RomanPG Posted November 30, 2011 Share Posted November 30, 2011 Hey guys I am considering a few cars. I have an 03 maxima but have been browsing Subaru forums for over a year (both legacy and wrx). I think soon I will jump into something else. My car options are: 03-04 G35 Sedan RWD 6 Speed (no coupes) (which the only thing that draws me to it is nice comfortable ride and pleasant interior, definitely not a car with potential unless you boost them then it’s a whole other story(only on like 8psi we can squeeze out 400hp out of VQ35s). You get minimal gains with bolt ons, if I go this route, my plan for this car would be to run bolt ons and juice. VQs love air and juice) 05-06 Legacy GT 5 Speed 04 WRX 5 Speed (I want one but insurance makes me reconsider it, plus stage 2 wrx cant even get away from a 3.5L maxima with just an intake on a highway pull) Ok so here goes: LGT is really my most wanted. I know common problem is turbo going bad after 100K miles. I know you need to do frequent oil changes (around 3500 miles, which is not a problem since I do them frequent on my maxima) and you also need to replace the filter (banjo?). I know timing belt needs to be replaced around 100k as well. And I hear throw out bearing is an issue. What about some other common problems? When buying from a dealer or private, ideally I would like to take it to a tuner (not sure where yet, haven’t searched any good ones in NYC/NJ area) before I buy it. What should I have the tuner check? Compression If there are any misfires? If any boost leaks? Check the turbo for shaft play If new turbo and or stock is blown, check oil for shredded metal? Should I have him run the car to see if it builds boost normally? What else? And on average how much would this run me? On average for all of this? I’d also like to take it to a mechanic and have him do a thorough check of the car to check the car for all other issues it might have. I know with nissans and infinities you can run the car into the dealer shop and for like 100-300 bucks they’ll do a complete inspection of the car. Top to bottom. Does Subaru offer this? I doubt tuner can do this for me, perhaps a certified Subaru mechanic? What am I missing and what should I pay careful attention to, when looking for the LGT. Obviously something that has a new turbo I will test for debris and will want receipts if timing belt has been done? Full receipt history and so on is an obvious, but what else? How long usually does an OEM clutch last and how long on stage 2 (yes I know It all depends on how one drives, but on average with normal driving) should I be replacing with an oem clutch, or go a step higher for future? ( I think stock clutch can handle around 300hp and tourqe) Thanks for any input. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bmx045 Posted November 30, 2011 Share Posted November 30, 2011 The typical issues for the 05 GT is yes, the banjo filter, which can get clogged by going too long on oil changes (usually by previous owner). This filter can be removed or kept in, clean, as long as you abide by OCI. Your tuner inspection list is about spot on. Compression check being the most important. If the turbo has shaft play (or leaks, or makes bad noises), best bet is to remove it immediately to replace it. If you catch it early, you won't have metal shards in your oil which will eventually destroy your engine's bearings too. I know of people upwards in the 150k miles on stock clutch still. Though if you plan on any power modding, this will sure to be a required replacement item if it isn't already is. The stock clutch won't last long at 300whp! LOL! even if it's a new oem. Best bet is to take it to a performance specialty shop that is reputable to get the items you mentioned checked, the dealer will rape you in the ass big time $$$ for those tests. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RomanPG Posted November 30, 2011 Author Share Posted November 30, 2011 The typical issues for the 05 GT is yes, the banjo filter, which can get clogged by going too long on oil changes (usually by previous owner). This filter can be removed or kept in, clean, as long as you abide by OCI. Your tuner inspection list is about spot on. Compression check being the most important. If the turbo has shaft play (or leaks, or makes bad noises), best bet is to remove it immediately to replace it. If you catch it early, you won't have metal shards in your oil which will eventually destroy your engine's bearings too. I know of people upwards in the 150k miles on stock clutch still. Though if you plan on any power modding, this will sure to be a required replacement item if it isn't already is. The stock clutch won't last long at 300whp! LOL! even if it's a new oem. Best bet is to take it to a performance specialty shop that is reputable to get the items you mentioned checked, the dealer will rape you in the ass big time $$$ for those tests. Thanks for reply. Sorry I meant 300 at the crank. Power goals would most likely be stage 2 (up,turboback all catless,tuned on infamous1 tune or maybe a protune) and if i want to go bigger > BNR 16G, TMIC, inj and pump..... whats a good way to test for clutch wear and tear? I read somewhere that if you are cruising in 3rd gear and upshift to 5th, if car still keeps on driving smoothly clutch still ok...am i correct? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Max Capacity Posted November 30, 2011 Share Posted November 30, 2011 A good Tuner will know what to do. They can clean up the OEM map or tune to what you have done for MOD's. You should contact Mike or Jake at http://www.AZPinstalls.com they are in northern NJ, EFI Logics in southwestern CT is another place but Mike and Jake help out a lot on here for free. Might as well support them. Don't understand this, "plus stage 2 wrx cant even get away from a 3.5L maxima with just an intake on a highway pull" Stage 2 may mean different things to different people. Also stage 2 can have lots of different HP's. My Tuner is http://www.tuningalliance.com he's in central CT but can email you maps like Infamous can. 305,600miles 5/2012 ej257 short block, 8/2011 installed VF52 turbo, @20.8psi, 280whp, 300ftlbs. (SOLD). CHECK your oil, these cars use it. Engine Build - Click Here Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bmx045 Posted November 30, 2011 Share Posted November 30, 2011 also to note- up until 09 the wrx came with a td04 turbo which can't get out of it's own way on the highway. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
boxcar Posted November 30, 2011 Share Posted November 30, 2011 I've owned all the cars you're looking at, only difference being I had a G35 coupe. I currently have a Legacy GT, and it's my favorite by far. Area1320 does all of the pre-buy tests your interested in, and has pretty good pricing. http://area1320.com/services.html Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nrw Posted November 30, 2011 Share Posted November 30, 2011 I came over from a decently modded 98 maxima (full suspension ypipe intake blah blah blah) to a 05gt. There's not one thing I miss about the maxima. Another bonus is these cars are much easier to work on, atleast IMO. I did consider the G sedan but I wanted awd. And you can't get the G sedan awd with a manual. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lardo420 Posted November 30, 2011 Share Posted November 30, 2011 I came over from a decently modded 98 maxima (full suspension ypipe intake blah blah blah) to a 05gt. There's not one thing I miss about the maxima. Another bonus is these cars are much easier to work on, atleast IMO. I did consider the G sedan but I wanted awd. And you can't get the G sedan awd with a manual. your maxima was probably faster Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nrw Posted November 30, 2011 Share Posted November 30, 2011 your maxima was probably faster :lol: nope or if it was, it wasn't as fun to drive. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ericem Posted December 1, 2011 Share Posted December 1, 2011 lmao a stage 2 wrx 2l or 2.5l is most definitely faster than a maxima on a highway pull. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LouzGT Posted December 1, 2011 Share Posted December 1, 2011 I've owned all the cars you're looking at, only difference being I had a G35 coupe. I currently have a Legacy GT, and it's my favorite by far. Area1320 does all of the pre-buy tests your interested in, and has pretty good pricing. http://area1320.com/services.html Same here switched from my 06 G35 coupe to my 08 lgt never looked back with my g I was losing to many cars and now with my lgt with a vf52 stock fueling I'm about even with a last gen m3 raced one the other day. Soon I will have upgraded injectors and pump Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Drift Motion Posted December 1, 2011 Share Posted December 1, 2011 Don't bother compare Legacy to a WRX if you want the luxury I'd say if you get a higher mileage Legacy GT, the price should be factored in, and just send the money on a new turbo/dp/tune...totally worth it! You can justify it as a "maintenance mod" When you get a new turbo, get some new oil lines and that should take care of the banjo filter Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
matt Posted December 1, 2011 Share Posted December 1, 2011 Skip the 2004 WRX unless it would save you a _lot_ of money. The LGT has a far nicer interior, is much faster, has a better suspension design (though both are tuned very soft from the factory), better for modding (the 2.5L is much better than the 2.0L)...the list goes on. The *only* thing the WRX has over the LGT is nimbleness. The WRX's shorter wheelbase and lower curb weight do make themselves known from behind the wheel. If you want the WRX for its nimbleness at least get a 2006-2007 one with the 2.5L and nicer interior (nicer interior came in 2005, the 2.5L came in 2006). It'll still be slower than an LGT (WRX had a smaller turbo until 2009), not nearly as nice, and ride worse due to that shorter wheelbase. G35 vs LGT may be a tougher call. Get some seat time with both. It could be the little things that make you prefer one over the other, like the seats, visibility, etc. Be warned that AWD is addictive. Once you get used to always having tons of traction, you may never go back to 2WD. The turbo rush can be addicting too, especially once you get tuned, preferably with a decent boost controller. On the other hand I occasionally miss that instant throttle response from a good naturally aspirated engine. It's give and take. Closest thing I've driven to a G35 was a slushbox 350Z rental which I really didn't like, but the things I disliked don't apply to the G35 sedan. (Excessively busy suspension, poor visibility, mostly worthless cargo hold.) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LouzGT Posted December 2, 2011 Share Posted December 2, 2011 Also the tranny on the lgt is stronger and could hold more power than the older wrx Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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