1989 RX Coupe

bc303 · 04-11-2023, 07:20 PM

Hey old schoolers. I just picked up a 1989 Subaru RX Coupe, 1.8t 5 speed manual. According to couple articles google sent me to, only 2600 were imported to the US between 1987-1989. Super cool little car. She's gonna need quite a bit of work but I'm thinking it'll be worth doing it right with the rarity and how unique and cool the car is. The motor is currently out of the car and pulled apart. And while I like the novelty of the trans being a full time 4wd with high and low range in the transfer case, and locking center diff, I'm thinking I will swap a WRX engine/trans into it. Gonna do a fully body resto since there's quite a bit of surface rust, and the bottom of the front fenders are basically rusted completely off.

What I'm looking for is someone who is well versed in the older models that can give me some insight. For one, wanting to know what bits might be interchangeable from other models. Driver's side tail light is broken and obviously parts for the RX specifically are nearly impossible to find. But it looks like the tail lights may be the same as some of the GL/DL/etc. Wondering if any fenders are interchangeable as well so I could just replace them instead of trying to repair/rebuild them.

Secondly, wondering what mechanical parts might be able to be swapped with more modern setups. Namely suspension/steering components. The 4x140 wheels will be impossible to find any sort of decent looking replacement. I noticed that the knuckle and control arm setup is completely different, so I was wondering if I could update using parts from a BC (92) Legacy. Figured if I did a full setup of control arms, suspension, knuckles/hubs, brakes, etc then parts will be easier to get and I could run the 5x100 wheels. Or maybe the 5x100 hubs could be pressed into the older knuckles if they're the same diameter?

Anyways, if someone could steer me in the direction of more information, or someone who may have the information, it would be greatly appreciated!

TurboneX · 07-16-2023, 03:42 PM

You'll find most of the info you need over at USMB - https://www.ultimatesubaru.org/forum...-retrofitting/
I have a 89 RX and have done a EJ22T swap and fully upgraded the suspension

19std · 07-16-2023, 05:15 PM

This is a really cool project, the short wheelbase and no weight should be bananas!!!

04-11-2023, 07:20 PM	#1
bc303 Scooby Newbie Member#: 307593 Join Date: Jan 2012	1989 RX Coupe Hey old schoolers. I just picked up a 1989 Subaru RX Coupe, 1.8t 5 speed manual. According to couple articles google sent me to, only 2600 were imported to the US between 1987-1989. Super cool little car. She's gonna need quite a bit of work but I'm thinking it'll be worth doing it right with the rarity and how unique and cool the car is. The motor is currently out of the car and pulled apart. And while I like the novelty of the trans being a full time 4wd with high and low range in the transfer case, and locking center diff, I'm thinking I will swap a WRX engine/trans into it. Gonna do a fully body resto since there's quite a bit of surface rust, and the bottom of the front fenders are basically rusted completely off. What I'm looking for is someone who is well versed in the older models that can give me some insight. For one, wanting to know what bits might be interchangeable from other models. Driver's side tail light is broken and obviously parts for the RX specifically are nearly impossible to find. But it looks like the tail lights may be the same as some of the GL/DL/etc. Wondering if any fenders are interchangeable as well so I could just replace them instead of trying to repair/rebuild them. Secondly, wondering what mechanical parts might be able to be swapped with more modern setups. Namely suspension/steering components. The 4x140 wheels will be impossible to find any sort of decent looking replacement. I noticed that the knuckle and control arm setup is completely different, so I was wondering if I could update using parts from a BC (92) Legacy. Figured if I did a full setup of control arms, suspension, knuckles/hubs, brakes, etc then parts will be easier to get and I could run the 5x100 wheels. Or maybe the 5x100 hubs could be pressed into the older knuckles if they're the same diameter? Anyways, if someone could steer me in the direction of more information, or someone who may have the information, it would be greatly appreciated!

07-16-2023, 03:42 PM	#2
TurboneX Scooby Specialist Member#: 21676 Join Date: Jul 2002 Chapter/Region: NWIC Location: Pacific Northwet Vehicle: RX 03Foz89RX85Brat RedBlackBlue	You'll find most of the info you need over at USMB - https://www.ultimatesubaru.org/forum...-retrofitting/ I have a 89 RX and have done a EJ22T swap and fully upgraded the suspension Last edited by TurboneX; 07-16-2023 at 09:30 PM.

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07-16-2023, 05:15 PM	#3
19std Scooby Specialist Member#: 510366 Join Date: Jan 2020	This is a really cool project, the short wheelbase and no weight should be bananas!!!