Forester 2.5 Ride and Handling
 

I've been seeing a lot of reviews recently that connect on the poor handling of the current Uk-model forester. Now based on the fact that it's a soft roader I'm expecting it to be a little wallowy in the corners due to the raised suspension and higher centre of gravity but what can be done to improve handling.

Before it's mentioned I'm after a Uk car so the JDM forester sti is a no-no, I've one or two post saying about replacing the rims with 17's with some better rubber - any recommendations?

cheers

Andy

17"'s plus upgraded rear anti roll bar plus solid rear drop links apparently. I think the impreza ones fit but someone on here can confirm - Mike Wood of Prodrive posted recently on exactly this topic- have a search

can anyone post a link to the above, can't seem to find it....

Have a look on www.subaruforester.com

It's a US based site, but that's good as they have had the 2.5 XT for a while now.

Common recommendations are to replace the rear anti-roll bar (on the old shape Forester it's 13mm compared to 18-20mm depending on model of Impreza!!)

The Yokohama Geolander tyres that are standard on the older shape Forester (unsure if they are the same on the XT) are tyre that are designed for light off-roading, which means they are not a dedicated road tyre! I think you will find improvements just changing the standard tyres.

Personally on S Turbo, I'm changing the wheels from 16" to 17" and getting road tyres. I'm going to change the rear ARB for a WRX item and fitting solid drop links front and rear.

The only other thing I will consider is fitting lowered springs to make it handle in a more car like fashion, but only if the above mods don't give me what I want.

Before anyone comments about lowering a Forester, I bought the car to get more room than an Impreza wagon! :p

Andy

The latest 2.5XT has the same running gear as the earlier 2.0XT which means that it's fitted with the Geolanders as before. The chassis of the car isn't set up to be as sporty as an Impreza but given the limits of the std tyres, the handling is pretty good.

Our first recommendation is to fit a larger, road based tyre as it's fairly easy to overwhelm the std tyres. We fit 17" wheels with 225/50 Pirelli P6000 which suit the car really well. The handling is greatly improved and bodyroll reduced (less tyre flex) although we are looking at further suspension mods to improve things further.

A WRX rear arb will not fit an XT as it has the 'solid' droplinks F&R like an 04/05MY STi. An STi one will fit though but you have to get the right bushes.

All later Foresters have self levelling rear dampers so altering the rideheight won't work unless the dampers are changed so we are looking into this as well.

Regards

Mike

There you go - I knew Mike'd pop up :D

Toying with the idea of getting a forester myself hence my interest

go on go on go on go on go on

http://www.catharton.com/littlefish/mrsdoyle.gif

LOL

Thanks Mike, any idea on the going rate for a set of 17's with tyres? or should I speak to my dealer first and get them from the off?

Why not buy a 2nd hand set off someone who is upgrading to 18's.

Andy

You need to talk to your dealer as we don't supply direct.


Chris

If you are thinking that Impreza wheels fit, unfortunately they don't as the offsets are different.

Mike

Thanks Mike, i wasn't aware of that.

I know for the older Foresters (pre-XT) that the offset is ET48, so there are many aftermarket wheels that will fit! :)

The MIM wheels (or Subaru Brescia model) sold by the late Scoobysport would work - if any Classic owners are getting rid of them.
These also allow clearance for fitting 4 pots.

Nick

I came sniffing around for some Forester STi spring rate info and happened upon this thread. For anyone interested I have some info regarding suspension mods on our Scoobymods site in this section:

http://www.scoobymods.com/forums/for...?s=&forumid=45

You need to register to see the photo's but it's free. I have a full Forester STi take off suspenison on the way and I can't seem to find the spring rates anywhere. If anyone knows I'd be very interested. I currently have the JDM Forester STi pink springs on the OEM struts (we do not get the self leveling suspension on most models only the LLBean edition):

http://www.scoobymods.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2666

I'm trying to determine if I want to leave the take off suspension as is or swap the Pinks to the STi struts and top hats.

Currently my F-XT looks like this:

http://tinyurl.com/4vjru

Cheers,

Peaty

www.scoobymods.com

Morning Peaty :D