1999 Subaru Legacy B4 RSK Turbo Review

The Nicer WRX

[@Extuhsee21]

Cracked up at "nothing too extravagant in the exhaust department"

[@Kingsoupturbo]

+Extuhsee21 nice of you to say!!

[@MrBeboopman]

Super review... :) You hit the nail right on the head... undervalued and an extremely competent car.And hello from Ireland !!

[@Kingsoupturbo]

Thanks kindly!! I really am a fan of the Legacy as a sports car bargain and year round summer/winter car! Hello to Ireland!! I've always wanted to go visit!

[@thisnamebegreat]

Just a correction on how the twin turbo system works on this car (i've owned one for 5 years). The two turbos are of a similar size, the turbo on the left (as you look into the engine bay from the front) ia the primary turbo, and gets all the exhaust gases and produces all the boost from idle to 4000rpm, from 4000-4500 is the switchover period where the turbo on the right (secondary turbo) starts to spool and gets half the exhaust gases from the engine. From 4500-redline both turbos produce boost equally and gives a hell of a kick! During the switchover period there is a small loss of power and boost called the valley of death (check out a dyno sheet) and is the only drawback from this kind of setup. The manual versions are rated at 280bhp and autos are rated at 265bhp and there is a noticeable difference when the two cars are side by side. The manuals are quicker.

[@Kingsoupturbo]

+thisnamebegreat good to know!

[@Rome1017Lights]

Great review, you got it from PCA :P Also the turbos are roughly the same size, very small difference. Primary is on the passenger side. What the car does is when above like 4000 rpm it slows the primary down and both turbos spool back up at the same time. Basically goes from single to true twin turbo.

[@Kingsoupturbo]

Very interesting! there isn't a ton of information on how they solonoids do switching, I had some previous 94-95 cars and I thought thats how it works, this does make more sense! I had read that if you do a downpipe on the passenger side turbo it can overspool and damage itself . PCA is my importer these days! I've used others in the past that were all Japanese but Pacific Coast does a detailed inspection video for me which helps me anticipate problems when they show up at the docks! So it actually slows the primary turbo prior to switching over to both turbos eh? amazing that the lag in the switchover is so small given how much is going on!

[@Rome1017Lights]

Kingsoupturbo Ya, that's why the TTs are known for VoD, Valley of death. I think it is more noticeable on the manual trans models. Very complex turbo system tho! I think to combat the possible turbo damage you can use a manual boost controller. I am looking to get a car from them, also looking at B-Pro Auto, ever used them before?

[@Kingsoupturbo]

Rome1017 The valley of death is really not that pronounced on this car, its a pretty acceptable trade-off for having a super fast spooling smaller turbo for 90% of your normal driving. I've been doing my own importing for 6yrs now, I have heard B-Pro has good reviews, however I'd use JDM connection in Edmonton, that guy has been doing this a long time and is a real pro, There are certain risks from importing a car yourself, can be lots of surprises when you goto bring the car back from the Docks and get it ready for its OOP, I've had to do lots of repairs before and a few that needed almost none, William is a good guy, he gets my 100%

[@Rome1017Lights]

***** Thanks, how long did the whole process take if you dont mind me asking?

[@Rome1017Lights]

Kingsoupturbo By the way, how is it on gas? In city driving

[@olddutchrocks]

This is the funniest, best review of this car lol. I'm from Calgary and really wanted this or a 1999 Aristo V300 and I'm kinda pulling towards this as it'll be my daily driver and first car so the AWD sounds intriguing for Alberta's weather especially since for a first car I'm scared to have a car like the Aristo lol. Great review!

[@Kingsoupturbo]

Thanks man!! The Aristo is tough in the winter, even with a limited slip you'll hate unloaded RWD here. I drove a Celsior for years and have another one now, they are not really winter mobiles, if its your only car, the Subie is the way to go in Alberta!

[@olddutchrocks]

Kingsoupturbo Great, thanks for the reply man! What do you think about this car for someone a little younger?

[@Kingsoupturbo]

olddutchrocks Hey man! its a good, reliable, 4wd is superb for winter, its fast which is fun, but you can poodle around all day just taking it easy, the only thing better might be a non-turbo car as a first car, for maximum reliability, which is important when its your first car, hence why like a Civic is the best you can get and it is all a bit less after that )

[@reisdushanek9384]

Just bought the excactly same car, bone stock besides exaust. Love it so much

[@Kingsoupturbo]

Lucky!! such a great car, thanks for watching!

[@funkaydonkey]

i imported a toyota aristo 4 or 5 months ago, and my buddy just grabbed one of these today, his is silver though.needless to say there will be a photoshoot coming soon lol

[@vulcan_nz]

I got a 2001 Liberty B4 TT with a manual gearbox, it's a special model that was introduced for australasia, Im in NZ, it's not a RSK but still practically same motor just doesn't have as much HP 258 stock HP where as RSK is around 280HP I believe and not as nice wheels or black tints on back windows like the RSK's usually do, most RSK's I see around my area have the tiptronic gearbox like yours , all I done to mine is lower it and put a big bore exhaust on it sounds sweet as.

[@ThaneDukeHeineken]

+thedisciple25 I think the BBS mesh wheels are nice, but in a different way.

[@thebroo21]

thedisciple25 how much did U get it for

[@vulcan_nz]

@@thebroo21 $10,000 and I bought it around 2009 so was 8 years old at time, older guy owned it before me, probably only get around $3000 to 3500 if I sold it today :(

[@thebroo21]

thedisciple25 hmm im thinking of buying a 2000 auto model for $3k

[@vulcan_nz]

@@thebroo21 should do it, if u wanted to throw a manual gearbox in it wouldnt cost that much, thats if u like manuals or dont mind autos :) either way its a legacy and a subaru so cant go wrong IMHO :D

[@RobertAube]

I hope you still have this beauty. Good review, would have loved to have seen & heard it driving a bit though.

[@Kingsoupturbo]

+Robert Aube Man I wish! sold it not long after I made this video, I wish I could have kept it, it was nearly brand new!

[@uberleet01]

+Kingsoupturbo why did you sell it?

[@Kingsoupturbo]

+jdm evo I was off work and it was just a matter of money, a shame I"d probably still have it today!

[@dank-sidegarage2979]

Great review man! Covered all bases. Buying 2002 model this weekend!

[@Kingsoupturbo]

Thanks man!! they are excellent cars, find a good one and you won't be disappointed!

[@lost_evanlol6999]

also got one :)

[@shminghong]

Great review man, I'm leaning toward buying a Legacy this summer!

[@Kingsoupturbo]

Ming Hong Thank you sir! they are excellent value for money these cars

[@thechamith]

This is the greatest review of a B4

[@Kingsoupturbo]

Thanks for watching! I really enjoyed this car!

[@kuivajahilseileva3523]

@@Kingsoupturbo im looking into buying one at the moment could you tell how was the reliability. -great review!

[@suu2212]

great car you have there. i just bought a 2000 b4 rsk auto also, your review made me feel less guilty about getting the auto ha. i've owned mostly manuals and just wanted a daily driver that's fun to drive, a solid all rounder. now i'm getting into the fun stuff of ordering parts and waiting for delivery. looking forward to doing the fixing with buddies. the jdm's aren't for everybody but if you're a car guy you can't go wrong with these cars. fast and fun, corners flat these cars are a blast. looking forward to the alberta winters!!

[@Kingsoupturbo]

+S UU We didn't get much of a winter this year, but I bet you really enjoyed the car! Auto's are generally a tradeoff, but man when you're sitting in deadly stop and go traffic for a long time, mmmmm Auto!

[@MrHoess1234]

Awesome car, where did you get dash kit for your deck? Ive been trying to get one for my 99 gtb

[@petrolhead13]

2023, Subaru still very good car

[@migueldequadros2998]

Hey! I am about to get mine landed in Canada (MONDAY IS THE DAY), and I was curious what the reliability has been, being these are tuned for 100RON? I have been a big subie guy and owned lots so I know the EJ20's are great motors but I haven't heard much about the EJ208. What has your experience been with Canadian fuels?

[@Kingsoupturbo]

No problem at all on 91 octane, I know there was a lot of discussion on the internet that they're tuned for Japanese gas, but the octane rating system I believe their 100 works out to be about 93 octane here and the cars have knock sensors, so you're safe! Also landing day is so exciting, SO EXCITING!!!

[@sektor9536]

Wait I’m confused there’s a Subaru im looking at , it’s a Japanese spec Subaru legacy STI B4 RFRB? it looks just like the one on the video and it’s a still TT and also a 5 speed, why so many letters is it a real STI?

[@Kingsoupturbo]

I don't believe there was ever a STi version of this Legacy, there were a couple sort of aftermarket versions, like the RFRB and the Porsche design one, all of them were the same twin turbo until I think 03 when they went to single. Those "special" versions often pop up on auction, there used to be a option for a factory Bilstein suspension option I think? but not sure if it was on this generation. Thanks for watching and happy hunting!

[@TassieLorenzo]

Intro sounds like Mr Regular, nice video!

[@Cam12Rowe]

Kingsoupturbo Hey man, nice review. what did you pay for this? I'm in BC and looking for a Grade 4 BSK

[@george44987]

Is this Sam sulek?

[@GeorgeWPush]

im so jealous ...how much did it sell for? whats a good 2002 jdm car to get?

[@Kingsoupturbo]

I think I sold it for 6800$? 02 jdm, hmmm, depends if you want reliable or crazy pants car really. This car is the ideal mix I think of the two

[@HypeBosco]

Kingsoupturbo why did u sell it?

[@coopsnz1]

Mint ones $8000 USd in Australia . I'm surprised why an iconic car doesn't have great resale value .

[@coopsnz1]

Shit heaps with very high miles 2800USd

[@rader5251]

Hey man, nice car! I was thinking of getting one myself for a first car, and I was just wondering if there is a good place in the Alberta region to get one insured?

[@Kingsoupturbo]

+Milky Most insurance companies are ok with RHD, but getting Theft on it, that can be a problem!

[@rader5251]

+Kingsoupturbo Ok, thank you!

[@HypeBosco]

Kingsoupturbo and why is it a problem for theft insurance? Lo sorry for the questions, i am looking to buy it

[@FronkG]

swap a manual in then u have a rlly nice ride

[@Kingsoupturbo]

David Bradshaw Thats pretty interesting a manully controlled auto is called that by insurance! It lacks a little something compared to the manual I'll admit, but you make up for that plenty in its all around traffic ability

[@quintonkent8509]

glad to hear that. handling and power wise. which one seems better your STI? or legacy?

[@Kingsoupturbo]

+Quinton Kent The STi pulled harder and had more over grip, but it had a lot more Turbo lag and lacked refinement in ride quality, I think the Legacy has less understeer at the limit then the WRX did, but thats a 95 Impreza we're talking about, not the newer ones

[@BrandonHilikus]

nice review dude

[@Ballsack44]

You still have it ?

[@Kingsoupturbo]

Sold it to a guy about 19 shortly after I made this video, still one of my favorite cars I got from Japan, like new.

[@gireeshdashhare9263]

O how i miss my b4.nostalgic.

[@Kingsoupturbo]

I ran 91 on it no problem, same with my rhd sti

[@RTMostyn]

I've done the same, if you look online you'll find that our 91 is equivalent to a 95 octane of Japanese rated gas so your only 1 octane off and that's not really a big deal.

[@Darkangel754]

How reliable are these cars? I have the opportunity to buy a 2000 B4 RSK with 60,000km for about $7000. My only concern is trying to find parts and finding a place to repair it if something goes wrong. I would be using it as a daily driver so I don't want to buy it if the twin turbo setup is some kind of maintenance nightmare.

[@ianlam1445]

Darkangel754 my b4 has 288000kms and i am running 180kw atw. Runs like new just take care of it. it has never given me a problem other than alternator needed a change.

[@dumbestoyster]

Hmmm...43yrs old, never would l say manual gets old. Ever.

[@Kingsoupturbo]

I'll agree! But occasionally in traffic its a little tiresome!

[@jairusdejesus1248]

Hey there I'm also from Calgary and looking to get a JDM Subaru! , was wondering how much the inspection cost once you got it?

[@Kingsoupturbo]

Out of province inspection is about 140$ in Calgary, I only use Beyond Transmission in the NE, for my inspections, fair guys, good price, and I trust their assesment of the cars!

[@jairusdejesus1248]

+Kingsoupturbo thanks man really appreciate it!

[@kalebyrd126]

I thought a car had to be 25 years or older to import it?

[@Kingsoupturbo]

Thats in America! in Canada its just 15 years. Some Juicy 2007 models coming up this year we could bring over!

[@kalebyrd126]

@@Kingsoupturbo im so jealous

[@Kingsoupturbo]

@@kalebyrd126 I'm jealous of free shipping in America, super low prices on parts and selection of stuff! and you know, Warm weather potential, not -30c for 3 weeks in a row! the RHD cars are cool though!

[@4doorvip]

nice review

[@tamagage2206]

What turbos do they have

[@mynuts99]

where in Alberta?

[@roddydykes7053]

Manual is only old when you're in traffic, which if you are driving in traffic

[@mkp1214]

It had 265hp with the auto, and 285hp in the manuals

[@GoombaFTW]

Do you have the same fuel gauge issue? Mine goes down to empty and then back up randomly.

[@Kingsoupturbo]

+Karl Marx Wierd! might be the Sender having problems I'd guess?

[@GoombaFTW]

+Kingsoupturbo Most likely but its probably not really worth fixing, thanks for the reply!

[@Bitaliktderr]

If it isn't a secret how much you payed for the car?

[@rodrigourra1132]

Es ermoso yo me comprare uno aunque sea viejito es un autaso

[@Kingsoupturbo]

Estoy de acuerdo, los autos especiales siguen siendo buenos, incluso si son automáticos!

[@jamiecinder9412]

Who here first learned of this car from Gran Turismo?

[@Kingsoupturbo]

Probably me too, I was so excited when the very first game came out, dual shock analog button controller too, I mean it was heaven!

[@chawadzadonnie2598]

Nice

[@elhore01]

did you import it yourself from japan ??

[@Kingsoupturbo]

elhore01 As much as you can do, picked it on auction, arranged bidding and purchase by export agent, picked up in port and paid a customs broker to handle paperwork then home to Alberta and out of province safety

[@omarelhore570]

Kingsoupturbo I wanna import one to alberta. I found some good deals online. How much do I need to expect for import fees??

[@Kingsoupturbo]

Omar EL HORE Come on over the import-era forums for a full guide written by my friend Dah_Hunter, basically you pay 1000$ in Japan for your exporter fees + cost of car (a good legacy auto is about 1000$) then 1000$ for shipping, about 700$ for Duty and taxes and Broker fee in Van, then you gotta get the car back to AB, so either fly down and drive (300$ ish) or pay car transport (500$) then you repairs you need for out of province inspection (140$), sometimes you need not much, sometimes it can be bad and qutie $$$, thats why cars that have already passed inspection here in AB are more expensive significantly then say a car you just pick up in port

[@omarelhore570]

Kingsoupturbo thanks a lot for the complete answer ;-)

[@djio2686]

is this good for first time car owner ?

[@Kingsoupturbo]

I don't think so, there are a lot of things to go wrong in there, two turbos, solenoid valves to control it all, 4wd parts, first time car should be reliable and fun, non turbo, FWD or RWD and you can get parts easily

[@HypeBosco]

G Sanchez what car would you recommend?

[@quintonkent8509]

hey was thinking of getting similar car and I'm in BC just wondering what octane are you running?

[@kbutter100]

i own one and run 91 and 94, in bc also, only like 60 to fill up

[@RTMostyn]

because Japan uses a different grading system for octane our Canadian 91 is equivalent to a 95 octane from japan so i always believe 91 is fine. 1 octane ain't gonna cause pre detonation on you.

[@kasungamwimanzi9339]

can a 2003 b4 pass emmisions test if i order from japan to usa?

[@TheZeotrix]

Since it's been a month you probably already have your answer but I don't think you'd be able to legally import that since it's not 15 years of age yet. Youd have to wait until 2018.

[@Kingsoupturbo]

USA is 25yrs old for import in most states

[@TheZeotrix]

Ye Im blind and clearly didn't see half of his comment. :[

[@jaredsmith6109]

Hey what octane do you use?!?

[@Kingsoupturbo]

+Jared Smith 91 on this car and the STi, it did well! but we are at 3600ft in Calgary which slightly lowers the octane requirement

[@kyejustice8482]

@@Kingsoupturbo Here in Australia I own a 2002 model b4 from japan runs close to 300hp stock because it wasn't tuned by the Australian Subaru team to run on our lower grade fuel. Nice to have the extra power but not so nice when it comes to paying for 98 octane fuel...

[@Thenevisian]

good lord im looking all over for that front lip!!!!

[@Kingsoupturbo]

I love it too!

[@Thenevisian]

+Kingsoupturbo just got mine, 2001 B4, RSK. 43,475 kilometers. blue

[@Kingsoupturbo]

+Michael Henville dude awesome!!! mmmm such low k's!

[@Thenevisian]

Kingsoupturbo thanks!!

[@EVZebra]

All the top dragsters run automatic gearboxes, sorry you manual fans, just change the wheels to 15" to increase torque 17/15 = 1.13 thats 13 % more torque de cat it chip it and you done it will eat most things you encounter and certainly will be the best bang for your buck you will ever have.

[@InitialB]

Haha how odd you used to have a legacy too!

[@Kingsoupturbo]

I think we might share good taste!!

[@liamtee69]

RSK models come in manual only

[@GeorgeWPush]

????

[@liamtee69]

???

[@Lolvi6]

Liam Tee no they don't lol

[@Lolvi6]

Liam Tee manual is 280bhp Tiptronic (auto with manual mode) is 265bhp

[@owensharp8568]

@@Lolvi6 Is correct

[@ttowen02271]

87 octane from cananda wouldn't be good on this car right ?

[@Kingsoupturbo]

+hasheem khan There is a lot of debate on it, I think with WRX\Legacy's RHD you want to run 91 octane minimum, I don't know how aggresive the knock sensors are

[@ttowen02271]

Kingsoupturbo thanks

[@RevizedAZN]

+hasheem khan From what I've gathered from the internets, anything with turbos should be run on premium.

[@Kingsoupturbo]

+Jay “SinnersMarket” L Pretty much true, although Direct Injection is changing things these days to run 87 octane and turbos, Ford Ecoboost engines are a good example of that

[@uberleet01]

Mine just got piston slap at 150k

[@Kingsoupturbo]

+jdm evo Brutal!

[@ianlam1445]

jdm evo running 180kw at 288000km took care of it and it will take of you in return

[@mkp1214]

These things are way faster than the WRXs, juts not the stis

[@KKojelis]

stupid gearbox, only 4 gears. manual are better

[@KKojelis]

i know, i had this car. cool superb driving car, but be better with 5 gear autobox. to havy on fuel. VR4 legnum twinturbo litle bit better. Sorry for my bad eanglish