Hi there

iv recently purchased a subaru forester s/tb (import)2.5 turbo,iv been told that the forester is similar to the WRX.

Just wondering if anyone has any info on the forester,and the best way to get more power out of him.

cheers,danny

Danny,

I'm not sure if the Forester tuning scene is as advanced as the Impreza one. Certainly i'm less sure about upgrades to my wifes MY04 XT.

From driving her XT, the first thing it needs are better brakes. I suspect a 4 pot Brembo or AP kit for an impreza would fit ok, but I would ask the supplier to make sure. For power upgrades, you can remap the ECU, or fit a decat, but again you'll need to make sure the people know foresters inside out.

Are you running it on SUL? as typicaly JDM impreza's(even the non STI ones) need Super unleaded as a minimum

Cheers for that neil.

plus have you any info on what bhp the forester is.
this is my first subaru and its great fun,but you always want more,if you know what i mean.

danny.

Danny,

A S/Tb will have the 2 litre engine and between 220-240bhp depending upon the year of manufacture. To achieve these figures without spending too much, common practice is to; run super unleaded/optimax + octane booster, change to an ITG filter and replace the back box. Handling is improved by changing the rear anti roll bar to a 20mm item off a WRX/Sti and fitting 225-55-16 quality tyres.
Other owners on here will fill you in with the next steps/more expensive items!

Danny,
which year was your S/tb made?
If its 97-98 then you should get about 245 bhp, while the 98-01 is 236 bhp.

Modding is really like an Impreza expect when it comes to the turbo and ECU changes.

A simple back box and mid section, with Optimax and octane booster should get you:

http://dyno.scoobynet.co.uk/other/nick_butt.htm

This gives a great dollop of torque at much lower revs than most Imprezas but will loose out at higher speeds.

Hi also to OBI - how's the Legacy??

Nick
1997 Forester S/tb

Hi Danny, I have a 1998 Forester T/tb (slightly different trim inside).
As said.change the rear ARB for a WRX one, it's a straight swop-I got mine at a breakers- and the handling is so much better. I changed the 16" wheels to 17" which was another improvement. The ITG filter and decat downpipe (make sure it's for the Forester) add between 20-25 bhp. I improved the brakes with new discs and uprated pads but kept the two pot calipers as TSL said they were ok.
Forester is a great car-have fun !

Brian