New to Subaru's

Craigo79 · Post by **Craigo79** » Thu Feb 16, 2012 5:15 pm

Thought this would be the best place to ask.

I have recently purchased a 1993 Liberty wagon front wheel drive 2.2 Litre. I was very surprised with how fun these things are to drive. Already added a sports muffler to the old girl and considering gutting out the cat :P . I have also been wondering how hard it would be to add rear wheel drive from a donor car. Also wondering how much work is involved in adding a turbo and intercooler as I see their was a turbo model.

Any help would be appreciated. I am no mechanic but will have a crack at most things.

thunder039 · Post by **thunder039** » Thu Feb 16, 2012 5:21 pm

i don't know about rwd but the adding the turbo and inter cooler would be a lot of work probably easier to do a conversion to a turbo engine

Gannon · Post by **Gannon** » Thu Feb 16, 2012 5:31 pm

Craigo79 wrote: I have recently purchased a 1993 Liberty wagon front wheel drive 2.2 Litre. I was very surprised with how fun these things are to drive.

Congratulations and welcome to AUSubaru.

considering gutting out the cat :P

I suggest you dont.
1. it is illegal
2. its very irresponsible.

I have also been wondering how hard it would be to add rear wheel drive from a donor car. Also wondering how much work is involved in adding a turbo and intercooler as I see their was a turbo model.

If you can find an AWD gearbox, tailshaft, rear diff, rear shafts and hubs, it will all bolt in, but the cost of such items would have to be weighed up against buying an AWD car
The same goes for for the second part of your question, with stock RS Liberty's being quite cheap now-days, you would be better off selling yours and buying one already turbocharged

ScubyRoo · Post by **ScubyRoo** » Thu Feb 16, 2012 5:35 pm

Welcome to the forum mate!

There are examples of people turbo charging the 2.2l motor (known as an EJ22) and of course then adding the intercooler. This is done at great cost and time though, with a large amount of internal engine modifications done to make it work reliably. They make some huge power though. Pipe work etc would all be custom. Then you've got engine management to sort out too!

If you want a turbo engine you're better off doing a conversion from a half cut. Given that you have a '93 (I think all states require a replacement motor to be newer than the original) you can pick up some early wrx half cuts from jap importers (just google wrx half cut) for less than $1500 in some cases. Then you've got the motor, intercooler, wiring, computer, an AWD gearbox (which can be converted to rwd, but why would you??) and probably some nice seats too! What would be involved? Go visit http://www.rslclub.org and read up there as these conversions have been done many, many times.

If you want to add rear wheel drive you'll need a new awd gear box with matching tailshaft and complete rear diff assembly inc hubs, drive shafts etc. Everything you need will bolt onto the car, it's just a matter of switching out the old gearbox and adding everything else in.

If you want to make your car go faster you could consider supercharing instead of turbo. Search on here for Subarino's Hatchie, or keep your eyes out for Taza's thread about his project for his Forester.

Beware gutting the cat as it could land you in strife wit the fuzz, perhaps consider getting a high flow instead

Whatever you do, show us the pics

Craigo79 · Post by **Craigo79** » Thu Feb 16, 2012 5:45 pm

Thanks for making me feel welcome. Maybe the already turbo might be the way to go or conversion to already turbo engine. From what I understand they just bolt in?. I will keep you all informed on what I do do though. Will also take pics as I fix up the current car.

d_generate · Post by **d_generate** » Thu Feb 16, 2012 5:55 pm

Sell yours, take a trip north & buy this, there are so many conversions & genuine ones out there that it's just not worth messing around with yours.

http://www.rslibertyclub.org/forums/sho ... l-RS-Wagon

Craigo79 · Post by **Craigo79** » Tue Feb 21, 2012 11:37 am

Just got everything checked off now for roadworthy. Remove window tint drivers side window - Check , New Windscreen - Check , L/H CV and wheel bearing replaced - Check , 2 New tyres - Check , R/H Reverse light ???? What the hell. I cant say I have seen a 93 liberty with a R/H reverse light yet. This guy having a joke or what? Guess I will find out when I take it back this arvo.

Gannon · Post by **Gannon** » Tue Feb 21, 2012 5:37 pm

Yeah every Australian delivered Gen1 Liberty I have ever seen only has one reverse light, the other side has a rear red fog light that is annoying when owners leave them on

NachaLuva · Post by **NachaLuva** » Tue Feb 21, 2012 8:04 pm

Craigo79 wrote:Just got everything checked off now for roadworthy. Remove window tint drivers side window - Check , New Windscreen - Check , L/H CV and wheel bearing replaced - Check , 2 New tyres - Check , R/H Reverse light ???? What the hell. I cant say I have seen a 93 liberty with a R/H reverse light yet. This guy having a joke or what? Guess I will find out when I take it back this arvo.

Maybe you should tell him its on order with the left-handed screwdriver & striped paint