ChrisC

I've gone and done it.
I've bought a Forester S Turbo and was wondering what I can do to it to improve the handling/performance. It doesn't handle like my Impreza(s) have done but in view of the thread about classics being "chav" maybe I've made the right choice.
But I'm not sure I want to drive slowly everywhere! so please help

ricardo

Get yourself over to www.subaruforester.com and join the rest of us !

You'll find that the general recommendation is tyres first (scrap the Geolanders if that's what you've got) and a thicker rear anti-roll bar. Plenty of people can refer you to all the upgrade paths on the Forester S Turbo.

Which Impreza(s) did you have before ?

Andy Tang

iTrader: (3)

Hi Chris,

I did the same in Decemeber of last year, having previously owned three classic Imprezas.

Here are some recent threads about Foresters:
http://bbs.scoobynet.co.uk/showthread.php?t=430118
http://bbs.scoobynet.co.uk/showthread.php?t=431251

I highly recommend www.subaruforester.com - Europe forum which has a few Scoobynet regulars visiting there, although it is a US based site.

Get either an rear anti roll bar from either a classic UK/WRX (18mm) or a P1/RB5/STI (20mm) to give it more car like handling, replacing the standard 13mm rear ARB.

17" wheels with the correct size of tyre (225/50R17, 215/50R17, 225/45R17). Ideally you want an offset of ET48, but you can go up to ET45. Don't use the Impreza offset of ET53 as they don't come far enough out, or you'll have to use 5mm spacers on the wheels.

I also changed the drop links on my car (same as the Impreza) to give it firmer handling.

Downpipes and centre sections from a classic Impreza will fit, but the backbox is different. I have seen a stainless steel backbox for sale on ebay, or you can organise a group buy with H&S like I did

Depending on the year of your car, the intercooler and dump valve will be the same, as the equivalent Impreza (MY01/02 S Turbos are the same as MY99/oo Impreza). Same for air inductors, although panel filters from any Impreza should fit (mine was secondhand from a buyeye)

Side indicator lenses are the same as the new age Imprezas.

MY99-02 S Turbos can be ECUTEK'd, or use the MY99/00 replacement ECU (Link, Motec, PowerFC, etc) and for the MY97-98 use the MY97/98 Impreza ones.

Standard turbo is good up to 250bhp being a TE035, which is smaller than the TD04, so even that will be an improvement, can get 280-300bhp with supporting mods.

Injector sizes are 380cc for all the Foresters (or so I've been told)

Tein make lowering springs, but they are not compatable with the UK S Turbos with self levelling suspension. Check if the rear struts have an additional green cylinder on them, if they do it has self levelling suspension and you will not be able to use lowering springs.

With stevem2k and Palatine on this board who both own modified Foresters, there should be enough info for you!!

Enjoy your new car

Andy Tang

iTrader: (3)

As Ricardo says, lose the Yokohama Geolanders. Forgot to mention, some of the guys highly recommend Falken ZE512 tyres.

I got some 225/50 R17 Falkens for my 17" wheels and I think they are brilliant. Especially for the price that www.camskill.co.uk can supply them at!!


From a recent Forester meet (my S Turbo on the left, stevenm2k's S/Tb on the right):



A few turned up {Palatine's car is the furthest away in the background with the biggest scoop!! - Another black one!!]



Are you going to tell us yours is black as well?

ChrisC

No its the pale champagne/silver colour - not yet got the proper name.
Its a 2000 X for the record
I have decided to have the windows tinted for privacy/heat avoidance.
Clearly the tyres need replacing. I did change the ARB's on the Impreza for Whiteline kit so that's step two - do I need to change the front ARB and drop links as well?
Oh boy this looks like more fun.
What about gauges - are there A pillar pods?
Is it possible to fit four pot calipers to the front because I do like to be able to stop as quick as I go?

Suresh

Well done! I de-chavved a year ago to S Turbo too.
Mine is totally standard apart from some brake and ICE upgrades. The sprog is still a baby, so no need to go any faster, yet...

Plan to Ecutek it once the warranty runs out in 2007 or thereabouts.

Enjoy.

Suresh

Andy Tang

iTrader: (3)

That will be Royal Silver (same as the MY99/00 Impreza)

When buying tyres, check the loading rating (mine are 94 which cope with a heavier car, normaly Impreza ones are around 91)

If you get an Impreza ARB, get the brackets that attach to the chassis (as mine needed them, but no one has mentioned that before.) The front ARB is 18mm IIRC, so that's fine, but I replace front and rear drop links with Whiteline items.

I got a good deal on a Subaru boost gauge, so it's one that mounts on the steering column. Although you can use the a-pillar (but IIRC the rake on the a-pillar is different to the Impreza), but you can remove the lid of the centre dash pocket and get a centre gauge pod.

Standard Impreza 4 pots will fit, but you will need to change your wheels to accomodate this. You will need spacers if you go for standard 16" or 17" Subaru Impreza alloys. I'm sure Ira (Palatine) will be able to help you with this.

Agree with the tints. I should be getting mine done soon

stockcar

must be the "IN" thing as ours is black also........................18's, uprated a/roll bars and got a few ideas for the handling that i haven't fully developed yet.................................

alyn

Fuzz

Looks better in Blue

Anyway reason for posting is to say that Powerstation had a good look over what could be done to Litchfields Forrester in readyness for Japfest last month.
Have a word with them as to what fitted and what didn't.
Quite a few things did.


Andy

PALATINE

our corner of the sooby world keeps growing
I have a Forester specific Cusco rear ARB (3 point adjustable) for sale if anyones interested?

ChrisC

You have PM.

PALATINE

back at you

Andy Tang

iTrader: (3)

Let the Forester modding fest begin....

ChrisC

back at you

BlackadderII

Andy

Those two S / TB's are awesome

I want one now Is there a face lift in 06 ?

Andy Tang

iTrader: (3)

It does look cool turning up to meets together!

There is a facelift due for MY06, which I'm indifferent about, it's ok, but no wow factor. Although I would have one or the old XT over the S Turbo, but they still command a fair old price!

So a search of www.subaruforester.com for pictures of the MY06, or the STI MY06 at Litchfield Imports

ChrisC

Just met Ira and his car - there does seem to be plenty of opportunity to really builld a stealth car.
I'll post up before, during and after pictures in due course.
I now own the car but am having some initial changes made before it becomes the daily driver!

stevem2k

shhhh , wives use the interweb too


(have a new package inbound )






( JDM's are td04 / 440 injectors btw )