Liberty 2.5i BL 2007, 5 Speed Manual, EJ253

[jdmsubielover]

Hello everyone, I've only been a member on this forum for about 4 months but i have been following everyone since October 2019. I must say all the information on this forum has helped me a lot while working on my car. I am currently pursuing cert 3 Light vehicle motor mechanic course and bought this as my project car.

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I managed to purchase a Black 2.5i sedan from an auction with 200,000kms, service history and a clean carfacts record. Car ran well when i picked it up but had contaminated coolant and low engine oil level. First thing i did was top up both and dropped it off for roadworthy inspection. My dodgy mechanic had charged me $1600 and had the car sitting in his garage for almost 20 days and has changed the following to get the car road worthy.
1. Front control arm lower inner rear bushes.
2. Cv boots on the front.
3. Passenger side rear view mirror.
4. Rear brake pads
5. Engine oil change.



After everything was fixed and name transfer done i was officially an owner of a liberty. Although Gt or a Spec-B would have been nice but since the lack of knowledge about the model lineup and funds i kind of settled down with the 2.5i. This was my dream car since the time i moved to Australia ( i'm from southern part of India, Hyderabad). I have seen some really tastefully modified cars on Melbourne streets and started researching about whats available, what was sold initially when Subaru came out with this model that we all love. After some research and saving up i started upgrading/modifying my car according to my taste/budget and all the wise factors which make sense on a daily driven vehicle.


Basics:

1.First thing i did was to get 4 new tyres. Car came with roadworthy tyres but had different pattern on fronts and the rear. being an awd drivetrain i wanted same pattern tyres all four corners.
2.Next was to change all fluids in the car. I managed to replace coolant, brake fluid, clutch fluid, diff oil, transmission oil and power steering fluid. Having accesses to a hoist at my uni made this job very easy.
3.Window tint to combat straya sun.
4.Air filter (Ryco), Cabin filter (westfil)
5.Valve cover gaskets and spark plug seals (Genuine Subaru)
6.NGK Spark plugs
7.Ignition leads

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After driving the car for about 2 months i started the modifications. By this time i had a good feel of the car about how it handles and drives while it is completely stock setup. All the stock rubber bushings were showing signs of wear and the car felt like a boat and at times scary on the freeway as it used to get unsettled after hitting a bump or while driving on uneven surface.


Driving and Handling:

1.Whiteline BSF35Z (Front) & BSR39Z (Rear) swaybars
2.Whiteline KLC144 - Rear swaybar endlinks
3.Whiteline KDT905 - Rear differential mount support outrigger bushing kit
4.Whiteline KDT927 - Rear differential mount in cradel bushing kit
5.Whiteline KTA124 - Rear control arms - lower front and rear arms
6.Whiteline KCA307 - Rear control arm - Lock bolt kit
7.Whiteline W63396 - Rear control arm - Upper inner bushing kit
8.Whiteline W63397 - Rear control arm - Upper outer bushing kit

9.Whiteline W0506 - Front control arm - lower inner front bushing kit (bought it but yet to be replaced)
10.Whiteline KDT901 - Front gearbox crossmember pad bushing kit
11.Whiteline KDT957 - Front gearbox linkage selector bushing kit
12.Whiteline KDT965 - Front gearbox mount bushing kit
13.Whiteline W92830 - Front gearbox selector bushing kit
14.Whiteline KSR207 - Front steering rack and pinion mount bushing kit
15.Superpro TRC1025 - Front swaybar endlinks

16.Tyres - 235/45R17 Michelin Pilot Sport 4
17.Alloys 2011 WRX 17"x8" +53 offset, PCD 5x100
18.Upgraded to Gt brakes with DBA 2650S-10 for fronts with RDA brake pads and DBA 653S with TRW brake pads.
19.HEL Braided Brake lines for GT
20.Contacted Shockworks for coilovers , Waiting for this lockdown to end!
21.Replaced Powersteering suction and outlet hose with Subaru oem parts to get rid of the powersteering whine.
22.Timing Belt, Water pump, seals, pulleys replaced with Gates kit TCKHWPT304-1 at 205,000 kms.
23.Top and bottom oem radiator hoses with new oem thermostat.
24.Cusco brake cylinder stopper.

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Lighting:

1.H7 Osram nightbreaker laser for low beam and Cosmic H9 LED upgrade from iilumo for high beam.
2.Changed all halogen bulbs (Parkers, interior, number plate, brake, indicators) to LED. Purchased from iilumo
3.JDM yellow fogs but not satisfied with the light output.
4.Ordered Diode dynamics ss3 pods in yellow/sport output and waiting for them to be delivered.

Exhaust:

1.UEL headers off facebook marketplace, Made by Borla.
2.X Force 2.5" catback exhaust (used).
3.Everything was put together by my mechanic(not the old dodgy one)
4.High flow cat
5.O2 sensor spacer to get rid of CEL codes.

Appearance:

1.JDM Honeycomb grille
2.JDM plates
3.Rally Armour Mud flaps
4.Weather shields
5.Headlights restored and ceramic coated.
6.Did everything myself, Claybar, Paint decontamination, polish and protection = bead porn.

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Future mods planned:

1.Shockworks coilovers
2.Gen 4 pre facelift spoiler with led stop light. (yet to paint it and install)
3.Fascia kit with ac controls and Pioneer headunit with Apple Carplay.
4.Wrx Sti seats or Gt/ Spec-B leather seats.
5.Aluminium Radiator
6.Cylinder 4 cooling mod
7.Short Shifter from corgiwerx
8.Sti steering rack
9.Need to fix a dent on the passenger side rear fender (probably why i got the car for so cheap)


Sorry for not posting good photos. Car looks bone stock apart from JDM grille, Plates and wrx wheels. I couldn't go out due to the lockdown to click some decent pictures. I will post the build processes with detailed pictures in a seperate thread. Please feel free to give me any feedback or suggestions about my build processes. As i said i am still new to this and still learning. Any help is appreciated.

Thank you.

[bigBADbenny]

Epic first post! Welcome!

Ime, for safe, hassle free, enjoyable motoring the 2.5i is just awesome.

Yours looks so nice too

Have you checked out Hyrax’s profile, he had a similarly well developed postfl 2.5i.

https://www.google.com.au/search?biw=27 ... s-wiz-serp

You’ll absolutely love new shocks, our cars are on SW & Koni’s, stock sways but do invest in AVO HD RSB mounts for fabricate your own.

If you’re in Melb hmu for any help required with health checking your car, infos etc.

Just got my GT back up to speed, next is the 2.5i

[bigBADbenny]

Yes we’ve been in touch via FB, where you helped out with info on 2.5i uel header mods.
Very helpful although the op never answered lol.

Interested in the yellow fogs once available, and I have a set of prefl tbSTi sedan seats if you’re interested.

[Turbo Lag]

Welcome Nishanth, great first post and looks like you're already off to a good start with modding it.

Your car reminds me very much of my own except an FL, you've planned some pretty similar type of mods to it too. Right down to the entire suspension/wheels/brakes set up!

Some great choices you've made of modding in terms of handling/driveline that should make the car drive amazingly well. The Shockworks will transform it once you do get them, they are well worth the investment. The only thing I'd recommend is leaving your stock sway bars in - IMO the Shockworks alone do a great job with the stock bars compared to bigger ones.

You can post your build within this thread - generally everyone documents their cars here.

[jdmsubielover]

Epic first post! Welcome!

Ime, for safe, hassle free, enjoyable motoring the 2.5i is just awesome.

Yours looks so nice too

Have you checked out Hyrax’s profile, he had a similarly well developed postfl 2.5i.

https://www.google.com.au/search?biw=27 ... s-wiz-serp

You’ll absolutely love new shocks, our cars are on SW & Koni’s, stock sways but do invest in AVO HD RSB mounts for fabricate your own.

If you’re in Melb hmu for any help required with health checking your car, infos etc.

Just got my GT back up to speed, next is the 2.5i

Thank you very much bBb. Yes the 2.5i is reliable and IMO goes quick enough to have fun on mountain roads.

Yes i have come across Hyrax's build on the forum. Love it!

Love all the reviews and the stance of the cars with Shockworks!. I have gone through the Shockworks R&D and build process on our forum, I was stoked to find people looking for a performance coilover setup without compromising the ride height. I did some reading on the BC - BR series coilovers and Tein Flex Z coilovers to find if any of them offer the standard ride height without compromising performance. To my knowledge both BC and Tein perform well on a track and manage on the street. I would never track this car and my regular use would be as a daily and for mountain driving on the weekend. Shockworks will be perfect for my usage. BC or Tein will be too stiff and i would loose the practicality IMO.

I have ordered a set from AVO HD rear sway bar mounts. Just forgot to mention in the post.
Car is running well atm bBb, i will get in touch if i need any. Thank you

Lucky you! you get to enjoy both worlds. Wagon/Sedan

[jdmsubielover]

:idea:

Yes we’ve been in touch via FB, where you helped out with info on 2.5i uel header mods.
Very helpful although the op never answered lol.

Interested in the yellow fogs once available, and I have a set of prefl tbSTi sedan seats if you’re interested.

Yeah, i remember. Sad that it was not done. 2.5i sounds sweet ass with that setup.

Sure bBb i will post a review on them once i install and level them.

Seats! I'd love to see them and if my budget permits i might get them. Thanks heaps

[jdmsubielover]

Welcome Nishanth, great first post and looks like you're already off to a good start with modding it.

Your car reminds me very much of my own except an FL, you've planned some pretty similar type of mods to it too. Right down to the entire suspension/wheels/brakes set up!

Some great choices you've made of modding in terms of handling/driveline that should make the car drive amazingly well. The Shockworks will transform it once you do get them, they are well worth the investment. The only thing I'd recommend is leaving your stock sway bars in - IMO the Shockworks alone do a great job with the stock bars compared to bigger ones.

You can post your build within this thread - generally everyone documents their cars here.

Thank you Leon.

Yes mate! I must say i was inspired by seeing all the mods here on our forum. Love your work!

Yes, I have mentioned about my sway bar setup when i spoke to the person at Shockworks. Since i don't have specific tools and experience regarding coilovers i requested them to fit and align them for me. In that way i can be sure that the ride height is equal front and rear. I have my stock sway bars sitting in my garage and i will swap them before going to shockworks. So the setup that i thought would work is Shockworks + stock sway bar + upgraded end links front & rear + AVO Brace for sway bar mount (rear).

Sure i will post the rest here.

[Turbo Lag]

Welcome Nishanth, great first post and looks like you're already off to a good start with modding it.

Your car reminds me very much of my own except an FL, you've planned some pretty similar type of mods to it too. Right down to the entire suspension/wheels/brakes set up!

Some great choices you've made of modding in terms of handling/driveline that should make the car drive amazingly well. The Shockworks will transform it once you do get them, they are well worth the investment. The only thing I'd recommend is leaving your stock sway bars in - IMO the Shockworks alone do a great job with the stock bars compared to bigger ones.

You can post your build within this thread - generally everyone documents their cars here.

Thank you Leon.

Yes mate! I must say i was inspired by seeing all the mods here on our forum. Love your work!

Yes, I have mentioned about my sway bar setup when i spoke to the person at Shockworks. Since i don't have specific tools and experience regarding coilovers i requested them to fit and align them for me. In that way i can be sure that the ride height is equal front and rear. I have my stock sway bars sitting in my garage and i will swap them before going to shockworks. So the setup that i thought would work is Shockworks + stock sway bar + upgraded end links front & rear + AVO Brace for sway bar mount (rear).

Sure i will post the rest here.

Thank you!

You can probably fit the coilovers yourself, there's nothing special in terms of tools required to do so. Since you've already done so much I don't think you'll have much trouble pulling it off. There's plenty on YT documenting how to do them yourself and most Subarus are pretty similar in terms of install. The coilovers will already come preset at certain heights which will work well for most cars, however you will likely want to adjust them yourself afterwards. It is not a difficult job to set heights - I do it myself at home, it just requires a bit of back and forth to get it right. Once the wheel is off it's a very straight forward process.

Definitely get an alignment upon install, it is basically a must. Go for -2 to -2.5 deg camber in the front (the coilovers will not let you adjust past this point, the maximum is basically optimal), and leave toe at dead 0 all round. You can't adjust caster, or camber on the rear anyway. You can drop the height a lot without losing any ride quality (in fact I found they rode best with about an inch of wheel gap all round).

Your final setup looks like a great plan, basically perfect IMO.

[bigBADbenny]

We discussed it on FB, but can you summarise your exhaust setup please?
viewtopic.php?f=15&t=36485#p448789

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[jdmsubielover]

Welcome Nishanth, great first post and looks like you're already off to a good start with modding it.

Your car reminds me very much of my own except an FL, you've planned some pretty similar type of mods to it too. Right down to the entire suspension/wheels/brakes set up!

Some great choices you've made of modding in terms of handling/driveline that should make the car drive amazingly well. The Shockworks will transform it once you do get them, they are well worth the investment. The only thing I'd recommend is leaving your stock sway bars in - IMO the Shockworks alone do a great job with the stock bars compared to bigger ones.

You can post your build within this thread - generally everyone documents their cars here.

Thank you Leon.

Yes mate! I must say i was inspired by seeing all the mods here on our forum. Love your work!

Yes, I have mentioned about my sway bar setup when i spoke to the person at Shockworks. Since i don't have specific tools and experience regarding coilovers i requested them to fit and align them for me. In that way i can be sure that the ride height is equal front and rear. I have my stock sway bars sitting in my garage and i will swap them before going to shockworks. So the setup that i thought would work is Shockworks + stock sway bar + upgraded end links front & rear + AVO Brace for sway bar mount (rear).

Sure i will post the rest here.

Thank you!

You can probably fit the coilovers yourself, there's nothing special in terms of tools required to do so. Since you've already done so much I don't think you'll have much trouble pulling it off. There's plenty on YT documenting how to do them yourself and most Subarus are pretty similar in terms of install. The coilovers will already come preset at certain heights which will work well for most cars, however you will likely want to adjust them yourself afterwards. It is not a difficult job to set heights - I do it myself at home, it just requires a bit of back and forth to get it right. Once the wheel is off it's a very straight forward process.

Definitely get an alignment upon install, it is basically a must. Go for -2 to -2.5 deg camber in the front (the coilovers will not let you adjust past this point, the maximum is basically optimal), and leave toe at dead 0 all round. You can't adjust caster, or camber on the rear anyway. You can drop the height a lot without losing any ride quality (in fact I found they rode best with about an inch of wheel gap all round).

Your final setup looks like a great plan, basically perfect IMO.

Thank you Turbo lag.

I will give it a go and update you once i get my hands on them.

Noted! Will keep that in mind and request for an alignment accordingly. Thanks again

[gtbsti]

Agree with the comments - excellent first post intro! looking forward to seeing this car develop.

[jdmsubielover]

We discussed it on FB, but can you summarise your exhaust setup please?
viewtopic.php?f=15&t=36485#p448789

The attachment FF9076AB-68A5-47F7-B517-DFB2DFD01F82.jpeg is no longer available

Sure Ben.

Parts used:

Exhaust: 2.5" X-force catback exhaust
UEL Headers: Borla
O2 sensor spacer: ebay
https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/30351157152 ... Track=true

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I have picked up a used X-force catback exhaust and UEL headers from facebook marketplace. Installation of the exhaust was pretty straight forward as everything apart from the headers fitted like factory fitment. But with the UEL headers there is some modification/fabrication required.
Since UEL headers don't come with a heat shield i decided to paint them with some flameproof Hi-Temp paint.


UEL headers come with only one oxygen sensor hole and no cat.
Aftermarket High- flow cat needs to be fabricated with some 2" piping to make it join with the X-Force cat back exhaust.
I fitted everything that goes behind the factory cat and took the car to my mechanic to fabricate the headers and add a new catalytic converter.
This is how the factory headers look like.

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Notice the second O2 sensor placement on the factory headers. (From front to back) This is where the UEL headers end.

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You will requre an aftermarket Hi- Flow cat which has an O2 sensor provision. Opting for a cat without O2 sensor will cause further issues with Cel codes etc.
Headers are mounted on the car and measurements taken for the fabrication.

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This is how it looks after fabrication

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The Flange from UEL headers is cut and welded at the end of the fabricated piping.
Some paint to prevent rusting.
O2 sensor relocated and wiring is extended. My mechanic spliced into the original wiring and extended it.

This is how it looks after everything is fitted to the car:

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At this point car sounds great. Uel headers make the subie really rumble. I would recommend others to have an understanding about how an aftermarket cat increases flow/noise levels and issues in future before deciding to mount one.
After installation and a drive no codes popped up. I have decided to use the new setup for sometime and get a O2 sensor spacer if i get any codes in future.
After driving for about a week my engine light was on with cruise symbol flashing. Dont remember the exact code but it says catalytic system below efficiency bank 1.
I have reset the code and it comes back on again with some freeway driving. IMO O2 sensor is detecting too much flow in the cat and makes the car run rich (correct me if i'm wrong). Since Subaru factory Catalytic converters are highly restricted flow wise, i have decided to install an O2 sensor spacer.

After 4000kms of driving:

Personally i love the exhaust note and it does not have any annoying drone on the freeway.
Idle is very quiet with some rumble.
Gets louder when revved hard.
Cold starts are loud! but settles down when the engine is up to operating temperature.
Cost wise, Having the mechanic to do all the work, adding a new cat with fabrication/labour should cost you under $400.
Header paint that i used is not the same colour anymore. Still has that protective coating but not the same colour. You can get away with same/similar spec or a different colour

Hope this helps.

[jdmsubielover]

Agree with the comments - excellent first post intro! looking forward to seeing this car develop.

Thank you gtbsti.

[jdmsubielover]

:idea:

Yes we’ve been in touch via FB, where you helped out with info on 2.5i uel header mods.
Very helpful although the op never answered lol.

Interested in the yellow fogs once available, and I have a set of prefl tbSTi sedan seats if you’re interested.

Hi Ben,
Pmd you regarding the seats, please check. My message was stuck in the outbox and i wasn't sure if you received the message.

[bigBADbenny]

Gotcha!!!