RecklessWOT

That sucks you're thinking of throwing in the towel, though I do understand. But holy hell if you're really gonna sell it that cheap, I'd pick it up as the world's greatest parts car. You're right in my old stomping grounds and not even that far of a tow to where I live now.

Hah, yeah me too. I have been into japanese cars since I was younger (though generally older stuff from the 80s/early 90s) mailny because they were cheaper and easier to work on than American stuff, but I also do love old American iron as well. I currently also own a basket case of a '79 T/A (with a 400 from a '73) Pontiacs have always been my favorite. I've also got an old squarebody chevy truck, and a Jeep CJ. Same thing as you, any info I need is ALL OVER THE PLACE, not hard to find in the least bit. However this 17 year old car (which in my book ain't even that old, it's the second newest in my fleet besides my work truck lol) it seems like just because it's not new anymore people have just moved on. Even the old Jap stuff, I can find tons of info on my Datsuns and it was plentiful when I used to run old Toyotas (guarantee all that info is still out there too). The Subaru crowd seems to work differently than most in that aspect, and I even notice that a lot of people on these forums (not all) seem to have a much different attitude than people in those other places. Like most car forums even if you mention something uncommon or old, people are like "wow cool sounds awesome, here let me link you to something useful", but around here people are like "oh gawd that's so old, get with the times"... smh. But yeah like you said, I'm just gonna go for it. Can't hurt, the price is right and I'm not sticking with it forever. I'll report back to sprinkle some of that uncommon info back in here in case some weirdo like me comes in here looking for it later on.

I do pick up what you guys are putting down though. It is a slightly older turbo so I guess I won't find much info here about it because people have moved on. I suppose I'll go for it and report back if it might benefit anyone in the future. Sounds like from what you guys are saying some dudes used to run the VF30 but that info seems to be lost to the ages. I tried looking before I even posted but it was no use. I guess ever since switching away from trusty old VBulliten to this new weird cellphone app looking thing the search function can't go back in time. Darn shame, internet used to be a wealth of information, but unless it's super current it all gets buried in algorithms these days. Should've known this website that was created with 4th gen Legacy GTs in mind would be the wrong place to go, heck I'm positive I've seen threads with people raving about how awesone the new soltera EV will be . People keep telling me to check out NASIOC, but last I checked I don't own an Impreza (or respect most of the people who drive them lolol), so I guess I'll just stick to my old ways and finally learn my lesson about relying on the internet for real life stuff. I'll call some old school Subaru shops and talk with old heads at car shows and stuff. Wish me luck guys (BTW, before anyone's undergarments get bunched up, I'm being ironically sarcastic because I'm frustrated. Please nobody get mad, I know last time I was on here I made a comment that got some wagon driving skinny jean wearing handlebar mustache having hipsters all offended, feelings be so touchy on the internet these days. Just chill I'm sorry for having emotions other than happiness lol)

I've never been able to get google to work well for me TBH, of course I tried there first but I'm pretty bad with computery type stuff, I have been unable to find much specific to answer my question (that's why I'm asking for others input in the first place lol). They do in fact have different TMIC flanges, but as mentioned above (it was a long winded post, I don't blame anyone for glossing over it. Seems being descriptive on the internet these days is frowned upon) I have literally everything needed to make it work (my buddy bought an entire JDM take out engine just for the shortblock and heads so anything else I need is up for grabs) and can buy the WHOLE setup for less than just a VF52. It's more than just the intercooler, we're talking intake manifold, fuel rails with STI pink injectors, straight through JDM TGVs instead of my gutted stock ones, the VF30, a set of Tomei headers and uppipe, etc etc. That's all cheaper than just a VF52. I understand what you're saying about why not spend a little more and buy what works well, but this is not my final build merely a stop off point till I can afford to throw few grand at my 5spd and associated parts to make it handle like 450whp. The car will be a monster one day, I simply cannot afford it yet, this is a good stopping point while I save up more money. Rather than spending the money on a VF52, since I'll be done with it in a couple years anyway I might as well save the money as long as the VF30 doesn't completely suck in comparison. I know the VF52 is awesome and I know I would be happy with it, I'm just making sure I wouldn't be completely UNhappy with the VF30- for now. If it's even close to the same I'll be tickled pink. I hope I can make more than 300whp with the VF30, I'm already at 270 with my stock VF40 (dyno tuned, I have a printout from a reputable shop, not just speculation). For merely 30 more HP I don't think that's really worth my time.

Are the flow rates and power outputs similar? From what little mention I can find about the VF30 it appears that it does have a similar flow rate and power output potential to the VF52, but I haven't seen any specific data/numbers. Is that an incorrect assumption? Anyone have proof one way or the other? I appreciate the input you guys, but I have a VF30 basically laying around that I can have for next to nothing. I am not interested in how cheap a used VF52 can be had for on a different website, I do not have a twin scroll at my disposal, I am not worried about modifications required to make it work, etc, etc. I understand the VF30 was designed for a 2.0, honestly I don't care if it was designed for a diesel truck I was just asking if anyone actually has data or numbers or facts that I need to consider about the turbo itself. Does anyone actually have real life experience with the VF30? Is it prone to bearing failure and exploding, etc? I know the VF52 is a popular turbo and I was looking at one for a while myself, but now I am merely trying to look for actual info on how it stacks up against the VF30. It seems like everyone here really likes the VF52 and I understand that, I was gonna get one myself. But I'm now just trying to compare the two turbos. Does anyone have any info on how similar/dissimilar they actually are performance wise? Not trying to come across as a jerk, but telling me "oh VF52s aren't that expensive" doesn't answer my question. Now out of pure curiosity I just want to find the answer to my original question. At this point, I'd almost turn down a free VF52 just to be that weird guy with a VF30 unless the VF30 really is a bad turbo. If you don't have any useful info about how the two turbos compare, please save the "oh but the VF52 is better because I like it" stuff. I am looking for real firsthand info, or a link to flow charts, etc. Please nobody get mad, I'm not trying to hurt anyone's feelings, I just am looking for an answer. I really appreciate the thread bumps, but it isn't getting me closer to the info I am looking for

I'd say wheel bearings or tie rods, but when you say it's making binding noises at low speeds around tight turns, maybe old crunchy bushings? Check everything rubber, if it's not a clunk then most likely nothing is loose, just a groaning from something old and hard. I always forget how old these cars ate starting to get. I always viewed my Legacy as a nice newish car, but it's 18 years old at this point, damn.

Yeah I'm aware that it's JDM and weird. But it's coming off a complete JDM engine that my friend imported basically just to put the shortblock and heads in his '05 WRX but has changed everything else, so like I said we should have ALL the necessary parts to make it work laying around (the turbo itself obviously, piping, sti TMIC, manifold, fuel rails and pink injectors, straight through "TGVs" as opposed to my gutted stock legacy TGVs, etc, etc.), and I more or less have free reign of a massive machine shop at work so any little custom thing I might need I can probably fab up otherwise. I don't want to spend the money on the VF52 since this isn't my final build, I intend to go much further once I have the funds to build my transmission stronger, this will just be fun for a year or two. If the VF30 will make the same power for less money, then I'm a fan. I know it's unusual, but since I'm not gonna keep this setup forever I can't justify spending more money than I have to. As far as tuning, my friend is going to custom tune it with(/for) me when I'm done building it, so I'm not too worried there. I trust his work, he's always built good stuff in the past, and computers/electronics is the one place we differ. I can build up an old school pre-OBD V8 or straight 6 and make a beast and I'm the only capable bodywork guy between us, but when it comes to electronics and tuning I'm not gonna pretend I know what I'm doing. But he's always been great and I'm confident he's not gonna sell me a setup he can't tune. I just didn't know if anyone has anything bad to say about the turbo itself. Are there any design flaws or shortcomings? Am I actually incorrect to think it will have similar flow /outout potential as the VF52?

Curious if anyone has any experience with both turbos (or at least enough detailed knowledge). I am building a new engine for my '05 as I finally bent a valve AND wore a piston skirt damn near clean off (looks to have been running too hot on driver's side head) with ~205k miles on it, been running it hard for a long time stage2+, so I knew it was coming sooner or later. I am over-building the block and heads so that one day I can go stupid with the power even though I'm only currently looking to get into the 320-350whp range (can't afford to build up my 5spd yet and have no desire for a 6spd), if I'm already in there might as well just do it once and get it over with now. I had initially planned on going with the VF52, but my close friend who owns a Subaru shop is able to sell me a low mileage JDM VF30 and all necessary mods to make it work for substantially less than just buying the VF52 itself. From what I understand the two turbos appear to have similar flow and power capabilities. Is there any major downside to the VF30 vs the VF52 besides all of the mods required (like I said I'll already have all of that so it's a non-issue)? I know at that point it won't really be a "true Legacy engine" as it will basically just be an STI, while I can be a bit of a purist at times I can totally live with that. I will still save all of my legacy stuff so I can go back and switch setups later on if I want. I know the VF52 is very popular but I'm not having much luck finding a ton of info about the VF30. Any big shortcomings, anything specific to be weary of? Thanks in advance for any info, anything you have to add is appreciated.

Nah, it's all gonna be software. I severely doubt people will be swapping electric motors. Factory produced EVs are basically game over for the aftermarket world. Just run what you bought, maybe slap on some stickers and LEDs from the ricer aisle at pep boys, that's as far as it'll go. One of the many reasons most people are still very much against EVs. They're great for commuters, anyone who has a breath of car enthusiast in their soul should know to stay away...

Excellent mileage for an AWD vehicle? You think 23mpg out of a 2.5l 4cyl is excellent? (that was my wife's and some of my friends N/A 2.5s, my 2.5 turbo rarely even sees 21) Dude these engines are junk. They start burning oil under 100k, they have glass pistons, they vibrate a lot and sound like a VW bus. Safety, yeah sure they're safe- so isn't everything else besides tiny econoboxes like nissan versas and kias and stuff. Even Volvos which were renouned for their safety are basically no safer than anything else, because everything out there now has crumple zones and a gazillion airbags and all that crap. They're not allowed to sell the junk they used to in the 80s when we saw daewoos and yugos etc. And a vehicle that employs electric motors for a drivetrain sure isn't using viscous couplings (which is what drives Subaru's "symmertical" AWD). And styling certainly not. I love my 17 year old subaru, but the new ones coming out are very ho-hum (just like every new car out there, nothing personal against subaru). If for some reason hell froze over and I decided to buy an electric vehicle one day, that would mean I have given up and at that point price/economy would literally be the only driving factor. The reason I like the Subaru I have now and the ones I have in the past is specifically the boxer engine and the way Subaru does its AWD system, both of which would be gone when switching to an EV...

does the sound change under load or when cornering sharply from side to side? My initial thought with no other info would be wheel bearing, very common failure on these cars. It will make a "humming" noise when a wheel bearing goes bad. When cornering the sound will get less or worse depending on which side of the car the bearing is on in relation to which way you're turning. IE: taking a sharp left throws more weight onto the right side of the car, so if the noise gets louder when sharply turning to the left it's more than likely a bad bearing on the right side, and if the noise almost goes away then you know it's on the opposite side.

Is this still available all this time later? And has the rear diff discrepancy been cleared up yet? Is it a 160 or 180?

I was aware of my most recent post being inappropriate, obviously. I did it to get a mod's attention and start a conversation. Hey look, it worked! But when you say "I clearly know the first post was inappropriate", well obviously not or I wouldn't be so annoyed that it got removed. I was making valid points, maybe there was a bad word or two in there but hey we're all adults here so i didn't even realize that was a problem, but if it was and a mod really cared that much they could've chosen to edit that post instead of delete it alltogether. The last post I made was horrendous, straight up calling out staff and that one got left up just had a word or two removed. But I still stand firmly that my first post wasn't worthy of being removed, there wasn't even really much wrong with it besides a little language. It was relevant to the conversation and even expanded on a previous post I had made to clear up what had clearly confused a few people. And I will say to you being a mod as well, a simple PM from whoever deleted it would have been a huge sign of respect, but instead it just gets yanked because someone didn't even have the balls to say "yo dude tone it down a little, I had to edit your post a little because of so-and-so". A little common decency goes a long way. I appreciate you at least getting back to me, but even this show is kind of ridiculous. You know you could've chosen to delete the post that I obviously expected to have deleted and take the conversation private yourself but now you go ahead and make the scene I made an even bigger one. As staff aren't you supposed to try to diffuse problems rather than stir shit up worse? And reconsider what choices? The choice to own the same car that a bunch of whiners also own? Not sure what you even meant by that part of your post. Take a couple days off? Lol if that was a formal request (like a temp-ban) then go ahead and make it official. If not, gtfo my face with that type of attitude. I'm not in the business of stirring shit up, but I also don't take crap from people. I mind my business for the most part but when someone gets all uppity with me sometimes I respond in kind. You want to make a big deal out of it well there it is. I don't want to talk/hear any more about it, I'll drop it and carry on as normal as I expect you do the same. If you or any other staff would like to talk more about it I would appreciate it if you would kindly do the professional thing and shoot a PM my way, I am more than willing to chat if anyone ever needs to (I'm sure you'll realize I'm actually a pretty reasonable guy, I just don't like the way a few things go around here and felt the need to clear the air). If not, then we're done here and I'll mind my business and carry on as if nothing happened. Also I would appreciate it if you could delete this whole ordeal and the related posts to clean up the thread and get it back on track. Man I hate a de-railed thread lol

Edit- This post didn't need to exist. It was simply to grab staff's attention, which it did.

Hah yeah I get you. That's awesome