Need advice on 2.5rs, Difference between years Options

[razor7]

Hey Guys,
So I've finally decided to sell my celica in order to buy a Subaru Impreza 2.5rs. My reasoning is that I need something that's Awd so I can get in and around on the snow. I don't plan to be doing this till over summer, so I can ride my bike while I'm car-less.

So for the thread, I want to know the difference between the different years of the 2.5rs. I believe it was 1998-2001. I'm basically curious about all of the small, subtle changes they made, much like the differences between pre-facelift, facelift, and 20th anni. I know that the '98 had DOHC, while, '99(+?) had SOHC, but what else was changed? Also, other than timing belt, water pump, tensioner rods, and standards like plugs and oil, what else could/will go bad and when?

Thanks,
-TC

This post has been edited by razor7: Jan 24, 2010 - 4:28 AM

[razor7]

There weren't any body changes from 98-01. Those years are a body style. The 98-01 RS is like the 96-99 Celica. It is Post-facelift.


The N/A 2.5L motors have a couple issues you need to worry about - They are prone to headgasket failure, so make sure if they haven't been replaced that you do so. There was also a recall on that motor for an out-of-round #4 cylinder. I don't know if it spanned ALL of the motors or what, but give the VIN to Subaru and have them pull that info for you. Subaru transmissions are very fragile, so if buying a 5 speed make sure it doesn't grind, and if it does toss some synchromesh in. Lastly, steer clear of anything that has been modified. Its more directed at turbocharged Subarus, but the last thing you want is to replace a motor. Subaru motors are not cheap.

Yup,
Most people are saying to replace the head gasket at or around 90k. Apparently failure is more prevalent on the '98s. On top of that, in order to get to the cams on the '98, you have to drop the whole engine. So, from the little research I've done, I'll be looking at the '99-'01, but will probably go for an '00.

I also do plan to turbo it or drop in an '02 STI engine. Of course I'll be looking at non-modified ones, or at most, an intake and plugs. I think the AWD platform will be a better option to work on modifying over the FWD celica... This will come with time though, as I have other priorities to be looking at before turboing a flat 4.

Anything else I should know about these guys?

-TC