Subaru Legacy...I'm all ears

Subaru Legacy...I'm all ears

Author
Discussion

MikeyMike

Original Poster:

580 posts

201 months

Thursday 5th March 2015
quotequote all
I'm looking for some info on the Legacy, mainly the 4th generation (03-09). I'm not really interested in the NA 3Ltr, my interest is in the turbo charged variants.

I'm struggling to nail down the range to be honest, also the vast majority do seem to be autos which isn't ideal. I'm particularly interested in the STi S402 which I understand was JDM only and I assume horrendously expensive? I haven't found any for sale in the UK so far.

So, if anyone can explain the range to me and shed any light on the grey imports it would be much appreciated.

GravelBen

15,684 posts

230 months

Friday 6th March 2015
quotequote all
s402 was an STi special edition (like the s204 Impreza) and pretty rare. There was also a GT WR-Ltd version in WRC blue (with optional gold wheels too), but I don't think it had any mechanical upgrades. I've never looked at an s402 up close but my mechanic has an s401 which is a really nice car.

You'd be looking at the GT and GT Spec-B which in JDM trim had the same 280bhp twinscroll 2.0 as the equivalent STi, though IIRC autos were still detuned to 260bhp like the previous twin-turbo models.

NZ & Aus (& maybe the USA?) got a 2.5 turbo GT with ~265bhp to be happier with lower octane fuel.

Main difference between the GT and GT-B is the firmer Bilstein suspension on the GT-B, often the GT has 17" wheels and the GT-B 18" but not always. GT-B often has nicer interior with full leather, better audio etc too I think.


Edited by GravelBen on Friday 6th March 01:44

PomBstard

6,773 posts

242 months

Friday 6th March 2015
quotequote all
I'll add some to Ben's notes...

In Aus, 2004-2006 we got the GT with a 2.0-litre, single turbo producing 180kW/241bhp. Wheels were 17' wearing 215/45 rubber. For 2005/6 this was supplemented by the STi version - same engine but pushing either 190kW or 200kW depending on what you read. Other STi goodies are 18' Enkei wheels, Bilsteins and generally sharper suspension. All versions available with either 5-speed manual or 4-speed auto and as either wagon or sedan. I've got a 2005 wagon with the manual box, and its a heap of fun!

From 2006-2008, the engine was changed to the 2.5-litre, still pushing out 180kW, but lower down the rev-range. I think this one is redlined at 6500, whereas the 2.0 spins to 7750 cut-out. Also changed was the gearbox - 6-speed manual, not sure if the auto was still 4-speed, but with the addition of SI-Drive which alters the responsiveness of the engine and/or gearbox. This time the GT only came with the Spec-B package which has the Bilsteins and similar.The STi version puts out 190kW and comes with the various handling goodies as before.

I'm sure there's more but can't remember at the mo. Checkout www.carsales.com.au for some idea of what you get.

My Evil Twin

457 posts

133 months

Friday 6th March 2015
quotequote all
Legacy Gen IV GT turbos.. are.. Im pretty sure JDM only (from a UK PoV), (US versions also) so expect expensive insurance if your in the UK,
Pre-facelift GT .. MT5 280hp, Auto4 260hp
face lift GT.. MT6 280hp, auto4 260hp
Spec B = Bilsteins.
Turbo is a trwinscrool.. so power from about 2500 onwards, redline at 7750 I think

most are autos as autos are popular in japan.
its not a STI engine.. just a stressed 'regular' Subaru engine.. so tuning will stop at about 300-320hp without internal mods. A remap is a good idea IMHO for 98 fuel, but many others says its not required. (I cant get Shell 99 petrol locally).

Edit: the normal GT is not a STI engine.. as is I THINK the 2004 WR Ltd..
obviusly, the STI is.. and expect to pay for it..
The S402 is sought after still in japan (were only 400 made?).. so I wouldnt hold your breath in getting one in the UK unless you do some serious digging to import one yourself.

Edited by My Evil Twin on Friday 6th March 20:48