This is how it is done ladies and gentlemen. The classic 90s Subaru, with a drivetrain that we should have had the whole time. This particular Legacy wagon has been aided by the well-known method of JDM parts, and the result is stunning. Come see, the inaugural edition of RADICAL IMPORTS, where I find and show the world the epic import builds for sale to the world!
This is a 1997 Subaru Legacy GT wagon. It is freshly repainted red, contains a myriad of new parts, and is more JDM than it ever was before, even before it got off the sushi-boat. It is advertised as having 65,000 miles, a super low mile example, if true for a Subaru, and we all know how most ‘Subys are typically driven... straight into their grave!
What is special is that this wagon has been fortunate to have it’s stock, anemic, and boring NA flat four forcibly gutted and replaced with a JDM sourced WRX EJ207! This brings the power output from a stock 165hp to something closer to 300hp - based on the WRX engine and modifications listed.
The WRX engine is backed up by another gem in the Version 6 Type RA transmission. This is another 5-speed, like the Legacy was stock, but the RA is stronger, and equipped with DCCD (center differential). At the rear is the Version 6 RA R160 LSD. Both of these drivetrain parts are, of course, JDM ONLY!!!
Inside this Suby you get some JDM Legacy bits from 2004 with surfaces upholstered in Alcantara. There is a Nardi steering wheel, but you get the original OEM thrown in as well. The black updated Legacy seats appear to fit well even though they’re from a newer chassis, apparently these cars didn’t change much between the two generations.
The dash was treated to the JDM gauge cluster with the DCCD control - which I believe is the white button panel near the turn signal stock in the photograph. I am unable to tell if the JDM gauges contain the speedo in KPH... please no, we use MPH here, I wonder if the original odometer was swapped in... doesn’t look like it to me!
The parts list contained within the ad is absolutely delicious. I could eat this list with a shovel and ask for thirds. It is the perfect Subaru Legacy wagon. I honestly don’t know what else could have been done better. Maybe the red paint? I’m not a big red fan, although I like this particular car, I do believe a stereotypical world rally blue could have suited it better. Then again, a red Subaru is a rare color for anything they produce for an enthusiast.
What does all this JDM-goodness cost you might wonder. It would cost a large fist full of dollar bills to build this long roof. Think about it all - engine swap, drivetrain swap, interior swap, sourcing all the rare parts, and lastly getting it smog legal for those of us in California. The time alone can almost justify a super high price... how does $20,995 sound to you?!
