Twin-Turbo Subaru Legacy: How JDM Can You Go? -- /TUNED

Dave Brown likes to do things differently. So, rather than build an R-STi like everyone else, he spent over two years at his shop Fast of Westchester turning his 1998 Subaru Legacy into a perfect JDM Tuner Car, right down to the rare Twin-Turbo engine. This is how subtlety should be done.

[@RegularCars]

Delightful!

[@zoomzabba452]

I'm sorry, but you are better than this.

[@railfanatic1416]

I'm glad that I've found you here. Now, review a legacy wagon!

[@akwillaninju8681]

Submissive

[@DownShiftRecords]

The world could use more builds like this

[@SamCyanide]

DownShiftRecords Building a Legacy GT this summer... 1999. The original motor has 170k on it and the head gaskets are on their way out, but after a repair on those we should keep it going until we can find something with lower miles... possibly a TT :)

[@DownShiftRecords]

***** Nice! For about a year now I've been daydreaming about a 1996 Legacy 2.0 GT B-Spec (img.favcars.com/subaru/legacy/subaru_legacy_1996_images_1.jpg) Something about that car just calls out to me. Good luck with the build!

[@SuperWesty177]

+DownShiftRecords Im currently building a single convered legacy RS B spec, using a closed deck ej20k :)

[@taylordunker4376]

6 years later.. I'm building a 1999 GT this summer ;)

[@warutait8346]

I'm atlest at a starting point bro

[@sanpt7777]

This guy is super tasteful, that's everything that is right about JDM, not fart cans

[@bwavert]

You can't fart can a subaru, unless you're running equal length headers.

[@sanpt7777]

Alex Bwavert Thanks for the lesson, but I know.

[@bwavert]

sanpt7777 Nevertheless, I agree with your comment.

[@killobot2388]

yeah

[@AMMO-NYC]

Woohooo...I made it into (albeit my voice) a Tuned episode! Great stuff guys, good seeing everyone. -Larry

[@TheSmokingTire]

your 911 is in one shot too.

[@larrykosilla5734]

Ah sweet!

[@geekzsti]

Just found and subbed to you a couple hours ago. Lol

The stance on this one is really weird. Not on the car - On the driver, I mean.

[@garrettsmith8286]

I think he's a Zombie......lol

[@19thcenturypatient73]

lol reminds me of - talladega nights - what do i do with my hands?

[@96Caleb96]

Driver doesnt know shit

[@tp7886]

Gives me nostalgia for when I was stationed in Japan. Damn I miss that place. My best friend drove a 97 Legacy Spec-B (The twin turbo that's in this car) and I had my 97 WRX sedan. We had a great time cruising around and "getting accustomed" to local drivers.

[@nbeales]

It's RHD because the (stock placement) Twin Turbo Setup for the BD Legacy won't clear the Brake master cylinder/booster and the steering column. And when you buy a "front clip" from Japan you get it the way it comes all the back to the firewall. Great execution Dave!

[@TheOsghn]

Come to New Zealand we have Subarus everywhere, Modified legacys sedan/wagons, Foresters everywhere you look :P

[@soul516]

This is a very cool car. I'm not all that into JDM vehicles, but there sure is something about them that I can't really put my finger on... My friend owns an STI tuned '99 Legacy GT-B station wagon, with all the Pioneer Carrozzeria stereo, tv, gps thingies you could get back in the late nineties. None of it is useable where we live, for example the GPS thinks we're out sailing on the Pacific whenever it tries to track the cars location, but it's damn cool to just have all the JDM stuff in the car. The car is kind of like a living room with 300 hp and AWD.

[@KarlowBOI]

haha yeah those kind of cars are fun! chill as fuk and yet got power

[@jacob3066]

This is literally the biggest jdm sleeper of all time

[@digits8490]

Legit its criminally underrated, nobody talks about it maybe thatll change as its becoming the only jdm car thats bloody affordable

[@DS-qp1om]

How does that guy stand so still?

[@Andrei-xi5tu]

+David Schaaf Not everybody is comfortable in front of a camera

[@Evodocturine29]

David Schaaf Also.... Why is he standing like he has to fart really badly!?

[@bobbobbert7354]

@@Evodocturine29 you answered your own question

[@647killa]

Drop dead gorgeous !! Much respect to Dave Brown. That is the result of hard work and passion. A wonderful episode /Drive. Do more of these.

[@WindmillStalker]

Cool car! Definitely something his own. Good stuff. I like how Tuned and also Big Muscle are showcasing interesting and unique cars instead of just "and this week, another 850bhp maniac machine".

[@SuperChuckles]

That's exactly why I like Tuned and Big Muscle. The cars are almost like rolling one off art pieces.

[@nezerac]

let's keep it real...Farrah probably offered him 1000 bucks over kbb for the car. lol

[@pabst86]

So I have been watching TUNED since day one and I have really started to enjoy the garage builds. Amazing work Dave Brown, I have always wanted a Legacy GT. Keep up the good work DRIVE channel.

[@shoonrobben733]

to all of you saying he is driving on the wrong side of the road…lol he is not actually in japan. he's in the states. looks like southern connecticut

[@romestamotheblue8045]

i actually love this car so much WOW. This is an unbelievable tasteful build.

[@TurboLag23]

The amount Subaru love on Tuned this season is off the charts!!!! I highly approve!!! Haha Matt, when I've finally completed whatever Subaru build I wind up doing within the next couple of years, you're more than welcome to take it for a spin. And I'm right in the LA area, so you won't have to fly all the way over to Japan like you had to for this vid (amirite?!).

[@jpk5150wrx]

Saw this car at an AWD meet in Ocean City, MD this past summer and talked to the owner for a little while. He's a good dude and it's such a complete, one-off, and clean build. It's always cool to see something different for a change. The other shop cars they brought to the meet were all pretty badass as well.

[@breakablecookie]

I finally got to see this car in person today at the Philly Auto Show and I must say, its a shame he didn't sell it to you Matt. It's one hell of a ride!

[@AustinF12]

For anyone wondering why the car would be converted to Right Hand Drive, it is because with the EJ20TT the turbos are in the way of the steering column on a Left Hand Drive model.

[@snobotz]

Ok, did not know that, good info

[@GT5DRAGS]

Hey Matt, if you guys are ever in Vancouver, British Columbia, I'd love it if you guys did an episode on my 1996 Skyline R33! Really loving these Tuned videos on JDM cars!

[@roflcopter645]

Is it a GTR or a GTS-T?

[@gbreezee]

Matt. I watch your show and I always enjoy your perspective on things. I'm an avid fitness nut and regardless of what some people on this comment portion of KZbin say, Your dope bro, and shrug the haters and belly pokers, there all just jealous. Keep killing it.

[@Ps35176]

I’ve got a twin stage Legacy, and I dream of the day when I have the time and money to give mine this much attention and care.

[@youngpunkondope]

Hey man how has the car been for you ? Reliable? What should I look out for I'm looking at buying one here that I already drove and everything but people are scaring me away from it

[@Ps35176]

@@youngpunkondope Mine has been treating me very well. Only faults to look for on these specifically is vacuum line issues that will make the twin stage system not operate. Lots of resources online to help you there. As long as it's not modified, a Subaru can be super reliable.

[@dead91silvia]

Having a Twin Turbo Legacy is a novelty, not for legend or performance. Why do I say this? I own a 96 JDM Legacy GT-B TT. The VoD sucks balls when you are at the track. However, I love driving my JDM Legacy. No one expects it and its just fun. I might not build it the same way, but I have mad respect for it.

[@DOHCEJ22E1]

The engine could have had more power & less lag *think EJ20K*, but Subaru's goal was to make an engine that kept pace with the other rivals at 276bhp (real power was something approaching 300bhp), & make the car more of a cruiser, not a bruiser. That's why it comes with the electronic displays & comforts. It's a touring car. But we both know how that can change. >:D

[@dead91silvia]

Like I said, it's a fun car and I have taken mine on some short road trips and it's much better to drive then any Impreza thats for sure.

[@StuartMurray]

Crazy that these things are rare over there. Here in NZ they are common as mud. In fact most of them have been thrashed into the ground these days. I guess we are pretty lucky here when it comes to JDM stuff, we just get screwed on Euros.

[@christianvigers2697]

Not now hahaha

[@Aearonjer]

Love the sound, great to see the passion he has for the car.

[@xVern]

Love the subaru videos, Im glad im not the only one into these things! These things being leacgy/GC chassis, seems like everyone is into wrs/stis.

[@nova12332]

"let me drive back to my rented japanese estate." drives back to a mansion in the US playing british victory music* lol

[@187187shadow]

Those wheels are sweet!

[@DriftKingBG]

very good episodes so far thanks!

[@stevebarnette]

Great car, awesome video. Thanks, Matt and Tuned!

[@stevegoodwin9067]

I love how you are going down the cult following cars. This is all gravy!! You do need to try some turbo Honda's though. You must have a few begging for some air-time. :-)

[@TheSmokingTire]

Surprisingly no. We'd love to do a sweet Civic if someone submits one.

[@newengland72]

TheSmokingTire WAT? No +800fwhp JDM swap EG hatch offers?

[@AKhellbindeR]

***** heard you like torque steer, oh and wheel spin, oh, and understeer aswell.

[@zloychechen5150]

Anders Kristensen wheelspin is good, but fwd is gay.

[@mrbson]

zloychechen5150 It's not gay, gays would put the power in the rear.

[@TheTechyCanadian]

I feel bad that American's have to wait 25 years before cars can be imported. I can get one of these for under 5k in Canada.

[@cheesmastr5303]

Got mine for 1200, it's a wagon but it's auto

[@brutus1990]

still waiting for an r34 :/

[@Doom253]

got a legacy for 1500

[@rust8infinite]

paid 600 for mine non turbo tho. Still has plenty of life left in it. Just gotta get the nickle and dime crap out of the way. Replace one more ball joint, find another o2 sensor, screw with the wiring for the neutral safety switch.

[@cheesmastr5303]

rust8infinite mines a twin turbo gt-b, 1996 with 85000kms

[@nyckpcole]

Matt Farah, u r a real car enthusiast! *thumbs up* man!

[@luii_r1]

i love the STi but i always wanted a legacy because hardly anyone ever mods them or does anything to them and this guy is living my dream

[@honestyguydoe3083]

NIIICCEEE, using a Hexacopter(six-fan flyer) gimbal-supported camera, This is awesome for videography.

[@blainy-o93]

1:35 You mean the correct side of the car.

[@AustinBabbage]

Saw this car is West Chester, PA today. I knew I have seen it before. Such a meaty stance in person!

[@yovannipille6978]

I'm 17 and my first car was a 1993 Subaru automatic tho, sold it and now I'm saving up for manual one :D

[@rfouR_4]

When I first saw this in my feed I thought it was a MightCarMods video and I was seeing Marty's new car. xD

[@LOLHICRONO]

Same. :D

[@Lethal_Intent]

Cool car and kudos to his work done on it but all this just doesn't seem that amazing but that could be just because here in NZ we have 1000s of them tuned and stock and lots of other "different and rare" Japanese tuned cars.

[@Couperetarded]

LethalCssPlayer trust me, for the US, this is beyond amazing!

[@deevita7459]

Samuel Heiser these cars are dying out in Nz because no one wants to take them out anymore or leave them as project cars and never get around to fixing them up. I have a 2001 forester 185 kilometres. Also have a project car that’s been sitting around for years, a 92 Subaru Legacy RS.

[@wehrwolv]

great episode. Im happy to see something different on drive

[@domakent]

Love Leggies. They're were never weapons but they have always had a place in my heart!!

[@ceddyb11]

Someone please answer this!! How did he use Audi fenders? I wanna know so I can do it to my legacy... I understand the front fender did he cut the rear?

[@neverknowsbest4994]

great episode, wouldnt have been my choice for a platform. but i applaud his originality. while i do agree that all the japanses radio and climate control stuff was a waste.. its not my car so its not my place to say.. dont listen to the d-bags on here hating. he did what he wanted with HIS car, and made it unique. for that alone i respect the build.

[@paseo112]

wicked build. Dedication right there. Most people never see there builds finish

[@ThePaintballa80]

I love this car. It is so subtle and clean. I'm not really a fan of really lowered/cambered subies but it works really well with this legacy.

[@RRH377]

Did the quad-copter shot approaching the castle make anyone else think of the opening of Super Mario 64? No? Just me? Alright then...

[@DJzSith]

ファットセサミストリートの第二のエピソードは素晴らしいです！

[@FastSloW-qt8xf]

I got a 99 gt with 210,000 miles. Been sitting outside in pa for 3 years, parked it because I got a focus st when they came out.. I think it's time to bring it back to life, I hope the years sitting weren't to rough

[@TheAndrewMARGOLIN]

Great Job Dave Brown. Keep up the great work. I'll have to stop by FAST and say hello. Good luck with future builds and Be safe.

[@EnthusiastCulture]

damn Matt you got old lol. But I like these older modded subaru's you have on the show now. Well duh with my name and picture thumbnail but I like the where the show is going with older used cars modded on a budget. I even like that older rx-7 that you had on the show. More features like this!

[@EnthusiastCulture]

and they don't all have to be jdm, some older mustangs and camaro's would also be cool. Real car enthusiast love cars not just one brand or country.

[@limaball]

He's only 31?

[@TheSmokingTire]

I'm only 31, but the stress from KZbin commenters has turned me grey.

[@EnthusiastCulture]

TheSmokingTire lol when I called you old I was refering to the gray hairs not your age. I hope the positive part of my comment relieves some of that stress! 31 Years Young

[@grosshopperr]

thats southern connecticut :D

[@ISensii]

love to hear about this on the TST podcast. Great flim; Matt, Zach, Tom, Thad!

[@easycheddy]

wow this car is drop dead gorgeaus and extremely clean not to mention well built

[@Yourself995]

Eww, hate these subarus. If you live in NZ, you'll understand. You will see hundreds and they are always matte black and thrashed to the days, with their super cheap auto blow-off valves. haha. Thumbs up to the owner for the nice build though

[@2wheels4life123]

i know exactly what you mean christchurch is the worst for them

[@Yourself995]

***** Yeah man. The waikato is pretty bad too

[@ROBtimesTEN]

fully sick soobeee brooo

[@Driftit]

These and Foresters huh. All rooted these days.

[@lol1234536978]

ha im the one that lives in VERMONT. biggest subaru dealership in the world

[@udontseemebutiseeyou]

If you're going to troll us by saying you're in Japan, then don't say you're in the us 2:20

[@TheSmokingTire]

Inconsistency is key, that's what I've learned by watching Fox News.

[@TheSuaveBOSS]

I'm glad I'm seeing another Subaru on TUNED. :D

[@mrbson]

I liked the drone camera work.

[@ratbimmer810]

the wagons are way better looking

[@ReticentIndignation]

This.

[@mschiavoni]

ReticentIndignation i have a wagon. i want this build in my car. except i want a custom LHD so nobody would know (would have to custom fab a turbo manifold)

[@DWinzZz]

saying loved my wagon

[@jonathanpbrown7717]

agreed. though im biased to my 01 L wagon.

[@thatlegacybd5267]

They are both good looking, that’s just your opinion 👍🏽

[@1plateclub]

Wow driving on the right side of the road in Japan? Do savage. And I'm really interested in that ford f150 I saw in the background, who imported it into Japan?

[@1plateclub]

It's a sarcastic joke if you couldn't tell...

[@HNRichard]

they usually import USDM cars in japan by local importers, like in the US they have a big amount of following on big american cars

[@stevenwillard1980]

They didnt say they were in Japan..? Haha.

[@junklifegames]

Steven Willard yes they did?

[@UpNyoCheeks]

He did

[@tough5hit]

man what a beautiful legacy. Love these

[@InitialB]

Sometimes, although not often . I wish I had the saloon. Looks so cool. Nice video

[@alextothehbro]

Only thing I don't like about the car is the lack of a front grille. I know the car needs to breathe but put some mesh in there at least.

[@banddude121]

Would love to see a rotary engine! Maybe get in contact with Rob Dahm? He has a 3 rotor RX7.

[@cgravity123]

that thing is always broken lol

[@banddude121]

Shhhh. They don't need to know that ;)

[@dchingy]

You made an offer! That speak volume of the build!

[@nikolidavis1813]

That twin turbo sounds beautiful.

[@dmitrit.4862]

If he's in japan like he said...why is he driving on the right side of the track? LOL

[@darek4488]

Coz it's fake :)

[@Xmoto16]

darek4488 he didnt get the joke

[@dmitrit.4862]

He couldn't afford to go to Japan - that's so sad (not!)

[@CostaneFTW1]

This car is for sale in ontario canada right now for 11gs.

[@cobyboeder9879]

+CostaneFTW1 bargin

[@johntaeb99]

+CostaneFTW1 Lol wtf they're like 2k - 4k here haha, they're everywhere too

[@CostaneFTW1]

+Tae Brett where is that? remember. we drive lhd

[@johntaeb99]

CostaneFTW1 Oh yeah that's right, oh new zealand, legacys are one of the most common cars, dirt cheap too, and a fuck load of different models

[@cjones7424]

+Tae Brett Yeah this model is called a Legacy RS-B in New Zealand followed by the RS-K (from I think 1999?) both are a dime a dozen but the nice ones still really stand out. Also, when some idiot wraps his around a power pole or bends a chassis rail they sell off the parts so there are a fair amount available if you ask / look around and are patient. Friend of mine had a TT 1997 RS-B was great fun hadn't had any work to internals at all and the thing flew. Munched Imprezas, BMWs and of course Hondas all the time.

[@cxbra]

I admire this car so much more for what its NOT! Its not trying to be an STi, but its own breed of tuner. Looks like a great street cruiser!

[@poornanunsanmukhiya8130]

Good video . I love the way the car is !! Great Job

[@CommonPerson0]

I want one so bad, looks like a skyline r32 how I see it.

[@TTimpreza]

+King Thao only faster!

[@kabob21]

+Will Gruber Haha, no. Bone stock an R32 GT-R makes more than 300 hp, never mind with some tuning and mods. They're underrated from the factory.

[@TTimpreza]

The EJ20R in the GTB Legacy actually makes over 320AWHP to the ground the Gentelmans rule Applies to all cars in Japan no car can make over "276HP" for street use "276HP" is not the actual HP figure. My EJ20R in my impreza is putting down 317AWHP

[@Rome1017Lights]

+Will Gruber lol no they don't. calling bullshit until I see proof. the 20r shares many of the same parts as many other subaru 2l. most dyno at well below 265 stock

[@TTimpreza]

Ej20r is same as K but with an extra turbo but it is over the 276hp gentle mans rule

[@przybylason]

ugh... his posture

[@2011wrxswp]

Awesome, great episodes so far

[@gabrieliannozzi7935]

The flying cam added a real nice choreographic effect

[@MadrigalMotors]

Can you guys please do something about the tuned Wankel/Rotary engines? :(

[@AJd1996]

TheSmokingTire 2 things. I love the fact that you know that quote from princes bride. 2nd item, i just saw on craigslist that the zero F*cks given rx 7 is for sale. if you buy any car buy that!!

[@TheSmokingTire]

The only reason the RX7 is worth anything to anyone is because of our video, that's enough of a bump, I don't need that deathtrap in my garage :)

[@iRacer3]

very cool car... love the guys posture

[@carstuff4260]

This video makes me so happy

[@zhemin]

Yes the American's need to get into the Right side of the car ;'D

[@Lightspeed-eo6nw]

What's the weight on this beauty? I have a GD STi, and they look almost identical in overall size, but I'm guessing this Leg might be even lighter than a GD chassis. You could do this with LHD, and a USDM based swap, and get it done with a lot less headaches. I still give this guy a nod for going through the enormous hassle. You and Harris rock.

[@TheSmokingTire]

2800 lbs :)

[@Lightspeed-eo6nw]

Way lighter!

[@daviddelacruz3196]

haha bro i saw a newer legacy and was like haaa wanna be wrx and just typed turbo legacy to see whats up and maaan this car is a damn beauty👌keep it up man👍

[@L3g4cyTT]

Awesome car! I never thought I'd see a twin turbo Legacy on tuned

[@scratchacat]

made an offer on the car llooool

[@s0m3cunt91]

These things are all over the place here in New Zealand. If you sourced your parts from here, you would have them all within a day. This car would only be worth around 3k here, in this condition. Research what I'm saying!

[@Hybrid330i]

Agreed, Kind of weird watching a video of a car that is pretty much bottom of the barrel car over here. But understand other countries dont get this sort of stuff.

[@anotae]

I had a SW 1997 GTB JDM what a car. Now I am driving a SW GT30 2003 JDM and I loved. Legacy is my choice Legacy is my car LEGACY is my passion.

[@biggreensparkle]

Enjoyed this Matt! Thanks dude

[@krocialblack]

Unless you've gotten your hands on a Nissan Skyline R32,3 or 4, there's really no point in getting a RHD Japanese car. It's just pointless. There's no need to go *that* JDM. Cool car, but RHD is going a little overboard. I'd still rather get a first gen Impreza, and do a STi swap on that though.

[@phenomenalpnut]

getting rhd cars in canada is so easy so for anybody from here its kinda normal seeing mad jdm cars but are import laws are wayyyy more lax than the usa

[@aznboi892]

While I agree that getting a RHD car is probably more worth it for a legendary JDM car, I think it's great that this guy spent so much effort making his Legacy HIS Legacy. It makes it unique and lets you feel like you are driving in Japan for a moment. I like it. The car tasteful and pleasing to everyone else's eyes while also making him feel good. That's all that matters.

[@JonathanPalenik]

r33 skyline for sale in my relative area and i want

[@MerpSquirrel]

From what I understand to do the Twin Turbo JDM legacy motor you need to do RHD to fit the turbo plumbing. This might have been done out of necessity.

[@keithpetro]

You're missing A LOT of good Japanese exclusives there.

[@CaldeAilis]

Well Matt you better actually go to Japan and see what's going on with Japanese tuners.

[@TheSmokingTire]

I'd love to. We just need more money.

[@BallentineChen]

That exotic eastern melody in the opening was ridiculous.

[@jimcross8333]

I saw this at the Philadelphia Autoshow in the dub section. Still my favorite car.

[@TheCriminal3k]

I remember seeing this there too!!!

[@XBlockAcah]

He said that they were in Japan but he drove on the wrong side of the road and the house look like something in England... Where are they?

[@thecanucklehead3034]

0:25 "...which at this time of year, really seems to resemble southern Connecticut"

[@paxgermania4506]

Connecticut

[@Skwisgar2322]

needs JDM trunklid.

[@nicka69]

After all the times going to I've never seen Dave's legacy lol. Nice car

[@Speednote10]

That house made me forget about cars all together.. Quite nice!

[@billbevan6104]

First time ive heard an american rubbish LS swaps thank god

[@roddydykes7053]

Yes, and from Matt Farrah no less

[@sanpt7777]

Not to be pedantic, but if they are sequential then they are not twin turbos. Twin turbos = two turbos of same size doing same work

[@kabob21]

+sanpt7777 Twin turbos just means two turbos, guy. The Supra, RX-7, etc., are all considered twin-turbo vehicles. Not only are you being pedantic, you're just plain wrong.

[@sanpt7777]

Just because marketing has raped both terms to the point where they are used interchangeably doesn't mean you are right. But hey, you are the engineer here

[@YouArentSlick]

Maybe they're fraternal.

[@sanpt7777]

Or best friends

[@sanpt7777]

No, I don't want to talk about marketing because this shit is what comes up from that. That's why you believe a twin turbo can work sequentially. Twin turbos are always parallel, identical turbos that make the same work. Half the engine moves a turbo, the other half moves the other. Please don't school me on inline sixes. The principle is the same, even if they can share a manifold. Two turbos work in parallel. Why not just call it BiTurbo or dual scroll? My brother has a BMW and he thinks his 4 cylinder is a biturbo thanks to the marketing bullshit for the twin scroll turbine. Say what you want, kabob21 is wrong, so is Matt.

[@dwightjr1246]

His shop its absolutely nuts its like a day spa

[@Troycifer32]

Love the reference to the movie the Princess Bride during the credits. Thanks for showing a 98 Legacy GT. I have a 98 GT wagon and yes it is still very very hard to find after market parts for these. Luckily Subarus are very swapable. Thinking a 2.0 turbo diesel for mine in the future.