5k: Donuts? Go nuts: RWD 1992 Subaru Legacy GT
Rear-drive Subarus are interesting proposals. The conversion robs it of one of its chief virtues, its all-wheel-drive layout, while eliminating a major fault: understeer. Keep reading and you’ll probably notice other major faults with this low-priced bro build. Find this RWD-converted 1992 Subaru Legacy GT for $4,500 in Graham, WA. Words by DT contributor slowcarSLOW-MPGlol.
For our Legacy drivers reading this at home, don’t even think about going RWD unless you’re ready to beef up the drivetrain components, specifically the rear transfer gears. With the bigger TD04-14T turbo off of a WRX, this Legacy runs an even higher risk of grenading its rear parts. But with axles and a (welded) differential from a WRX, this Legacy should hold up to daily driving abuse. Just don’t expect it to be a “drift slut,” as this seller so eloquently states. Watch your mouth, young man.
However, a sorted rear might be the only thing going for this car. Just look at it: Custom linkage that shows up in the “cons” list. Mismatched seats. Fenders that may have been rolled with a baseball bat. Fart cannon exhaust. Matte black paint. Stickers. JDM-style shifter. And cut springs that “ride a lot nicer than you would think.” Doubtful, but entertaining nonetheless.
If the rear drivetrain is set up well, it’s the saving grace of this otherwise sketchy build. Because where else can you find a 3100-pound rear-drive 5-speed sedan powered by a turbocharged boxer four? Get the shift linkage sorted out, keep an eye on Craigslist for OEM Legacy interior pieces, and enjoy.
See a modified Subaru that isn’t a bro-mobile (besides this one)? Is such a thing possible? Email us at tips@dailyturismo.com.
slowcarSLOW-MPGlol knows how many licks it takes to reach the center
of a Tootsie Pop, and he’s not telling. As someone with a B+ blood type,
he considers himself an optimist. Unless it has structural rust.
As a Subie nut I'm torn. I am not a fan of buying somebody else's half built problem/project unless it's dirt cheap and I intend to tear it apart and either build it myself or have a plan for some or all the components. That being said, the seller states that he is including a wrx "drive train". Axles and such not a engine or trans. I personally want the boosted ej22 and wrx components to remedy the seized engine in my 99 forrester. ( I bought it that way for cheap) since this legacy body seems fairly solid it would be a good spot to park a… U guessed it, sbc!!
Of course it's priced to high for my intended hackery and it's on the complete opposite side of the country from me but when I see the CL ad the vision of a high strung forrester sleeper and a ls1 powered matte black legacy race round in my head.
The build betrays a cultural orientation that I am not familiar with. White Trash Anime?
If I'm not mistaken this "sorted rear" should not be used for daily driving until the welded diff is removed. It's great for drifting but a terrible (and possibly dangerous) choice for street driving unless the driver is very experienced. And even then it will eat tires and eventually chew gears.
Maybe he meant "sordid rear". Kidz these days can't spell.