2001 Subaru Legacy GT VDC 2.0 TT

Hey guys,

just wondering if anyone would be able to answer a few questions for me. I'm new to owning a Subaru and and a very happy driver of a Japanese imported ej206 GT VDC Legacy. Just had a bunch of engine work done, ie. timing belt, tensioners, gaskets, spark plugs, seals, etc... running like new at the moment. The next thing I would like to do is get the suspension serviced/upgraded. Don't want to spend a fortune, but have plans to get a front upper strut bar; does anyone know what will fit my car? Does a strut bar from an impreza fit? Can't seem to find much about it bar this online but seems a bit expensive? http://www.toysauto.co.uk/product_i...-bh5-front-strut-brace-bar&cName=strut-braces

What would be a good upgrade suspension wise overall?
Also would anyone be able to recommend someone to do an alignment, etc in Dublin?


Many thanks

Hey dude. As far as i know, alloy drop links and polyurethane anti roll bar bushes would "tighten" things up a bit. As far as i know, the GT VDC didnt come with the bilstein shocks so they would be a good improvement. I have a set coming off my old gtb that will be for sale. Sorry for the shameless plug!!!

Contact Froggy in Subaru salvage, he'll probably have one there for you

If your budget is limited as far as I know, those tower braces are little if no benefit to a road car, except bling. If you haul out large amounts of metal from under the front wings and bonnet to lighten the car for track use, then you will need some assistance in bracing but, for road use if the braces actually make a difference after you've fitted them it might be an idea to get the car checked for cracks in the bulkhead etc... Leggys are great handling cars and for the younger ones among you, it should be remebered that the older turbos were considered Escort Cosworth beaters in their day.

Peadars advice on the Bilsteins is probably the best direct route to improved handling but a word of caution on poly bushes - They will tighten you car up really well, just like a track car and like a track car the noise and vibration levels will increase too. Every little thing on the road will come up through the floor and steering, cats eyes become slalom poles, and if you are running anything larger than the standard 17" rims, the sensation will be magnified. If that's what you want, good, but if you have to do long journeys it will become a pain and quite tiring. Unless you want track performance, the OEM bushes work pretty well, along with Bilsteins or the like.

Thanks for the tips guys. I can hear some knocking sounds when going over bumps... what do I need to get fixed you reckon?

Also any tips for a place for an alignment?

Knocking from the front? Cheapest place to start is anti roll bar bushes, then your end links and then wishbone bushes. Also worth check that everything is done up correctly and there is no play in the wheel bearings but that usually, but not always, comes as a rumble or droning noise.