Hi All!

I recently acquired a '91 Legacy AWD Turbo, and am considering setting it up to do battle in the FSP class. My goal is to build a fun, sharp handling car that is at least reasonably competitive (the limiting factor here being the driver, anyway ;-). The car has the 5 speed tranny, rear LSD, and fresh-looking KYB struts with OEM (I assume) springs.

I have a few questions for the group:

First off, are there any reasons why the Legacy would be a particularly bad choice for this project?

For street prepared, the general goal seems to be lower and stiffer. I had thought perhaps a coilover kit with fairly stout springs; perhaps in the 300-400 lb/in range, but I'm not at all convinced that either the KYB dampers, or the OEM struts (also KYB, aren't they?) are capable of controlling this much spring. Has anyone gone down this route that might be able to offer some advice? A $2500 Tein set is pretty much out of the question at this point, alas.

Can I still find camber plates and strut tower brace to fit? Any idea where one might start to look? Also for the swaybars. I plan on shopping Whiteline for the fattest set that will fit the car. Are there better options?

Someone told me that this car uses a rather unusual "backwards" hydraulic clutch (it's hydraulic 4sure). As I will have the engine out anyway in the near future (head gaskets -n- such), should I plan on retrofitting a standard cable operated clutch setup while I'm at it?

Does anyone know if a 225/50/15 tire (Kumho Ecsta V700 most likely) on OEM alloy wheels (15X6 ?) will fit w/o major grief? Any options for a 14X6 or 14X7 wheel on this car (larger rear brakes might be an issue)?

Anything else that can be accomplished on a modest budget that will make the car more fun to autocross? It probably will _not_ see very much actual street time, so street-ability isn't of much concern.

Thanx for taking the time to read thru, anything you care to add greatly appreciated.

ByeBye! S.

Oh snap! *WJM works on response....*

First off, READ THE RULE BOOK.

http://www.scca.com/_FileLibrary/File/2006_solo_rules.pdf

Second, mind your Update/Backdate (ud/bd) rules...you can swap in the entire cable clutch, but you will have to swap out transmissions as well. Its NOT a backwards system. Its a PULL type instead of the more common PUSH type. WRX"s and STi's use PULL type.

Otherwise, most anything from any other SUBARU, STi included, will bolt onto the car. Besure to REFER TO THE RULES before you make a change. Even with relaxed boost regulations, one piece can send you siraling down the path of Street mod quickly.


I have had many discussions with alot of different people...most tend to think that with the allowed modifications in SP...the Legacy Turbo 5MT should KILL/MURDER/ANNIALATE FSP. Why not? until recently boost was restricted. With boost lifted...you can run upwards 25+ PSI on C16 and water injection on the STOCK internals of the engine and not hurt it. Thats MASSIVE power.

Along with the 12kg STi center diff, or the Cusco 35/65 diff, a good clutch rear, and a helical or nice clutch in the front, along with the bigazz tires/wheels...I'm sure the Rabbits and Sciroccos will fall to the Legacy.

Again, rules are MOST important when considering a modification if you are aiming at staying in a particular class.

My advice is to hop on Legacy Central: http://legacycentral.org/

Do some research...find you what mods you want to do, what your end goal with the car is...then decide if its worth it for you to stay in FSP...if your goal is FSP domination, MORE POWER TO YOU! I was going to attempt FSP with my RX...but due to EXTREMELY weak headgaskets in the EA82T, and other budget problems...I cannot afford the engine/headgasket budget and time for R&D. With the Legacy platform...it is NEARLY the same as ANY impreza/forester....tried, true and tested with MANY parts availible.

Best of luck!

The 15x6s will be too skinny. You'll want to scour the Neon forums (like I did) and score a set of 14x8 or 9" wheels with 225s provided they'll clear the brakes....13's won't, I tried. Otherwise a set of 15x7or8 with 225s or 16x8 and 245s.

For shocks, the stock KYBs probably won't hold up too long with the rates you'll want. You should be able to score a set of adjustable Konis or AGXs and put a set of ground control sleeves/springs on for under $1000. Add some Cusco camber plates and a performance alignment and you'll be well on your way.

Swaybars are a big debate. Some run super stiff springs and no bars, while some others run fairly stiff springs and big bars. You'r rear diff should be a mechanical type, so you shouldn't have too much trouble with wheelspin even when lifted. Take some time to order a rebuild kit for the diff and add another spring to the pack(works wonders!).

Engine management is open, so feel free to do whatever you can (within the rules) to up the boost and add fuel while controlling timing. Your motor has alot of untapped power as mentioned before....might as well exploit the rule.

Jay Storm

Hi Again!

Thanx for the quick response, guys. Also for the LegacyCentral link. Haven't had time to really dig thru yet, but looks like a great resource.

I'll report back as the project progresses.

Two day event this weekend, but I will be driving my CSP MR2 this time around. Hope to have a working Legacy for the next event, but will probably run it in HS until I can get a real suspension of some description underneath.

It's all good :-)

ByeBye! S.

Steve Jernigan KG0MB
Laboratory Manager
Microelectronics Research
University of Colorado
(719) 262-3101