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FAQ: Subaru Legacy 2.5i


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This FAQ is a summary of commonly asked questions and comments that I’ve come across. Thought I would throw this together as there seems to have been an increase of 2.5i owners on the forum as of late.

 

2005-2009 BP/BL Subaru Legacy 2.5i

 

1) Engine- How can I get more power out of my car?

Tuning seems to be the one area which offers the most performance gains. NORULZleggy has brought to my attention that he has had good success tuning his car with Edward at XRT performance. Maps and logging can be conveniently sent online. Contact: info@xtremeracingtuning.com

 

see thread below for more details:

http://legacygt.com/forums/showthread.php/2008-2-5i-n-tuning-has-started-249489.html May also be applied to 3.0 / 3.6R models.

 

After that, there are a few “bolt-on” modifications that can net you minimal gains:

-- high flow intake panel air filter:

increase flow of air towards engine. many types available from several manufacturers. AVO filter is used with high success from many members due to its ease of maintenance (no oil required) and easy cleaning (soap + water)

 

-- JDM Kakimoto Intake chamber

available from Japan Parts, increases efficiency by replacing the stock intake chamber

https://www.japanparts.com/parts/detail/38447

 

-- throttle body spacer:

supposedly will allow for increased efficiency in combustion by tumbling the incoming air charge. Available from Group-A

 

-- lightweight crank pulley as well as alternator/steering pulleys

decrease in rotational mass of the engine will allow it to spin more freely. Available from several manufacturers, Perrin, Group-A, Cobb etc

 

-- intake manifold spacers (potentially has greatest benefit):

if you examine the engine assembly you will note that the intake manifold sits on top of the engine block and as such becomes very hot over the course of engine operation, manifold spacers separate the intake manifold and decrease the temperature of the incoming air. Available from Grimspeed

 

http://www.grimmspeed.com/images/product_images/phenolic_spacer_coldhot_diagram_2.jpg

 

http://www.grimmspeed.com/images/product_images/phenolic_spacer_coldhot_diagram_3.jpg

(diagrams taken from Grimmspeed website illustrating the concept for STi engines which feature a metal intake manifold as well along with TMIC)

 

 

2) Intakes- Can I put CAI on my car to increase HP?????

Many inquire about the use of a CAI (cold air intake) for gains but particularly with intakes that replace the stock air box (cone type filters) it can throw off the MAF sensor and cause the engine to run too lean, or rich to compensate. Some have also run into issues with CELs. There is a more detailed article here from NASIOC:

 

http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1471819

 

Generally it’s not recommended and is more reliable to use a high flow filter (see above) with the stock air box. However, there are also members who have had success with CAIs, so not to say it’s impossible. Usually intakes for the Impreza 2.5RS will fit as they have essentially the same basic engine design.

 

 

3) Exhaust

“Where can I get the boxer rumble that Subaru is so famous for?” the rumble that is infamous on WRX and STi’s (also the LGT) is due to the unequal exhaust length (UEL) headers. Unfortunately the 2.5i features equal length headers and thus does not emit the noted boxer rumble.

 

However, there are several aftermarket exhaust options available, though they will not give your car the boxer rumble sound, they can still change the exhaust note favorably. All axleback options for the LGT will bolt right up to the 2.5i. The SPTv2 CBE has also been successfully installed on a 2.5i as well. This link http://legacygt.com/forums/showthread.php/exhaust-audio-video-clip-compilation-thread-2-5i-edition-130408.html contains a compilation of aftermarket exhausts for the 2.5i

 

Aftermarket UEL headers can be fit onto the 2.5i, but at the moment there are no plug and play solutions available. See this thread for more details on how to customize the header setup for the 2.5i http://legacygt.com/forums/showthread.php/subie-boxer-rumblei-153134.html

 

4) Suspension Modifications

All of the Legacy GT suspension components are interchangeable with the 2.5i, as such, all aftermarket components for the LGT will also work in favor for the 2.5i

 

The only suspension piece that is not compatible is the front sway bar, however Rallitek has been kind enough to fabricate a 2.5i specific front sway bar. It is advisable to use reinforced mounts and brackets when installing sway bars as this has been a noted weak point in our suspension (both the LGT and 2.5i). In addition to the Rallitek front sway, it has been found that the 25mm front sway from the Subaru Tribeca is compatible with the 2.5i, more on that here:

 

http://www.legacygt.com/forums/showthread.php?t=111718

 

edit: aftermarket front lower arm bars/underbracing are also not compatible, this is due to different configuration of the exhaust piping and heatshield which prevent the FSB and bracing from fitting correctly.

 

With regards to the OEM struts, it is generally believed the 2.5i has the same struts with slightly softer valving, but this is unconfirmed. The external housing and suspension assembly is the same however, thus all Legacy GT parts, OEM and aftermarket will bolt right up, including:

 

-- coilovers

-- aftermarket struts (Bilstein, Konis, Tokico, Ohlins etc)

-- aftermarket springs

-- rear sway bar

-- strut tower bars

-- rear sub-frame braces

-- misc components (LCAs, LCA/steering bushings etc)

-- etc (they all fit)

 

This is probably the single greatest area that 2.5i owners can take advantage of with regards to aftermarket modifications and is likely the most worthwhile investment for your aftermarket dollars. Coupled with a set of top rubber, the 2.5i can be an excellent machine through twisties or auto-x.

 

5) Brakes

LGT and the 2.5i do not share the same brake platform and thus aftermarket LGT brake components *are not* direct fitment to the 2.5i's brake system (pads/rotors/calipers are diff sizes). However, a full LGT brake swap is possible and theoretically the aftermarket BBK options (Brembo etc) for the LGT should also fit on the 2.5i but likely not necessary as the LGT brake system should suffice (particularly with aftermarket pads and rotors)

 

If a full swap is not something you'd want to tackle, there are some aftermarket brake pads options from Hawk and Carbotech specific for the 2.5i system. Braided SS lines from the GT are able to be swapped in as well to stiffen pedal feel. Additionally there is a Wilwood and RacingBrake kit out specific for the 2.5i that swaps the front calipers and rotors.

 

edit: Ion Performance has now released a slim 4-pot performance brake caliper which is compatible with the 2.5i and will fit with OEM wheels or other 17" applications

http://www.legacygt.com/forums/showthread.php?t=121599

 

6) Transmission

The clutch for the 5MT in the 2.5i is not interchangeable with clutch types from the LGT. Thanks to research from members here, we have found that Exedy offers an aftermarket clutch compatible with the 2.5i 5MT transmission.

 

KSB04 is an Exedy OEM replacement

15801 is product number for the Exedy Stage 1 clutch kit (rated to 196lb-ft torque)

FF02 is model number for the Exedy lightweight flywheel.

 

We have also found that the 08 GT rear limited slip differential is compatible with the 2.5i manual transmission and this has been successfully mated to take advantage of the performance and safety gains vs the open diff on the stock setup. The 05-07 5MT rear differential is also theoretically compatible with the 4EAT transmission as the ratios are the same at 4.111:1 but this has not been attempted on any cars yet.

 

7) Exterior

LGT and 2.5i share a common exterior shell with noticeable difference being the 2.5i does not have a hoodscoop as we do not feature a top-mounted intercooler for a turbo. Thus installing a hoodscoop would not really be of any benefit to your engine. Additionally the 2.5i hoods are aluminum like the GT hoods, therefore there wouldn't really be any weight savings from swapping hoods (or swapping to CF). However, if you are interested in aftermarket lips spoilers or JDM conversions, these will fit and bolt right up.

 

Additionally the wheel sizes are the same at 17x7 with a 5x100 bolt pattern and +53 offset from the factory, earlier models ca 2005/06 came with 16" OEM wheels occasionally but aftermarket wheels for LGT in 5x100 pattern will be fine for all models; generally recommended you stay around +48 offset or higher for correct fitment, but lower offset can be done with some fender modifications.

 

8) Engine cont'd - “But I REALLY want to increase the power on my car, WHAT CAN I DO???”

AVO Japan has kindly been working on a low PSI turbo kit for our vehicles. The design is based of the kit that they have provided for Impreza 2.5 owners the past and has been installed successfully in many applications.

 

see link below for install on AVOs outback test bed:

http://legacygt.com/forums/showthread.php/avo-turbokit-install-146784.html

 

as of 3/25/2011 the kits have been manufactured and shipped for the 2.5i, please visit AVO's website for more information:

http://www.avoturboworld.com/avoshop/turbokit-deposit-p-111.html

 

as of 5/2011 members on this board have officially installed the turbokit on their vehicles, in particular member 1stick3pedals' thread has some useful information on the install:

http://legacygt.com/forums/showthread.php/avo-turbo-kit-1000-miles-later-162583.html

 

Rallitek has also put out an aftermarket camshaft kit for the 2.5i which supposedly can create gains of 20hp (crank, I believe). A tune and use of their valve spring kit when installing these is highly recommended (ie. necessary)

 

http://www.rallitek.com/raca062.html

 

Rallitek does offer some other internal components that can allow the hardcore 2.5i enthusiast to really build up their motor. For most applications, I would suggest sticking with what has been laid out in points 1-6 as those are all tried and reliable options from members here.

 

But for more information on internals, one member here has posted logs and additional information here in this thread:

http://legacygt.com/forums/showthread.php/2007-2-5i-cams-exhaust-intake-etc-155249.html

 

---

Hopefully this guide will serve as a basic map for new 2.5i owners coming to this board. I have put together this guide based on some of my experiences in modifying my vehicle. There may some editing that will be required, since I don’t know EVERYTHING but I’m hoping fellow members can chip in as the guide is really a summary of the collective experience of 2.5i owners on here who have tried many things and have discussed many aftermarket components and issues re: them. So thank you to everyone who has contributed to the N/A section over time and LGT.com as a great place for all this information.

 

Also special thanks to N.sane for helping contribute to the FAQ and NORULZleggy for contributing feedback on his tuning experiences.

 

Special thread of note: Paul Hansen from AVO has documented a number of installs / repairs on their 2.5i N/A project Outback, very useful thread with excellent walkthroughs and tips.

LINK HERE --> http://legacygt.com/forums/showthread.php/avo-project-outback-part-1-140263.html

Edited by katalyst
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Great post man, nice work. I have a question about a couple things you said. I was under the impression that GT brakes could be swapped to fit on a 2.5i. That the front was a direct bolt on and the rear could be done with slight modification(I believe the parking brake drum and shield)? Is this not correct, as you posted they are completely different platforms?

Also, I don't think the front underbraces from a GT are compatible with our 2.5i for the same reasons that front sway bars aren't compatible.

I am in the process of purchasing a '05 GT brake set-up to put on my '06 2.5i so if anybody knows please share. Also, does anyone know exactly what needs to be done for mods to the rear setup to allow the rear gt brake swap.

 

Thanks alot,

Adam

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np guys, glad that you've found it useful.

 

bitz: they are different platforms in that the parts are not interchangeable, ie: DBA rotors or hawk hps pads for the GT are not direct fitment for the 2.5i

 

but in terms of dimensions and hardware a full GT brake swap is most definitely possible and has been performed by members on this board, particularly N.sane, i know of for sure has done it, link to his post re: swap

 

link 1

http://www.legacygt.com/forums/showpost.php?p=2427219&postcount=672

 

link 2

http://www.legacygt.com/forums/showpost.php?p=2427219&postcount=666

 

but reading over the FAQ i can see how it was confusing the way i worded it, i changed it to clarify that. hopefully makes more sense now.

 

hm i didn't think about the front underbraces but you bring up a good point, i've never really looked into bracing just because i figure most people wouldn't really bother with them on a DD but in the rear it should bolt up the same... i guess i'll have to investigate that a little more. or maybe someone else can chip in regarding this?

 

edit: i just reviewed N.sane's info that he sent me re: 2.5i suspension and he does mention that the front underbracing will not fit; also edited the FAQ to reflect that info (thanks bitz for bringing that to my attention)

Edited by katalyst
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No problem man, thank you for confirming my thoughts on our brake systems. Thanks for the links as well, I will have to take a look at that. Keep up the good work, its much appreciated.

 

-Bitz

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hey bitz,

 

as katalyst has mentioned, the LGT brake swap was a direct bolt-on as long as you have the appopriate parts listed on the link.

 

I also did/recommend a brake fluid flush at the same time since you have to swap the brake lines. The only thing to watch out for is the dust shield rubbing against the LGT rotors.

 

and a big thanks to katalyst for initiating this thread! :)

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that is true, but they're not exactly "bolt-on" so i did not include them in the short list of power modifications as this is just a basic map for new owners to get a foothold on a direction they want to go.

 

i mean there's a lot of things provided you have time and money, but we'll just start simple.

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Stickied in the N/A section.

:cool:

 

thank you Gire, 2.5i owners will now have a central source for some info and hopefully not have to bother GT owners as much

 

haven't started work yet, eh? great write-up tho. :p

 

haha, i just started yesterday but i definitely had a couple days to kill before that.

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One more question on the GT/2.5i brake swap. Is there a difference between the wagon brakes and the sedan brakes? I don't think so but just want to make sure before I purchase these. Also, I need the GT caliper adapters to complete my swap right?

 

Thanks for helping me out,

Adam

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Thanks N.Sane for the info. So when you did the brake swap you didn't have to do any modification on the rear kit to get it to work with the parking brake? I swear someone mentioned before that there was something that had to be done with this to get the GT rears installed on 2.5i.

 

Thank you very much for all the helpful info, much appreciated.

 

-Bitz

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Thanks N.Sane for the info. So when you did the brake swap you didn't have to do any modification on the rear kit to get it to work with the parking brake? I swear someone mentioned before that there was something that had to be done with this to get the GT rears installed on 2.5i.

 

Thank you very much for all the helpful info, much appreciated.

 

-Bitz

 

No modification whatsoever. I think the rear parking brake modification was for rear Brembo's swapped onto our cars.

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i don't think any 2.5i owners have officially taken their car on a dyno before and after parts so it's tough to say, but also because most of us realize the bolt-on modifications really only net minimal gains.

 

the ones included under section #7 are really where they would make an impact. otherwise for the high flow panel filter it'd be probably be like 1hp at most haha, to me i didn't notice any difference in the power but the combustion cycle just felt smoother as the engine was breathing easier.

 

light weight crank pulley nets like maybe 3-5hp? the engine revs a bit more freely but how much power that amounts to is probably not all that much either

 

exhaust mods, if you're just doing axlebacks, you're effectively just swapping the mufflers so it doens't really make a power difference, just a difference in the exhaust note

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is this an FAQ or an advertisement for Rallitek :lol::lol:

 

hahaha, well what can i say, they are probably the one company that gives the most support to the 2.5i so it's hard to avoid it

 

btw i do not work for rallitek or have any association with them :p

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