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  #1  
Old 08-25-2005, 05:37 PM
The Goat The Goat is offline
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Well...here I come. Sound off.

I've been looking at them for over a year - and my recent move to the Poconos came with one caveat: "If I'm moving to the Poconos, I'm getting a freakin' Subaru."

Currently a Honda man, but...I remember drooling over the SVXs in the 90s...and I'm taking out a small loan to buy an SVX. They're reliable, good in the snow, fast, and look pretty danged cool.

NOW - here are my issues, and I'd like feedback.

1) Tranny problems: I've read that 92 trannies were awful - blew up continually, and that the later (94 and after) trannies were less susceptible to total failure. Is this true? I'm honestly not concerned about warped rotors - slotting and beefing them up isn't that much of an issue.

2) What is the best way to *prevent* this from happening? I've read about tranny coolers, rebuilds with better parts, better filtration (?), etc.

3) There are those online who insist that any SVX produced 94 and after is *slower* than the 92-93 models. Is this true? If so, why?

4) Although I"ll probably buy any SVX in decent shape (as long as it's AWD), I'll eventually need parts. links/suggestions would be helpful.

I'm sure that there are tons of threads buried here that cover all of these subjects, but...hey...take it easy.

I'm new.
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  #2  
Old 08-25-2005, 06:04 PM
SVXtra
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Quote:
1) Tranny problems: I've read that 92 trannies were awful - blew up continually, and that the later (94 and after) trannies were less susceptible to total failure. Is this true? I'm honestly not concerned about warped rotors - slotting and beefing them up isn't that much of an issue.
*Many improvements were made to the 4EAT transmissions to increase transmission fluid flow especially in the transmissions upper areas. Numerous upgrades to the clutch drum and reverse clutch plate were also made. These design changes help the fluid flow to the transmission's components for improved cooling and increased reliability. Numerous gaskets and seals were also redesigned over time to improve reliability.


Quote:
2) What is the best way to *prevent* this from happening? I've read about tyranny coolers, rebuilds with better parts, better filtration (?), etc.
* High quality aftermarket transmission cooler.
* Use synthetic transmission fluid
*Flush the transmission and change the filter at regular intervals.


Quote:
3) There are those on line who insist that any SVX produced 94 and after is *slower* than the 92-93 models. Is this true? If so, why?
*All SVX's are slow..

Quote:
4) Although I"ll probably buy any SVX in decent shape (as long as it's AWD), I'll eventually need parts. links/suggestions would be helpful.
*Langston Subaru in PA. 412-371-2707. Speak with Brian or Adrian in parts.
*www.1stsubaruparts.com

Last edited by SVXtra; 08-25-2005 at 06:37 PM.
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  #3  
Old 08-25-2005, 08:01 PM
WIT
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hey goat, if you happen to find a couple of them, let me in on the action too... i'm also looking for one...
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  #4  
Old 08-25-2005, 08:23 PM
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ensteele ensteele is offline
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Quote:
1) Tranny problems: I've read that 92 trannies were awful - blew up continually, and that the later (94 and after) trannies were less susceptible to total failure. Is this true? I'm honestly not concerned about warped rotors - slotting and beefing them up isn't that much of an issue.
As you probably know, the really don't blow up, but just fail. 94 and after are better with a few improvements. If you can find a good 94 or newer, I would buy one of those.

Quote:
2) What is the best way to *prevent* this from happening? I've read about tranny coolers, rebuilds with better parts, better filtration (?), etc.
I would put a tranny cooler and filter on it. There are lots of threads that you can find using the search feature that will give all of the options. One of the problems with the 92s was that the screen in the radiator clogged and would not allow the fluid to circulate and cool properly.

Quote:
3) There are those online who insist that any SVX produced 94 and after is *slower* than the 92-93 models. Is this true? If so, why?
The 92s and 93s did not have a regulator that would not allow them to go faster. The later years did.

Quote:
4) Although I"ll probably buy any SVX in decent shape (as long as it's AWD), I'll eventually need parts. links/suggestions would be helpful.
Watch the For Sale / Wanted forum and there a lots of parts listed there, or you can list what part you are looking for. Members will help you find the parts that you need.

Welcome to the site and I hope you get the informaton that you need to enjoy this wonderful car.
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  #5  
Old 08-25-2005, 08:31 PM
The Goat The Goat is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by WIT
hey goat, if you happen to find a couple of them, let me in on the action too... i'm also looking for one...
Ebay and Autotrader.com are piquing my interest right now....
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  #6  
Old 08-26-2005, 05:11 AM
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mikecg mikecg is offline
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I would recommend a 94 or 95. You get the tranny improvements and there still pre-OBDII. If you want to get rid of the govenor, buy one of ECUTunes Reprgrammed ECUs. They have improved the fuel curves and I think there using the 92 ECUs.

Of course, you could also buy any 92-95 and do a 5-speed conversion. Then you dont need to worry about the auto burning up.
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  #7  
Old 08-26-2005, 06:33 AM
dcarrb dcarrb is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by The Goat
1) Tranny problems: I've read that 92 trannies were awful - blew up continually, and that the later (94 and after) trannies were less susceptible to total failure. Is this true? I'm honestly not concerned about warped rotors - slotting and beefing them up isn't that much of an issue.
If you buy an early SVX with over 100,000 miles, seems there's a good possibility the transmission has already been rebuilt. In my view, any high-mileage automatic of any year or make is living on borrowed time, anyway. Might go another 100K; might go tomorrow.

Quote:
2) What is the best way to *prevent* this from happening? I've read about tranny coolers, rebuilds with better parts, better filtration (?), etc.
An external cooler is pretty much the first order of business for everyone. As to filtration, Subaru retrofitted many '92s with an external ATF filter, to catch the stuff that was endding-up blocking the screen in the radiator cooler. Look for a black canister (much like a fuel filter) inside the frame rail, beneath the battery.

Quote:
3) There are those online who insist that any SVX produced 94 and after is *slower* than the 92-93 models. Is this true? If so, why?
Nothin' to add, but I sometimes wonder if the existence of a top-end governor on later models isn't an SVX legend.

Quote:
4) Although I"ll probably buy any SVX in decent shape (as long as it's AWD), I'll eventually need parts. links/suggestions would be helpful.
Parts are readily available, but it might take a few days to get certain stuff. And don't forget aftermarket: Some here will swear against anything that's not OEM, but I've been running a NAPA timing belt, rear wheel bearing, RF halfshaft, water pump, and thermostat (and probably something else I'm forgetting) for over 20,000 miles without trouble. Same with filters.

Welcome, and good luck.

dcb
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  #8  
Old 08-26-2005, 01:25 PM
SVXPlanes
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Hey Goat,

Get the SVX, you'll love it! I was a long-time Honda man, and though my SVX isn't quite as rock-solid reliable as a Honda (I NEVER had any un-sched maintenance on a Honda...) it sure has more personality!

I'd recommend a late '94 or a '95. No motor-mouse shoulder belts, no OBDII, and transmission upgrades. But '92's outnumber the rest of the years combined, so that's what you're most likely to find. '92's really aren't that scary.

Some comments to your questions:

1) If you look at the "SVX Thread of World Records" post, you'll find several '92's with 4EAT's that have gone well over 100K miles. A lot of it depends on how you treat the car. I agree with "dcarrb", though. ANY auto trans whith over 100K is on borrowed time. There are some good-quality, beefed up rebuilts out there, but they're not cheap.

2) I'll echo the way to keep a '92 trans alive: 1. QUALITY external cooler (not a $20 PepBoys special), 2. Synthetic fluid, 3. Factory external filter. These supposedly went on '92's after about car 8300, although my car (by VIN) was supposedly the third car from the factory to have it but it wasn't installed. You can still get the filter kit through the dealers, and they're pretty cheap (around $35).

3) I've heard storys that the shift map was changed in POWER mode in '94s and later to address the transmissions issues, but have never seen any conclusive evidence. SVX's are not hot rods. You've got only 230 hp in a 3500 lb, auto trans car. It was built as a luxury tourer, not a sports car. They weren't bad performers in their day, but there on the slow end these days. If you want a fast Subaru, get a WRX or STi.

4) The dealer's still have a lot of parts, but some things (like security modules) are no longer available through Subaru. There are the 'net sites mentioned in some of the other posts. And don't forget Evil-bay. I've had pretty good luck getting some decent used parts there. Over all, I have not had any problem getting parts for my '92
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  #9  
Old 08-26-2005, 03:53 PM
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thundering02 thundering02 is offline
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I might be on the market for another honda from a friend from cheap So I might be kinda going back Otherwise I've had no problems with either car other than warping brakes(gotta love lead foots) and apparently killing alternators(only one each) Otherwise, Welcome to the site and do enjoy the AWD but if your a mnual man then your gonna want to do a manual swap.
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  #10  
Old 08-26-2005, 04:05 PM
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Canuck Canuck is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by The Goat
Currently a Honda man, but...I remember drooling over the SVXs in the 90s.
Yea, I'm a Honda guy too. I have mine set to mulching mode. It starts up with one pull and does a great job on the lawn even if it's wet.

Oh, wait a minute, you were talking about Honda CARS weren't you?

..... never mind.
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  #11  
Old 08-26-2005, 06:24 PM
The Goat The Goat is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Canuck
Yea, I'm a Honda guy too. I have mine set to mulching mode. It starts up with one pull and does a great job on the lawn even if it's wet.

Oh, wait a minute, you were talking about Honda CARS weren't you?

..... never mind.

LOL

Good stuff.

I actually have an '88 CRX si with about 285,000 on it, and not only does it run like a top, it still smokes a heck of a lot of stock cars (especially if the road is anything but straight.)

I'm getting approved for a loan on Monday - if that '97 LSi in Florida is still available at that point, you might see something interesting happen.
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  #12  
Old 08-27-2005, 12:01 AM
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US to CDN SVX US to CDN SVX is offline
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Wow I feel at home on this Thread!
I have owned:

1975 Honda Civic CVCC
1980 Honda Civic 4DR Hatch
1981 Honda Prelude
1983 Honda Civic 2Dr
1986 Honda CRX
2000 Honda Accord

Total Honda Guy.

Then I was given my SVX but my Grandpa. All I can say is I love the TORQUE. Never had that in any Honda. I did feel bad in not owning a Honda so I went out and bought a New Honda 4.5HP Lawn Mower. Thus I still have a Honda, Have the Torque of the SVX, Safety of a Volvo GLT and Spunk of a FIAT. I like to think I drive outside of the BOX
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  #13  
Old 08-27-2005, 12:18 AM
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Aredubjay Aredubjay is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Canuck
Yea, I'm a Honda guy too. I have mine set to mulching mode. It starts up with one pull and does a great job on the lawn even if it's wet.

Oh, wait a minute, you were talking about Honda CARS weren't you?

..... never mind.
You've got to quit making me think it's me that's posted something.
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  #14  
Old 08-27-2005, 10:07 AM
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ensteele ensteele is offline
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Randy - did you say something?
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  #15  
Old 08-28-2005, 09:04 AM
The Goat The Goat is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by The Goat
LOL

Good stuff.

I actually have an '88 CRX si with about 285,000 on it, and not only does it run like a top, it still smokes a heck of a lot of stock cars (especially if the road is anything but straight.)

I'm getting approved for a loan on Monday - if that '97 LSi in Florida is still available at that point, you might see something interesting happen.

This Florida Cannonball Run is starting to look like more and more of a possibility. Anyone know anything about header gaskets, and how difficult they are to replace?

(Note: Exhaust header gaskets, not head gaskets.
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