Stevie's Subarus

06/02/2025

Replacing a broken clutch fork today!

08/13/2022

Today's Subaru tech-talk tip: What's the ideal Subaru engine/platform (in my opinion)? Although I loved the '90s 2.2L, I'd have to say the 'perfect' setup would be a 2002 Outback with the EJ25 SOHC engine and the 5-speed manual trasmission. For starters, the Outback has more 'room' in the engine bay to get things done vs. the Impreza/Forester. The 5 speed pairing (as far as the engine goes) makes pulling the engine about 30% faster than with the automatic. Finally, the 2002 was pre-EGR, pre-AVLS, and pre-electronic throttle body. These 3 items, introduced in subsequent years, each created additional, potential failure points for this engine. So, 2002 Outback 5MT. Pure gold. If you've got one, do everything you can (i.e., rust preventive!) to keep that survivor. If you don't and can find one, you've found a gem. :D

04/02/2022

I'd like to take this opportunity to make a point that most shops/dealerships don't tend to mention, and that is that even though all Subaru engines past the mid-90s are interference engines, just because you break a timing belt DOES NOT mean that the engine is 'done'. Yes, you'll lose compression if there are any bent valves, but these are actually easily/cheaply replaceable (relative to buying a replacement engine!). To clarify, you should *NOT* forgo your timing belt component replacement at the specified intervals (~160k km), but in the unfortunate event that you find yourself with a broken belt, please consider an engine rebuild instead of replacement. Subaru doesn't make the EJ engine anymore in any form, so the ones we have are all we will ever have, so we need to make these excellent engines last!

03/15/2022

01/27/2022

Sometimes, Toyotas need love too. 2009 Taco front wheel bearing replacement.

07/30/2021

Keep those engines wet!

12/18/2020

Performance brakes on an Impreza.

10/17/2020

New clutches are pretty.... :D