Might be a good time to start a build thread. I'm sure I'll have many a question in the near future
Candidate: One 1997 Subaru Legacy Outback 2.5l H4 AWD 4 speed automatic. Currently has 312700 miles and going strong. Running 205/65-15 Michelin Weatherwise II tires (iirc).
Current thoughts/possible future mod ideas:
-1.8l H4 engine swap
-Higher gear ratio auto trans with auto OD/manual lockup,
-exhaust mods (better flow)
-minor aero mods,
-weight reduction,
-synthetic fluids,
-roof rack delete,
-lighter wheels, LRR (run flat???) tires,
-ScangaugeII or similar (possibly CarChip fleet with wireless download to laptop)
Things completed (maintenance):
5/14/12 Purchased vehicle at 312,285 miles
5/14/12 Seafoam gas tank 16 oz 312,300 miles
5/14/12 Seafoam oil 8 oz 312,325 miles
5/15/12 Seafoam intake 8 oz 312,375 miles
5/15/12 Changed PCV valve 312,375 miles
5/16/12 Changed Oil - Castrol Edge (black) 10w30 full synthetic, Purolator PureOne PL14460 filter 312,425 miles
5/24/12 Changed spark plugs - Denso Platinum TT 312,615 miles
Things yet to complete (maintenance):
-Replace right front brake hub/wheel bearings, repacked with Lucas G3 Racing Grease (full synthetic)
-Replace front control arm rear bushings (possible solid aluminum or home cast polyurethane/solid rubber)
-Check and clean/adjust (or replace) handbrake and components
-Check brake calipers, replace/rebuild if necessary
-Flush brake fluid, replace with DOT 5
-Gravity flush transmission, replace filter, replace fluid with full synthetic
Goal: 28+ mpg average (grocery getter mpg), 35+ mpg highway while maintaining the all wheel drive capacity of the vehicle. Currently seeing 22-23 mpg combined, and estimated 29-30 mpg highway (currently untested). Also looking to do this on as little funding as possible, maintaining a strict DIY approach for as much as is physically and logistically possible.
More to be added as I figure out the rest of the plan. Starting with the lowest cost highest return mods first. Planning to pull as much as possible from junkyard donor cars for this project (saves money and is greener). Feel free to chime in with any suggestions/comments, would be very much appreciated
