I have created the world's first Outback GT by replacing the stock, raised suspension and
oversized 70 series tires with GT specification aftermarket stuff.

The project was still in the planning stages when an surprise accident in the snow resulted in the damage below. Yes, power induced oversteer!

This transformed the desire for a higher performance suspension into an urgent necessity. As no performance suspension components are available specifically for the Outback I decided to convert the suspension to GT specification.

The damage seemed limited to the rear hub and possibly a strut. There was evidence to suggest that the rear crossmember may have shifted over a little too but nothing conclusive.

Because of the lack of clearance between the struts and tires I assumed it would be necessary to change the wheels and tires to GT diameter also. I later proved myself correct. The rear Outback tires rub on the GT spring perches but the front ones clear. This is because the spring perches are higher on the Outback to achieve the higher ride height. This and the larger tires are the only height related difference I have found between the two cars although their is a rather thick spacer between the front and rear crossmembers and the body but I have not ascertained whether it is different on the GT. This only lowers the lower suspension pick up points and does not effect ride height. I think they are there to allow for the change in camber when they raised the Outback so leaving them in should give increased camber in the lowered position. Indeed, it seemed to do just that..

You can see the diference in spring perch in the photo below.

Wheels:

Team Loco 143, 16" x 7" with 49mm offset, finished in anthracite with silver rims.

Tires:

Khumo ECSTA Supra, 205/55 x 16" Z rated.

Struts:

KYB GR2 non adjustable.

Installation

Installation was very straight forward but did need spring compressors and a puller to get the hub off. The front springs were very tight with few coils to grasp so I had to really crank them down before they came loose. I replaced the right rear hub that seemed deformed after the accident. The right rear strut, which looked bent on the car, appeared to be straight when viewed off the car. I could not get the crossmember to slide back over. It wants to remain where it is. I don't know if it moved during the accident as I only have it's distance from the brake pipe loop to use as a reference and that may not be accurate. I decided to wait till I had all straight components on the car and check the camber angles.

The end result

Ride heights (floor to wheel arch,):

18mm higher than standard GT both ends.
45mm lower than standard OB both ends.

205/70x15 overall diameter = 668mm
205/55x16 overall diameter = 632mm
36mm difference in dia, 18mm in ride height.

Using KYB GR2 struts intended for the Outback GT.

Strut lengths, top of hub bracket to bottom of spring perch:

Conclusion

The car performs much better now. Much lower center of gravity has resulted in much less lean. It is not obviously lower as I still have a not insignificant fender gap. I love the way the car looks; even more purposeful than before. The springs feel firm too. They may be stiffer than standard GT but I don't know. The modifications resulted in increased negative camber front and rear. I now have about -1 degree which I think is perfect. The Khumo tires are amazing. I no longer need antilock brakes as I have antilock tires! I have so much grip that I can't even tell if the car understeers or oversteers Maybe when it rains I will get chance to find out. The steering still feels a little vague and I would like to do something about that though it is better than before. I still don't feel the car is as responsive as it could be. Stiffer anti-roll bars and bushings should help.

Coilover Kit (Aprill 2002)