Since it's a slow day on the board, I figured I can contribute by finally taking a few pics of the Trooper install me and my friend Ian completed about 5 weeks ago. It's pretty basic looking, but does exactly what I wanted. Sorry, there were no pics taken of the actual install. Pics are available on riocar.org but I've also included them here.


Yet another Trooper that I've bought (my 3rd). This one's a 1998 and is Automatic transmission. It's also the most deluxe one I've owned with leather, cool wheels, and fake wood on the interior.


This is the first dual head unit install I've done. I think it came out really nice. The main HU is an Alpine CDA-9847. The empeg is connected to the Ai-Bus's AUX adapter.


Also connected to the Ai-Bus is an XM satellite radio adapter. In this photo, XM is the selected source. With this setup, I have the best of all worlds. Empeg, CD, CD with MP3 support, XM satellite radio, and AM/FM if I want to listen to commercials.

Very nice.

Is that an aftermarket 2 DIN holder? Or was that the original factory piece? Ah, I miss the days of straight DIN.

Tony: Thanks for the kudos.

FireFox: That's the factory stereo mounting locations. Where the Alpine is now, was the factory head unit. In the empeg slot there was a factory in-dash 6 disc changer. In 1998 I'm sure someone paid a ton for that thing. Now it's scrap.

I had to shave around the lower slot to fit the empeg sled. But, yeah... if only every car out there now was that easy.

This car was just declared a total loss. I have to rip the stuff out this weekend. Oh yay.

It fell into a crater in Jersey City, NJ which cracked the oil pan and engine block. Anyone have an opinion on going after the city? Would there be any point?

Sorry for your loss, the poor thing.

Oh, man, I'm so sorry to hear about that.

I've always wondered whether you could hold a city responsible for pothole damage. I'd be interested in the outcome.

Having gone to college in Hoboken, I understand!!!

That is terrible in so many ways. Not speaking from experience, I can only assume it will be impossible to get compensation from the city for your damage. Well..... If you put up a good fight, you may get a "special call" to work some off-the-record deal to settle the matter. Unfortunately, I can't think of any lawyer who'd want to help you put up a fight against Jersey City.

At least you're not trying to fight Newark.

t fell into a crater in Jersey City, NJ which cracked the oil pan and engine block.

Have you thought about perhaps repairing the damage? What would a new engine from a wrecking yard set you back?

tanstaafl.

Rob,
Regarding the SVX "unknown high cooling system pressure.", may I ask if you've had the radiator cap replaced and had a Subaru tech drain/refill the system? (If yes, please ignore the rest).

The reason I ask is that I thought I had cooling problems on my old Forester which turned out to be a worn out cap and then air left in the system (which led to erratic temperature spikes). Subaru cooling systems require a special tool to top off once you've opened the primary radiator cap.

I thought I was losing a head gasket, but it was just a bad cap and the resulting air in the system (which got there when the overflow tank went dry).

-Zeke

This is excellent to know. The car was overheating about 8 months ago. I replaced the radiator cap with a Subaru OEM one and replaced the thermostat myself at that point. When the overheating was still happening, I noticed a bit of white smoke coming from the passenger-side cylinder bank. I have a friend that runs a shop that services a lot of Subarus including his own SVX and Baja. I had him do the head gaskets, water pump, other miscellanea, and fashion me a custom exhaust. The car worked great for about 2 months after that until one day, the coolant temp went from normal to red within 2 seconds and the top radiator hose came off. The clamp was brand new and looked fine, so I reattached it on the side of the road and about a 1/2-mile down the road the coolant temp surged again popping off the hose. I had the car towed home and has been sitting in my driveway ever since.

My friend offered to correct the issue for nothing. The only problem is that his shop is about 3 hours away on the border of CT and RI. I was thinking of towing the car up there this weekend with a Uhaul. The cost for the truck and trailer would come out to over $300 one-way. Maybe I should ask the Subaru dealer tomorrow if they can do a service on the cooling system first. They're right down the road and I think the car would make it that far. What do you think?

The problem is I think that dealer is a total bunch of scum bags after dealing with them twice with my Saab under warranty. There is a Subbie dealer I like and trust, but the car would have to be towed there. Also, I only have 1 tow left this year until AAA tell me to get lost. I would like to keep it for an occasion when I really need it because with my luck, something else will be getting towed soon.