Intro
The Subaru Legacy RS emerged in 1989 as a stealth performance sedan that revolutionized the concept of practical motorsport machines. Developed as Subaru’s first proper rally-bred production car before the Impreza WRX, it established the foundation for Subaru’s legendary all-wheel-drive performance heritage.
In JDM culture, the Legacy RS holds an esteemed position as the “gentleman’s Subaru” – offering sophisticated styling with the same turbocharged boxer engine and AWD prowess that would later define the brand. While overshadowed by its Impreza sibling in mainstream recognition, enthusiasts revere the Legacy RS for its rarity, subtlety, and status as the spiritual ancestor to all modern Subaru performance cars.
This particular build represents the increasingly rare preservation of an authentic piece of Japanese motorsport history. As factory examples become scarcer, this Legacy RS showcases how thoughtful modifications can enhance the vehicle’s inherent capabilities while honoring its rally-bred DNA and distinctive character in the modern performance landscape.
Builder Profile
A third-generation Japanese-American based in Portland, Oregon, Kenji Takahashi has been modifying Subarus for over 15 years. After earning his mechanical engineering degree from Oregon Tech, he spent five years working at a Subaru dealership before establishing “Mountain Road Performance,” his boutique rally-focused tuning shop.
Takahashi’s philosophy centers on balanced, rally-inspired builds that maintain reliability while greatly boosting performance. His Legacy RS preserves the original character of the car while incorporating modern upgrades and select JDM components sourced during his annual trips to Japan.
Well-respected in the Pacific Northwest rally scene, Takahashi competes in regional rallycross events and organizes the annual “Cascadia Dirt Tour,” bringing together Subaru enthusiasts from across the region. His builds have been featured in Import Tuner and are renowned for their meticulous attention to detail and functional performance modifications rather than simply chasing dyno numbers.
Why We Love It
The Legacy RS exists at a compelling intersection of motorsport pedigree and practical restraint. While its Group A homologation competitors embraced theatrical aero treatments and bulging fenders, Subaru’s approach was decidedly subtle—a sleeper draped in three-box sedan architecture that concealed its rally-bred underpinnings.
What captivates enthusiasts is the RS’s mechanical honesty. The EJ20G turbocharged flat-four delivers power with that characteristic Subaru asymmetry—thrust arrives with a distinctive horizontally-opposed pulse that pulls harder as boost builds past 3,500rpm. Its modest 220PS output belies the car’s real appeal: the way it deploys that power through Subaru’s early full-time AWD system, which lacks the electronic intervention of later models, creating a more mechanical, involved driving experience.
The hydraulic steering communicates with remarkable clarity, weighted perfectly for those flowing rally-stage-inspired backroads. There’s a directness to the RS’s handling that later generations of turbo AWD machinery have polished away in pursuit of refinement.
Perhaps most compelling is how the Legacy RS represents Subaru’s formative competition DNA—before the Impreza’s dominance rewrote the narrative. In its motorsport context, it was the canvas upon which Subaru’s WRC legend began, with drivers like Colin McRae and Ari Vatanen extracting remarkable performances from what was, fundamentally, an unassuming family sedan.
As period-correct JDM treasures become increasingly sought-after, the Legacy RS remains somewhat underappreciated—a connoisseur’s choice that rewards those who understand its historical significance and engineering integrity.
Mods
Engine & Drivetrain
- HKS 2.2L stroker kit
- Trust T518Z turbocharger upgrade
- ARC front-mount intercooler
- Tomei Expreme titanium exhaust manifold
- HKS Hi-Power exhaust system
- STI 6-speed transmission swap
- Exedy Hyper Single clutch kit
- Cusco limited-slip differential
- Samco silicone hose kit
- Koyo aluminum radiator
Suspension & Brakes
- TEIN Super Racing coilovers
- Cusco front and rear strut tower bars
- Whiteline anti-roll bars and bushings
- Brembo 4-pot front calipers with slotted rotors
- Goodridge stainless steel brake lines
- Project μ brake pads
- Cusco master cylinder stopper
Wheels & Tires
- Volk Racing TE37 17×8 +35 wheels
- Work Emotion CR Kai 17×8 +38 wheels
- Rays Volk Racing CE28N 17×8 +35 wheels
- Yokohama ADVAN Neova AD08R 235/40R17 tires
- Bridgestone Potenza RE-71R 235/40R17 tires
Exterior / Aero
- STI front lip spoiler
- Prodrive rear wing
- Zero Sports side skirts
- JDM fog light kit
- Ganador side mirrors
- HID headlight conversion
- Genuine WRC-style mud flaps
Interior
- Bride Zeta III low-max seats
- Takata 4-point harnesses
- Nardi Deep Corn steering wheel
- HKS EVC boost controller
- MOMO shift knob
- STI pedal set
- Alpine head unit
- Defi gauges (boost, oil pressure, water temp)
- Cusco 6-point roll cage
Electronics / ECU
- APEXi Power FC engine management
- HKS F-CON V Pro ECU
- Blitz Dual SBC Spec-S boost controller
- Innovate wideband O2 sensor kit
- Pivot 3-drive throttle controller
- GReddy Profec electronic boost controller
- AEM digital gauges
Driving Impression / Build Philosophy
The modifications on this Legacy RS work in harmonious concert to transform the vehicle into a balanced street-circuit hybrid with time attack capabilities. The combination of the upgraded VF34 turbocharger, front-mount intercooler, and exhaust modifications creates a responsive power band that delivers substantial mid-range thrust without sacrificing daily drivability.
Rather than pursuing maximum power, the build prioritizes chassis balance through carefully matched suspension components. The Bilstein coilovers, STI sway bars, and polyurethane bushings provide precise handling feedback while the brake upgrades guarantee stopping power matches acceleration capabilities. The subtle exterior modifications preserve the car’s period-correct rally heritage while enhancing functionality.
This Legacy RS represents a purposeful street build with serious circuit aspirations. It maintains everyday usability through a restrained approach to power modifications while incorporating track-focused chassis upgrades. The car strikes the ideal balance between street comfort and track capability, emphasizing the driver’s connection with the mechanical systems rather than outright specification superiority.
FAQ
How reliable is the Subaru Legacy RS?
The Legacy RS demonstrates above-average reliability for its era, with many examples exceeding 200,000 miles when properly maintained. The EJ20 turbocharged engine is generally robust, though head gasket issues can occur after 100,000 miles. Regular oil changes every 3,000-5,000 miles and timing belt replacement at 60,000-mile intervals are essential for longevity.
What is the tuning potential of the Legacy RS?
The Legacy RS offers significant tuning headroom, with the EJ20 engine capable of safely producing 280-300hp with bolt-on modifications. More extensive builds can achieve 350-400hp with forged internals, upgraded turbochargers, and professional tuning. The AWD system can handle moderate power increases without significant drivetrain upgrades.
What are the most common issues with the Legacy RS?
Common issues include turbocharger failure, head gasket deterioration, rust along wheel arches and sills, worn suspension bushings, and electrical gremlins in older examples. Oil leaks from the valve cover gaskets and front main seal are also frequent complaints. Early models may suffer from weak synchromesh in the manual transmissions.
What are the best modifications for a Legacy RS?
The most effective modifications include: upgraded intercooler, aftermarket exhaust system, ECU remapping, stiffer anti-roll bars, polyurethane suspension bushings, and modern coilover suspension. For reliability during performance increases, consider upgraded fuel injectors and a more robust clutch assembly.
What’s the ownership experience like for a Legacy RS?
Owning a Legacy RS combines practical usability with genuine rally heritage. Daily driving is comfortable with sedan practicality and all-weather capability. Parts availability remains reasonable, though certain model-specific components can be challenging to source. Fuel economy averages 18-22 MPG, and the enthusiast community provides excellent support for maintenance advice and modifications.
How does the Legacy RS compare to contemporary performance cars?
The Legacy RS offers distinctive capabilities compared to period rivals. While less powerful than some contemporaries like the Sierra Cosworth, its all-wheel drive system provides superior all-weather performance. The RS delivers a more mature, understated driving experience than boy-racer alternatives while maintaining genuine performance credentials and rally pedigree.
Conclusion
The Subaru Legacy RS remains a pivotal vehicle in automotive history, bridging the gap between rally-bred performance and practical daily driving. Its technological innovations—symmetrical AWD, turbocharged boxer engine, and robust chassis design—continue to influence modern Subaru models and set benchmarks for performance sedans globally.
Today, the Legacy RS enjoys cult status among JDM enthusiasts who prize its authentic rally heritage, understated design, and mechanical purity. Unlike many contemporary performance cars with electronic driver aids, the Legacy RS offers a raw, engaging driving experience increasingly rare in modern vehicles. Its limited production numbers and historical significance have transformed it into a coveted collector’s item.
The Legacy RS embodies the golden era of Japanese performance engineering—a time when function dictated form and motorsport success directly influenced production vehicles. For JDM aficionados, the Legacy RS represents not just a car, but a tangible connection to Japan’s automotive golden age and Subaru’s motorsport legacy that continues to inspire passion across generations of enthusiasts worldwide.