This is a little info for you guys out there. If you guys are going to change your timing belt on your 2.5L SOHC on your MY99-MY01 Impreza RS's by yourself. There's a special tool that OTC makes for the crank pulley. DO NOT!!! Purchase or use tool #499977300A. OTC tells me that this is an updated version (wrong!), I've tried it and the prongs are too big for the pulley holes. Purchase or use tool # 499977100, which is the right tool. It will say on some references that it's for a 97 Legacy 2.5L, but it work perfectly and cheaper too, $66.90 over 146.50. I wasted two work days because of the wrong tool. Just some info.

imporacer

 

I tried to look briefly for this tool, but couldn't locate it. For those who don't have the money, use a pry bar to hold the flywheel (manual in 5th gear) or flexplate (automatic) to crack this stubborn bolt loose. This bolt has 130 ft-lb on it, you cannot get an impact wrench on it either, so a long breaker bar or pipe extension will more than likely be needed. Or you can choose to take your chances w/ the "starter method," as I did. Had that crank bolt out in 1 minute although I'm not trying to persuade others to use this method.

-Charles-