hi ya, which of the impreza turbos tend to suffer from this problem and does it cause much damage?

This is a famous issue on the Outback list. IIRC this appears on the 2.5l engine beginning in MY97 and ending in MY2000. Many people had have their short blocks replaced under warranty before 60Kmi. Some dealers deny the problem ("they all do that, it's normal") while others will perform the fix.

This slap produces a knocking sound on a cold engine, and in severe cases, is still audible at normal temperature.

The problem on the UK models was from MY 1997 to 1998. Also a few of the Japanese cars of that time experienced it as well from what I have read.

[Edited by chrisp - 3/13/2003 12:48:43 PM]