Also replaced weak starter

 

I would double check to make sure all the preventative maintenance has been done. Such as the timing belt being replaced and the drive belts (supposed to be at or around 100k-120k). I would also do a coolant flush. Otherwise, it looks like you are on top of everything else! Congrats on the car by the way.

 

Thank you and forgot to say, owner before the previous had timing belt and pump done at 120k. Also I forgot I did ac pulley and belt and alternator power steering belt with gates products.

 

Well then, looks to me like you are all set to go!

One more thing to look into if it already hasn't been done by the previous owner is a up pipe swap. The stock up pipes in the 02-05's have a pre-turbo catalytic converter. This catalytic converter has been known to occasionally fall apart and send pieces into the turbo, thus destroying the turbo. EJ257 wrote an informative thread about it here: http://www.clubwrx.net/forums/engin...engine-modifications/134325276-attn-02-05-wrx-owners-importance-uppipe-mod.html

 

Thank you! Kinda stuff I was looking for

 

Sounds like you're off to a great start, but unfortunately I have to warn you that after reading a thread on NASIOC with blackstone confirmed results, almost any of the "Tranny Cocktails" turn acidic after 8,000 miles or so. Motul 300 and Subaru Extra S had the best results, so if you want your car to last longer, I'd get that fluid mix out of there.

 

Thank you for information! Good to know haha

 

No problem! I'd shoot you a link to the thread but I can't access Nasioc from this computer. I'm sure a quick search over there will net you the results if you're interested.

 

I'll think I'll probably switch to get motul 300 seems to be pretty good stuff. looked pretty high quality

 

I made the switch to Extra S and have really enjoyed it so far. It's also cheaper than the motul, with similar results. I got 5 quarts from Fast Tuning Products for around $50

 

For $50 I'll look into it quite a bit cheaper for that amount. I've also been considering ordering a red vacuum hose kit and redoing all my vacuum lines and also ordering one of those ground wire kits and replacing all my grounds. Any input?

 

Couldn't be a bad idea on the hoses. If you want red, get red, but generic black from a parts store may be cheaper. Your bugeye has some age to it by now, and the hoses could be starting to crack or deteriorate. I don't think grounding kits are ever a bad idea. Definitely can't hurt.

 

Yep I've also heard motor mounts and tranny mounts are a great upgrade for any older subaru, specifically the group n ones. Have you had any experience with installing those or using them? Big difference?

 

When you buy a vehicle with a ton of mileage damage that can be done is already done. When you buy a vehicle like that you buy it because you love it, and with it comes labor.

Your off to a good start, but I would start preparing for future rebuilds of components. Engine and transmission the big two. It may be tomorrow, it may be 20k miles from now, but its nice to have the money aside for when it happens, because nothing lasts for ever. Just continue the recommended maintenance per the manufacturer and just be ready.

The only thing you didn't mention, and isn't really engine tranny related is suspension/steering. Both equally important.

 

I was also looking at end links and strut tower bars. My struts don't make any noises and don't ride bad, but they look a little rough. The previous owner gave me a used set for the car but didn't say if there was any bad suspension. Any recommendations on coil overs or a cheap decent set of struts would be appreciated. I'm a senior in high school and work part time at Oreillys. So I don't have a lot of money too spend on parts. Just a hundred or so on parts here and there. I was on rally sport direct and saw the cheapest set of coil overs was $697 by tein. I can't justify that right now, I'm trying to save for college also.

 

Also when I had it on a lift, the rack and pinion bellow was torn. From everything I read it's a bitch to replace. Curious to know if anyone has knowledge on if I can replace just the bellow or I have to replace whole rack and pinion.

 

Just put aside 50 or 100 bucks every few weeks to save for it. I'm half way dead with a good job and that's how I do it. Got a big service coming up I buy a little here and a little there until its all ready.

Don't go cheap coil overs they sound good in theory but they ride really bad and don't last. Even great coil overs will beat you to death on the road a lot of the time.

When it comes to longevity of the vehicle I'd stick to OEM until you've got better income or a spare car.

 

I can confirm that the group n trans mount is worth it.

 

I have the Group N tranny mount. It's good only a little NVH.
Down the road I might swap it for a Beatrush or a Perrin.
Keep in mind the more solid the tranny mount is, the more NVH you will get.

 

Should I skip the group n mounts and just go straight for perrin or beatrush?

 

I am in almost the same situation with a 2003 wrx I just acquired at similar high miles. Can anyone recommend a good up pipe? I am very interested in this...

 

whats the difference in an up pipe and a down pipe? do I need both to remedy the problem of having the cat shatter? if not which is better for daily driving? whats the difference between the divorced and the bell shaped ones?

I'm sorry if there is a thread I am missing explaining all this, if I'm just being blind and not seeing it could someone provide a link?

 

whats the difference in an up pipe and a down pipe?

There is an exhaust diagramme somewhere. The former is before the turbo on 2,0L US cars, the latter is after.

do I need both to remedy the problem of having the cat shatter?

No. Just the up pipe. I have the impression most up pipes don't fail. It's your car; if you are worried, go for it.

if not which is better for daily driving? whats the difference between the divorced and the bell shaped ones?

Follow the link in my signature.

 

 

That's the image, thanks!

 

That image was AWESOME. Thank you everyone, this has been a very positive experience for me(the whole joining an online forum experience) and I feel like the suby community has a good fellowship. I have asked some pretty noobish ?'s and been met with great tolerance.

So I see that a catless up pipe is the key to not having parts of the cat fly into your turbo, does anyone have one the would recommend over the other? I have read now that the hp gains are negligible between aftermarket expensive pipes and just gutting the oem one, does anyone have personal experience with a nice affordable aftermarket one?

 

New here myself and I just have to echo . . . definitely a friendly place . . . friendlier than some other sites where I dare not post anything lest I offend the masses. Here folks seem to be very patient with noobs . . . very welcoming site.

 

Ok, so it seems the install of a new up pipe is going to be a little more involved than I think I am ready for at this time. This car is never driven very harsh and I am hoping that is enough to keep it from shattering as the Vishnu instructions were rather...lengthy. It has gone for 12 years without and no shattered up-pipe cat so far and I know that doesn't mean it couldn't happen tomorrow but I feel like unless it NEEDS replacing I may do more bad than good with the amount of things I must interact with.

Sorry everyone, I did learn something though if that makes the people who responded feel better! that there is a lot of SH#T you have to unbolt to get to an up pipe! I'll just slink away now, thanks.