The rookie

iTrader: (1)

Am (probably) about to buy a 'grey' Forester, anyone any ideas of the different specs, I have seen TTB (touring-turbo?) which seems to be similar to UK model (170bhp) and STB (Sport-turbo?) which I think is the Impreza WRX engine (240 JAS bhp, so probably about 215 DIN bhp), also seen mentions of STI's at 280 JAS bhp (but the advert also said it was an STB!), (not interested in NA's!) can anyone confirm any of this please?

If I get an STB will it need remap (or octane booster etc) for UK fuel, or is it OK on 95RON? (lots of 98RON pumps around and Tesco has 99RON)

Simon

Nich B

Dont forget that Impreza parts are interchangeable

and if it hasnt been done you WILL have to upgrade the front 2 pots (they are truely awful)

I own an Stb and I ONLY use Optimax with the occaisional NF Booster or Tesco 99, remember as a JDM it prefers 100ron

I am also sticking a IHIVF35, Power FC on it along with all the mods so 300bhp + would ne nice, which will mean I can remap to UK fuel

Check out the European section of www.subaruforester.org which is where we all hang out

and welcome good choice

GC8

SW5 S/tb and T/tb are both 250PS. The T/tb is available with an automatic transmission only. On the correct fuel both, models will produce approximately 247bhp at the flywheel.

Simon

The rookie

iTrader: (1)

Thanks for that gents, I had looked at forester.org but not signed up yet......

Are most speedo conversions stick over transfers (so odo is still in km) or are they gearbox or electrical?

I know they are basically an Impreza with a grown up body....a mate works for Prodrive in the engine/trans build shop so not to worried about that side of things!

Simon

stevem2k

most are gearbox - so the odo will be incrementally correct *after* it was installed.

Steve

Joth

The style of Foresters from 97-02 are the SF chassis (facelifted from 00-02)
Referring to JDM turbo models:
The 97-98 T/Tb, and S/Tb E-SF5 models are 250PS, following ones are 240PS
The T/Tb is a cosmetically upgraded version of the S/tb, with velvet vs cloth seats, standard auto shift and sunroof, and some painted bits that arent pained on the S/Tb, however, by the 00-02 facelifted models, the S/Tb incorporated the options on the T/Tb and the only T model is a n/a 2.5L T/25
There are a few STI SF Foresters, these all have 250PS ecu's but same engine components, with aero body kit, upgraded brakes and 17" wheels, ~1" lower suspension, and different interior fabrics.

The rookie

iTrader: (1)

Joth,
Thanks for that...still tied up between an import and a UK model (especially as this is meant to be my sensible car and not another project car!)

Does anyone know if any Impreza exhaust bits fit a Forester as a ate has a nice stainless exhaust on his Impreza that will soon be redundant and I would hate to see it go to waste ;-)

Simon

Nich B

It will all fit apart from backbox which will be too short

I think there is a backbox going on fleabay .

Bartop

I'll have a genuine Forester Prodrive backbox from the PPP available for sale soon

stevem2k

drive them both - then you'll buy the import...

Coming out of an impreza 177ps I found wasn't enough 'go' .


Steve

Nich B

I second that, UK Forester is OK, but a 70 bhp difference is a lot,

you will buy the Stb

Joth

The SF Foresters downpipe is about ... 40mm or so longer than a classic wrx, and the hanger points are different, both on downpipe and backbox, not sure about the midpipe. It can all be 'made to work' if youre not buying forester specific bits.
The 240PS vs the UK spec 170PS is not just from the mapping, the JDM use a TD04L while the UK use a TF035 smaller turbo. The JDM run 10psi boost, and should run fine on all UK fuels. I live in the Caribbean and many JDM Foresters are running around doing quite well on the supposedly 95ron premium unleaded.

The rookie

iTrader: (1)

Thanks for the help guys, its nice to see such enthusiasm among owners!
I found a US website where it shows roughly what you have said, the aftermarket part numbers for centre and rears were the same between Forester and classic (guess they don't mind having 'short tailpipes' ;-) ) but the dowpipe is different.....reason I ask is a mate is about to remove the stainless exhaust from his classic......

Still undecided between UK and JDM, the extra power would be nice (Thanks Joth I know there are a lot of engine differences between the two), I'm trying to avoid having a third project car (currently I have one and the wife one) this is meant to be the sensible car! Also extra fuel cost of running 100RON equivalent is something to consider, although most I have asked think its crucial, Joth has thrown a spanner in that!

Simon

Nich B

Get a drive in both if you can

If you get the uk car, just to get it to jdm spec will cost £££

The rookie

iTrader: (1)

Does anyone on here run an import on 95 with no problems?

Simon

Nich B

NO

stevem2k

97 SUL ( with no booster ) was ok as the stock map is really rich.

95 isn't advised.

The rookie

iTrader: (1)

Thanks Steve, thats sort of what I expected, obviously the Knock sensor can only do so much......anyone else?

Is a 95 remap available (loosing a few GG's!), haven't heard of one!

Simon