

Any other PNW folks around?

 

I'm excited to join this community, get started on this project and hear your feedback.

 

Cheers!

 

[idosubaru]

Replace all the timing pulleys as well. Unless you can verify those were replaced with the belt, but often times they are not.

 

People drive these things all the time - 4,000 miles is chump change compared to 100,000 or 250,000 people routinely drive these things too, so that's not even a question.

 

Timing bits leave you stranded so i like to keep on top of all timing components - belt, pulleys, and water pump.

 

Alternator, like any 25 year old vehicle, is most likely component to strand you and aftermarket units sucks. And they're super easy to replace - you can do a Subaru alternator with your eyes closed. I used to keep a used one in the vehicle as a back up when traveling long distance frequently and I'll probably start doing it again because it just makes sense. I prefer used OEM units if I can still find these old things around. Fuel pump is another similar item but on consistently run vehicles I never saw them fail that often. Failure rate seemed much higher on cars that sat for extended periods of time.

Edited June 23, 2017 by grossgary

[jsyme]

Mazel Tov!

 

You're excitement is contagious!

I have the same goals, and I have the 1992 version of that same car: silver Loyale. Single-Range MT transmission and 230,000 miles.

 

* I just upgraded the interior lights and experienced a SIGNIFICANT IMPROVEMENT using LED strip across the back, and LED in newly installed map light section (not there by USA default Loyales) and LED in the top central dome. You'll love it. I recommend setting the rear light strip to only be on with an open door, but keep the central dome light selectable anytime.

 

* I found I can carry two mountain bikes inside but lose 3 seat for butts doing so. I want to install a hitch to get the bikes outside. I've almost given up hope of finding one in the recycled parts yards, and am considering making one.

 

* I still have the default 1.8L with plans to make it a 2.2L from either a 1995 imprezza or legacy "mechanic special" + "your loss is my gain" or "accident" or "wreck". I usually carry a LOT of band equipment and when fully loaded with total 3 people, and one seat pushed down and loaded to the top, it just doesn't have the torque to push up even for steap highway offramps, let alone off road traveling.  If I were to install a roof basket and load even more stuff, it would be worse. It really needs the 2.2L for any long distance traveling with gear. But as my A to B car to go to work and back EMPTY it does just fine.  I have found I get low 20 mpg on the highway, running empty, but I drive it hard @ 75 and 

4000 RPM in 5th.

 

* I already replaced the alternator with the OEM 55 or 60 AM (I forget) alternator, but wished I had gone for the upgraded one 90 Amp Nissan Maxima, but when I do this one will be the spare that will go with me everywhere. I learned that the black engine fuse under the hood is rated for 80AMp however.

 

* Prior to me owning it sat broken for 3 years, and so yes I had to replace the fuel pump. $200 new, $20 used, and I learned that Ford has one that will work as well for $60. I say "Have a spare".

 

* This is right place (forum) to be for knowledge about this car.

 

* I considered putting large speakers in the hatch itself. I have found that there is little reinforment in that plastic cover so when you install your speaker you'll have to fabricate mount points. There is however plenty of room in the headliner for running cables, but a tight squeeze through the hatch rubber gromet. I replaced my hatch pistons and they are plenty strong enough to hold up a few more pounds of speaker equipment. I'm looking to install a CB as well, because why not?

 

* You've already noticed that the rear doors don't have the cut out for speakers, but know this: the speaker wire is already installed! NICE! When installing your speakers, build a nylong ring or use plastic washers to make sure the speakers don't ground against the door metal and they sound great!  If you want the "housing" search for a late 80's GL without water damage and they clip right into your loyale. with water damaage the "cardboard" pressed wood shape deteriorates and just falls apart.  Check the specs with Crutchfiled.com and tell them you have a 1989 GL wagon.

 

* If you're serious about taking that Alaska trip, be sure to do the timing belts yourself in your garage with no time pressure. It's not difficult but it is very specific.  Once you're done and it starts and runs. Do it again. You don't have to use new parts, just make sure you know to do it well enough that you could explain it over the phone to someone who hasn't done it.  When you can teach it, you know it. For example, I've opted to run both my cars without their timing belt covers on., tell me why I'm right and why I'm wrong. Actually have an opinion. Consider access to water and oil pumps in your answer. 

 

* I'm a huge fan of the jumper box for a "spare battery" on long trips, but these days I've (pun intended) jumped to the high capitor emergency car starter simply due to size.  I don't have this model exactly, and I'm no agent for Wal-Mart, but this what I'm talking about. https://www.walmart.com/ip/Black-Yellow-Portable-68800mAh-4-USB-Car-Jump-Starter-Booster-Power-Bank-Battery-TM15A/388629380 

 

* If there is one more thing you haven't addressed it's the front headlights / fogs.  I WANT to upgrade to LEDs and am now looking into how and where to source parts. Compared to my other modern cars, these don't have front head-lights at all.

 

* I have no opinion on your $1500 budget. I'm poor and patient. I keep RSS feeds watching craigslist, and even today I'm hoping to pick up 4 rims and tires for $40. I've been waiting for this deal for over 6 months. I meet him after work for  1991 Isuzu Rodeo rims. woot!

[ferp420]

I have 10" subs sunk in to the back doors and turned the doors in to a box the windows are gone and the doors dont open so i had the room also used a milk crate for a grill i left it about 2" wide it mak3s a great shelf for when your car.camping i have a combo of high powered and low powered led lights low power for when parked and daylight for when im moving a lift and a duel range trans are a must these are about the cheapest expo rig out there so enjoy

[russellthehippo]

Replace all the timing pulleys as well...Alternator, like any 25 year old vehicle, is most likely component to strand you...Fuel pump is another similar item but on consistently run vehicles I never saw them fail that often. Failure rate seemed much higher on cars that sat for extended periods of time.

I'll add timing pulleys to the list - in the service documentation for the timing belt replacement I can't see anything about pulleys. Also I know for sure the alternator is factory: the documentation includes a quote for a new OEM alternator to "...replace factory alternator.". This car mostly sat as a third vehicle for a two-driver family for the three years before I got it (though they kept up on maintenance) so even though the replaced the fuel pump was replaced 35,000 miles ago I may look into replacing it down the road. Thanks!

 

 

Mazel Tov!

You're excitement is contagious!

I have the same goals, and I have the 1992 version of that same car: silver Loyale. Single-Range MT transmission and 230,000 miles.

 

* I just upgraded the interior lights and experienced a SIGNIFICANT IMPROVEMENT using LED

* I've almost given up hope of finding one in the recycled parts yards, and am considering making one.

* You've already noticed that the rear doors don't have the cut out for speakers, but know this: the speaker wire is already installed! NICE! When installing your speakers, build a nylong ring or use plastic washers to make sure the speakers don't ground against the door metal and they sound great!  If you want the "housing" search for a late 80's GL without water damage and they clip right into your loyale

* If there is one more thing you haven't addressed it's the front headlights / fogs

* I have no opinion on your $1500 budget. I'm poor and patient. I keep RSS feeds watching craigslist...

Good luck with your car! I'm definitely excited.

I already bought an LED bulb for the dome and I'd like to put in LEDs for the rear passengers that turn on with the doors and are also selectable otherwise; I'm not super experienced with wiring (basic speaker setup in my old Geo) but it doesn't look too hard. For the hitch, I'll probably just get one of the relatively inexpensive bolt-on ones, Class I or II for a bike rack/canoe-kayak trailer. Hoo-rah, mountain biking! Thanks for the nylon ring/plastic washer tip, and if I don't build housing myself I'll check out GL parts. I'll probably end up getting fog lights and potentially flood lights for the roof as well, as mountain roads are no bueno in the dark. Probably LED to save battery and increase brightness. RSS feeds are a great idea, might try it out - this area has a relatively high concentration of old Subarus so that might be fruitful. 

[russellthehippo]

Thinking about wheel color traditions + overhaul update

 

I painted the hubcaps on my Geo black to cover up peeling paint. These hubcaps aren't peeling, but I'm thinking about starting a beater tradition by getting some other car's 13" hubcaps from a junkyard and painting them black for this rig. See comparison photos - I used some GIMP wizardry. Here's to hoping black isn't the new chrome.

 

Other news: oil change (10W-30 full synthetic), spark plugs and wires (NGK), PCV valve, air filter, and check-engine light diagnosis. Code 34 - Looks like there is something officially wrong with the EGR vacuum solenoid. Might be contributing to the rough idle I've been experiencing. I'll get some carb cleaner and clean out the EGR valve if necessary, and order in a new solenoid.

 

What else could be causing the rough idle? Hmmmm...

 

 

Cheers!