Upgrading

RetroLover · Post by **RetroLover** » Wed Jun 11, 2008 4:58 am

I was thinking in the case that i cannot find another Subaru Leone GL model, that i was going to upgrade to a newer model of Subaru. I was looking for something in from 1989 to 1999 time frame. Im not looking at any Impreza models from 2000 beyond cause they look all hideous. I was thinking at a the first generation Liberty in either the 97kW/101kW 2.2l SOHC engine or the 110kW 2.0 DOHC, in either FWD or AWD, or possibly a Subaru Impreza RS model. Im looking for a Naturally Aspirated engine variant rather than a fourced induced turbo engine, but whatever is fine. Im looking for something thats going to be just as fun to fang around in just like my Leone, and also looking for an engine variant which is going to still be affordable to run when petrol exceeds $2 a liter soon.

I dont know the pros and cons of the 90-99s model Subaru's this is why i have started this thread to ask you guys.

Any suggestions on a Subaru model that i should look at purchasing??

seagull · Post by **seagull** » Wed Jun 11, 2008 2:04 pm

ask tom what he gets per tank in his turbo gen 2 v3sti

Post by **Alex** » Wed Jun 11, 2008 2:44 pm

what price range?

most of the n/a subi motors are impressivly economical.

my 2.0l gen3 lib uses f/a fuel. Averages about 8l per 100km. And it s a nice car

alex

RetroLover · Post by **RetroLover** » Wed Jun 11, 2008 8:47 pm

seagull wrote:ask tom what he gets per tank in his turbo gen 2 v3sti

Ive heard a story of someone i knew who has a late 1990s STi that used the entire tank of fuel in something like just over 200km. Shit! Sounds like the Ford Cortina that im looking after which has a 4.1 inline 6 carby which gets something like 20 to 30 liters per 100km which is a shame cause its a fun car to drive around in.

My Leone i had use to get 7 liters per 100km, but by the last time i drove it i got something like 15 liters per 100km. This was because i was fanging it that much trying to get the most of that 72kW motor. And because i was running it on a quicker burner fuel, 98RON.

RetroLover · Post by **RetroLover** » Wed Jun 11, 2008 8:52 pm

Alex wrote:what price range?

most of the n/a subi motors are impressivly economical.

my 2.0l gen3 lib uses f/a fuel. Averages about 8l per 100km. And it s a nice car

alex

The price range that im looking at is up to about 12k, but im willing to fork out a bit more. The last 2.0L SOHC engine that the Impreza had only had 92kW. So i would like something with a bit more go.

I would like something with no less than 100kW of power and nothing that has a economy figure higher than 9L per 100km.

Any suggestions on what engine and model variants i should look out for?

Post by **Alex** » Wed Jun 11, 2008 10:05 pm

a gen3 RX liberty will use about 9.5-10l/100km. They have the 2.5L motor and about 120kw i believe.

otherwise maybe a gen2 lib with either the 2.2l or 2.5l. Just be careful of gen2 EJ25's as they have headgasket problems at about 100k.

alex

RetroLover · Post by **RetroLover** » Thu Jun 12, 2008 8:48 pm

Thanks Alex, Ill keep an eye out for those models. Ill look for one in white with a manual tran.

Thats very good economy for a 2.5L NA engine. I guess most Subaru's have that optimistic official fuel consumption figure. Like on the new WRX's; 10.2L/100km for the WRX and 12L/100km for the STi (cough... bullshit) more like 15-16 for the WRX an 19-20 for the STi. I wish Subaru keep the old 2.0L WRX engine over the newer 2.5L. Stupid emmision laws. The 2.5L seems a more lazier engine over the more energetic 2.0L engine.

Subaru should of keeped the old 2.0L WRX engine and upgraded it to direct injection, that would of pushed the power up an economy down and make it compliant to the latest Emmision laws, instead of the easier option to upgrade the cubic capacity of the engine to satisfy the regulations of the Emmision standards.

chriSTIan · Post by **chriSTIan** » Thu Jun 12, 2008 9:53 pm

I've got a gen1 wagon white dual range g/box,still has the air suspension,works perfectly,173k,new timing belt,idlers,w/pump,seals,clutch,tyres etc...
Chris 0419 928 306

RetroLover · Post by **RetroLover** » Fri Jun 13, 2008 12:11 am

chriSTIan wrote:I've got a gen1 wagon white dual range g/box,still has the air suspension,works perfectly,173k,new timing belt,idlers,w/pump,seals,clutch,tyres etc...
Chris 0419 928 306

Looks interesting. Thanks for that chriSTIan. Few questions. What year? Manual? What kinda economy figure would you get from that Gen1? Price? Hmm, let me think about it.

chriSTIan · Post by **chriSTIan** » Fri Jun 13, 2008 11:13 am

Gen1 series 1(91),its a manual 5spd with dual range gearbox,tow bar,remote immobilizer,all the work was done 2000 kms ago,new cam and crank seals too.
Have receipts,old parts and took pix as well.
Air cond was regassed by previous owner.
Kenwood stereo.
I have the original books and purchase order as well.
These cars cost 30K when new!!
$4500 ono. Chris

chriSTIan · Post by **chriSTIan** » Fri Jun 13, 2008 11:14 am

Around 9l/100km

RetroLover · Post by **RetroLover** » Mon Jun 30, 2008 12:20 am

Im still looking for a 1989-1990 Subaru Leone GL Royale for sale, white sedan with AC. If anybody knows one for sale privately please let me know. Cause its know that those the people who own those cars keep them in good condition. None for sale on Autotrader, Carpoint ans Carsales. Im still going to keep mine. One day when ive got suffecient excess funds then ill repair mine to her former glory. Even if some owns or someone who knows somebody else one has an empty shell of this car, it would be good, cause my engine in my Leone is still in fantastic condition.

BrennyV · Post by **BrennyV** » Thu Jul 03, 2008 6:04 pm

i have a sexy ej22 leone for sale

nick · Post by **nick** » Fri Jul 04, 2008 12:44 am

I also have a nice 87 turbo sedan for sale if anyone's interested. Its in great condition body wise but the motor needs some work. Im in Victoria.

AndrewT · Post by **AndrewT** » Fri Jul 04, 2008 10:03 am

I keep seeing an absolutely mint looking Leone Royal driving on my street in Girrawheen. Driven by an elderly gentleman.
One day I'll figure out which house he parks at at leave a note asking if he wants to sell it.

Thalass · Post by **Thalass** » Fri Jul 04, 2008 3:19 pm

I think that the 99-04(?) model Liberty/Outback/Baja are the best, as far as looks go, but then again I'm somewhat biased.

The aircon is also totally awesome. Set the temperature and then forget about it! I'm going to miss that.

10.88L/100km average for the last quarter.