pre-2002 Outback Sport has 2.5 RS engine?

[SteveK2003]

I'd like a 2001 or earlier 2.5 RS, but from reading the FAQ, there aren't exactly a lot out there. I'd like an automatic, and a wagon, and I've heard the Outback Sport has the same engine as the 2.5 RS: Is this true?

I'm not wild about the Outback Sport of that era, though I like it in the last two versions (LOVE the 02/03 regular wagon, hate the 04), so it wouldn't break my heart to add a WRX body kit and get it repainted.

[SabreKhan]

The Outback Sport does indeed have the same working parts (for the most part) as the Impreza, IIRC. I'm not sure a body kit would work from Impreza to Outback, though, since the Outbacks have slightly different panels throughout. Besides, a body kit on an Outback sort of defeats the purpose of having an Outback, right? Outback is just Subaru's way of saying "more ground clearance," isn't it? The Legacy and the Impreza Outbacks are just taller versions of the same thing, for the most part.

[SteveK2003]

Well I don't so much want an Outback Sport (At least not THAT model year: I like the later ones), as I want a 2.5 RS/WRX look-alike, and I was figuring the Outback Sport would be closer to that than modifying a basic Impreza.

Not really knowing a ton about either, I figured both would need similar modifications (Body, wheels/tires, a little suspension work) to get the right look and handling, so why not start with 165hp instead of the 100-and-whatever the Impreza L has. I have no idea if that is at all logical, but then I don't know much about the lineup.

I have looked, and didn't notice that the Outback Sport was significantly higher than the reglar Impreza, if at all.

From searching, I could get an Impreza L much cheaper than an Outback Sport (As much as 50% less if I go older, but then I run the risk of rust in this climate), but would I be able to get some decent horsepower for a about $2000-2500? I don't need a lot, just enough to make it fun and keep decent fuel economy.

[SabreKhan]

You may want to look into the Legacy market. Legacy used to be Subaru's rally car, and the older Legacies look better all decked out, in my opinion, than the Imprezas ever did. They were smaller than the current Legacy. Even comes with a hoodscoop and everything. They look especially awesome with the Hella or Piaa rally lights mounted on the front.

Or, you could get the JDM stuff from Japan, an ej20t engine, and an Impreza L and you could make your own WRX. There were WRXes before 2002, but only in Japan, so the stuff from them can be bought. Also, the RS (2.2L) was a pretty spiffy looking car pre-02 and had plenty of power to make it fun.

[SteveK2003]

I know which Legacy you are talking about, and I like it, so that's an option I'll keep in mind. I really like all the pre-02 WRX/RS's, and if I could find an automatic coupe or sedan in my area, I'd be perfectly happy to stop there. But I'm looking to gather some info in case I can't find one when I'm ready to dump my Camry (Spring).

Assuming I convert an L (Car or wagon) or OBS, the overall WRX look is what I want, but I don't JUST want the look. I'd like a good handling car, with enough power to be fun but not so much that it chugs gas. I don't think I'm ready for buying anything from Japan (Maybe body parts if I can't fund a suitable replacement), especially not for any engine swaps.

Basically I am wondering which would be the most cost effective to start with, an Outback Sport or an Impreza L. If I do a wagon, I want to end up with something like this:
http://www001.upp.so-net.ne.jp/narunaru/mycar/gf8.htm

I'm trying to gather as much info as I can before I start, so I know exactly what I'm getting into when I start this project (Also looking into a Focus, Golf, and a few other cars).

Thanks for the help.

[SabreKhan]

Good taste! Black WRX wagon! I think your best bet would be to start with an Impreza RS unless you just want the wagon. The RS is a quite capable and fun car. All the RS owners I know are quite pleased with their cars, and they already look the same as the WRX pre-02. A quick search on Autotrader pulled up 13 pages of Imprezas pre-02, many of which are RS, and many of those are turbocharged. The OBS is basically the same car, but in wagon form, without the wing, without the flared fenders, and with body cladding on the bottom half.

[Jay!]

Corrections: In the US market, none of the pre-'02 Impreza wagons came with the 2.5L motors. I know that the later years all had the 2.2L motors (142hp & 149tq, according to AutoTrader.com ), but they may have had the 1.8L motors in earlier years.

IMO, you'll do yourself a service by writing down your goals/wish list for a car (which you've started), and then rank which is most important to you?

What if you find a manual wagon? Or an auto RS (pretty rare!)? Will you think an L motor is gutless and be dying to do a motor swap? You couldn't even guess at that until you at least test drive an L, RS and WRX... and then keep in mind that there are TONS of available options if you're willing to do the leg work to find good sources for parts & labor...

[donkeyboy]

ok the pics you have of what u want it to look like is what i have...heres my story, i bought a 1997 impreza l wagon for 3 grand, its a 2.2 liter auto for now, im converting to a 2.5 liter 5 spd. in the spring then a turbo kit, i converted the front end to the sti version 5 (looks identical to the rs front end) carbon fiber rs hood, sti grill fog lights and winkers, all for less than 2 g's, i also have gunmetal wrx wheels, and a full h&r suspension, in my opinion looks a lot nicer than the car in that picture, if you need any info on how to do all of this conversion feel free to email me, i can also send you some pictures if you want, [email protected]

[LjasonL]

So you like the 02-03 wagons? You could get a 2.5TS like mine, it has the same engine as the RS, and the hood is the only body panel that's different from the WRX. The suspension isn't very different either.

[SteveK2003]

Donkey- You got mail.

LjasonL- I would go that route, but I'm trying to avoid financing anything right now.

Thanks for all the advice guys.

[donkeyboy]

hey stevek i didnt get any mail at all, maybe try it again [email protected]....

[donkeyboy]

hey fi u email me, you cant see it in the post but there is an underscore between donkeyboy _ and 82, maybe thats why i didnt get anything

[SteveK2003]

Hmm, I sent it to that adress, but Outlook has decided to become a complete pile of crap today. I'll try it from the website.