another new guy in Truckee...

[chili]

just recently picked up a 2005 LGT Wagon that i am pretty stoked about. i came over from a very highly modded 2001 S4 Sedan that was featured in the June 2005 Eurotuner Magazine. it was an awesome car and tons of fun at the track, but not practical enough for me and my family (2 kids/dog/etc.)... it was also getting beat to piss in Tahoe with the roads and sand etc. so i sold it last week for $4k more than what I had paid .

in any case, i've been hitting up the various Subaru boards for information on recommended mods (mostly mild ones). i am looking at starting with brake pads, SS Lines, and then moving to suspension with springs and sway bars. tires and wheels are also on the list, but i'll wait till spring. prolly after that, i might be looking into a TBE, UP, and a Cobb AP.

i had a couple of questions for folks local to Reno. any recommended tint shops that people have been happy with? i have Custom Window Tinting on Wrondel Way, and Trimeline Tint in Sparks as recommended shops. just wondering if there might be any others....

also, just seeing if there are any recommended shops for doing some of the lite mods i described such as Brakes and Suspension? for the other stuff, it sounds like DBTuned is the way to go... but unfortunately for my time crunched schedule, i won't be able to make it to Roseville as easily as i can to Reno for minor mods. so any recommended shops, would definitely be appreciated!

btw, the person mentioned in the EuroTuner article is not me... just a friend who i bought the car from. and at 450+ hp on race gas, the car screamed.... especially the one day i had it down at Fernley raceway.

[khail19]

Welcome first of all! Thomas at Custom Window Tinting is the man. He does great work at good prices. He's done a few SECCS members' cars. Trimline is way overpriced IMHO. I think Nick (nKoan) is the only other Legacy GT owner, maybe he will help you out.

[sperry]

Holy shit that S4 is HOT! ('cept the color, I love blue, but Audi made that car just a tiny bit too purple... ) Good thing you went with the LGT, any other Subaru would have left you feeling like you were driving a tin can.

Your upgrade path sounds well thought out... pads and SS lines are a great, relatively cheap, way to bump up the brakes. As long as you've got a few hours, some patience, and a basic set of tools, and a friend to pump the brake pedal, you should be able to do both the pads and the lines in an afternoon. In fact, I think nKoan is planning on doing the lines one of these days on his LGT, I'd be happy to help you both out with the install on a Saturday some weekend if you guys coordinate.

I'm not sure what the way to go for suspension on the LGT is yet. After looking at the crazy multi-link rear (or whatever the hell it is) I think the install of coilovers might not be nearly as simply on the LGT as it is on the WRX/STI. Swaybars on the other hand are probably just about the same... ask nKoan, he's done the rear bar on his LGT.

I used the tint shop on Wrondel for my WRX, but rumor has it he won't touch SVXi, so I haven't been back a second time... stupid 9 window cars.

So anyway, DBTuned seems like a decent place for light mods, though I'm not sure they've got their lift installed yet. Another option is hitting up experienced club members for some help, as the stuff you've mentioned has already been tackled by many of the people on the board, at least on Imprezas.

BTW: Welcome to the board! I love seeing well though out, intelligent 1st posts!

[Nick Koan]

Finally made it. Nice.

Anyway, coilovers are actually supposed to be eaiser on an LGT then the Impreza's, due to the fact that the rear shock/spring part is not load bearing, so when its in the air you don't have to fight the spring to get everything re-connected. I don't know if thats true or not, its just what I've heard.

As for stainless lines, I've been meaning to do them since before the winter. From what I've heard, they are worth it on the LGT.

[chili]

so it sounds like Custom Window Tinting has several votes. i'll give them a call tomorrow and see what i can get...

RE: brake pads, SS Lines install etc. i would definitely be up for an enthusiast "install" day. i am always up for learning, helping out, bring a 6pack of beer etc.

RE: coilovers. if folks have them installed in a GT, i would love to see how they feel in a Subaru. i had them in my Audi, but it took several trips to Sears Point and Stasis Engineering (the manufacturers of my coilovers) to get them dialed in. and for me, with an occasional track day, they were probably overkill. that's why i was thinking Springs and maybe struts. i know i definitely want sways because the body roll (at least in the wagon) is pretty bad. i did my sways on my old 99 Subaru Outback and it definitely helped.

just browsing these forums, it looks like most folks are AutoX enthusiasts. i have never done one, but i am definitely interested. the LGT Wagon is prolly not the best vehicle, but at least i'll learn its limits pretty quickly. it also looks like you guys have some meets... might have to ask my wife for a hall pass one Thurs night and check things out! thanks for the welcome!

[sperry]

Definately come down for a meet if you can make it! Once spring/summer hits, and it's light out, we tend to get upwards of 20 cars at a meet. I'd love to see some more Legacys show up... and that goes for autox as well!

I think the LGT is sort of an untapped resource in the racing community right now... I wouldn't be surprised if we see them suddenly pop up in the places you normally see BMW 3s and Audi A/S4's in motorsports... so far, I think there's only one LGT Touring car (Brian Locke's). Getting them into autocross, and into time trials/amature touring car racing would be a great step in the right direction.

[doubleurx]

Welcome. Do you work at Pioneer Commerce Center? I think I have seen your old car many a time. I have the blue STI with the Thule box up top.

Once spring hits I will probably be getting to the meets on a more regular schedule again, so we could car pool if you like.

Nick

[MattR]

Welcome Chili...

As far as coilovers go, I'd take a look at the KW Variant 1's. They are pretty tame for street use, and will still give you much improved handling.

Your S4 was a hotty...Nice work.

[Tom]

Hey man Welcome!

I got hooked up on my tint from the guy @ new era auto. Luck of the draw type of thing. only $160

As far as shops i just went down to a new place that opened up

Fource Feed on greg st(something like that but its on greg st on the north side toward pic-n-pull)

guy seem cool there. they can do custom work for ya and they have a dyno.

Owner has a nice sti too!

[tysonK]

Originally Posted by Tom

Hey man Welcome!

I got hooked up on my tint from the guy @ new era auto. Luck of the draw type of thing. only $160

As far as shops i just went down to a new place that opened up

Fource Feed on greg st(something like that but its on greg st on the north side toward pic-n-pull)

guy seem cool there. they can do custom work for ya and they have a dyno.

Owner has a nice sti too!

The owner has an STi, runs a shop, and has an AWD Dyno and he's not on this board already? um.

[MattR]

I don't think the dyno at Force Fed is for AWD.

[tysonK]

Originally Posted by MattR

I don't think the dyno at Force Fed is for AWD.

oh I see.

[chili]

Originally Posted by doubleurx

Welcome. Do you work at Pioneer Commerce Center? I think I have seen your old car many a time. I have the blue STI with the Thule box up top.

Once spring hits I will probably be getting to the meets on a more regular schedule again, so we could car pool if you like.

Nick

hey Nick,

yes! that was my S4 in "Audi Row" at the back of the Pioneer center. the guys i work with haven't stopped giving me crap about selling it... to be honest, your STi was one of the main reasons i kept coming back to Subaru as my next ride (vs. an Allroad etc.). we should grab a cup of coffee or something sometime... since we're neighbors... . i think we also have several mutual friends.

-Chummy

[doubleurx]

Originally Posted by chili

hey Nick,

yes! that was my S4 in "Audi Row" at the back of the Pioneer center. the guys i work with haven't stopped giving me crap about selling it... to be honest, your STi was one of the main reasons i kept coming back to Subaru as my next ride (vs. an Allroad etc.). we should grab a cup of coffee or something sometime... since we're neighbors... . i think we also have several mutual friends.

-Chummy

Sounds great. Glad I could help. Browny told me about your old blue beast. That was quite a machine.

[JC]

Originally Posted by doubleurx

Sounds great. Glad I could help. Browny told me about your old blue beast. That was quite a machine.

You have a friend named Browny? lmao

Welcome aboard chili! I have an old school Legacy turbo wagon, so there is some wagon love here. Based on your old S4, looks like your LGT will be hot.

[Dean]

Welcome. Everybody else took all the easy answers. Decent pads are probaby the single best bang for you buck brake improvement. Lines are OK, but pads will make a bigger difference. Between us, we have tried just about every brand of pad, and fluid. Search a bit, there are many threads on each.

Did you ever take your S4 to Audi track events? If so, I probably met you. I am one of the chief instructorrs for the Golden Gate region and have instructed at just about every event in CA, and NV for the past 5 years. I drive my '99 A41.8TQMS every day. Nobody will give me enough money for my '99 or I'd move into a LGT in a second.

[M3n2c3]

I know next to nothing about Legacies, so I'll just say welcome.

[ScottyS]

If thats a manual tranny, you officially have the coolest car in the club (Nick you should've gotten a wagon!).


+15 for Thomas at Custom Window Tinting

[sti deede]

Welcome to SECCS Chili! Congrats on the Legacy.

[MPREZIV]

I'm jealous. The new leggy is just plain SEX!

Welcome to the group!

[chili]

Hey all - thanks for the warm welcome...

doubleurx - just had dinner w/ Mike the other night... he was laughing at me for selling the blue S4... since i didn't have it for that long. but when i told him how i *made* money on the deal, he understood.

MattR - any idea how the KW Variant 2 Coilovers feel? i saw some special from RaceComp Engineering. there seem to be waaay more companies making coilovers for the Subaru vs. Audi... so i am a little overwhelmed by the selection. on my S4 i had Stasis Engineering Tracksport Coilovers and on a previous S4 Avant i had H&R Street Coilovers. so one thing i miss with the way the LGT currently feels as stock is that it is not as "well planted" as my Audis. both of my previous S4s felt pretty low and squat, but the LGT definitely feels "tipsy" and loose.

Dean - sadly i have been a member for ACNA for several years and kept missing the Drivers Ed schools. so many times i was supposed to go to some of the events, but one thing or another would come up. i am sure you know some of the other Truckee Audi folks as there are a few us (who work together) and i know they run their cars at every event they can. there is a B6 S4, RS6, and a TT who are big customers of Stasis and 2Bennett that regular make it to events from my work. we did schedule or "own" track day with ET at The Next Level in Fernley last fall.... that was fun. it was mostly Audis except one WRX.

ScottyS - yes! my LGT Wagon is a Limited one with the 5sp in the Regal Blue color. i had to fly all the way to Laramie, WY last Sat. to pick it up since there are only something like 3-4 new ones left within a 1000 mile radius of Tahoe. but it was sooooo worth it.

[MattR]

Originally Posted by chili

MattR - any idea how the KW Variant 2 Coilovers feel? i saw some special from RaceComp Engineering. there seem to be waaay more companies making coilovers for the Subaru vs. Audi... so i am a little overwhelmed by the selection. on my S4 i had Stasis Engineering Tracksport Coilovers and on a previous S4 Avant i had H&R Street Coilovers. so one thing i miss with the way the LGT currently feels as stock is that it is not as "well planted" as my Audis. both of my previous S4s felt pretty low and squat, but the LGT definitely feels "tipsy" and loose.

Well, I'm on the V3's, with the double adjustability, so I can;t honestly comment on how the V2's will perform. What I do know is that KW has the best valving of any of the off-the-shelf Coilover kits, and they seem to work a lot better with heavier cars like Subarus. I suppose it's from their history of making so many kits for german cars.

[Dean]

Originally Posted by chili

Dean - sadly i have been a member for ACNA for several years and kept missing the Drivers Ed schools. so many times i was supposed to go to some of the events, but one thing or another would come up. i am sure you know some of the other Truckee Audi folks as there are a few us (who work together) and i know they run their cars at every event they can. there is a B6 S4, RS6, and a TT who are big customers of Stasis and 2Bennett that regular make it to events from my work. we did schedule or "own" track day with ET at The Next Level in Fernley last fall.... that was fun. it was mostly Audis except one WRX!

Ah, you know those guys... I think I remmeber them bagging on you at Thundeerhill for not going... They are a pretty good bunch. Where the hell were they last week when ACNA was at Laguna Seca? Missed two beautiful days there.

See you at a meet. Bring those guys with you. They've got nothing better to do.

[MattR]

Hey Chili, were you at the Nine Inch Nails concerts in Reno recently? There were two guys behind me in the beer line talking about Audis, and Reno Fernley, etc.

[chili]

Originally Posted by Dean

Ah, you know those guys... I think I remmeber them bagging on you at Thundeerhill for not going... They are a pretty good bunch. Where the hell were they last week when ACNA was at Laguna Seca? Missed two beautiful days there.

See you at a meet. Bring those guys with you. They've got nothing better to do.

i will try and bring them down. they have some "other" toys besides their Audis... and perhaps when the weather is nice, they might break them out once in awhile.

btw, i did take lots of crap for missing THill since that is a "good" beginners course (from what they told me.) but i did get some of the best powder skiing of the year on that same weekend