Can any Forester owner help me on this one?

I want to replace the original rubber coolant hoses on my 1998 Forester T/tb with silicone ones. I have contacted Samco but they do not make one that will fit the Forester. Does anyone know if any of the Impreza hoses will fit or of any other supplier of silicone hoses?

Thanks

Brian

 

As far as I am aware Forester and Impreza are the same under the bonnet as far as your hoses etc are concerned.

David API Engines

 

Thanks David,
That's just what I thought in regard to engine components. I rather suspect it's a case of find a friendly dealer who can get the hoses and try a dry fit.
Could it be another case of a manufacturer not being bothered to find out if a part specific to one model doesn't fit others in the stable?

Brian

 

Brian,
I've been looking at this as well. I've been advised that all hoses on the S/tb or T/tb are as per a Japanese WRX set up.

Seems it is well worth swapping the "Y" piping under the intercooler for a special Samco job. Adds some boost and is cheaper than buying a WRX STi4 intercooler.
Best prices are from:

www.raldes.co.uk

Nick
1997 Forester S/tb

 

Thanks Nick.
I have some enquiries ongoing and hope for replies next week.
What about this y-piece then? Do you have any idea of the difference it makes and why/how ? I had steered clear of this type of mod as it seems to require other gauges/switches/monitoring etc when boost is fiddled withand I don't want engine problems.

Brian

 

Brian, I can't see how anyone can claim an increase in boost just by changing the hose unless maybe the old hoses are too flexible and expand under pressure. Even so it would be low and not worth the expense just for that. The hose kits are nice and very showy quite expensive and if its under the intercooler and can't be seen............

anyway good luck David

 

The story I have gleaned about the Y piece is that the OEM item has a poor internal finish and various mouldings that cause a small pressure loss. The Samco item has a constant sized and smooth bore.
Seems to be a mod carried out by Aus Forester owners rather than buying the STi 4 intercooler which also has a better finished Y piece.
The only measured figure I have seen is an increase of 0.3 PSI.

The Intercooler kit (4 items) costs about £45.
The coolant set is about £80.

Nick

1997 Forester S/tb

 

Hi all, Hmmmm still not convinced about the reason for the Y piece Butty. I see what you are saying and understand clearly what is going on just that the performance claim even though it is small is VERY hard to substantiate and in my opinion probably more down to luck of the draw than physics. Prove me wrong and l'm happy to apologise and be wiser for it. David API Engines.

 

If I only had an accurate boost gauge then I'd take you up, still I could also use that very accurate universal test - "feeling" what the cars is like after fitment

Well then, if I can't justify the boost increase to you then at least it will make taking off the IC easy in future as the OEM item makes the job a PITA.

Nick
1997 Forester S/tb

 

nick, Let me know in the end what the result was - 'feel' is good for me. Good luck David

 

Missed this one!
The PPP for the old S-turbo included replacement hoses, perhaps you could find some of thses? I don't know if they'll fit though, as the turbo is different.

 

Thanks everyone for the replies. I have sent enquiries to a number of commercial outlets and await responses. I'll post an outcome when I get there!!

Brian