Time to do something dumb

"Dusty Ventures" (dustyventures)
08/14/2020 at 13:00 • Filed to: None

My “practical dream” two car garage has served me well the past two years, but the day has finally come. I’m making my quick car even quicker. That’s right, I’m modifying the Outback.

I bought the Outback second owner in 2014 with about 134k on the clock. Since then we’ve gone ocean-to-ocean, recce’d rally stages, gone off roading, gone kayaking and biking, camped in over a dozen states, and spent way too much time at work. After six years of (mostly) faithful service and now with 215k on the clock, she’s developed a mechanical issue that doesn’t affect performance, and if monitored could be lived with indefinitely, but to truly properly fix needs an engine out service. So here we are.

Knowing that the engine had to come out I did what any Subaru owner would do, I looked at options to add some fast in the process. This culminated in a series of texts with a friend whose company builds motors for rally cars, and ultimately a build sheet. New motor, rebuilt Spec B six-speed transmission, and an estimated ~50% increase in power. Undoubtedly a dumb thing to pay for on a 12 year old, 215k mile car, but the body/chassis is still in good shape, and no other manufacturer is really offering a lifted, AWD, manual, go-fast wagon ( !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! ), so here we are.

Tomorrow starts a two-day, ~700 mile road trip to drop off the car (with several Oppo Hunt stops along the way). With luck in about two weeks I’ll be picking up the finished product. It feels... kinda weird honestly. It’s one of those things I always thought I’d like to do to the car but knew I never would. Now that I am I’m both excited and questioning just how impractical I’m being. (There’s also that third voice in my head, holding a sharpie, crossing this off the list, and queuing up my next big impractical modification to the O utback. Black interior, WRB exterior for anyone wondering.)

Whatever. One more sleep and it begins.

DISCUSSION (57)

Arch Duke Maxyenko, Shit Talk Extraordinaire > Dusty Ventures
08/14/2020 at 13:06

https://www.sikky.com/product-category/lsx-swap-kits/subaru-lsx-swap-kits/

Captain of the Enterprise > Dusty Ventures
08/14/2020 at 13:09

That should be sick! I love the sleep setup in there too! I’ve always wanted something I could sleep in like that for some reason. I could put the seats down in the Camry but I’d be half in a trunk and I don’t think the seats lay flat either. I’d dig it in WR blue too.

Highlander-Datsuns are Forever > Dusty Ventures
08/14/2020 at 13:10

EG 3 3 or GTFO.

I like cars: Jim Spanfeller is one ugly motherfucker > Dusty Ventures
08/14/2020 at 13:12

What issue did it develop? I dunno jack shit about Subarus except headgaskets and bad transmissions.

Chan - Mid-engine with cabin fever > Dusty Ventures
08/14/2020 at 13:12

The BRZ is also yours?

i86hotdogs > Dusty Ventures
08/14/2020 at 13:20

I have a similar plan in mind if my 2.5 duratec ever poops itself in the van. The TC could have been built with the 1.6 Ecoboost for something like two years. The very similar 1.6 Ecoboost that sits in FiSTs. So if I am due for a new engine, I’m ST swapping that van into manual boosting goodness. (budget pending, of course)

BeaterGT > Dusty Ventures
08/14/2020 at 13:24

By dumb, you mean awesome? I'd love to do the same thing with my car. Can't wait to see it finished up.

Mark - Sixpots None The Richer > Dusty Ventures
08/14/2020 at 13:30

Awesome!

You’ll basically have the chance to fall in love with your car a second time. :-)

Enjoy that experience!

Arrivederci > Dusty Ventures
08/14/2020 at 13:37

Literally only read the title and said “Hell yes!”

Read the actual content and said “Hell yes!” again! That’s awesome and is going to make your trusty Sube so much fun.

Boxer_4 > Dusty Ventures
08/14/2020 at 13:47

That should be a lot of fun. I’d love to do something similar at some point, maybe with an SH. I love the idea of a modified non-traditional turbo Subaru.

Is your suspension stock-ish? If so I’ll be curious how it drives with the added power. A hang up for me would likely be trying to balance handling and outdoorsy capability.

Dusty Ventures > Chan - Mid-engine with cabin fever
08/14/2020 at 13:48

Yessir

functionoverfashion > Dusty Ventures
08/14/2020 at 13:51

duuuuuude that is awesome. I fully support it.

Dusty Ventures > Arch Duke Maxyenko, Shit Talk Extraordinaire
08/14/2020 at 13:53

LS swaps are for the lazy and unimaginative

Arch Duke Maxyenko, Shit Talk Extraordinaire > Dusty Ventures
08/14/2020 at 13:55

https://www.mercuryracing.com/automotive/

Nibby > Dusty Ventures
08/14/2020 at 13:59

replace them with a taurus wagon and taurus SHO

Dusty Ventures > I like cars: Jim Spanfeller is one ugly motherfucker
08/14/2020 at 14:00

Shhhhh. We do not say the “h” word here

gettingoldercarguy > Dusty Ventures
08/14/2020 at 14:00

Hah! I just decided to start getting my wife’s outback too handle a bit better. Nice two car as well.

LongbowMkII > Dusty Ventures
08/14/2020 at 14:01

I thought your outback was already modified

Dusty Ventures > Captain of the Enterprise
08/14/2020 at 14:04

I’ll be honest, I could've used an extra 4-6 inches on the sleep setup, but it worked for getting me across the country

I like cars: Jim Spanfeller is one ugly motherfucker > Dusty Ventures
08/14/2020 at 14:06

Right, duh.

But seriously, after putting traditional suspension, an Allroad is going to be more reliable than a high mile Subie. And cooler.

Snuze: Needs another Swede > Dusty Ventures
08/14/2020 at 14:10

This is awesome! Congrats on making sensible choice! Hahahaha

Dusty Ventures > I like cars: Jim Spanfeller is one ugly motherfucker
08/14/2020 at 14:10

I’m sorry, sir, this is a no blasphemy zone

I like cars: Jim Spanfeller is one ugly motherfucker > Dusty Ventures
08/14/2020 at 14:12

But the speeeeeeeed

I like cars: Jim Spanfeller is one ugly motherfucker > i86hotdogs
08/14/2020 at 14:15

Think you could shove a twin turbo 3.5 in there?

jminer > Dusty Ventures
08/14/2020 at 14:15

Awesome!

I love my Sportwagen but if I’m being honest also kind of wanted to buy an outback but the TDI was a crazy deal when I got it. Like you I love sleeping in my wagon like that on multi-day trips, it’s just barely long enough for my 6' 2" frame to sleep in.

gettingoldercarguy > Dusty Ventures
08/14/2020 at 14:18

What mechanical issue did yours develop? Also, fun time to modify outbacks I guess.

TRivet > Dusty Ventures
08/14/2020 at 14:21

I ’ll be honest, I could’ve used an extra 4-6 inches...

Who couldn’t ;)

Dusty Ventures > Boxer_4
08/14/2020 at 14:21

Suspension is bone stock. It's not remotely spory, of course, but with the way I use it that's fine. Capability is definitely the higher priority

Dusty Ventures > LongbowMkII
08/14/2020 at 14:22

Injectors, exhaust, and a slightly larger turbo. Nothing crazy up to this point

VincentMalamute-Kim > Dusty Ventures
08/14/2020 at 14:23

P rimitive Racing suspension on my 98 Forester made a huge difference in fun to drive.

It seems like less of a risk to hot rod the motor on a 200K car than a brand new car. If it blows up, so what?

TRivet > Nibby
08/14/2020 at 14:24

replace them with a taurus wagon and taurus SHO

Kinja'd!!!

Dusty Ventures > I like cars: Jim Spanfeller is one ugly motherfucker
08/14/2020 at 14:31

Stock for stock my Outback is already as fast to 60 as an Allroad of the same year, and with the new motor it should outpace any Allroad

I like cars: Jim Spanfeller is one ugly motherfucker > Dusty Ventures
08/14/2020 at 14:36

Oh, I meant a C5 Allroad with the 2.7 twin turbski. Stock drivetrain, stock internals can handle in the ballpark of 500hp, and you can get that with a tune and bolt ons (yes, a turbo swap is a bolt on mod).

Dusty Ventures > VincentMalamute-Kim
08/14/2020 at 14:37

For what this is going to cost I definitely care. Fortunately the shop I'm going to knows how to ramp up the power while still keeping it reliable

Dusty Ventures > I like cars: Jim Spanfeller is one ugly motherfucker
08/14/2020 at 14:44

Stock for stock I’m faster than that one too. And 500 HP is more than I want. We’re still talking about my winter daily and road trip wagon here, I need fuel economy to stay at least semi-decent. The 375-400 HP I'll have after this is fine.

OPPOsaurus WRX > Dusty Ventures
08/14/2020 at 14:48

well, not to go against your request but .........

!!! UNKNOWN CONTENT TYPE !!!

Dusty Ventures > OPPOsaurus WRX
08/14/2020 at 14:51

I’m telling you, man, drive one of these. I got to try out a similar year Allroad recently and while it had a bit more in the way of creature comforts they were pretty damn close in that regard, and for go the Outback rates higher on the old butt dyno.

Dusty Ventures > Arch Duke Maxyenko, Shit Talk Extraordinaire
08/14/2020 at 15:00

That looks a touch out of budget

Arch Duke Maxyenko, Shit Talk Extraordinaire > Dusty Ventures
08/14/2020 at 15:03

Buuuuuuuuuuut 750 hp @ 8,000 rpm on 91 pump gas

Nibby > TRivet
08/14/2020 at 15:12

no u

Dusty Ventures > Arch Duke Maxyenko, Shit Talk Extraordinaire
08/14/2020 at 15:16

I’ll do it if you do it

I like cars: Jim Spanfeller is one ugly motherfucker > Dusty Ventures
08/14/2020 at 15:18

Stock for stock, I’m pretty sure my Cabriolet is faster than a C5. Those things are pigs, but they are cool.

400hp in an Outback will be killer.

Dusty Ventures > I like cars: Jim Spanfeller is one ugly motherfucker
08/14/2020 at 15:22

The stock 2.7 does 60 in 6.8, which is decently quick for what it is. The Outback stock is 6.6 . Unless you have an automatic, then it's 7.3

I like cars: Jim Spanfeller is one ugly motherfucker > Dusty Ventures
08/14/2020 at 15:27

Oh, that’s quicker than I thought.

My cabby does it in... uh, well, the internet says 11.6. So nevermind. However, I don’t think I’ve even taken it above maybe 50 when doing a pull. It’s terrifying cruising highways at 75, but it tops out around 95-100.

sn4cktimes > Dusty Ventures
08/14/2020 at 15:29

NICE!!! I like the sounds of your plan. That’ll be a hoot to rip around in.

I also prefer a dark interior in vehicles. It’s a thing that has removed various vehicles from my considerations over the years. Something about “cream” interiors just makes me cringe. The wife’s Juke interior is dark bottom, light headliner. It’s mostly out of view, but I still don’t like it.

I’m not a big “keep it stock” fan at all. I’ve been mulling over choices on what to eventually do with my Dodge Rampage. I’m leaning towards either 5.7/6.1L Hemi crate or salvaged motor with the Mopar unlocked harness/computer for it... I might go diesel. But I tend to prefer higher reving things, and I doubt I’ll need a lot of torque on what’s basically an open backed car. Either scenario could end up RWD or AWD. Doubt I’d have enough space underneath to accommodate a transfer case for selectable 4WD. RWD would likely be a better solution, and much simpler.

Arch Duke Maxyenko, Shit Talk Extraordinaire > Dusty Ventures
08/14/2020 at 16:21

Deal

For Sweden > Arch Duke Maxyenko, Shit Talk Extraordinaire
08/14/2020 at 16:27

A reliable Subaru?

Is it possible to learn this power?

Dusty Ventures > Arch Duke Maxyenko, Shit Talk Extraordinaire
08/14/2020 at 17:01

Cool. You go first

Dusty Ventures > gettingoldercarguy
08/14/2020 at 17:03

Oil leak

Boxer_4 > Dusty Ventures
08/14/2020 at 17:29

You do have the BRZ to scratch that itch, so the decision is definitely easier ;)

Captain of the Enterprise > Dusty Ventures
08/14/2020 at 18:21

Nice! Yeah I’m 6’3” so I’d need something big to be able to lie down comfortably.

Dusty Ventures > Boxer_4
08/14/2020 at 18:25

Precisely

Dusty Ventures > Captain of the Enterprise
08/14/2020 at 18:26

I’m 6'0. If I were like 5'8 it would’ve been perfect

Dusty Ventures > sn4cktimes
08/14/2020 at 18:29

I like the lighter interior, I just don’t like maintaining it. Darker interior hides the dirt better lol

Taylor Martin > Dusty Ventures
08/15/2020 at 12:17

Now is a fantastic time to do stupid stuff. Also, this isn’t entirely stupid. It’s based on logic and reason. The engine is broken, so you need a new one, therefore the new one should be really really really big. Makes sense to me.

i86hotdogs > I like cars: Jim Spanfeller is one ugly motherfucker
08/17/2020 at 05:13

I doubt a V6 can fit , as much as I would love that much power up there. If anything, get the RS powertrain in there.

thejustache > Dusty Ventures
09/16/2020 at 14:16

Congrats on the upgrade, that sounds pretty rowdy!