Subaru 3.0 - cambelt or chain

Honest John Back Room » Motoring discussion
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Mon 5 Jun 2006 13:04
Subaru 3.0 - cambelt or chain - HectorG
I am close to deciding on changing my X-Trail 2.5 auto for a Subaru Legacy Outback 3.0. I can live with the fuel consumption as it won't be more than 2 mpg worse than the X-Trail.

I wondered if the very few Outback owners who post here (Thallium springs to mind) could tell me if the scooby 3.0 cam is chain driven. I had assumed that all Subaru engines had cambelts, but I recently saw an American website detailing service schedules indicating that the 3 litre is the only Subaru with a chain. Is this correct?

Before I make the final decision, is there anyone out there who thinks I am mad. If so please put me off now and save me some money! Alternatively, if anyone thinks the Sports Tourer (3.0R or SpecB auto) would be preferable please have your say.

Many thanks

HectorG
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Mon 5 Jun 2006 13:20
Subaru 3.0 - cambelt or chain - Armitage Shanks {p}
Why not telephone Subaru (UK) on 0121 522 2000 and ask their tech dept? You'll get a quick and correct answer I should think!
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Mon 5 Jun 2006 14:00
Subaru 3.0 - cambelt or chain - Wilco {P}
Not sure about the belt/chain Q.

Re choice - do you definately need the extra ride height of the Outback? If not you might as well save some money and get the Tourer. Spec B 6-speed manual the way to go. Both great though!
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Mon 5 Jun 2006 14:28
Subaru 3.0 - cambelt or chain - Xileno {P}
This article (page 2) says chain on the 3.0
Probably worth phoning Subaru though to be 100%

tinyurl.com/mx38d
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Mon 5 Jun 2006 14:39
Subaru 3.0 - cambelt or chain - Happy Blue!
You're not mad but very sane. If I needed the space I would have one tomorrow, but my Forester does just fine!
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Espada III - well if you have a family and need a Lamborghini, what else do you drive?
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Mon 5 Jun 2006 15:06
Subaru 3.0 - cambelt or chain - HectorG
Thanks all for the replies.

Interesting article Xileno - many thanks.

Wilco, one reason for choosing the Outback is ride comfort - amongst other things they have less low profile tyres. I am hoping to drive a Spec B later this week. I have tried the old 3.0R and that was ok, but I believe the Spec B suspension setup is quite different and biased to handling at high speed. I live in a semi-rural area with poorly maintained roads. I also use my vehicle for camping. having said that, i think the Sports Tourer looks a lot better.

HectorG
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Mon 5 Jun 2006 15:40
Subaru 3.0 - cambelt or chain - Wilco {P}
Hector

Fair do's - sounds like the Outback might be a better bet. At the end of the day, you won't go wrong with either. Let us know how you get on?
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Mon 5 Jun 2006 15:57
Subaru 3.0 - cambelt or chain - Happy Blue!
Increased ride height of Outback will improve the ride for your use. Good choice.
--
Espada III - well if you have a family and need a Lamborghini, what else do you drive?
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Real MPG enables you to register the fuel economy you are actually getting against your make and model of car, its engine and type of transmission.

Every time you enter an average consumption figure against your car, the overall average automatically adjusts to reflect it.

Real MPG