what makes the OBS so special?

T

Taiden

New member
On rs25 people are like "ooh snap OBS this OBS that!"

All I can gather from research is it has raised lower spring perches.

What else is so special about it? (I'm talking 97ish btw)

 
Two tone paint, alloy wheels, I know the 05's are higher, I don't know about the 97. I haven't been able to break mine yet so there must be something really special about it.

 
i would have to say they are the most reliable subaru ever made if you can keep the rust down most go 300k miles on the original motor and tranny with min. repairs on the 97-01 obs's

 
i would have to say they are the most reliable subaru ever made if you can keep the rust down most go 300k miles on the original motor and tranny with min. repairs on the 97-01 obs's
Click to expand...
How is that any different than any other 2.2L impreza from that year?

 
it has the look
default_biggrin.png


 
i loved my 98 OBS, had 239K on it, that thing was a brute! wish i never got rid of it

 
Not sure why its better than the L. Mine didn't even have alloy wheels. A big plus is the fact that it was owned by an old lady. It's not much higher (possibly the same exact suspension as an L). Next time I park next to my friend's '99 L I'll let you know the height difference.

 
[video=youtube;9uKvKVuRS04]

they still surprise me...

I thought sure anyhting beyond single cams, hard lifters, solid 3 mains.. was never gonna make it.

default_additional_unamused.gif


can't forget 100psi of 50+ year trochoid oil pump.

subaru.. they got some tolerances. always have. The EJ is proof positive.

 
haha that video is hilarious.

you guys are making me want an OBS pretty bad.

For someone who has autocrossed before and built up a variety of cars, would I notice a performance difference in terms of weight between a 4 door GC and the OBS? I imagine the hatch adds quite a bit of weight... my biggest concern would be the pendulum effect in snow. I've driven a 99 forester in snow and that thing was a fkin beast, but I somehow imagine the OBS as being very back-heavy. The forester was quite balanced.

 
the GC series OBS is a cult fave cuz it drives great, is very practical, has unbustable mechanicals, and costs way less than the overpriced RS coupes. find a good one with the 5-spd, then stick in a 3.9 viscous limited slip rear diff from an early WRX, and you gots a snow monster.

and if you thought a Forester 'drove well balanced" then you are in for an eye opener with the OBS. Those things rotate like crazy, the basic chassis was designed to win the WRC ya know. even box stock ones drive really well on snow or dirt, if you can't drift a GC Subie on command on low grip surfaces you are hopeless as a pilote.

 
Last edited by a moderator:
well, between all your testimonials, the wagon thread on rs25, and a discussion on rs25 about wagon vs not... i'm sold. I'm looking for an OBS now
default_tongue.png


 
first thing to check on any GC subie is condition of bodywork around rear wheel wells. most or all will have bubbling where the rear quarter panel and plastic bumper cover come together; this is a well known and easy fix for any competent body shop. but if the curved metal around wheel arch and bottom of door frame is rotted, that is terminal cancer. run away.

likewise, inspect rear subframe mounts. if rotted, run away faster.

oil leaks around r main seal and cam covers, crunchy synchros and vile smells infect many well-worn OBSes out there, beware. many have been flogged in daily driving for years, carrying barfing kids, shedding canines and all manner of hard-edged cargo. many have serious deferred maintenance needs.

otherwise they're pretty solid. many WRX parts--mechanical, suspension and interior--are direct fit, so you can easily create a very distinctive ride.

 
Last edited by a moderator:
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top