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Hi All,
I just bought a new 2004 Outback Sport as a practical and inexpensive compliment to my summer only sports car (2002 BMW M Roadster, S54). The winters are rough here in Ontario and the 2 seater roadster has very little cargo capacity. I have owned and modified other sporty cars as well, including a 2000 Audi S4, 6sp.
The one thing I didn't do, but should have done, was to explore the aftermarket for the Outback Sport. Surprisingly it doesn't seem like there's much out there. After driving it for a day I realized it really needs help in the handling department primarily to address body roll and at speed stability. As I do not intend to drive it off road all that much my first inclination is to lower it an inch or so which it could easily afford (this would also improve aerodynamic stability). Another option would be bigger sway bars. Both these fixes could be relatively inexpensive if I could find the parts (I'm not thinking coilovers).
My only other significant complaint is that the clutch and brake pedals, when depressed, are very far from even. The clutch depresses mutch farther than the brake and gas pedals (by several inches) making it difficult to obtain a comfortable seating position for both legs. This is primarily an issue when driving around town and maybe only for us taller drivers(?). My seat is currently in a slightly annoying compromise position.
Aside from that and the fact that it definitely needs a better sound system (next week) I think the car is excellent value for its purpose.
Any suggesstions for the handing issues appreciated.
SubNorth
I just bought a new 2004 Outback Sport as a practical and inexpensive compliment to my summer only sports car (2002 BMW M Roadster, S54). The winters are rough here in Ontario and the 2 seater roadster has very little cargo capacity. I have owned and modified other sporty cars as well, including a 2000 Audi S4, 6sp.
The one thing I didn't do, but should have done, was to explore the aftermarket for the Outback Sport. Surprisingly it doesn't seem like there's much out there. After driving it for a day I realized it really needs help in the handling department primarily to address body roll and at speed stability. As I do not intend to drive it off road all that much my first inclination is to lower it an inch or so which it could easily afford (this would also improve aerodynamic stability). Another option would be bigger sway bars. Both these fixes could be relatively inexpensive if I could find the parts (I'm not thinking coilovers).
My only other significant complaint is that the clutch and brake pedals, when depressed, are very far from even. The clutch depresses mutch farther than the brake and gas pedals (by several inches) making it difficult to obtain a comfortable seating position for both legs. This is primarily an issue when driving around town and maybe only for us taller drivers(?). My seat is currently in a slightly annoying compromise position.
Aside from that and the fact that it definitely needs a better sound system (next week) I think the car is excellent value for its purpose.
Any suggesstions for the handing issues appreciated.
SubNorth
Last edited by SubNorth; Oct 3, 2003 at 04:44 PM.
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Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 18,369
From: Reno, NV
Car Info: 1993/2000/2001 GF4 mostly red
Good news- chassis wise, your car is identical to a WRX, at least as far as dimensions, hard points, and parts compatibility. In other words, if it's a WRX suspension part, you can use it too. As for the motor, there are a few ponies you can get out of it fairly cheaply, and not at the expense of economy or reliability. As for your listed desires;
Lowering- Eibach, Prodrive, Whiteline, SPT, and Tein all make excellent street springs intended for use with stock struts, that lower tha car about an inch and stidffen it about 15% (well, over a WRX- more like 30% over a TS/OBS wagon). Eibachs are the cheapest and easiest to find, Prodrives the most exclusive/desired typically, with Whiteline and Tein falling in between. search for "brand X springs" for comparisons. They all perform remarkably similarly. If you want struts to compliment the springs, you are basically limited to KYB AGX adjustables, or Koni inserts. Many members say the Konis are better dampers, but they are more expensive, and far more difficult to install.
Sway bars- Absolutely. First and best mod. 17mm WRX rear sway bar or 20mm STi rear sway bar both fit, and do wonders for the dynamics of the car. Given your other vehicles, I imagine I don't have to explain what that change entails. Also, get a better set of tires or wheel and tire combo, The RE92s are awful. They are inferior for dry handling, and really not all that great as all seasons. Try RE950s instead, or go with 2 sets of wheels and good summer tires when you can, thought this is not the most practical solution for your 'practical' car.
As for the clutch- try adjusting it so that full disengagement is at or above the point of full braking effort, then adjust the seat for the brakes. Even without getting the clutch pedal to the floor, you will know it is fully depressed.
Other handling mods- Whiteline steering rack bushings are excellent. You will notice the difference in steering response and feel, as well as the wheel returning to zero more quickly than stock. They are just too soft. That's about all I'd suggest for the daily driver- springs, sway bars, tires, and maybe struts is a lot even by itself, but it will make a world of difference. Enjoy the car- it will be good to you for a long time.
Lowering- Eibach, Prodrive, Whiteline, SPT, and Tein all make excellent street springs intended for use with stock struts, that lower tha car about an inch and stidffen it about 15% (well, over a WRX- more like 30% over a TS/OBS wagon). Eibachs are the cheapest and easiest to find, Prodrives the most exclusive/desired typically, with Whiteline and Tein falling in between. search for "brand X springs" for comparisons. They all perform remarkably similarly. If you want struts to compliment the springs, you are basically limited to KYB AGX adjustables, or Koni inserts. Many members say the Konis are better dampers, but they are more expensive, and far more difficult to install.
Sway bars- Absolutely. First and best mod. 17mm WRX rear sway bar or 20mm STi rear sway bar both fit, and do wonders for the dynamics of the car. Given your other vehicles, I imagine I don't have to explain what that change entails. Also, get a better set of tires or wheel and tire combo, The RE92s are awful. They are inferior for dry handling, and really not all that great as all seasons. Try RE950s instead, or go with 2 sets of wheels and good summer tires when you can, thought this is not the most practical solution for your 'practical' car.
As for the clutch- try adjusting it so that full disengagement is at or above the point of full braking effort, then adjust the seat for the brakes. Even without getting the clutch pedal to the floor, you will know it is fully depressed.
Other handling mods- Whiteline steering rack bushings are excellent. You will notice the difference in steering response and feel, as well as the wheel returning to zero more quickly than stock. They are just too soft. That's about all I'd suggest for the daily driver- springs, sway bars, tires, and maybe struts is a lot even by itself, but it will make a world of difference. Enjoy the car- it will be good to you for a long time.
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Thanks!!!
Great response!!! Thank you very much!
I found product listings at various suppliers web sites extremely confusing. Nobody seems to definitively refer to the Outback Sport model. There are a lot of references to the Imprezza (RS, WRX, STi) and occasionally to the Outback (is the OBS a Legacy Outback or an Imprezza?). I suppose the average Outback owner doesn't think much about handling or performance (there's so much untapped potential in the aftermarket business).
I would have suspected that the WRX and STi models would have significantly different suspensions than the Outback Sport. In other words, that most after market parts would be exclusive to them. In fact, I called a couple notable after market suppliers and was informed that they had nothing that would fit the Outback Sport (springs, sway bars, etc.). I was beginning to think I had made a mistake purchasing this car. I realize what it is but assumed I could compensate for any unbearable flaws in the after market. To me, I have to feel confident and safe driving in various conditions - not there yet.
I agree that the tires are an immediate weak point. I went for a long drive today in everything from dry to hard downpour. The tires are going. I'll probably opt for a set of winters and summers. Need to find some inexpensive but half decent looking winter rims though.
Also noticed that the brakes are insufficient, and that was with only myself and no load in the car. The dancing chassis under hard braking might be solved with a few suspension tweaks and hopefully better pads will help. Otherwise, better rotors, calipers? Don't want to spend a fortune - it's not a race car (yet).
I'm looking forward to the sway bar install but have a strong feeling that lowering the center of gravity will aid in many respects. The car seems quite sensitive to gusts of wind. I know from experience that lowering a car even an inch helps keep it planted, not just in cornering.
On the plus side, I discovered that the car is extremely well suited to two lane country roads. It handles the imperfect pavement very well and performs surprising well under such conditions (little side wind). I'm sure that was Subaru's intent and they hit the mark. Me, i need a compromise between this and highway driving where you are exposed to gusts of wind, have to deal with 18 wheelers, sudden lane changes at speed and sudden braking due to your usual inconsiderate idiots.
I had wondered if or how much the clutch pedal could be adjusted. I will look into it and report accordingly.
After I deal with the handling (safety) I will delve into obtaining more power, if you have and suggestions (CAI, exhausts, software(?)) for the files it would be appreciated. I plan on making a web page of mods and my thoughts as they occur so that other Outback Sport owners can benefit. There must be a lot of us out there.
Thanks again for your very helpful response! How is it that you have acquired such Subaru knowledge? You must be intimately involved somehow.
Cheers!
I found product listings at various suppliers web sites extremely confusing. Nobody seems to definitively refer to the Outback Sport model. There are a lot of references to the Imprezza (RS, WRX, STi) and occasionally to the Outback (is the OBS a Legacy Outback or an Imprezza?). I suppose the average Outback owner doesn't think much about handling or performance (there's so much untapped potential in the aftermarket business).
I would have suspected that the WRX and STi models would have significantly different suspensions than the Outback Sport. In other words, that most after market parts would be exclusive to them. In fact, I called a couple notable after market suppliers and was informed that they had nothing that would fit the Outback Sport (springs, sway bars, etc.). I was beginning to think I had made a mistake purchasing this car. I realize what it is but assumed I could compensate for any unbearable flaws in the after market. To me, I have to feel confident and safe driving in various conditions - not there yet.
I agree that the tires are an immediate weak point. I went for a long drive today in everything from dry to hard downpour. The tires are going. I'll probably opt for a set of winters and summers. Need to find some inexpensive but half decent looking winter rims though.
Also noticed that the brakes are insufficient, and that was with only myself and no load in the car. The dancing chassis under hard braking might be solved with a few suspension tweaks and hopefully better pads will help. Otherwise, better rotors, calipers? Don't want to spend a fortune - it's not a race car (yet).
I'm looking forward to the sway bar install but have a strong feeling that lowering the center of gravity will aid in many respects. The car seems quite sensitive to gusts of wind. I know from experience that lowering a car even an inch helps keep it planted, not just in cornering.
On the plus side, I discovered that the car is extremely well suited to two lane country roads. It handles the imperfect pavement very well and performs surprising well under such conditions (little side wind). I'm sure that was Subaru's intent and they hit the mark. Me, i need a compromise between this and highway driving where you are exposed to gusts of wind, have to deal with 18 wheelers, sudden lane changes at speed and sudden braking due to your usual inconsiderate idiots.
I had wondered if or how much the clutch pedal could be adjusted. I will look into it and report accordingly.
After I deal with the handling (safety) I will delve into obtaining more power, if you have and suggestions (CAI, exhausts, software(?)) for the files it would be appreciated. I plan on making a web page of mods and my thoughts as they occur so that other Outback Sport owners can benefit. There must be a lot of us out there.
Thanks again for your very helpful response! How is it that you have acquired such Subaru knowledge? You must be intimately involved somehow.
Cheers!
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Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 462
From: Arcade, NY
Car Info: 2004 2.5TS manual
Not that I'm an expert on this. But I have a 2004 Impreza TS. From what I can tell the Ouback Sport is almost identical to the Impreza TS except a more rugged suspension and of course the trim items.
I've found quite a few places that sell aftermarket parts for our cars. The one place I plan on going with (when I get the money) is www.cobbtuning.com (click on the "Impreza 2.5RS/TS" link)
Suspension, intake, exhaust, just about any powertrain upgrades you need. And a lot more. They also ONLY deal with Subaru cars.
Check them out!!
I've found quite a few places that sell aftermarket parts for our cars. The one place I plan on going with (when I get the money) is www.cobbtuning.com (click on the "Impreza 2.5RS/TS" link)
Suspension, intake, exhaust, just about any powertrain upgrades you need. And a lot more. They also ONLY deal with Subaru cars.
Check them out!!
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Originally posted by Kuth678
I've found quite a few places that sell aftermarket parts for our cars. The one place I plan on going with (when I get the money) is www.cobbtuning.com (click on the "Impreza 2.5RS/TS" link)
Suspension, intake, exhaust, just about any powertrain upgrades you need. And a lot more. They also ONLY deal with Subaru cars.
Check them out!!
I've found quite a few places that sell aftermarket parts for our cars. The one place I plan on going with (when I get the money) is www.cobbtuning.com (click on the "Impreza 2.5RS/TS" link)
Suspension, intake, exhaust, just about any powertrain upgrades you need. And a lot more. They also ONLY deal with Subaru cars.
Check them out!!
Thanks for the tip! They do have a nicely organized site and good product descriptions. I find them a tad on the pricey side though.
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