Clutch Masters 90-95 Subaru Legacy Outback 2.2L Eng 2WD4WD / 94-95 Subaru Impreza RS 1.8L...

Clutch Masters FW-524-AL is a lightweight aluminum flywheel for the early non-turbo Subaru flat-four with a five-speed manual. Our listing is built around the 1990-1995 Legacy and Legacy Outback with the 2.2L EJ22, two- or four-wheel drive, and the 1994-1995 Impreza with the 1.8L and all-wheel drive. Owners usually land here for one of two reasons: the gearbox is already out for a clutch and the old flywheel is scored, hot-spotted or cracked, or they want a lighter, quicker-revving setup on an older Subaru that is getting a full driveline refresh.

What this flywheel does on an early EJ Subaru

On these cars the flywheel bolts to the rear of the boxer crank, carries the ring gear for the starter, and gives the clutch disc its friction face. The factory part is cast iron and heavy, which smooths idle and low-speed pulling but slows how fast the engine picks up and sheds revs. FW-524-AL replaces it with a machined aluminum piece, so the engine spins up faster between shifts and rev-matching on downshifts gets easier. The trade is that the car needs a little more throttle to move off cleanly, and some gear rattle at idle is normal. Our lightweight vs stock flywheel guide walks through that trade before you commit.

Symptoms that send people to a new flywheel

• Chatter or judder pulling away even after a new disc was fitted
• Blue heat spots, cracks or deep grooves on the friction face once the gearbox is down
• Clutch slip that returns quickly after a disc-only job because the face was glazed
• Vibration that rises with engine speed, sometimes from a flywheel that was resurfaced too far
• Damaged or missing ring gear teeth that make the starter grind

How to confirm before you buy

A slipping clutch shows as engine speed climbing faster than road speed in a high gear under load; a worn flywheel face usually shows as chatter rather than slip. Rule out engine and transmission mounts first, since tired mounts on a 30-year-old Subaru cause takeoff shudder too. Our clutch chatter guide covers how to tell the two apart, and the clutch slipping guide covers the road test. If the old flywheel is only lightly glazed, read our resurface vs replace guide before spending the money.

Fitment

Clutch Masters lists FW-524-AL for the 1990-1999 Legacy and Outback 2.2L non-turbo and the 1994-1995 Impreza 1.8L 4WD, plus several later non-turbo 2.5L applications. Their list says non-turbo, so it does not cover the turbocharged EJ22T Legacy Sport sedan, and automatic cars use a flexplate instead of a flywheel. Subaru changed clutch and flywheel parts across these years, so match the bolt pattern, the clutch diameter and the starter ring gear to your old flywheel, or send us the year and VIN before you order. Other parts for older cars are in our rebuild kits and clutch collection.

Install notes

• Plan the job as flywheel plus clutch. On the 1994 Impreza the ACT SB2-HDSS street clutch kit is one option; confirm any kit against your car.
• Clean the crank flange and bolt threads, use thread locker as the service manual calls for, and torque the flywheel bolts evenly in a crisscross pattern to the Subaru specification.
• Check the pilot bearing in the crank and replace it if it is rough; the OEMTOOLS 25089 pilot bearing puller pulls it without removing the engine.
• Wipe the friction face with brake cleaner and center the disc with an alignment tool such as the 11-piece universal alignment kit.
• Inspect the release bearing, fork and pivot while the transmission is out.
• Follow a proper break-in; see how to break in a new clutch.

Clutch Masters lists a 10 lb shipping weight for FW-524-AL. It is new, in stock, ships from the USA the same business day, and carries a 1-year warranty.

Does FW-524-AL fit the turbo Legacy Sport?

Clutch Masters lists it for non-turbo applications only, including the 1990-1999 Legacy and Outback 2.2L. The turbocharged EJ22T Legacy Sport is not on that list, so check with us before ordering for a turbo car.

Will it fit a 1994-1995 Impreza 1.8L?

Yes, Clutch Masters lists the 1994-1995 Impreza 1.8L 4WD. Compare the bolt pattern and clutch diameter to your old flywheel or send the VIN and we will confirm.

Does an automatic Legacy use this part?

No. Automatic cars use a flexplate and torque converter, not a flywheel. FW-524-AL is for five-speed manual cars only.

What should I replace at the same time?

Fit a new clutch disc, pressure plate and release bearing, check the pilot bearing, and use clean flywheel bolts torqued to the Subaru specification.

Will a lighter flywheel change how the car drives?

The engine revs up and down faster, so shifts feel sharper. Pulling away needs slightly more throttle and some gear rattle at idle is normal.

• How to Diagnose Transmission Slipping
• Shift Flare vs. Slip: How to Tell Them Apart
• Automatic vs. Manual Transmission Repair Cost