If the timing belt breaks, what will happen?
The engine will immediately stop running, but no damage will be done. The SVX is designed as a non-interference engine. The piston cannot contact the valve even at TDC with the valve wide open. Having said this, make sure to replace the timing belt every 60,000 miles.
Can I change the sparkplugs myself?
Sure. Remove the battery and battery box. There is a small access panel in each wheel well. Removing these will allow access to the rear plugs.
For each cylinder, remove the bolt that holds the coil in place. Be very careful when removing the wiring and coil as they are expensive. Once the coil is removed, remove the spark plug. Before installing each plug, make sure the gap is correct and apply a bit of anti-seize on the threads. (They are aluminum heads after all). Do NOT overtighten with the ratchet.
Place the coils back into the plug holes and tighten the coil bolt. Do not overtighten.
Reinstall battery and access panel. Drive.
Can I put the Japanese twin-turbo SVX engine into my car?
You can’t. It doesn’t exist.
Yeah, but my friend’s cousin was in Japan for awhile and saw them used as police cars. What do you say to that?
Tell him to lay off the sake. Ask yourself why Subaru would bother building building a one-off twin turbo car for the Japanese two-door police car pursuit market when it already has sedans and wagons in Japan that make over 260 HP.
If he insists on his veracity, tell him to bring you back one of the exhaust manifolds as proof. Alternatively, instruct him that you don’t need a turbo since Power mode magically adds 30HP to your car.
The SVX was a completely new car that shared very few parts with the other Subaru models. It also had a number of technical features that were very advanced. It was also sold in low numbers in most areas. These factors combined to ensure that most dealership technicians were not adequately trained to service the SVX, and seeing so few of them did not help the situation. Once a wheel bearing or transmission failed, it usually failed soon after due to the techs unfamiliarity with the correct procedures required to service the vehicle properly.
The rear wheel bearings are prone to failure. Luckily, failure is generally gradual and easily diagnosed. The problem manifests itself as a droning sound coming from the rear of the car that eventually gets louder. It is important that the wheel bearings be replaced properly, otherwise the situation becomes worse. The bearings come to the dealer packed in a grease which is NOT suitable for installation. The bearings must be repacked or they will fail again. It is also imperative that a torque wrench be used when tightening the hub nut. Overtightening will cause the bearings to bind resulting in failure. I believe the real problem is that the bearings are undersized for the side loads. If you feel the need to slide around every corner and autocross on weekends, you’ll probably replace a few sets.