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Liberty Mods

Posted: Mon Jan 31, 2011 7:24 pm
by RohnanGX
Hi Guys, im new to this forum. just a few questions if anyone can help, im looking at a 92' Subaru Liberty GX. Only problem with it is blown head gaskets, and only $200 from a trusted mechanic/friend. Anyway just thought i might ask, how hard can the gaskets be to change??
And what are some cheap mods i can do to it to get more ponies out of it?? Cheers for any suggestions.:):)

Posted: Mon Jan 31, 2011 8:11 pm
by spike
i think its an engine out job on those ones but still not very hard if you know what your doing, mayeb worth offering 300 if hes happy to help you fix the HG?

or for more ponies just drop another EJ engine in. depends on what fits but usually they are pretty interchangable.

as for other mods it depends on the engine, turbo or NA
simple cold air intake might get you a bit more
free flow exhaust might be dubious but people like it

Posted: Mon Jan 31, 2011 9:11 pm
by H-top
Gen1 GX... The shiz....
They are awesome.

Just do an engine swap.
You have many options.

Many do an EJ20/25T swap.
My friend is doing an EG33 swap, he does not
know it yet, but he is! Muhamuha!

Cheers

Posted: Mon Jan 31, 2011 9:38 pm
by Gannon
Doing a headgasket can be a tricky job. Have you done much mechanical work before?

If you have not, i advise you to let somebody else do it.

As for power increases, there aint many, as these 4 valve per cylinder fuel injected engine make good power for their size.

Just a new panel filter (dont bother with K&N types) and a new fuel filter, get new spark plugs and leads when the engine gets a new headgasket. You could maybe put a new muffler on the rear to make it sound a little better (but dont get a cannon, please) and you might gain maybe 1 or 2 hp.

Posted: Mon Jan 31, 2011 9:52 pm
by RohnanGX
Thanks for the info guys, really big help. I have done a few Gasket changes but never on a boxer thats why i thought i better ask. I saw the gx only a few days ago and fell in love with it lol. And when my mate said it was only $200, i simply couldn't refuse. He did warn me that he hadn't actually taken the head off to have a proper look, only a compression test. Im worried there might be a cracked head, but still $200 is still worth it... isnt it??

Posted: Mon Jan 31, 2011 9:53 pm
by RohnanGX
And im trying to do it on the cheap if i can, the banks dont like me too much at the moment lol :)

Posted: Tue Feb 01, 2011 12:23 am
by spike
yeah 200 is still good even if it is cracked, like we said before just do an engine swap i find them easier then changine hgs lols

Posted: Tue Feb 01, 2011 5:18 am
by Gannon
A cracked head on an EJ is a rarity, but if it was overheated, i would defiantly have the head resurfaced

Best bet is to get a Gregories or Haynes service manual, read the headgasket section a few times and pull the heads off the engine.

If there is rust in the bore from water that may have been laying there, go find yourself a new engine.

Posted: Tue Feb 01, 2011 9:33 am
by RohnanGX
ok, cool. you have both been really helpful thank you very much :)

Posted: Tue Feb 01, 2011 9:37 am
by RohnanGX
spike wrote:like we said before just do an engine swap i find them easier then changine hgs lols
LOL you could say that about any problem with any car. "radiater hose cracked...? no problem, just replace the engine!" lol im not making fun of you it just sounded funny. thanks again guys

Posted: Tue Feb 01, 2011 9:40 am
by steptoe
Guys ! Think we have another about to get the Fuji Bug ?

Posted: Tue Feb 01, 2011 2:03 pm
by RohnanGX
Fuji bug?!?

Posted: Tue Feb 01, 2011 3:52 pm
by RohnanGX
Hey guys, one more question, how attainable is a turbo kit for an ej22.
I also need a manual gearbox, cluth, flywheel ect.
If you guys have any idea as to how much it will cost and if its do-able.
Cheers :)

Posted: Tue Feb 01, 2011 4:02 pm
by Alex
you could bolt a turbo onto it, but it isnt recommended. A turbo motro swap is easier, cheaper, and more reliable.

im thinking you should piss off your ej22 and go an ej20 turbo motor.

alex

Posted: Tue Feb 01, 2011 4:09 pm
by RohnanGX
I figured as much as i have always heard that bolting a turbo on any stock car that isn't built for it can be risky.
unfortunately im having trouble finding an ej20t. i've looked everywhere that i know of thats local (save shipping costs) i can get an import but the shipping costs more than the half cut itself!! cheers :)

Posted: Tue Feb 01, 2011 4:13 pm
by Alex
maybe do ya HGs on your ej22, drive it, and wait for a ej20turbo to pop up, thats if youre really that unhappy with the ej22s performance, they do go pretty hard

alex

Posted: Tue Feb 01, 2011 4:19 pm
by RohnanGX
Very true, but im just worried i'll do the HG's and possibly replace the head/s spend up to 500 if i do the work myself, then an ej20t pops up and im 500 bucks outta pocket... i dunno what to do lol. Mind u if i find a buyer for the ej22 i'll be looking at a small profit. hmm decisions decisions.

Posted: Tue Feb 01, 2011 4:21 pm
by RohnanGX
Thanks for the posts alex, looks like if got a few things to think about.
this is the best forum i've ever been a part of, very helpful.
cheers

Posted: Tue Feb 01, 2011 5:47 pm
by H-top
what are you aiming to buiild mate?

streeter? Track car? Rally?

cheers,
S

Posted: Tue Feb 01, 2011 5:56 pm
by RohnanGX
im just after a streeter that will give a skyline a run for its money, (getting sick of skyline owners shooting their mouth off) the only thing that is cheap enough that can do that are soobies as far as i know.