A log about a Subaru Baja (2003 2.5L non-turbo MT)

I was gifted a 2003 Subaru Baja from an uncle (in-law) about a month ago. It had 143k miles. Potential (likely) head gasket issue. I’ve been using it as a daily almost everyday since. Keeping an eye on the temperature using the gauge and also my ultra gauge from the 2005 Taco. Man, it’s been a long time since I drove a vehicle that could actually pick up speed (more than the 4cyl tacos I have). I am playing with the idea of doing the head gasket job myself.

As I look into it, I am finding all kinds of info and of course the potential other things I could do such as swapping out the engine. But, finances in mind, this project shall stay within a low budget. It will give me a chance to learn more deeply about how engines work.

My dad passed away April 2024 has really weighed heavily on me. He was a gear head for sure. I have him in mind whenever I figure out the solutions to different things mechanically, electrically, and also things outside of those areas. I wish I told him how much I loved him more. I wish, he was still around so I could talk to him about these things.

hopefully more updates as I go on with this project…

this picture was taken after I gave it a wash, polish, and wax by hand. Another thing I learned from my old man. I remember he taught me how to do that on my little pocket bike he gave to me as a gift when I was maybe 11/12 years old.

 

Nice Baja and nice writeup! Sorry to hear about your loss too. I think those cars are really neat and a ridiculous amount of function in a vehicle that size. I'm surprised Subaru hasn't made a new Baja model with the success of the Hyundai Santa Cruz, Ford Maverick, and Honda Ridgeline doing so well in the "almost-truck" market.

 

That will be fun! My wife has a Forester that I really enjoy working on. Mr. Subaru has been my go to when tackling anything on that car.

 

I found an 02 Outback Sport that had 36K original miles on it, older woman had it garaged and wanted to sell it. I bought it and have been driving it ever since, it runs perfect and super clean. I had a local Subaru mechanic fully service it replacing every fluid in it, new plugs, timing belt, tires and brakes. I'll never sell it, it's an amazing vehicle.

 

That is a good point, don't care for the styling of the Santa Cruz or Maverick, will be very interested if Subaru comes out with a new version.

Sorry for your looses OP

 

OG Subaru guy here. NASIOC is your friend. It is a hive mind of Subaru knowledge. They are jerks so use the Search button and read. Stay away from Gates Gasket Kits they are garbage. Spend the money on OEM. You will need to do your timing belt and associated pulleys as well. Go all OEM. Trust me. I've learned some very hard and exorbitantly expensive lessons playing Subaru.

 

Last night I was able to replace the idler pulley, and the associated adjustment parts. Did the idle relearn but did not get to test drive it. I hope to do that this weekend. I’ll have my god son over this weekend and so he is going to get to join the adventures with me and Kilo (the dog).

been going back and forth with a neighbor recently about doing a WRX swap into the Baja to make for a great sleeper daily build. Why not make a daily that’s an absolute fun thing to drive since my commute is typically 30 miles of highway each way. Also I travel for work decently enough that it makes sense to make something that I’ll look forward to driving often.


Also a photo of the 1st gen taco for being able to get me to and from work reliably as well as towing the red Tacoma back home after my clutch line busted.

 

Long time Subaru fan here. DO NOT use a Gates timing kit and water pump. It will fail.
If you’re not 100% familiar with head gaskets on those, pull the motor to do it. Super easy to pull the motor and if it’s an MT you can freshen the clutch at the same time.