Subaru Crew - Meet The Members II

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Comments

  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    Would be perfectly suitable for the street. The only ones I'd probably wind up nixing are the power upgrades. The suspension and brake upgrades are just my "standard" upgrades that I'd do on just about any car. (Look at the legacy I have now) and also it would serve as my back-track car for the L, so it would need to have some track-worthy items.

    -mike
  • fibber2fibber2 Member Posts: 3,786
    Sounds like it could be a good one with all the flak over the Saabaru. But tonight is the last night of the Shrek II / Harry Potter double feature at the DRIVE-IN, and now that school is done, it is outdoor MOVIE NIGHT!!!

    Steve
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    you don't need any of that for the street!

    I absolutely agree with Colin here. The "stock" Legacy GT is an excellent road car right off the showroom floor. To add all that extra expense in modifications is a HUGE waste of money IMO.

    If you're going to "track" the car, then I can see it, but for a road car, you're just throwing money away.

    Bob
  • nygregnygreg Member Posts: 1,936
    If Mike wants to mod the car, so what?? Subarus are known as cars to be upgraded. In fact, this country has a history of people modifying their cars (remember the 60's?). Personally, if (and hopefully when) I get my Atlantic Blue GT Sedan, I have no intention of touching any of it's mechanicals. But if Mike wants to do it as a hobby. So what?

    Greg
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    Point noted. What I'm responding to, and probably Colin too, is that Mike's post "hinted" that the stock GT is not "worthy" as is. That I disagree with. Now it may not meet Mike's standards, but that's another issue.

    Bob
  • nygregnygreg Member Posts: 1,936
    Sorry.
  • bat1161bat1161 Member Posts: 1,784
    Pat- It was our pleasure. I figured you guys, and especially Ann Marie, could use a little cheering up.

    As for Mike modding a car, whether new or not, - he just wouldn't be Paisan if he didn't:-).

    Mark
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    As for Mike modding a car, whether new or not, - he just wouldn't be Paisan if he didn't:-).

    Agreed.

    Bob
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    Oh absolutely agree, stock it's a fine car. I was just saying for my own standards, those are the optimal mods I would do. That would make it "perfect" for my driving style/situation/track etc.

    You guys would be real harsh on the nabisco crowd. They thow in $1500 coilovers at the drop of a hat! I'm the one over there convincing folks that they don't need coilover! :)

    -mike
  • bluesubiebluesubie Member Posts: 3,497
    "You guys would be real harsh on the nabisco crowd.
    They thow in $1500 coilovers at the drop of a hat!"

    Saw a guy last night that just turned 17 and got his license along with an STi. He also has a mid-90's Supra that was N/A, and he dropped in a twin-turbo.

    -Dennis
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    See you sat dennis? for your skidplate?

      I want to get AZP on one of those Discovery channel programs. We were joking the other day that we could easily be the American Chopper version of a subaru place... :) With all the wierd characters that show up at various times while we are working on projects and the varied tempers of everyone there. haaaaaaa

    -mike
  • bluesubiebluesubie Member Posts: 3,497
    What time is good? 10-ish?
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    We are there 10-10 but earlier is always better, Alex or I will slap it on first thing.

    -mike
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    Anybody stopping in there tonight? It's an hour before our Sube chat.

    Bob
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    :) The wrenches don't know a difference between the 9-2x and WRX :)

    -mike
  • snowcarsnowcar Member Posts: 2
    Hi, I need some help in deciding between Legacy or Impreza. The Legacy is a little too pricey for me, but the Impreza seems kind of small. My main concern is finding a car that is reliable and good in the snow (I live in the Northeast). I have a 22 mile commute to and from work and every time it snows or threatens to snow, I must call someone for a ride. I own a Saturn SC2 and it cannot be driven in any kind of snow...not even a little tiny amount! I live in an area with steep, winding hills that aren't always plowed that well. So my question is, will the Impreza make it through snow storms up to about 3 inches? I figure I can cut down on the # of times I call people for a ride to work. Thanks!
  • bluesubiebluesubie Member Posts: 3,497
    I currently own a Forester but used to have an Impreza WRX wagon, and an Impreza Outback Sport before that.

    I think the deepest snow around town that I drove in was 18 inches. For goofs, I didn't even clear out around the car. I got stuck in my driveway because I high-centered on the snow. :-) Ten minutes of digging I got out with no problems. Drove to the video store and Home Depot, just because I could.

    I've driven in several 6-8 inch snowfalls without any problems. That's on the NJ Turnpike and other Interstates with the stock all-season tires.

    -Dennis
  • nygregnygreg Member Posts: 1,936
    The Impreza will make it through snow 12"+, especially with snow tires. Question: what kind of tires do you have on the SC2? That will make a big difference in it's performance in snow. Installing dedicated snow tires will dramatically improve snow performance. Aside from that, you might want to check out the Forester which is sized between the Impreza and Legacy. If you really like the Legacy, the brand new 2005s are out now which means you can get a very good deal on a 2004. I would guess below invoice.

    Greg
  • nygregnygreg Member Posts: 1,936
    Uh, oh - I feel a "I drove in XX amount of snow in my Subaru, what did you drive in" thread starting. :)

    Greg
  • snowcarsnowcar Member Posts: 2
    Hi Dennis,

    Thanks for getting back to me. I forgot to mention I was looking at the base Impreza 2.5 RS Sedan, but it sounds like the Impreza Outback. After trying to drive that stupid Saturn in the backroads of CT and not succeeding, I am now a white-knuckle driver and passenger. I'm hoping the Subaru can renew my confidence.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    If the new Legacy is pricey for you, consider a 2004 Legacy left over on the lot. My brother got one for around $18k, close to the cheapest Imprezas.

    An Outback Sport sounds ideal for your needs, though.

    -juice
  • nygregnygreg Member Posts: 1,936
    The Subaru will pull you through any snow. However, stopping and turning (highly dependent on tires) is where you need to concentrate and where you can lose it. Again, a Subaru with dedicated snow tires is the best vehicle to have in a snow storm.

    Greg
  • kenskens Member Posts: 5,869
    A question for Craig or anyone else who's turbo-saavy:

    The advantages of a turbo with MT as Craig summarized is that the mechanical coupling allows the turbo to see immediate load and spool sooner. With an AT, the TC spins for a bit before it begins to transfer load back to the engine.

    I've read that with an AT, there is a benefit that while accelerating and upshifting, the tranny, by nature of the TC, is never fully disengaged and is able to keep boost from falling. In contrast, an MT always passes through neutral every time.

    Any truth to that statement? Is it a tangible benefit?

    Ken
  • locke2clocke2c Member Posts: 5,038
    it might be technically true but has very limited application. you won't notice this at all unless are wide-open throttle, or near it.

    the slower the automatic upshift the more turbine speed that will be lost. --just like a slow manual upshift. a really quick, aggressive automatic shift will be abrupt to the passengers and fairly hard on the machinery. but it wouldn't loose much turbine speed.

    there's only a second or two of lag with a manual transmission car with a proper upshift anyway. the manual will still easily win in overall performance in a straight line, roadcourse, etc.

    ~c
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    C&D once said it takes about 0.3 seconds for one of their drivers to shift a manual tranny. That's pretty quick.

    I guess an auto *could* be quicker, but often they're not, to ease driveline lash.

    -juice
  • damish003damish003 Member Posts: 303
    My Impreza Outback Sport was useless in snow, until I put cheap snow tires on it. Then, it got thru anything. I live in NW Pennsylvania, snowbelt capital of the world. You want snow? We got it. So, I'd vote for the Impreza based on experience. However, the Legacy or Forester should handle the white stuff just as well.

    -Dan-
  • c_hunterc_hunter Member Posts: 4,487
    I agree completely with Colin.

    I doubt the TC preserves enough load to make a whole lot of difference. Even if it did, it would surely be cancelled by the post-shift lag. I bet the MT gets back to full boil sooner, even though boost may drop farther during shifts.

    When I am whaling on my WRX, the boost gauge drops rapidly between shifts but pegs back up near max boost just as quickly. Considering there is a communication lag between the manifold and the gauge (I have a mechanical gauge) it means the boost is building even faster than my gauge indicates.

    Craig
  • drovemalldrovemall Member Posts: 29
    Excuse me Pasian..you have your facts reversed GM is in the business of TRYING to make money FIRST then finding out if people are happy later...maybe. Subaru does thorough customer satisfaction follow up's after sales and asked me to participate in 3 seperate surveys after my 4th Subaru this year. They care alright.The Japanese culture and work ethnic if FAR different than that of the US.They take pride in the product they deliver and it's clearly reflected in the Subaru. I just returned from Japan as my wife is Japanese and I know people that work for Fuji Heavy Industries in my extended family. The company is doing great and showing significant profit without having to throw FrankenSaab-9-X..2(customer-0)GM a bone to help save the diseased Saab Logo. Saab may need many many more rounds of Chemo than the Impreza ripoff can supply. The Impreza has smoked so many others in sales since it came out that German car owners are green with envy and mad that they get blown away by a 23K awd model of perfection(WRX). SOA does not need anything from GM...its merely a polite gesture in typical japanese grace and manner and shows Subaru is not greedy. IF GM had ANY engineering capabilities they would have used the "VIBE" as the drivetrain and underpinnings instead of the Subaru. Anybody here want to buy a used AWD Vibe made by GM....didnt think so.
  • fibber2fibber2 Member Posts: 3,786
    I'm just across the border in Dutchess County, NY, and drive an '02 Outback Wagon (Legacy based). It certainly trounced my old Corolla wagon in snow in stock form, but really came into it's own when I added snows. With 7"+ of ground clearance you can do 10"+/- in most types of snow, as the tires will be compacting it, but still riding well above the pavement.

    Steve
  • ladywclassladywclass Member Posts: 1,713
    we're going to the local dealer's "meet the new models" night tonight, so I'm not sure if I'll be in chat or not ...
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Don't worry, we'll have all the Saab 9-2x folks from the earlier chat.

    Oh, wait, those *are* Subaru people! LOL

    -juice
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    If anyone goes, please be civil and please try to represent the Crew with dignity and respect.

    That way they don't really know us! ;-)

    -juice
  • locke2clocke2c Member Posts: 5,038
    so, drovemall isn't invited to the saab chat eh?

    :-D

    ~c
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    SOA does not need anything from GM...its merely a polite gesture in typical japanese grace and manner and shows Subaru is not greedy. IF GM had ANY engineering capabilities they would have used the "VIBE" as the drivetrain and underpinnings instead of the Subaru.

    The vibe is a Toyota first of all.

    Second of all, if Subaru didn't need GM, how on earth was GM able to buy the large % (largest single share holder of FHI) of shares, if they were doing so wonderfully why didn't FHI buyback the shares that GM bought from Nissan. I highly doubt that Subaru did it out of the goodness of their hearts! You are a funny guy, truely.

    -mike
  • drovemalldrovemall Member Posts: 29
    You mean people that tell the truth aren't invited? Sounds like fascisim . The "Franken-Saab 9-2X" chat is just a GM marketing ploy. I don't want anything to do with helping Saab or GM with their sales push for the Impreza ripoff. Gm needs to focus on building quality cars and getting some good engineers to build something truly unique and "NEW". There's little to get excited about with the Franken-saab ....anybody thats auto savy knows what it is and as a very educated member said earlier the 05 WRX will offer all the same options anyway. The bottom line is these are just people in GM that want to market & sell somebody else's product that is a result of SUBARU's many years of hard work, great engineering and dedication. Basically middlemen. I have little respect for the 9-2X since there's really nothing "New" about it...It;s just the same old bait and switch that GM's done for decades now with their own cars...the sad part is Subaru is involved.
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    You are just very sore about your family members who work for FHI now work for GM.... I understand your position, but let's not make this into a bash GM for owning a large portion of FHI, you've made your point, drop it already...

    -mike
  • drovemalldrovemall Member Posts: 29
    Paisan...correct me if I'm wrong..as I know you will...but I was under the impression that it was called the "Pontiac Vibe"? who makes Pontiac again?
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    Toyota Matrix/Pontiac Vibe, same car, made by Toyota in CA IIRC.

    -mike
  • drovemalldrovemall Member Posts: 29
    My "Family Members" that work for FHI in Japan happen to be quite successful and the Yen just happens to be smashing the Dollar right now.....so why do you drive a Subaru again....because GM owns %20? I apologize I misunderstood .
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    All my subarus were produced long before GM owned Subaru, and I have owned/own A LOT of them.

    -mike
  • drovemalldrovemall Member Posts: 29
    So what you are saying is that the PONTIAC "VIBE" is not a GM product at all....?
  • drovemalldrovemall Member Posts: 29
    Likewise ...My first Subaru was a 1977 Yamagi AWD Wagon that needed to be shifted into AWD under 50mph. It was ugly and I caugh a lot of flack for driving it....but it ran for 325 THOUSAND miles!!! It only had a water pump replaced and a carborateor rebuild twice...other than that ...IT was great...so I remain Loyal!
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    You have showed how little you know about subarus. That was a 4wd Subaru. The first AWD subarus were the RX and XT6. The previous 4wd ones were a part-time, shift on the fly system similar to those used in SUVs. It could not be used on dry pavement, only wet or slick surfaces.

    -mike

    PS: I'm talking USDM not JDM/Non-US sold Subarus.
  • grahampetersgrahampeters Member Posts: 1,786
    G'day

    I think I am losing something in translation. When I google Subaru Yamagi, I find myself investigating Anime characters. The kids are impressed but I am mystified. You weren't driving a Pokemon character were you?

    Cheers

    Graham
  • drovemalldrovemall Member Posts: 29
    My good friend and fellow Subaru owner...don't let your ego get in the way of the facts. MY 1977 wagon was part-time 4 wheel drive- front wheel then shift on the fly ( with a dedicated secondary lever) to engauge the AWD system and yes the AWD was meant ONLY for wet and or snow/muddy conditions. I have no reason to lie.and as a matter of fact I personally know the president of SOA Takao Saito and was featured with my 1977 wagon as an example of its reliability. So lighten up and try being civil. You dodged the VIBE question quite well...and I was aware that it was a joint venture with Toyota , however it is a GM product nevertheless. SO my previoius question stands....why didnt they use the Vibe for the Franken-Saab?
  • locke2clocke2c Member Posts: 5,038
    because it's a special deal with Toyota and it's far too small to be a Saab.

    I'm starting to wish for an ignore list.

    ~c
  • drovemalldrovemall Member Posts: 29
    You are quite good at it..I agree .start one
  • Karen_SKaren_S Member Posts: 5,092
    ....I think it's time for some folks to step back and take a deep breath and chill for a bit. WAY too much testosterone floating to the surface and I for one am not a great swimmer.
  • drovemalldrovemall Member Posts: 29
    Its so sad that all the recent people that have started buying Subaru's for the first time in the last 5 years are so non-typical of the true demograpic that built Subaru into the company it is today. Subaru people used to be open minded, educated, compassionate, kind and enviromentally aware. It seems like now that some of the Cars are now faster and sportier , there is now that BMW/Porsche attitude that is starting to evolve..I wish Subaru had just kept on making slow cars that get great mileage and run forever and stayed out of the performance market. Pity
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    My good friend and fellow Subaru owner...don't let your ego get in the way of the facts. MY 1977 wagon was part-time 4 wheel drive- front wheel then shift on the fly ( with a dedicated secondary lever) to engauge the AWD system and yes the AWD was meant ONLY for wet and or snow/muddy conditions.

    If it were AWD it could be engaged on dry pavement. You had a Hi-Low PART-TIME 4WD System, not an AWD system. And yes the Vibe/Matrix was not chosen for the saab cause it's small, and not what they wanted to use. I would figure that someone who's open minded like yourself would allow a company to CHOOSE whatever it is they want to put out there if they feel it will increase their sales etc. I guess you aren't as open minded as you claim to be...

    -mike

    PS: I've owned as far back as my '88 XT6 (several of them actually)
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