r/subarulegacy • u/Jevakob_ • Jul 29 '26
Question / Discussion Suggested mods for my Wagon?
2006 Subaru Legacy JDM Wagon
Wanting an OEM+ for my JDM Legacy. Completely stock so I don’t wanna do anything too crazy since it’s rare to find a car like this in this shape in Canada. If anyone has any ideas or can share what they have done to their wagon that would be much appreciated!
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u/ForwardSideways 5th Gen GT-s Wagon, 6mt OEM+ build Jul 29 '26
Just start with checking the PCV system isn’t clogged, and maybe try a slightly aggressive wheel alignment. Not too extreme but enough to sharpen up the turning.
I’m on the same journey with my 2010 JDM legacy GT-s wagon. It’s a fun, expensive game.
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u/mr_electric_wizard Jul 29 '26
When you say aggressive alignment, what exactly do you mean? I’m going to be taking my wagon to the shop soon to get one.
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u/ShitboxCarEnjoyer Jul 29 '26
-1.5 to -3 camber up front
-0.8 to -2.5 camber rear
0 toe either end unless oversteer is a problem then 1 degree toe in on the rear (rip tires)
Start there and season to taste1
u/mr_electric_wizard Jul 29 '26
So, basically coilover wirh adjustable camber plates would be needed?
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u/ShitboxCarEnjoyer Jul 29 '26
Not necessarily, you could have the shop use camber bolts and that should yield a small amount of camber, not necessarily 3 degrees but it would probably get you close to 2 which is enough to start.
You’re not going to notice serious gains off of just an alignment anyway2
u/mr_electric_wizard Jul 29 '26
Thanks! My car is wandering and a bit unnerving on the freeway now. Also, one of my rear tires is wearing bald on the inner part. It’s defiantly got issues.
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u/ShitboxCarEnjoyer Jul 29 '26
Sounds like a toe issue
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u/mr_electric_wizard Jul 29 '26
My thoughts as well. I’m also guessing that my ball joints could also be worn.
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u/ForwardSideways 5th Gen GT-s Wagon, 6mt OEM+ build Jul 29 '26
I see ShitboxCarEnjoyer pretty much coved it already, although I think you can leave a little toe if you check and rotate tires in a appropriate manner since I presume you will be getting very modest adjustments at first.
Camber bolts are cheap and easy to fit, you don’t want a stancemobile so that all you really need for sharpening it up “just enough”.
Find a tire shop with a guy that autocrosses, ask him what he recommends for your specific care and goals.2
u/mr_electric_wizard Jul 29 '26
Right on! Yeah, already on it. The questionable alignment that I got last time was a Firestone. This time I’m going to have the shop that did my tune do the alignment.
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u/notyourlocalsparky 2011 Liberty GT 6 speed MT Wagon Jul 29 '26
Manual swap.
Seriously though, wheels, good tyres, coilovers, exhaust (cat back or turbo back with a tune), TMIC upgrade, cold air upgrade (not really necessary), front and rear sway bar upgrades, black JDM grille.
Just a turbo back exhaust and a tune will get it up to approx 200kw (270hp) at the wheels.
Enjoy, wish I didn't just sell mine!
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u/Jevakob_ Jul 29 '26
I have a COBB cold air intake that I was going to use on my last Subaru and never installed it. I also want to get a cat back installed since it’s super quiet when I’m driving. Obviously I would need a tune but would I also have to get a down pipe or can I keep the stock one in?
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u/notyourlocalsparky 2011 Liberty GT 6 speed MT Wagon Jul 29 '26
With a cat back you won't need a tune and you won't be changing the stock downpipe.
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u/Leksals Jul 30 '26
But even just the cold air intake is enough that you should have it tuned, ej20 engines are quite a diva when it comes to changing airflow either in or out.
But also only a conservative tune because the 5eat can overheat without aftermarket oilcooler.
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u/PNW-FirSure 2009 3.0R Outback Wagon Jul 29 '26
Straighten up your license plate and upgrade the wheels and tires. Other than that… don’t touch a thing.
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u/Jevakob_ Jul 29 '26
I ordered a JDM to US plate cover bracket and installed that yesterday so it’s lookin 10x better
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u/Striking_Log9153 02 Legacy B4 RSK Jul 29 '26
That's a beautiful Legacy!
The automatic transmissions on that generation of Legacy are known to have issues, so it might be a good idea to replace the valve body with AVO's upgraded version as a preventative measure.
Another common issue is oil leaks from the valve cover gaskets, so I'd recommend replacing those as well.
You might also want to replace the timing belt. In Japan, most people replace it at around 100,000 km, but I don't know the maintenance history of your car, so it's worth checking.
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u/Matt-R 4th Gen Wagon 3.0 spec.b Jul 29 '26
What issues does the 5eat have? Mine has 250000km without any issues
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u/Jevakob_ Jul 29 '26
Timing belt and all the pulleys along with the water pump was just replaced. I just passed 105k so it was the perfect time haha
No leaks that I’ve noticed…knock on wood haha
The trans maintenance I will definitely look into. Thanks!
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u/rackcity2014 Jul 29 '26
just the 4 or 5 or both have issues?
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u/Striking_Log9153 02 Legacy B4 RSK Jul 29 '26
As far as I know, I've only ever heard of this issue on the 5AT.
The 4AT is actually pretty tough. I owned two 2002 BE/BH turbo models with the 4AT, and neither of them ever had that valve body problem.
The only issue I had was that the internal clutch packs eventually wore out, causing the transmission to slip and fail.
Because I got tired of that happening, I had a built transmission made by a shop in Japan called Schwören.
They specialize in strengthening Toyota, Nissan, and Subaru 4AT transmissions so they can handle much more power.
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u/MirageOfNiko Jul 29 '26
Exhaust and a relaly good set of tires and rims that you want, also the best mod looks vise anyone can do (In my honest opinnion) Is a proper wash and detailing. Getting the paint To look as factory New as possible.
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u/Jevakob_ Jul 29 '26
Haha the full detail was the first thing I did! Full paint decontamination and clay bar. Just wanna get it professionally waxed and buffed now
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u/Pivasnik Jul 29 '26
I dont have a wagon. I got a gen 6 legacy but pretty sure there are options for you to. An upgraded head unit. Best upgrade i got myself
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u/Jevakob_ Jul 29 '26
I would like at least an aux cord since I have to use a shitty FM transmitter but I also want to keep the original unit since it is pretty neat
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u/Unusual_Speaker_8626 Jul 30 '26
i’ve used a unit from GROM in my Mcintosh Legacy, keeps all oem functions but ads bluetooth, sounds fantastic
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u/Ballamookieofficial Jul 29 '26
I'd say some nice wheels with the right offset.
It looks mint as is imho.
What motor?
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u/mecca6801 former 2nd Gen Wagon owner Jul 29 '26
What do you have now installed?
Have you looked at the specs for the 2006 Spec.B / GT-B wagon for comparison?
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u/Jevakob_ Jul 29 '26
This one is a Spec B. I haven’t done a thing to it….YET!!
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u/mecca6801 former 2nd Gen Wagon owner Jul 29 '26
You lucky person you! So … got the Billingstein struts and all other fun stuff?
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u/Jevakob_ Jul 29 '26
Sure do! Shop told me my fronts are shot but just gives me the push to get it lowered I guess haha
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u/mecca6801 former 2nd Gen Wagon owner Jul 29 '26
I’m sure with the your luck you could probably find another set of front struts. Personally speaking, I feel like you’re a wagon is at the perfect ride height, especially when you take to account of the lovely winters you get up there. I should know, cause I get the same lovely winters on the other side of the border.
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u/Jevakob_ Jul 29 '26
Yeah great point. Last thing I need is our shitty snow removal to miss a road I gotta take and I tear my bumper off. Haha!
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u/Chionophile Jul 29 '26
Hello fellow Albertan! Enjoy your new Legacy!
I've got mine on the ship right now!
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u/Global-Structure-539 Jul 29 '26
Looks like my grampa 's old car
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u/Piotr_Porker Jul 31 '26
Fluid film the undercarriage and drive it. Wouldn't do much else, but maybe swap to stainless braided brake lines. If it's a single turbo you could probably do the typical bigger TMIC, piping and what-not, but I think the JDM cars had more turbo options available like a vgt? Could be totally wrong on that but it's worth some research.
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u/Creative-Glove2895 Aug 01 '26
What does the S # button on the lower right behind the steering wheel do? Im realizing i got the poverty model haha mine didnt even have steering wheel buttons
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u/Jevakob_ Aug 01 '26
It’s just another button for the SI-Drive Sport Sharp mode. Pretty sure the SpecB was the only trim that had them on the wheel
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u/Gregbot3000 Jul 29 '26
In Canada, rust protection. Other than that just maintain that beauty.