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Hey all,

I'm a long time Holden owner more accustomed to driving big V8's than turbo fours, but have very recently defected to what was, formerly, the dark side in an attempt to keep performance and fuel bills in a more harmonious balance.

I have just picked up an '07 Libery GT B-Spec, and while I've done a bit of research on the car, I am still a fair noob when it comes to Subarus, four cylinders, and turbos... as the name suggests.

If anyone has any tips or comments about the nuances of the car, that'd be appreciated, but more so I am looking for some suggestions of any small tweaks I can make to squeeze a little more grunt out of the car without blowing the budget.

I'm really not looking at doing anything heavy, maybe just spending a grand or two. I'm assuming a new exhaust from the turbo back will be one of the first cabs off the rank. Any suggestions for type of system or workshops in Melbourne?

Any help is much appreciated!

If your willing to spend that. Then bring it to S&J auto in Adelaide.
He is pretty much the guy for performance subarus. He charges a bit BUT you pay for what you get. Very maticulas with his work, first thing he does is steam clean the whole underside.
Anyway. There is always a dozen STi's, forester Gt's etc. when Subaru have a problem they ask him. ( just happened to us)
I would send you here as he will do mods like exhaust etc. but his tuning is amazing. It just gets soo much more out of your engine. A bit like a dunno tune on steroids to elreally play with your computers. Well worth it. Very noticeable for us.

Cheers Cam

Welcome mate.
Yes an exhaust and a tune should get you about another 20kw at the crank. Probably 3" exhaust would do it. If you really want just put a slightly bigger turbo on and you should be happy with that. I'm not an expert with Subie turbo engines so I can't suggest any actual turbo upgrades.

How does the Lib compare power wise to the V8's you've had? They aren't bad for a 4 cylinder, thats for sure!

Cheers guys

Adelaide is probably a bit far mate but thanks anyway!

A bigger turbo would need a computer change as well wouldn't it? 3" from the turbo back does sound the go.

My previous car was a VS SS with mild work to a HSV 185i engine. The distribution of power was far more even and the torque more consistent along the power band.

I've only driven the car on a test drive so far (still waiting to pick it up), the most noticeable difference was the lack of low down pull but once the boost arrived you certainly knew about it. I prefer the balance of a V8 but this is obviously something that has to, and likely will, grow on me over time.

Obviously the most noticeable improvement however was in the handling. A lighter chassis and AWD certainly gives better grip than the SS.

I haven't played around with it enough to really comment on the power though. I think overall it was fairly similar to the 5 litre in terms of peak output. I will miss the roar though when you really open it up

TheSoobNoob wrote:Cheers guys

Adelaide is probably a bit far mate but thanks anyway!

A bigger turbo would need a computer change as well wouldn't it? 3" from the turbo back does sound the go.

My previous car was a VS SS with mild work to a HSV 185i engine. The distribution of power was far more even and the torque more consistent along the power band.

I've only driven the car on a test drive so far (still waiting to pick it up), the most noticeable difference was the lack of low down pull but once the boost arrived you certainly knew about it. I prefer the balance of a V8 but this is obviously something that has to, and likely will, grow on me over time.

Obviously the most noticeable improvement however was in the handling. A lighter chassis and AWD certainly gives better grip than the SS.

I haven't played around with it enough to really comment on the power though. I think overall it was fairly similar to the 5 litre in terms of peak output. I will miss the roar though when you really open it up

No you don't need a different computer for a bigger turbo. 3" from the turbo back is what most people do. That combined with a tune makes them much more lively.
The grip does make a big difference, especially noticable in the wet.

Yes the big engines have great torque down low, which I wish I had since I take my Subie offroad. You'll get used to the turbo lag though and as you said once you hit boost you'll be thrown back in the seat.

If you are going to do any mods like TBE or turbo you'll need to have a computer re-flash or it'll be cactus in weeks, you are really on the wrong forum to ask about performance mods to a late model turbo, much better off on RSLiberty Club RSLC, Aus wide and all they do is mod Liberty's from 89 - 12.

Without spending a fortune you'll probably only be looking at a 13.5 - 13.7 on a good day with flash tune, zorst & better breathing, I love playing with those 185kw Commies, must be one of the most gutless cars on the road for a "performance" car.

You'll need to do the tune at the same time as any mods, the older cars like mine have a self learning computer, unfortunately 01 onwards won't play the game.

Welcome to the forum! I'm an old holden boy too - from the "old holdens" category, last one was an LC torana

You'll love the liberty, they're awesome in general for ride and general comfort, add the turbo and a manual gearbox then they're really fun from what I've seen in other's cars.

Check out the above forums mentioned, but also don't be a stranger around here

Cheers

Bennie

PS - we all love pics too

Thanks guys, I've added a pic to my sig but it hasn't shown up on the other posts... hopefully it will on this one!

Testing, 1, 2...

with out a doubt in my mind the best look liberty to date!

auto with three stage performance knob or manual ? The auto in these were a bit funny in their kickdown, in their timing, step down two gears instead of expected one, but *explete delete* they fly. And the change nuances may be dealer adjustable on the TCU

thunder039 wrote:with out a doubt in my mind the best look liberty to date!

I agree mate, the new shape is horrible. They look like a Kia!



It's an auto steptoe as the missus won't drive a manual, and she'll occasionally need to use it (the sacrifices we blokes make...)

I noticed that the shifting wasn't as firm as I would have liked, but I was driving mainly in that sports mode where it does rev out a bit.

Picking the car up today, pretty excited!

TheSoobNoob wrote:I agree mate, the new shape is horrible. They look like a Kia!



It's an auto steptoe as the missus won't drive a manual, and she'll occasionally need to use it (the sacrifices we blokes make...)

I noticed that the shifting wasn't as firm as I would have liked, but I was driving mainly in that sports mode where it does rev out a bit.

Picking the car up today, pretty excited!

you can tell the current shape was designed for the american market.

i would imagine 5sp auto?