08 VF52 install guide (DIY)?

This is a great video for starts as our cars are Legacy fitment turbos. You can also reference your Subaru service manual, which you can find on this site for free.

Here's a link for a legacy gt it is very similar to our cars how to do it
http://legacygt.com/forums/showthread.php/turbo-un-install-howto-pics-53391p2.html?t=53391&highlight=torque+specs&page=2

Hey thanks for the links guys, this should make the swap a little easier for me. I still would like to hear from someone who has done it, just to make sure theres nothing unforseen i need to worry about. It just seems almost too easy.

Damn, I just did this a couple weeks ago. I was in a rush so I never took pics.


The RalliTEK video helps a lot. One thing.... have something to plug that lower coolant line or you'll get coolant spray everywhere.

CJ05 said:

Damn, I just did this a couple weeks ago. I was in a rush so I never took pics.


The RalliTEK video helps a lot. One thing.... have something to plug that lower coolant line or you'll get coolant spray everywhere.

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^^ this, plus draining a bit of coolant helps! And the obvious, drain oil!

What about gaskets? Do i need all new ones or can i reuse the stock ones.

Might as well spend the extra $30 and get new ones. It would suck to install the turbo and find out you have an exhaust leak in the uppipe. www.subarugenuineparts.com


44022AA180 - DP to turbo
44022AA150 - UP to turbo


You can get them both shipped from there for the same price it'll cost to buy the just the DP to Turbo gasket from the dealer. You can opt for the thicker grimmspeed ones but not necessary

i did the swap about 2 months ago. i reused all gaskets and o-rings. i was careful removing everything.the biggest pia is getting the turbo inlet back the the new turbo without ripping a hole in it. it is very soft rubber. make sure you have some thing to plug the coolant lines. a aa battery will work. any other questions ill try and help. i had a friend help with the install. a extra set of hands helped out alot. you dont need to drain the oil or coolant. just top them off after install. i am running erics stage 2.52 map. the car runs amazing now!!

i did this swap back in june, pretty straight forward. a lot easier then i thought it was gonna be.
hardest part was getting the oil feed line on, and the turbo inlet on. mine ripped a little bit going back on

anthony12052 said:

i did this swap back in june, pretty straight forward. a lot easier then i thought it was gonna be.
hardest part was getting the oil feed line on, and the turbo inlet on. mine ripped a little bit going back on

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i hear yah. i ripped mine a little too. getting the oil line on and then turbo inlet is a pain in the ass! i tried removing the inlet clamp and putting it on afterwards. that was even worse. that process took more time than the rest of the install itself.

424wrx said:

anthony12052 said:

i did this swap back in june, pretty straight forward. a lot easier then i thought it was gonna be.
hardest part was getting the oil feed line on, and the turbo inlet on. mine ripped a little bit going back on

Click to expand...

i hear yah. i ripped mine a little too. getting the oil line on and then turbo inlet is a pain in the ass! i tried removing the inlet clamp and putting it on afterwards. that was even worse. that process took more time than the rest of the install itself.

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Haha yea i made the same mistake with that stupid clamp!

Sorry to bump an old thread, but I will be getting a VF 52 soon w/ TP 3.52 map and want to make sure I have everything before I start taking things apart. I have to try and get this completed over a wk-end as I don't have another car.

I'm wondering exactly what I need for the turbo...I'll be getting some Grimmspreed gaskets for my DP and UP and wanted to know if I should buy anything else while I'm at it. They have some install kits and I know they're just for warranty purposes if you buy the turbo new, but what about the Filter/Screen Banjo Bolt and Filter/Screen Bolt Copper Washers for example that are on HPT's site. Would it be a good idea to maybe change these filters while I'm at it or not worth it? I'm sure the hoses and washers can all be re-used though...

Any suggestions are appreciated,
Thanks guys!!

oil, coolant, rv sealant, lots o' tools and helping hand.

and heaps of patience!

REX said:

oil, coolant, rv sealant, lots o' tools and helping hand.

and heaps of patience!

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Got the oil and coolant, my buddy is gonna help me out. But RV Sealant...may I ask for what? Can't think of what I would need it for.

subscribed... I may be going this route at some point in the future

i used rv sealant on the tmic to turbo but i have a perrin tmic and it is harder to seal...

ahhh, should of thought of that. I bought the RacerX FMIC...I'll have to go see the install thread see what people did for that one. well, looks like I got pretty much everything covered, can't wait now!

Here is a link to the greatest tool ever for turbo installs. If you want get 2 sets.
http://www.harborfreight.com/3-piece-line-clamp-set-97578.html
The medium size is perfect for blocking off our coolant lines to the turbo, the result is loosing very little coolant.

youll have to cut some of the stock heat shield out to make room for the waste gate arm..