Subaru Crew - Modifications II

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Comments

  • bat1161bat1161 Member Posts: 1,784
    Just out of curiosity, I saw posted on the WRX board something about adding heated seats after market. Has anyone done this? Is there a site that would have more info, and can it be done to the base OB?

    Thanks,
    Mark
  • hondafriekhondafriek Member Posts: 2,984
    Jacobs Electronics are the company offering the seat heaters, you have to remove the covers from your seats to install if you cannot do this work yourself you would have to outsource them to an auto upholsterer but as far as i am aware they can be fitted to any seat.
    Cheers Pat.
  • hondafriekhondafriek Member Posts: 2,984
    Jacobs URL is www.jacobselectronics.com
    Cheers Pat.
  • bat1161bat1161 Member Posts: 1,784
    Thanks Pat. Does anyone know if this could cause any warranty issues later on? I have the feeling that doing any type of modification voids the warranty.

    Mark
  • armac13armac13 Member Posts: 1,129
    If the after market seat heaters develop a short and burn your car or if they are judged to put too much of a strain on the alternator you could be in trouble. Otherwise it will not affect the warranty. Generally only mods that are reasonably judged to adversely effect to original design fuction will raise a waranty problem.

    Ross
  • hondafriekhondafriek Member Posts: 2,984
    Anything aftermarket will not usually cause warranty problems and Jacobs is a very reputable company there is nothing Mickey Mouse about their products and when push comes to shove it is the aftermarket who is supplying the seat heaters to sssubaru in the first place.
    Cheers Pat.
  • russ9406russ9406 Member Posts: 30
    Rich

    Is there a way for you to post a copy of the Sub woofer install instructions, I have been thinking about this upgrade.

    Russ
  • originalbitmanoriginalbitman Member Posts: 920
    Here are the Sub Woofer and 6 Disk CD Changer installation instructions. Cargo Net, Speaker Upgrade and Tweeter Kit to come soon:


    http://bitman.com/soobdash/

    bit

  • richawdrichawd Member Posts: 3
    Russ
    The CD install instructions are 11 pages long. I do not have a scanner, but if you send me your e-mail address I will take digital pictures and send them to you 1 per message.
    Can probably get to it this weekend.

    The pictures are what I would call pictographs, if that is a word.

    rich

    rich@aadial.com
  • originalbitmanoriginalbitman Member Posts: 920
    The CD changer installation instructions are 4 pages... I forgot 2 but added them now.

    bit
  • originalbitmanoriginalbitman Member Posts: 920
    Rich - if you forward the CD install pics I will post them to my site with the other instructions.

    bit

    mike@bitman.com
  • subearusubearu Member Posts: 3,613
    Was the Subaru amp/sub worth it? I've been contemplating getting this for my OB but had trouble making up my mind. I'll probably end up changing the stock speakers too. 6 1/2" front and rear? Crutchfield still doesn't have 2000+ OB listed...arghh!

    -Brian
  • originalbitmanoriginalbitman Member Posts: 920
    Both of my GTs came with the subwoofer so I can't really compare... but I like the way it sounds. Crutchfield's fit guide is strange when it comes to Subaru. They listed few CD receivers for the Legacy and said the Blaupunkt (DIN) wouldn't fit. But it did perfectly.

    bit
  • seamus3seamus3 Member Posts: 98
    i have tried a couple of different subs in my car. not the sooby sub. the first thing i tried was putting my friends set-up in my car, i didn't like that very much. it was 2 MTX 10's and a 500 watt MTX amp. it was too much bass for me. then i tried something else. i took 2 bazooka tubes and put one under each front seat and ran those with a Rockford Fosgate amp, just a small one. the sound is much better now. the bass is really filled in but not overpowering like with the 10's. the installation was helped along by a guy that works at circuit city doing this kind of stuff. it was not that easy,but it wasn't really tough either. it took maybe an hour and a half to do it.

    i know what you mean bit. i bought all new speakers for the my legacy, infinity kappa's. crutchfield says that they wouldn't fit in my car. i had no problem fitting them in there.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    bit: thanks for sharing those.

    Those B&W instructions bring back memories! Subaru really ought to come out with better instructions. We're outdoorsy and tend to accessorize a lot, so clear, full color instructions, please, SoA?

    Heck, hire me to rewrite them. I'll do all the work for free if they just supply the parts! :-)

    2 Subs? Must sound great. Feel great, actually.

    Bad news: Quality Subaru is in a bad way financially. The owners is big-time in debt, so Darlene is unable to fill orders for now. :-(

    I really hope they either recover, or get bought out and they keep Darlene. I suggested she open her own aftermarket supply shop, or move to a strictly web-based supplier for Subaru.

    I'm really bummed. Told you her prices were too low!

    -juice
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    The idea is to have you get your local dealer to install them. I belive that if you get the dealer to do it, they become incorporated in the 3/36K original warranty.

    -mike
  • hondafriekhondafriek Member Posts: 2,984
    I am not too happy with that news they owe me a spoiler which I have already paid for I spoke to Darlene and she just told me they were waiting for the replacement spoiler from Subaru I origionally bought an 99 and returned for exchange she just said she was waiting for subaru to send in the new spoiler.
    Cheers Pat.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Give her a call (800-287-1281). She's a straight shooter. It sounds like the problem is a bankrupt boss.

    I'm sure she'll either refund the money or get the order. She did say no new orders, so maybe yours will come in.

    -juice
  • lucien2lucien2 Member Posts: 2,984
    got my front tower brace today!!!!

    um...how do I put it on? Just pull the three bolts on each tower,slip it on, and bolt 'em back?
  • hondafriekhondafriek Member Posts: 2,984
    I called Darlene and she said she would credit my visa, thanks for the heads up.
    Cheers Pat.
  • subearusubearu Member Posts: 3,613
    I knew I should have ordered that trailer hitch and amp/sub last year! Dowh! After seeing prices from her, the prices my local dealer charges are insane! No way I'll pay that!

    -Brian
  • texsubarutexsubaru Member Posts: 242
    Dang, and I had yet to start making a serious dent in my accessory wish list ... just always figured Darlene would be there. Hope they can recover!
  • locke2clocke2c Member Posts: 5,038
    I doubt it. The dealership / franchise may be sold and Darlene could still have a job there, but I wouldn't wager money that the existing management can recover.

    Again, I still feel loyalty to Darlene because she helped me immensely, but I do want to point out where I would get parts right now: Lisa (aka "Sugar" on the iclub) from Troncalli Subaru in Georgia. Her email address is sugar30041@yahoo.com or you can private message her (userid = sugar) if you are a member of the iClub messageboard.

    I still feel bad posting that, but we can't do anything to help Darlene right now, I don't think. I wanted to do something to help my fellow Subaru Crew members.

    -Colin
  • bluesubiebluesubie Member Posts: 3,497
    no more oil filters shipped to your door for $4.00? :( Glad I ordered 6.
    Dennis
  • crashton6crashton6 Member Posts: 245
    Sorry those guys are having trouble. I've ordered from Liberty Subaru. & have been pleased with their prices & service. http://www.libertysubaru.com


    Chuck

  • subearusubearu Member Posts: 3,613
    I did a little searching and found http://www.subaruparts.com - looks like they have everything available, including the clothing. Unfortunately, their prices aren't as low as Darlene's, nor do they offer the free shipping :(.


    This may have been discussed before, but I also contacted Crutchfield about the speaker size in the Outback. For those interested, it does take a 6-½ inch speakers in all 4 locations. There is a mounting height restriction though - keep them under ½ inch.


    -Brian
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Pat: cool, I knew she would.

    Loosh: depending on the strut tower brace, it may only be two bolts. Yes, just remove, install, and tighten to torque specs, which are very low so careful not to overtighten.

    I'm gonna miss Darlene, too. I hope a new owner arrives and she reopens. I actually attended an event last week without any freebies whatsoever! :(

    Please do share those e-mails and URLs. I don't think Darlene would have trouble winning back customers with her prices and free shipping.

    -juice
  • lucien2lucien2 Member Posts: 2,984
    I do hope I didn't overtighten. Pics in the gallery.

    I highly recommend this mod for the '96-'99 Legacy. The front end is tighter, and high speed cornering is has a lot less drama associated with it now.

    the whole gallery: http://albums.photopoint.com/j/AlbumIndex?u=1532723&a=12036179
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Love the cardboard intake mod! ;-)

    I actually tried the plastic "plug" from the Impreza but it did not fit. Rats. I have SPT stickers covering it, but they are not vinyl so they break apart with the engine heat.

    Nice bar, though. Yellow adds horsepower, too!

    The rally flaps look good. You must've had Mike and Jake help with those - they look just like Mike's.

    -juice
  • lucien2lucien2 Member Posts: 2,984
    I did go out there one day, but I didn't do the flaps at that time. I just went to Advanced Auto and bought 2 sets of pick up truck flaps! :D
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Hey - the bigger the better. Don't want paint chips all along the side.

    -juice
  • seamus3seamus3 Member Posts: 98
    i am letting a friend of mine test out my strut tower brace, he has a 99 legacy GT LTD. i do not like driving my car right now, the front end is so loose. i'm going to get it back right now! i found a disk (digital camera) that i think has pictures of my car on it. possible pics soon.
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    Anyone in the NY area have a strut bar that I might be able to test out on my XT6 once it's back in order? I want to get one, but I need to see if it will clear the hood and don't want to invest in one w/o knowing it will fit! Thanks.

    -mike
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    If you make it down to Columbia you can swing by and we'll try mine. Is the XT6 similar (dimensionally) to the Impreza?

    -juice
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    Yeah the XT6 is very similar dimension wise to the Imprezas and I have RS front struts in it now. :)

    -mike

    PS: Are you coming to the NY Auto show?
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    I would like to come. 3 shows in a year is a lot though, so we'll have to see if I can sell the concept.

    I have a friend in Brooklyn that invited us over, but the wife doesn't know her well, and to top it off she's an ex of mine...

    Like I said, tough sell. I'm really curious about that "new wagon" though.

    -juice
  • lucien2lucien2 Member Posts: 2,984
    yea, I don't think you wanna go there! :)

    The only way I can get to NY is if

    a) The Mini is there

    and

    b) We have the time, money. Plus taking Q out for dinner.
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    Awh, I'm sure the Mini will be there. Now the Money and dinner that's a different story.

    -mike
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    OK, let's find out if the Mini is there. If so, we'll label it a double-date and the wife might buy into it more. :-)

    -juice
  • hondafriekhondafriek Member Posts: 2,984
    Unless you have a death wish pass on the Brooklyn dinner we don;t any of us need any help to get into trouble we are pretty good at that on our own Ha! Ha!.

    By the Way Darlene was as good as her word the credit showed up on my Visa this morning I really hope that lady gets situated real good in the not too distant future.
    Cheers Pat.
  • lucien2lucien2 Member Posts: 2,984
    O.k. got 4 steel 15" rims today, promptly painted them white. IF my Outback normally rides on 205/70/15, what is a reasonable size to mount on these 15X6 suckers for RALLYCROSS ? 205/60? 195/60?

    Any suggestions as to actual tire?

    Lucien
  • originalbitmanoriginalbitman Member Posts: 920
    Anyone ever see a good aftermarket back of seat map pocket. The GTs don't have them on the cloth interior. I would love a nice mesh one but can only find those vinyl catch-alls from JC Whitney and the like. Talked to an upholstery shop and they will do a custom one but it would cost over $100. Little more than I would like to spend. My hunch is some manufacturer offers one as an option.
    bit
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    For rally-x I'd get a smaller diameter and beefier. The smaller size will give you better acceleration, and a meatier tread will give you good grip in the loose stuff.

    -mike
  • texsubarutexsubaru Member Posts: 242
    I bought one of those cheap multipocket nylon back-of-the-seat things. It's more or less adequate, but not good enough that I'd really recommend it. Main problem is that I've never been able to get it to hang quite right, so, when loaded with stuff, it sags a bit too far into the already rather limited rear- seat knee room.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Lucien: why not yellow, like SubieGal? ;-)


    I don't know if you want a lower profile - that'll cost you ground clearance. Depends on the course I guess. Where the RSs bottoming out? Didn't that Eclipse get beat to death?


    If the RSs are fine, it would be OK, and you actually gain a gearing advantage with a smaller tire. Use this tool to figure out how much:


    http://www.miata.net/garage/tirecalc.html


    It's from Miata.net, but applies to any vehicle.


    Bit: $100 sounds like a good price to me, if you're gonna use it a lot.


    -juice

  • bat1161bat1161 Member Posts: 1,784
    I am toying with the idea of getting a set of winter tires for my 00 OB 5spd. Does it make that much of difference? Most of my driving is in and around NYC. Should I get the same size tire as the Firestones that are standard, or a different size? I seem to remeber reading somewhere that for winter tires you should get them a size smaller, i.e. 16"=normal, 15" winter. Also, any idea what a set of rims go for? Any recommendations for which tire to go for? At this rate I, if I did get them, I would probably wait until next year to put them on.

    Thanks in advance.
    Mark
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    I'd say that's overkill IMHO. My dad uses all-weathers on his legacy in SI, as well as my uncle on his '97 OB, never has a problem. Unless you travel upstate or deep into jersey often, I'd pass on em.

    -mike
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Probably overkill, unless you have slicks on your stock rims.

    If you did it, I'd go with 215/70R15 on steel wheels. Tire Rack has sets like this for around $400.

    -juice
  • hutch7hutch7 Member Posts: 88
    Anyone know if a Leather Kit is available for my '97 OB, I'm thinking of upgrading the interior.
  • hondafriekhondafriek Member Posts: 2,984
    Check www.katzkins.com
    Cheers Pat.
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