Should you buy a Non Turbo Subaru?

[@oblonghas]

FUN. “It’s more fun to drive a slow car fast than a fast car slow.” maybe I’ll get a turbo someday, but for now I love my n/a Subaru

[@cjones7424]

I had a 2000 Legacy 2.0. owned it at 18 absolutely smashed it being a young kid. Bought at 120ks sold it at 240ks buyer had it inspected independently and it came out with a shining review. I did do all of the maintenance well ahead of the service manual. Look after them and they will be as reliable as you could ask for.

[@CuriousGamer022]

How did u get a 2.0 Japanese car at 18? Guessing ur not from the UK?

[@deanbrooks8839]

I've also had a few impreza's both turbo and NA, I find tho the turbos are obviously more fun I prefer running the NA's as they are a lot less hassle, plus they are a tad lighter on the pocket to run, wish I still had my bugeye GX sport that car was bulletproof! Great videos by the way 👌

[@UnlovedJDM]

Thank you so much! Yeah the NA is definitely way easier to live with i find

[@Eyeluvvyou]

What do you mean bullet proof? I thought 2002 and 2003 was unreliable? Like was it reliable? Did it never break down?

[@deanbrooks8839]

Never broke down once in 4 years, only things I did was keep the serviced and change break pads and tyres

[@davidmwood560]

I've always had a preference for n/a cars. Generally, there's a lot less stress on the components, so the power curve is smoother; and of course, in a n/a car, you're never going to get any "turbo-lag". As you know, I drive a 3litre V6 Lexus; partly for the comfort and total reliability; but also because it's very fast and power is delivered in a noticeable surge, rather than a sudden rush! I've raced all my life too, and my experience has always been that non-turbo cars deliver absolute control at all times. Essential in close competition. Having said all that, I can see that, under power, a turbo car is definitely going to provide excitement in buckets-full. In the end, perhaps it's all about personal choice - and size of wallet!

[@landontrombley248]

Fun or slow? The answer is both, but who cares?

[@UnlovedJDM]

Best comment ive seen today! Agreed!

[@daemontrigger3281]

I agree. Found a cheap 07 NA wagon and I just like the go-kart feel to it. I’m not looking to drag or break the sound barrier. Light dirt road and snow is a blast.

[@Dellors-Civic]

Yeah my 2013 Impreza comes stock with 148 hp (pathetic) I’ve bumped it up to 170 with mods but the Awd and great suspension makes it very fun to drive

[@SaijinVegeta]

​@@Dellors-Civic170! Niice. I'm picking up an 09 hatch in a few days. If u don't mind me asking what mods did u do to get to 170? Was it just the basic headers, extractors n exhaust? Did u get a tune as well?

[@pawelwas6164]

Agreed! Used to have a basic 2008 150hp Impreza. It was fast enough for daily driving, yet the pleasure of driving is pretty much unmatched by any ‚ordinary’ everyday car. Oh, and the synchronized reduction gear… they don’t make such great cars anymore…

[@Infinite_AM]

I have an NA '08 Impreza Outback Sport. It has leather stitched steering wheel, leather shifter (5spd), heated seats and heats mirrors, and the design on the seats are bespoke to that trim. Also the two tone body color is nice in Silver. So I like that it's a unique variant, a little nicer than the 2.5i. Anyone who kicks down on NA Subarus is forgetting that it's still an AWD car w about 200hp.

[@neonnerd1364]

They may not be fast but they're still a blast. I have a 99 legacy 2.5gt and an 08 impreza 2.5i hatchback and I love them both. The legacy is gonna be getting a low boost setup here soon after I refresh the engine.

[@RannyeriRodriguesB]

I've been looking for this video for 2 days now. Finally a good content talking about it!

[@RannyeriRodriguesB]

PS.: I'm from Brazil, so you can be pretty sure I went through all the internet to find this. And the comment at the end, saying that if you need anything you can just send a message? bro, you just got a new sub! Great content, congrats

[@UnlovedJDM]

@@RannyeriRodriguesB Thank you so much!

[@tpetry1303]

Nice tip on the unequal length header. Thanks

[@aldomassa7473]

Outstanding commentary! Just bought an 04 rs impreza, this is a N/T car. Want to make it my daily. Slowly learning about this iconic car…. Thanks.

[@UnlovedJDM]

Happy to help! Thanks for your support

[@raiinger5203]

my 1st car was an impreza wagon with a na motor out of a newer legacy and a 5spd i loved that car even though the bushings and clutch were fried and it was rotting out

[@simonnorcliffe5877]

I had a non turbo for 5 years, absolutely 💯 % brilliant car. I currently own a wrx turbo and again absolutely 💯 %fabulous car. If you look after them they will run for ever 😀

[@Dante1282]

i owned a 1.5r from 2006. It was slow as hell with its 100ps. But it was fun to drive for sure.

[@herniagaming]

I wouldn't call later models slow as such, they're not gonna blow you away with their power but they go ok. What they do best is provided excellent handling on bends and very tight grip, particularly on paved surfaces. If you want to make them more fun, lift them up on Forester struts and take them dirt bashing

[@mkshft_atmsmshr]

I've driven many turbo vs. non-turbo Subarus and love them all, but for my own personal daily I stick with the Crosstrek. Comes in a manual, has nice ground clearance for normal around town driving or even a jaunt up an ATV trail. That said one day I will have a 2009 Forester STI clone for fun!

[@wtb_blackice953]

I have a 2006 Impreza wagon and I love it never had a problem and never going to sell it

[@LockedInWithLovebirds]

Im about to order subie savers rockers for my 06 sport wagon to cut and weld in. I have a spare 07 special edition with a bunch of good swappable parts, especially the black near perfect interior. I love this car.

[@narikira4793]

im in the exact same boat with ya... i have my non turbo hawkeye, a GC8 coupe im doing a 22b kit and sti swap on, and a 300zx that is my other project... cool to see someone else with a similar collection haha

[@ColoradoStreaming]

I have a 2006 2.5i with a 5 speed and its a lot of fun to drive. Its not the fastest car on the road but it pulls through gears really well and the throttle control is excellent.

[@PugGuy306S16]

Currently on my first subaru, 2006 R sport Impreza. I agree fully with the un equal header mod, so worth the work to get that sound. Was half the price of all the turbo models on the market, and has been fairly cheap to run… still has more of a drinking problem than my old car… but thats not why i have it.

[@whoknew9236]

Lesson one a boxer and a Not drinking problem doesnt exist.

[@benmorris7276]

From what I have heard the unequal length header can decrease you're horsepower so while yes you get the rumble it make your car slower again that's just something heard because I wanted to do that mod and my buddy who one on his 11' 2.5 Impreza hatch told me it wasn't worth it because he noticed it did that but me and my friend could both be wrong

[@PugGuy306S16]

@@benmorris7276 from practical experience i have not noticed my car being any slower. The rev range has got more torqe in the middle and maybe a slight dip in top speed, but acceleration is still epic. You can support gains with other mods, tyres, fuel pump, injectors, air intake. Suspension mods. Lock down kits for the subframe.

[@benmorris7276]

@@PugGuy306S16 ok well that is nice to know

[@CneyTMS]

I heard him say that an unequal length header fit I kind of went like "what now"? So to be clear. The unequal length header he's talking about is from a turbo car that he fitted to the NA car. Does that fit straight up the NA mid pipe? Because i have a NA Legacy BP5 2.0R with the 165 HP and am looking in putting in at least a catback exhaust but have been thinking in getting a stainless equal length 4-2-1 header and stainless exhaust system but am getting mixed information into if something from a turbo car fits up to the rest. Some say no, some say yes and some say the flanges are rotated.

[@SteveBlues87]

Had 2 of them, a classic wagon and a blobeye. Stick some STI bits on and you've got the looks, the sound and no stupid insurance premium :)

[@UnlovedJDM]

Couldnt agree more! My first was an NA just because of insurance and i was more than happy with it

[@magnumllama400]

What insurance premium?

[@magnumllama400]

@@UnlovedJDM what's the issue with insurance?

[@UnlovedJDM]

@@magnumllama400 Not sure where your from but in the UK, insurance costs vary a lot depending on the car & the drivers experience So many younger drivers can have a NA but not a afford a Turbo

[@magnumllama400]

@@UnlovedJDM I'm from the UK. How much is the cost difference of insurance and how do I know before buying a car?

[@spencerstainwright-little7314]

I have a hatch 05 blob NA (first car),and its so fun to drive

[@codechrist]

I ❤ my N.A Impreza 🎉 it looks like a wrx and sounds like a sti!!

[@eckzel2761]

280000 kms on my 06 2.0 impreza and loves having sme fun

[@UnlovedJDM]

Wow! thats respectable...keep it serviced and it will keep going!

[@eckzel2761]

@@UnlovedJDM she loves going sideways aswell

[@chezz6730]

Obviously if you want speed the N/A will never be your choice pick. But if you want a car more for offroad adventures or versatility, get an N/A with that high/low transmission and you'll be sweet. All depends on what you want it for and where you wanna take it. I had a 2.5 turbo forester which was a speed weapon, but now I have a 2.0 NA impreza wagon that I'm getting set up for adventures with the misso so we can go exploring and hit some better hidden away surf spots.

[@jerry250ify]

I recently bought a 2006 2.0 RS non turbo with 160 hp and honestly its fast enough and especially for B roads. Also yeah the 7.0l consumption when dailying it did factor into it. I love it all the same

[@Sero12245]

I'm actually happy with my 2.5i impreza. The slushbox isn't horrible, and it handles great even without the rear swaybar. Once the head gaskets go though, idk what ej to swap in if I plan to keep it N/A and auto while making a little more power for street use

[@keesie75]

The 1.6's are way too slow. 2 liters are allright, but the 2.5 with some basic mods are really fun and pretty quick for an NA. Swapping in a 2.5 is also pretty easy (at least in the older cars), will run on the original wireloom and ecu.

[@woogie2027]

what basic mods? for NA as well

[@keesie75]

@@woogie2027 Like intake, exhaust and lightweight flywheel. I got a few video's of my Legacy with this on my account.

[@matrix.45]

Thinking of buying a impreza or legacy n/a, is the EJ204 reliable? They are quite rare in Finland

[@keesie75]

@@matrix.45 All the 2 liters are very reliable

[@matrix.45]

@@keesie75 ok maybe then you know how much can you drive with timing belt in km or years?

[@_Nickiii_]

Bought an N/A 06, the muffler fell off of it and it kinda has the subie rumble and crackles when I downshift now but I think the headers and some minor bolt ons like an intake would make it sound much better. Although, I am considering not modifying the engine as it sits now because it's simply got too many miles on it. 222k miles is a bit high for me to feel comfortable modding the power in it. May swap it to a stage 1 or 2 engine built from the ground up after I get the body, suspension and other cosmetics fixed. Fun little car, it may be slow but it keeps up with regular traffic just fine, just dont try to race anyone, including regular traffic, you'll be embarrassed lol

[@mista_ruby]

My NA 2006 2.5i wagon was fun then it wasn't, it's hit or miss imo

[@grimreapersbrotherdave2392]

my 05 is a blast

[@lyimoej7198]

Non turbos are reliable.

[@rommieowino1002]

I own two Subaru foresters and what I can say is that in whatever you do always have a turbo subaru

[@xenonproductions1990]

This video has been very helpful as i wanted to know more about what im getting with a NA impreza and u basicly anssered them all thx a bunch

[@UnlovedJDM]

Youre welcome, in another of our videos we did the engine swap, that might help you too...

[@xenonproductions1990]

@@UnlovedJDM hey just got my first impreza :D

[@Paulfromwish]

Depends how they are done, if you showed me a car in full livery like that and then pop the hood and its NA like bruh If it’s all original then fine But wrx and Stis are still obtainable

[@Capulíns]

My dream is to buy a 2017 WRX STi and also get a Impreza and to customize both 💙🔥

[@UnlovedJDM]

Thats how my dreams always were, dont stop until you get them! :)

[@ddrummer1071]

Thanks for the content. I"m new to the subaru screen. Just got an 07 impreza. Any simple upgrade tips would be great. Thanks again. #subcribed

[@dirty9358]

Its not fun or slow, its fun AND slow

[@calom4823]

My legacy 2.5 na is a realy great daily .

[@aspenGF8]

N/A subarus are fun in anything but a straight line but whi wants to take one in a straight line anyway?

[@danielmacias2134]

I have a 2.5 rs and I’m in love w it. If she ain’t ‘fast’ I don’t need a fast car then that mf hit 120 mph w NO problem

[@levistoner]

Depends, do you want to wrench on the NA to stuff a turbo in it or get one that has a turbo already and swap it out? 😂

[@kujo-x1248]

God bless everyone have a great day be safe

[@syedgilani7108]

Hang on mate. How did the NA develop a knock? The whole point of going NA in subaru is to avoid any possible knock. Are EJ series just shit engines in general? FA series of engines must be much better since it was partly made by Toyota.

[@UnlovedJDM]

Honestly i don't know, i think it all comes down to maintenance though

[@riggerrogger101]

All comes down to the owner with an NA, general maintenance and oil changes (and checking oil level every now and then) will make them last a long time. Just some people dont bother and rag them about everyday then say subarus are unreliable when they go bang

[@matthewcunanan2092]

Less parts too worry about 😊

[@quacduc]

its more like blown up vs slow

[@torekongsparten]

VERY fun on snow and ice, U actually often don´need 2000 Hp/ HK on snow as jerks tell U 🤣( 115 is enough) ! Fun on twisty roads alwys( if the engine is 2,0 litre or more. Very fun on gravel, dusty and realy wet roads in general. @BUY@BUY@BUY🤣 TK🇳🇴

[@cogelcole718]

How to switch out the wire loom

[@Capicua718]

Hey, i convinced my mother to buy a forester 2009 2.5 non turbo, and noticed that it has better respond when accelerate than my 2008 2.5i non turbo. Both are j25 Why is that?

[@christainhibberd5318]

None turbo Subarus are not fast by any means but they can be fun

[@paulwhite14]

I've recently bought a 2003 NA wagon. Enjoying the balance and handling. Cruising and power at 80-90mph good too. Getting off the line isn't fast, the gear change is slow - you mentioned short shifter? And mine is only 128bhp, later model had 156bhp - anyway this increase can be achieved?

[@UnlovedJDM]

Short shifter is something that would serve no benefit to be honest, it would only cause more wear on the gearbox

[@BrandonOrcutt-w5n]

My 03 N/A outback sport has unequal length headers...which cars had equal length?

[@UnlovedJDM]

All of the UK NA's ive had were fitted with equal length from the factory

[@findyourinnertube124]

My concern is reliability. Do you think the turbos are problematic?

[@UnlovedJDM]

Not actually problematic, but take a little more maintaince to keep in good shape

[@AllDayBlazer89]

Spec b goes hard but thats a 6 cyclinder!

[@beefyjoe]

As a non turbo Subaru owner, I would say no. It's just so sluggish.

[@BloomingBunch-]

Hi mate, question for you...I have a classic shape impreza 2.0 n/a. What UEL would you recommend that bolts on and can keep the rest of the pipework or does that not exist...? Thanks 😅

[@UnlovedJDM]

Check Ebay, there are some listed on there by a couple of companies. I know Borla did one some time ago but not certain if they are still available or not... Hope this helps!

[@BloomingBunch-]

Thanks, I've been scouring the bay and every other website but coming up short. I'll keep looking. Haven't actually checked borland yet, I'll take a look. Cheers

[@toxicshanex1015]

I love my na gc8 lol

[@exkilledu8370]

Are they worth modifying for grip? Mods such as suspension, wide tires, and short throw shifter or is a wrx just that much better that I should just put my money into a wrx not my Impreza

[@UnlovedJDM]

The chassis on the WRX and the NA are almost the same, slightly different Shocks & Springs from the factory but they are definitely worth grip mods. One of mine is an NA (Soon to be turbo converted) from only changing the shocks & Springs plus fitting wider tyres, it handles really well so i do recommend it!

[@LabiaLicker]

@@UnlovedJDM Aren't the control arms more solid on WRX/STI aswell?

[@UnlovedJDM]

@@LabiaLicker Yeah, my understanding is that on an NA, they are steel from lower arms, on a WRX etc they are alloy

[@xenonproductions1990]

what was involved in swapping the equal length to a UEL manifold?

[@UnlovedJDM]

Its an easy straight swap, just need new gaskets

[@deka.mp3]

Any reccomended modifications to make on the NA, and could someone re-explain that front exhaust manifold sound part?

[@UnlovedJDM]

The unequal length manifold is a direct fit for the NA, that gives it the iconic Subaru sound

[@Wescarter_80]

Hi I have a 2006 Hawkeye none turbo I bought the car with no manifold I’m just wondering what they should look like can’t seem to find anything for the none turbo thanks

[@UnlovedJDM]

Drop me a DM on Insta or Facebook

[@southsideEdG]

I know this is an old video but is it ok for the non turbo Impreza to have the hood with the scoop on it? Are there any issues with debris or rain/ water getting in engine? I have an 07 Impreza non turbo that I’m going to paint and would like to replace the hood.

[@UnlovedJDM]

Hey, Yeah weve seen and done plenty of them with no issues

[@simonnorcliffe5877]

Brilliant 👏 video 📹, very interesting 👍

[@UnlovedJDM]

Thank you

[@asadgamerdude]

Any recommendations for an intake on a 02 subaru impreza 2.5rs

[@UnlovedJDM]

The factory one with a good filter is the best, a lot less heat soak!

[@fubartotale3389]

Sure, as long as it's the six. RIP 3.6R

[@jaybarkham7953]

Hiya loving the videos, I wonder if you can help us me and my son have just took ownership of our first subaru impreza but unfortunately its a non turbo I have been lead to believe that we can get the fabulous subaru rumble, could you point me in the right direction please of what manifold we need . Unfortunately my son is autistic and this is one of he's favourite car I think I let my head rule my heart on this one although it been made to look like a turbo car it's not been done too a good standard and thing's are starting to come away I would be grateful of any help you would be able to offer me thank you for your time all the best ,jay.

[@UnlovedJDM]

Hi Jay, check out the videos of my silver 05 one, thats now been turbo swapped and was a plain NA when i first bought it. The sound is pretty easy to achieve, all you need is some UEL (Unequal Length Headers) which are usually available online, relatively easy to fit but i always buy a set of new genuine Subaru gaskets to avoid exhaust leaks Hope this helps!

[@deivisvlogs4333]

Earned a sub!! I’m thinking of getting an Subaru 1.6 XI 4dr sedan, what does XI mean? And are all Subarus awd?

[@UnlovedJDM]

Thank you and welcome! Not all of them are AWD, some are actually FWD. Im not actually sure what the XI stands for but i think maybe its just a trim level. For example mine is a Gx

[@tjwin1481]

Love my na just want to get a little bit more power out of it what could I do?? Would a tune do anything?

[@UnlovedJDM]

Honestly, no. A few people have spent strong money to get very little gains over the years. Unfortunately its just not that kinda engine

[@jchalmers28jc]

Hey new sub here what are they aftermarket lights like on blobeye any good.I was going to replace my morretts on mine and seen them on eBay thanks

[@UnlovedJDM]

Honestly never had any, always preferred the factory lights...

[@MrSniperwolf110]

I had an 02 2.5rs and an 02 wrx it’s not much difference speed wise honestly

[@Perry841]

I'm currently looking into getting a Subaru for the first time it's a 1.5 for insurance as a young driver. Are there anyways of getting a little more out of it or shall I leave it be? Thank you

[@UnlovedJDM]

There are ways but it really isnt worth it for the cost. My advice would be to enjoy what you have and at a later date, maybe engine swap it

[@egorkalennik9822]

You said the uel headers bolt right on, i have a 1.6l awd blobeye which headers would go onto that? I know theres a difference in the 1 and 2 port heads but would the other side bolt right up?

[@UnlovedJDM]

I think they maybe the same. All the heads are 2 port as they are all 4 cylinder so should be about the same as the 2.0

[@lIlIToxicitYlIlI]

I did

[@joshuabenitez3260]

I know this video is old. I have a '10 2.5i hatch. Everything is stock. I want to try to get a lil more power out of it or at least make it lighter. I've been looking everywhere, but it appears tuning options are limited. What type of mods would you recommend to improve 0-60?

[@UnlovedJDM]

If im honest, it really isnt worth it. You would be spending so much money to gain 10HP. Ive now done a turbo conversion in one of my other videos & its so much better to chase power...Sorry this isnt the answer you were looking for but its the truth

[@randombritishbloke4600]

Hey, a bit late to this one, but is there much chance of something blowing up if you ebay turbo an NA '05 WRX?

[@UnlovedJDM]

Hey, technically yes. The NA engine is a higher compression ratio than a turbo engine. Its possible and will work but who knows how long for..

[@bcyr-CO]

Which engine are you trying to work with? Many of the NA’s are good up to about 5-7psi of boost. Wouldn’t really recommend an eBay kit though, your best bet would be to find wrx parts and bolt those on. If you keep it at 5psi or less you could possibly get away without a tune too.

[@kujo-x1248]

God loves you

[@DudesatRC]

Hi I have a non turbo legacy -98 ej20e, can I swap with a non turbo impreza from -02 (ej20 to) without change any harness?

[@UnlovedJDM]

How come your swapping it? I think there will be some differences in the loom so it would probably need to be the whole thing

[@DudesatRC]

@@UnlovedJDM its leaking oil and I want ta add power and newer engine.

[@UnlovedJDM]

@@DudesatRC There wont be a much to gain from power as they are also a twin cam engine, my advice would be to fix the oil leak but if your staying NA then power is expensive

[@DudesatRC]

@@UnlovedJDM but would it fit ? Like plug and play? I just want to make it newer, a bonus if its little more power

[@UnlovedJDM]

@@DudesatRC I think it would be a lot more work than plug and play

[@L.C.A.car_adventure_channel]

Bin also daily driving a non turbo Legacy. And it's really fun. Regarding the Question is as following. I been also searching for the non equal exhaust manifold, but the are harder to find for a normal price in Europe. I found a new aftermarket one in Austria but for 280€ and afcourse no used one anywhere. Where could I get one for a better price? Any advice would be helpful.

[@UnlovedJDM]

Ebay is the easiest, i think they were made by Toyo Sport & Borla at different times. Make sure to search for your engine though, as the chassis option might limit your search, anything listed for the impreza should suit the legacy too...Hope this helps!

[@L.C.A.car_adventure_channel]

@@UnlovedJDM Yes it helps, thanks.

[@Drake-ef1mg]

Did you lose any HP when converting to UEL headers?

[@UnlovedJDM]

I dont believe so but i dont have actual figures to say either way

[@LabiaLicker]

You absolutely do. UEL headers have worse exhaust scavenging, but the power decrease would be negligible.

[@thesilentgametestr]

People change them for the sound. It will still have the same drawbacks to which people with wrx/sti will likely change them for to improve performance. Its a standard restricted oem part just better than lesser models

[@matthewcunanan2092]

Slowbaru 😎

[@romashakhbazov1142]

Does WRX uel fits an ej15?

[@UnlovedJDM]

Its not a WRX UEL its an aftermarket one, i think they do make them for the EJ15. Google might help you

[@romaiossachpazidis6902]

@@UnlovedJDM will do thank you :)

[@carfraind1198]

Are they rialeble

[@UnlovedJDM]

The NA is actually really reliable, it makes a good daily driver i find

[@michaelgodliman436]

Has anyone supercharged one ?

[@bcyr-CO]

RaptorSC (company from Australia) makes centrifugal kits for a variety of NA Subarus.

[@WickedCrispy]

After being stuck in one for a good 5 or 6 years, no. They're garbage. Subaru goes out of their way to make sure you can't even bolt on stuff to make them better without blowing the engine. No power at all. Getting started at a green light after a stop is excruciating. You get all the issues with a boxer engine and none of the benefits, aka blown headgaskets.

[@michaelwozniak2337]

Uel on non turbos sucks power out and adds delay just FYI everyone

[@UnlovedJDM]

If you buy a Non Turbo and worry about power, then you bought the wrong car. You cant chase power in an NA without spending huge money. For us and most people its about the passion & the soundtrack

[@michaelwozniak2337]

I reckon a straight pipe gives just enough tone without sacrificing any already lacking power.

[@keesie75]

You wont notice any power loss.

[@Cstil18]

Slow, boring, & not worth it trust me you will end up trying to modify it looking like a ricer

[@k9-unit-australia275]

Non turbo Subaru Impreza is about as exciting as watching paint dry.

[@aspenGF8]

N/A subarus are fun in anything but a straight line but whi wants to take one in a straight line anyway?