Looking at buying a B4...

[speed freak]

As the title suggests Im looking at buying a B4 soon but have a few questions first. I have read through the B4 section too just got a few questions that didnt come up.

First off Im not new to Subaru, I havent owned lots but Iv been around all the Subie forums for years and know these cars and engines pretty damn well. Iv always wanted a wrx but more and more lately Im liking the B4, dont know if its because they are quit rare (dont see many on the roads) or because I have a 99 liberty and like it so much?

Anyway, main thing is, is there anything in particular that is a weak link or anything out of the ordinary that can or does go wrong? Iv read about the VOD/flat spot area around 4000 rpm while it switches from 1 turbo to TT but is the motor any more complicated compared to a wrx or gt liberty? Is there anymore required maintenace compared to a wrx or any other Subaru? Are parts easily available etc?

Just not sure on the TT or if Im better to go with a wrx still because of the single turbo setup. I like the Liberty Gt but I dont need a car that big so if I dont end up getting a B4 id get a wrx.

Only performance mod would be a TBE and a good safe tune.

Anyone out there thats owned one or still owns one with any suggestions, things to look out for, etc?

Rhys

[mwilson93]

buy b4 then single turbo conversion

[speed freak]

Thats fair enough but is it really worth the expense? Iv read and heard it cost about 5k?

I suppose it depends which car Id prefer but if single turbo is best maybe I should just buy a wrx which has one turbo?

Is there really a downside of the B4 being TT? Are they high maintenance or any weak areas?

[mwilson93]

i have had a b4 for a year and a half they are high maintenance compared to a single turbo and there are just so limited mods for twins. so thats why im building a single turbo 2.2 but twins are still fun if you take care of them

[speed freak]

Sorry for the late reply.

In what way is the B4 TT setup high maintenance compared to a wrx or gt liberty single turbo?

[Robbks]

forget the B4.
Buy a Gen4 GT

The B4 Sequentiial Twin-Turbo system is reliant on a very complex and troublesome system of vacuum hoses, solenoids, actuators, valves and electronics to make it work properly
as everything is now getting 15 years old, they get full of gunk, brittle and lazy.

I had a TT GT legacy and i learned everything about the system, modified it and got it working good enough.
BUT for the amount of fuel the car uses and the flow potential of the turbo's, they should make 20KW more than what they do.
The system is restrictive, convoluted and overly complex.

Unless you're a mad scientist with the time so spend tinkering/ testing/ fiddling, then save yourself the trouble.
By a gen4, which is a much better chassis and much more modern car.
The Gen3 is still based on the original 1989 Legacy Chassis with a few tweaks
The Gen4 was a complete redesign, and a much bigger jump in build quality.

I own both a Gen3 and a Gen4
the Gen4 is just a much nicer place to be, plus it has a wide scope for tuning options, much simpler to modify, or keep stock.
you're pushing sh!t uphill to get anyone with brains to work on a B4

[speed freak]

Hmm ok thats fair enough.

I thought the TT setup might have been more complex but didnt think it would be so high maintenance and troublesome.

I think then I will look around for a wrx or gt forester.

I like the newer liberty's but they are on the bigger side for what Im wanting. Anyway still going to be in the Subaru family just not in a liberty... for now anyway.

Cheers

[speed freak]

I dropped my other car off for a service this morning, even they said to stay away from the B4 and not bother with them, and they are a Subaru specialist.

So not that I didnt trust the comments on here but, if a Subaru specialist is saying to stay away from them I think I will take all this good advice and not get a B4 but a different turbo Subaru

[Mosti]

I hear and read so much about the B4's sequential system being troublesome but I've owned my B4 now for nearly 7 years and the car has been near faultless. I guess if you take good care of it and not tinker with the sequential system it won't cause you any havic.

[EOS Heritage]

mate i've got a B4 and a GT wagon....

the B4 is a much smoother drive, and has a much tougher, torquier power delivery, the GT has more power ( 4kw) but feels peakier and is woh then nothing, the b4 is a relentless pull...
i think the bashing on here, and the constant murmurings on the VOD ( which mine is negligible, a small step then its off) is just a bit silly and picky.... good old Australian tall poppy syndrome...

if you want one, drive one ( hey if your in WA i have one for sale $8k) and see if YOU like it... i love it, dont wanna sell, but its just not a pram and associated paraphernalia friendly car...