Coldsoda's Take On A 2008 Spec.B - Pic Heavy

ColdSoda's 2008 Subaru Legacy GT Spec.B

Background:

I've been in the subaru “world” since around 2005. First Subaru was a 2002 WRX that I still own today. I’ve also had 11 more Subarus since then, in all years and variety. I’ve lived in Chandler, AZ, Columbus, OH, the “DMV” as they call it right across the border in Maryland outside of D.C., and now back in Phoenix, AZ. After all the cars I’ve had and driven, I’ve wanted a Legacy Spec B as a daily driver. I aim to keep it very near stock for reliability and I don’t think it needs much improvement really.

Finding the car:

I was picky and could afford to take my time as I had other cars to drive while I searched. Realistically looked for about a year off and on before coming across a car from CA. Good maintenance records and only mod was a Perrin catted DP, and the nexus tablet in place of factory nav. Here’s a pic of the drive out to CA (6 hrs each way, fyi). The wife drove me out in her outback.

http://i682.photobucket.com/albums/vv185/coldsoda/legacygt%20thread/IMG_20160102_175043313_zps3ltzkpds.jpg

First thing I did was all the preventative maintenance I could think of. Here’s a list of what was done:

• Oil Change with OEM 15208AA12A filter
  

• Air filter (OEM 16546AA12A)
  

• Cabin filter (OEM 72880XA00A)
  

• NGK Spark plugs model 2309 gapped at .028
  

• Trans and rear diff fluid change: Motul gear 300 full synthetic
  

• Cleaned MAF
  

• Installed Michelin Pilot Sport AS/3 225/45R18 92Y XL.
  

• Power Steering fluid (OEM ATF)
  

• Brake Fluid (Prestone DOT4)
  

• Headlight Bulbs Replaced: Osram Rallye 64217 65w H7, Osram 9011 (purchased from candlepower)
  

Purchased a Cobb APv3, had it road tuned by my tuner. Goal is reliability on this crappy AZ 91 octane.

Initial Cleaning

Engine Bay:

Previous owner had a recent radiator leak and replacement unit put in, but didn’t clean the engine bay. Here’s the condition of the engine bay as purchased:

http://i682.photobucket.com/albums/vv185/coldsoda/legacygt%20thread/IMG_20160130_194039_zpswhhiosjb.jpg

After a lot of “super clean” and “simple green”, plus some worn out toothbrushes and some terry towels, here’s a bit more of a presentable engine bay:

http://i682.photobucket.com/albums/vv185/coldsoda/legacygt%20thread/IMG_20160723_144740292_zpsukvw0gel.jpg

With the plastic engine cover:

http://i682.photobucket.com/albums/vv185/coldsoda/legacygt%20thread/IMG_20160908_185502863_zpsrqsfw8ju.jpg

Paint Inspection/Decontamination:

Time to tackle the initial paint correction. Gave the car a wash with dawn dish soap, then Iron-X, then IPA (10% mix). Now I can see what condition the paint is in. Pretty bad shape, a lot of scratches and still had plenty of surface contaminants.

Roof Before:

http://i682.photobucket.com/albums/vv185/coldsoda/legacygt%20thread/IMG_20160201_180948060_zpsjjp0oiwk.jpg

Roof Before 2:

http://i682.photobucket.com/albums/vv185/coldsoda/legacygt%20thread/IMG_20160201_180937828_zpsre0y4jbl.jpg

Check out the circular swirls in the hood:

http://i682.photobucket.com/albums/vv185/coldsoda/legacygt%20thread/IMG_20160201_180955660_zps2d3zfio5.jpg

Went in with the clay bar… this is after just the front top part of the roof, maybe 1 sq ft of paint area. FILTHY!

http://i682.photobucket.com/albums/vv185/coldsoda/legacygt%20thread/IMG_20160201_184135_zpsuqol2xgx.jpg

Headlight lens:

Next time to clear up the headlights a bit.

Before:

http://i682.photobucket.com/albums/vv185/coldsoda/legacygt%20thread/IMG_20160202_170557686_zpsqkqsq5bq.jpg

After:

http://i682.photobucket.com/albums/vv185/coldsoda/legacygt%20thread/IMG_20160202_192438957_zpswk4gfypk.jpg

Paint Correction:

Paint corrected using a standard DA polisher, foam pads, standard issue compound then polish. Don’t want to get into a brand war, use what works for YOU. For me, I’ve had decent results with the autogeek branded stuff like BlackFire, but the best stuff I’ve used and my GO-TO is Megs 105/205. After the polish step, I wiped down the car with IPA (10%). Next I used Blackfire paint protection and topped with Finish Kare 1000p sealant.

Roof After:

http://i682.photobucket.com/albums/vv185/coldsoda/legacygt%20thread/IMG_20160203_181303450_zpsbxv77nhl.jpg

Driver Side After:

http://i682.photobucket.com/albums/vv185/coldsoda/legacygt%20thread/IMG_20160203_234519062_zps2cctoz4e.jpg

Hood After:

http://i682.photobucket.com/albums/vv185/coldsoda/legacygt%20thread/IMG_20160203_234552210_zpsf2lkxuzo.jpg

Cleaned the interior and installed WeatherTech floor mats.

Part Number: 44083-1-2-WeatherTech digi-fit mats 2005+ Subaru Legacy 3 piece set black

http://i682.photobucket.com/albums/vv185/coldsoda/legacygt%20thread/IMG_20160202_171544_zpsdw7375jv.jpg

http://i682.photobucket.com/albums/vv185/coldsoda/legacygt%20thread/IMG_20160202_171648_zpsz6u33z7a.jpg

The SPT exhaust was a bit dull and dirty… had to clean that up. Used turtle wax chrome polish and a few old socks after an initial wipe down with simple green to remove most of the dirt. (When I get holes in socks they make great “throw away” rags for these kinds of dirty jobs)

http://i682.photobucket.com/albums/vv185/coldsoda/legacygt%20thread/IMG_20160312_165919419_HDR_zpsciqm6grn.jpg

http://i682.photobucket.com/albums/vv185/coldsoda/legacygt%20thread/IMG_20160312_165952260_HDR_zpsd63hzp7d.jpg

All done with paint correction (for now); It’s at about 85-90% done IMO. I plan to go back later and do some rock chip repairs and another round of polish (megs 205) in a few months when it gets cool outside.

Added tint before this pic was taken:20% front, 15% back/rear glass.

http://i682.photobucket.com/albums/vv185/coldsoda/legacygt%20thread/IMG_20160226_195041771_zpsetz9olrs.jpg

Yep – this car has the sticky dash. Had a TON of glare in any kind of sunlight, brought into local dealer to have them order a replacement.

http://i682.photobucket.com/albums/vv185/coldsoda/legacygt%20thread/IMG_20160318_104143396_zpsxs93fcbo.jpg

3.5 months later, the new dash (and airbag recall) is done!

http://i682.photobucket.com/albums/vv185/coldsoda/legacygt%20thread/IMG_20160618_143441434_zps5mghlnmf.jpg

http://i682.photobucket.com/albums/vv185/coldsoda/legacygt%20thread/IMG_20160618_143339949_HDR_zpsuqquslj9.jpg

Vanity plate is finally here - took a full 6 weeks.

http://i682.photobucket.com/albums/vv185/coldsoda/legacygt%20thread/IMG_20160319_180846048_zpszfgh4mzz.jpg

Decided to upgrade the mounts in the car. Also added in the SPT headshield, because I like the looks of it.

SPT Heatshield PN: E771SFG500

http://i682.photobucket.com/albums/vv185/coldsoda/legacygt%20thread/IMG_20160318_163804257_zpsan7rew1p.jpg

Installed new Group N parts:

Pitch stop: PN: D1040FE000

Trans Mount (6MT): D1010FE000

Motor Mounts: D1010FE110, D1010FE120.

Here’s the old mounts:

http://i682.photobucket.com/albums/vv185/coldsoda/legacygt%20thread/IMG_20160723_192021082_zpscq3tlev7.jpg

Really nice improvement on the shifting feel and gear changes when it comes to driveline feel. No NVH issues at all for me.

Brakes:

Since this car only sees daily driving and the occasional nice drive through some fun roads, the brake setup is staying basic for now… until I can justify an sti brembo/cts setup…

Here’s the parts I used:

ceramic pads f 105.10780

ceramic pads r 105.07701

centric rotor f 120.47024

centric rotor r 120.47025

http://i682.photobucket.com/albums/vv185/coldsoda/legacygt%20thread/IMG_20160611_110041416_zpshraeym1y.jpg

http://i682.photobucket.com/albums/vv185/coldsoda/legacygt%20thread/IMG_20160611_152151276_zpsp6rjgwsm.jpg

Battery:

The battery was really corroding, even after a good cleaning, so it was time for a replacement. Also had to pick up a new battery tie down kit, because OCD. Ordered all parts from the local subaru dealership, including a new + battery terminal. Cleaning the old one was just too much of a hassle.

Before:

http://i682.photobucket.com/albums/vv185/coldsoda/legacygt%20thread/2016010195164818_zps1dwsz9vh.jpg

After:

More info on the kicker power wire you see below in the Audio section (coming soon…)

http://i682.photobucket.com/albums/vv185/coldsoda/legacygt%20thread/IMG_20161021_192159321_zpseycjzjlc.jpg

Took a break on the car for a while for the birth of our first child - had to get him introduced early...

http://i682.photobucket.com/albums/vv185/coldsoda/legacygt%20thread/IMG_20160521_110620791_zps9uftcxww.jpg

Suspension

Upgrading the OEM bilsteins to the HD versions. Kept the Rallitek springs that were on from the previous owner. The stock bilsteins were on there for 125k miles.

Part numbers:

Struts FL: 35118305 FR: 35118312 Shocks: REAR: 24118323.

Front strut mount OEM PN: 20320AG01A

KYB SM5214 rear mounts

http://i682.photobucket.com/albums/vv185/coldsoda/legacygt%20thread/IMG_20160730_085316849_zpsm9bzewzd.jpg

http://i682.photobucket.com/albums/vv185/coldsoda/legacygt%20thread/IMG_20160730_115857054_HDR_zpskaoh0d9b.jpg

http://i682.photobucket.com/albums/vv185/coldsoda/legacygt%20thread/IMG_20160730_115909970_zpstkmflx3i.jpg

Replaced the torn factory LCA bushings with Energy Suspension polyurethane:

Part Number: 193102R - Control Arm Bushing

http://i682.photobucket.com/albums/vv185/coldsoda/legacygt%20thread/IMG_20160805_150429302_zpsncjyugj1.jpg

Exterior mods will remain simple. I'm really hoping to come across some nice side skirts in the same style as the new 2015+ wrx/sti oem sideskirts. I know they are out there, just a matter of getting a set... Also waiting for the right wheels. Probably won't get a new set until these tires wear out because I'd go wider if I went with new wheels..

Went with the Bayson R lip due to the good reviews on here and the low price. Install was very straight forward and it did fit pretty well.

http://i682.photobucket.com/albums/vv185/coldsoda/legacygt%20thread/IMG_20160905_121208046_HDR_zps8pvecos6.jpg

Here's a before and after:

http://i682.photobucket.com/albums/vv185/coldsoda/legacygt%20thread/IMG_20160904_085417814_zpspg8csdwg.jpg

http://i682.photobucket.com/albums/vv185/coldsoda/legacygt%20thread/IMG_20160905_121435919_HDR_zpsnsxoml03.jpg

Looking good man! Keep up the good work.

Dave

Thanks guys! I'm working on the audio section next...

A few notes on maintenance and condition mechanically:

Car cleans up nice for just turning over 130,000 miles! Still on the original clutch, engine, turbo, etc. Hasn't even had valve cover gaskets replaced. I'll do a bigger turbo when the stock stuff goes, but I'm trying to keep it stock as long as possible to see how far I can go.

Another note... the previous owner had a Gates timing kit installed and it only lasted about 32,000 miles before the water pump went out on it and the car was getting hot. Replaced everything with OEM parts for good measure, idlers, pulleys, tensioner, belt, thermostat, water pump, etc. Car has been perfect since!

Thanks! continuing the thread...

Audio:

The factory audio had to go if this was going to be a daily for me. I really like a wide variety of music and want my car to sound as good as possible for those long trips, and those standard drives to work.

The Nexus setup that was in the car when I bought it was OK, but I didn’t really need the extra features, so I went back to the factory NAV system and got the latest updated maps for it (v.10).

The audio has gone through some changes over the entire length of time I’ve owned the car.

First thing to go was the factory optional subwoofer:

http://i682.photobucket.com/albums/vv185/coldsoda/legacygt%20thread/IMG_20160318_150538630_zpsgi6ef9eo.jpg

Here’s the first round of parts that were installed. Some of this stuff was lying around from previous installs, some things I bought new if I didn’t have it on hand.

• JDM HVAC / Stereo kit. PN: H6217AG911
  

• Head unit: Alpine HD 149 BT
  

• Amplifier: Alpine PDX-V9 5-ch
  

• Front component: Infinity Kappa Perfect 6.1
  

• Rear coax: Pioneer TS-D1702R
  

• Subwoofer: Infinity Kappa 100.9
  

• Power wire: Kicker PDK4
  

• Sound deadening: SoundDeadnerShowDown CLD tiles, butyl rope (not going to crazy here)
  

• Speaker spacers: SubaruAudio.net
  

• Harness: 14-pin, i88, i85 harness w/ 2 SWC wires, Axxess ASWC-1 Steering Wheel interface module all from svxdc (ae64.com).
  

• Signal cable: Kicker RCAs (X-series)
  

Here’s how I routed the power wire. Down the inner fender next to the battery and through the grommet behind the wheel liner and into the car near the driver’s left foot in the kick panel.

http://i682.photobucket.com/albums/vv185/coldsoda/legacygt%20thread/IMG_20160430_180731068_zpsfmaymg7x.jpg

The 10” sub needed a custom fiberglass enclosure. I didn’t want a box that would take up room in the trunk, so this was a really good space saver. I bolted the piece all the way through the floor, removed the heatshield above the muffler and secured the bolts through there.

http://i682.photobucket.com/albums/vv185/coldsoda/legacygt%20thread/IMG_20160319_132936089_HDR_zps0eulub0u.jpg

It is very securely mounted, and still allows me to lift up the center section to access the spare tire. The PDX-V9 amp is underneath the passenger seat (sorry forgot to take pics of that)

http://i682.photobucket.com/albums/vv185/coldsoda/legacygt%20thread/IMG_20160319_132955646_zpsqiltrx7v.jpg

Audio Cont....

I didn’t get a picture of all 4 doors with new speakers, but here’s a picture of the fronts. MASSIVE crossovers on the infinity kappa perfects. Installed the CLD tiles on the outer and inner door skin, and some butyl rope on any part that may vibrate.

http://i682.photobucket.com/albums/vv185/coldsoda/legacygt%20thread/IMG_20160323_191218284_zpsxephtqjb.jpg

Here’s the finished install with the Alpine radio in place. http://i682.photobucket.com/albums/vv185/coldsoda/legacygt%20thread/IMG_20160323_185442591_zpscywl4576.jpg

The tweeters were REALLY bright as many mentioned on audio forums, but I liked the midbass out of the 6.5” kappa perfects. I purchased new tweeters: Peerless by Tymphany XT25SC90-04 1". This softened up the real high frequencies – a nice improvement.

After a few months with this configuration I just didn’t have enough control of the EQ to get the car sounding right. I knew I wanted an audio processor in order to correct this and get the sound more accurate. I opted for a Rockford Fosgate 3sixty.3. I also decided I preferred the looks of the factory radio, even though it didn’t have the full Bluetooth / Pandora connectivity of the alpine unit.

I went back to the factory radio and ran the radio output to the 360 hi-level input. I mounted the 360 in the trunk, on the center portion of the fold down armrest so it would be easy to access if needed.

http://i682.photobucket.com/albums/vv185/coldsoda/legacygt%20thread/IMG_20160930_175436222_zpsklbw7zp1.jpg

The 360 leveled the input from the factory radio to give a flat signal to start working with. I used a Dayton Audio UMM-6 USB Measurement Microphone and a couple hours of tuning using Room EQ to get it dialed in. Sound is really great – balanced, smooth, no harsh frequencies, and a nice smooth curve on the output now. Only change I might make in the future is running the fronts active rather than passive… but it’s really close for now and the crossover point does work for the drivers I’m using.

Current configuration:

• Factory head unit with ipod integration kit (iPod in glove box)
  

• Processor: Rockford Fosgate 3Sixty.3
  

• Amplifier: Alpine PDX-V9 5-ch
  

• Front component (passive): Infinity Kappa Perfect 6.1 woofer, Peerless XT25SC90 1” tweeter
  

• Rear coax: Pioneer TS-D1702R
  

• Subwoofer: Infinity Kappa 100.9
  

• Power wire: Kicker PDK4
  

• Sound deadening: SoundDeadnerShowDown CLD tiles, butyl rope
  

• Speaker spacers: SubaruAudio.net
  

• Harness: 14-pin from svxdc (ae64.com)
  

The car looks great, good work!

...

Went with the Bayson R lip due to the good reviews on here and the low price. Install was very straight forward and it did fit pretty well.

....

 

Here's a before and after:

http://i682.photobucket.com/albums/vv185/coldsoda/legacygt%20thread/IMG_20160904_085417814_zpspg8csdwg.jpg

http://i682.photobucket.com/albums/vv185/coldsoda/legacygt%20thread/IMG_20160905_121435919_HDR_zpsnsxoml03.jpg

That lip looks amazing, I think It's making me warm up to the 08+ bumper!

The car looks great, good work!

 

 

 

That lip looks amazing, I think It's making me warm up to the 08+ bumper!

Thanks! I think the grill makes a big difference too. Its the ford crown vic modded stock grill. Took a bit of dremel work, but it works until I see an affordable JDM option...

What a beautiful car! Congratulations on all the improvements!

SC

Thanks! I think the grill makes a big difference too. Its the ford crown vic modded stock grill. Took a bit of dremel work, but it works until I see an affordable JDM option...

I'm still warming up to the crown vic grill, never was a fan of crown vics , but it's better then a giant piece of chrome.

What really started warming me up to the 08+'s was the other day I saw one in the rear view mirror and I loved the hood lines, very subtle but more aggressive then the 05's.

If I could have an 08 hood, with 05 grille and bumper, I think that would be the perfect combo, I just hate smiley face cars and huge GRILLEZ

Very well done. What is your opinion on the Bilstein HDs compared to the OEM Bilsteins? I will probably go that route when its time on my 3.0R Limited.

Thanks! I like the HD's. Noticeably firmer than the OEMs but not harsh at all. Here's a thread with damping data on the HDs vs OEM: http://legacygt.com/forums/showthread.php/2008-spec-b-bilstein-vs-bilstein-hd-damping-data-bilstein-165041.html?t=165041

While they work fine with USDM OEM springs, they seem to match even better with JDM pinks or other quality lowering springs with a firmer spring rate.

I've reached out to RaceComp engineering before purchasing and Myles agreed that the bilstein HDs were about the best option for our cars, before spending a lot of money on coilovers; But that'd only be worth doing if you track the car and need that additional adjustability with some of the coil options.

Lastly, I think the only place to get the OEM bilsteins is through the dealer.... $$$$$$. The HDs can be had at a much lower price point. I think I paid in the realm of ~$600 for all 4 shipped to my door.

The HDs can be had at a much lower price point. I think I paid in the realm of ~$600 for all 4 shipped to my door.

:eek:

SC

Thanks! I like the HD's. Noticeably firmer than the OEMs but not harsh at all. Here's a thread with damping data on the HDs vs OEM: http://legacygt.com/forums/showthread.php/2008-spec-b-bilstein-vs-bilstein-hd-damping-data-bilstein-165041.html?t=165041

 

While they work fine with USDM OEM springs, they seem to match even better with JDM pinks or other quality lowering springs with a firmer spring rate.

 

I've reached out to RaceComp engineering before purchasing and Myles agreed that the bilstein HDs were about the best option for our cars, before spending a lot of money on coilovers; But that'd only be worth doing if you track the car and need that additional adjustability with some of the coil options.

 

Lastly, I think the only place to get the OEM bilsteins is through the dealer.... $$$$$$. The HDs can be had at a much lower price point. I think I paid in the realm of ~$600 for all 4 shipped to my door.

Thank you. I have seen them around that price. I may pull the trigger on HDs after the winter. My car has 85K on it now.