Is that still the stock Forester block/piston/head setup, or did you do an engine swap? Was this a Forester XT to start out? I'm looking into doing something like this to my 2004 Outback and am wondering if I should buy an STI engine or try to make power with my stock one.
Hey Scott! I was wondering if you are running the 2.5XT or 2.0XT? and where you got your front bumper, trying to find it in the web but theres nothing to find. Just bought myself a Forester 2006 2.5XT stock. my plan is to change turbo, intercooler, exhaust, sway bars and maybe brakes. Last but not least i really want to get a paint job to get it this rally blue color and make it a STI! Any tips ill take with open arms! Best regards, Philip
shipped a white 05 forester genuine sti. gold 18 in sti alloys cusco, hks etc. ,graded 4.5 at the auction ,just waiting on paper work from dvla but cos of wu flu lock down it,s taking up to 6 months, so had to get an x5 to get me and the dogs about, it's not a bad car actually, bit shocked at the tax for a year tho, ! £560 ,so i said i'll have the 6 months £380. which is the same as the 2.5 forester but i won't mind taxing that one, cant wait .
Hey, new sub here. I can't wait to start building a forester of my own. I know this is an old video but if you're still working on your XT what are your thoughts on Reverse cooling mods?
Hey Harrison. Scott here... I did sell the car, but it has since been 6MT swapped and had a built engine dropped in. Now it makes well over 400 whp. We've got plans to revisit and do a new video soon! As for your question, I understand the concept of reverse cooling, but this is my opinion on really simple mods: if it was that easy to make an improvement, the manufacturer would have done it. Reverse cooling as a quick mod has been around forever, so this is not some recent innovation where re-configuring old cars makes sense (if we can call a 13 year old car old...). Manufacturers spend a TON of money in R&D to make really small improvements in efficiency. If reversing the flow of the water pump made any real positive improvement, however minor, every manufacturer would be doing it. It is possible that it makes a difference in some really specific application, but I'm not aware of one.
Hey Zack, good question. I am not super familiar with the Outback, but I will do my best to answer. If I am not mistaken, the Outback had two motor options; the 2.5L and 3.0L, both naturally aspirated. The 2.5 NA is significantly different from the 2.5 turbo. If this is the case, the easiest option may be to find a turbo motor from an Impreza, Forester, or Legacy GT that will work with your setup. I am assuming that you have the 4EAT transmission, so an STI motor would probably be too complicated versus a motor like the Forester's which had a 4EAT option, and was more common by production numbers, so part availability is higher. My Forester has the original long block. When you already have the turbo motor, there is little value in swapping to an STI engine. For the value, it makes more sense to get a built engine, or rebuild one yourself (if you have the ability to do so). There is little difference between the WRX motor, XT motor, and STI motor. The key differences between these are the turbo, intercooler, injectors, cams, ECU, and exhaust. The WRX and XT have the same size turbo and intercooler. but the XT has the STI injectors (not sure why Subaru did that, but you have to do it on a WRX when you go to a bigger turbo). What I did was find a good condition VF39 (turbo from the STI) and swap it in place of mine. Add in all the other supporting mods, and I have more power than a stock STI by a good margin. From a power bragging standpoint, people will say they can make more power than mine, but they are probably running more boost or leaner AFR and won't have the same reliability as me in the long term.
The SG model Foresters (mine was an SG9) are compatible with the 2nd generation Impreza models. The SH (which is what you have) shares its chassis with the 3rd gen Impreza, meaning 08-11 MY Impreza parts can be installed in the SH Forester. That being said, you still need the turbo engine to start bolting on parts from the STI or WRX engines, like the STI turbo I installed on mine. For suspension parts, I believe you have to stick with WRX parts, as the STI has a different configuration. I could only use 04 STI parts even though I could use up to 07 WRX parts. I believe the same is true for the SH model, so no STI struts for you. However, there are a lot of used aftermarket parts for the WRX that you can pick up cheap on places like NASIOC. If you feel like getting crazy, you can buy a wrecked 08-11 STI and do a complete drivetrain swap from the motor to the trans, brakes, wheels, and interior pieces (seats). As with everything with cars, you can do whatever you want, but the cost of parts increases exponentially with power that part provides. Most important thing, HAVE FUN!
Thank you! I appreciate the quick reply! I am now looking at an exhaust for a 2009 Impreza 2.5i Wagon. I have found a Invidia N1 exhaust I think sounds nice but it seems like they only have them for the sedan version of the 2.5i. Is there a exhaust you would suggest that still gives it that deeper Subaru sound that will easily fit on the 2009 Impreza 2.5i Wagon?
+Andre Tran Hey Andre. Nice car! I get asked all the time, "Is this a real STI Forester??" to which my response is, "No, but I couldn't help myself with the badges, leave me alone, it's still faster than your car." Haha. To answer your question. I run Royal Purple, 5W-40. If you drive your car pretty hard (as it should :D ) then a 5W-30 will turn into a 5W-20 over time. Going to a 40 won't have any adverse impact on performance, and it will keep the oil within tolerance longer if you do drive enthusiastically. If you live in a colder climate, you may need a 0W. In general, there is nothing wrong with following the manufacturer recommend spec's. For the oil catch can, I don't have one right now, but my car is not too far past STI power levels. If/when I build the motor, or get a built long block, I will probably get a catch can, but on my 87,XXX mile car, I'm not really worried about it. All my performance parts were bought second hand, and there is a good chance they didn't use a catch can. At this point adding it to my car wouldn't do much because the intake components already have many miles of oil-mist coating everything (which is one of the things the catch can is used to prevent). If you have any other questions, just let me know! -Scott
loose the air filter put origional box with high flow filter = replace inlet tube with a larger silicone tube and add a waste gate adjuster = 50 hp = not crap like that air filter = you know NOTHING HIGH PERFORMANCE !
Thanks for the kind words! Which motor do you have now? Turbo or non-turbo? With the turbo motors, there are a lot of simple things you can do that are pretty simple and have good results. The non-turbo motors have smaller gains, but you can still have fun.
+Ralph Alvarez The easiest thing to start would be a kit from Cobb or something similar. Tune and a few supporting mods will make a huge difference without requiring a lot of down time for the car.
Hi I just recently bought myself a 2006 forester xt and was wondering if there were any other upgrades than the air intake when doing the sti turbo swap, also would it be okay to wait to wait for the stock turbo die and then upgrade?
Hey Scott!! Im working on a STI Forester 2014 Model. I guess you could call it a clone. Your Forester is great! Come look at my version on my channel if you get a chance.
Thanks for this video! Getting an 05 FXT
Is that still the stock Forester block/piston/head setup, or did you do an engine swap? Was this a Forester XT to start out? I'm looking into doing something like this to my 2004 Outback and am wondering if I should buy an STI engine or try to make power with my stock one.
Great build man! I'm curious how you solved the crushed bpv hose under the throttle body? I can't seem to get around this problem.
Hey Scott! I was wondering if you are running the 2.5XT or 2.0XT? and where you got your front bumper, trying to find it in the web but theres nothing to find. Just bought myself a Forester 2006 2.5XT stock. my plan is to change turbo, intercooler, exhaust, sway bars and maybe brakes. Last but not least i really want to get a paint job to get it this rally blue color and make it a STI! Any tips ill take with open arms! Best regards, Philip
sick fozzy thanks for the video
This Subaru is JDM and modify to LHD? Can you write me what all parts are changed for LHD? I have interest about this car.
check out: Subaru OFFROAD Australian Sand
VF39 turbo is a straight bolt on?
Need tips, have a 97 Forester turbo T/tb. How can I go about modifying it to make increase performance with of course the exhaust sound
I just got a 2001 forester Type s is this swap still possible as far as turning it into a complete sti suv?
shipped a white 05 forester genuine sti. gold 18 in sti alloys cusco, hks etc. ,graded 4.5 at the auction ,just waiting on paper work from dvla but cos of wu flu lock down it,s taking up to 6 months, so had to get an x5 to get me and the dogs about, it's not a bad car actually, bit shocked at the tax for a year tho, ! £560 ,so i said i'll have the 6 months £380. which is the same as the 2.5 forester but i won't mind taxing that one, cant wait .
X5 is a solid dog hauler but the fozzy sti is way sportier!
So is it as simple as Bolting on the new turbo and inter cooler?
Hey, new sub here. I can't wait to start building a forester of my own. I know this is an old video but if you're still working on your XT what are your thoughts on Reverse cooling mods?
Hi harrison! Scott has since sold the Fozzy to a friend but I'll ask him to get on here and comment
Noooo Scott why 😂😭
Hey Harrison. Scott here... I did sell the car, but it has since been 6MT swapped and had a built engine dropped in. Now it makes well over 400 whp. We've got plans to revisit and do a new video soon! As for your question, I understand the concept of reverse cooling, but this is my opinion on really simple mods: if it was that easy to make an improvement, the manufacturer would have done it. Reverse cooling as a quick mod has been around forever, so this is not some recent innovation where re-configuring old cars makes sense (if we can call a 13 year old car old...). Manufacturers spend a TON of money in R&D to make really small improvements in efficiency. If reversing the flow of the water pump made any real positive improvement, however minor, every manufacturer would be doing it. It is possible that it makes a difference in some really specific application, but I'm not aware of one.
I’m pumped to see it!!
did you make the heat shield for the air filter or is it part of a kit
did the blacked out headlights only come on the 2008 or did you replace yours with the regular lights? ...or was this not an xt sports to begin with?
Only 08 had the blacked out headlights and tail lights. Also notice the C pillar is WRB, showing this was an 07
Hey Zack, good question. I am not super familiar with the Outback, but I will do my best to answer. If I am not mistaken, the Outback had two motor options; the 2.5L and 3.0L, both naturally aspirated. The 2.5 NA is significantly different from the 2.5 turbo. If this is the case, the easiest option may be to find a turbo motor from an Impreza, Forester, or Legacy GT that will work with your setup. I am assuming that you have the 4EAT transmission, so an STI motor would probably be too complicated versus a motor like the Forester's which had a 4EAT option, and was more common by production numbers, so part availability is higher.
My Forester has the original long block. When you already have the turbo motor, there is little value in swapping to an STI engine. For the value, it makes more sense to get a built engine, or rebuild one yourself (if you have the ability to do so). There is little difference between the WRX motor, XT motor, and STI motor. The key differences between these are the turbo, intercooler, injectors, cams, ECU, and exhaust. The WRX and XT have the same size turbo and intercooler. but the XT has the STI injectors (not sure why Subaru did that, but you have to do it on a WRX when you go to a bigger turbo). What I did was find a good condition VF39 (turbo from the STI) and swap it in place of mine. Add in all the other supporting mods, and I have more power than a stock STI by a good margin. From a power bragging standpoint, people will say they can make more power than mine, but they are probably running more boost or leaner AFR and won't have the same reliability as me in the long term.
spectro racing how tall are you? I'm 6'5" wondering how I'd fit
dude its not an STI Forester why is it called "Subaru Forester STI In-depth Look"
Hello! I have a 2009 Subaru Forester 2.5LX. Does this have the same chassis as the WRX/STI or is it only the older models of the Forester?
The SG model Foresters (mine was an SG9) are compatible with the 2nd generation Impreza models. The SH (which is what you have) shares its chassis with the 3rd gen Impreza, meaning 08-11 MY Impreza parts can be installed in the SH Forester. That being said, you still need the turbo engine to start bolting on parts from the STI or WRX engines, like the STI turbo I installed on mine. For suspension parts, I believe you have to stick with WRX parts, as the STI has a different configuration. I could only use 04 STI parts even though I could use up to 07 WRX parts. I believe the same is true for the SH model, so no STI struts for you. However, there are a lot of used aftermarket parts for the WRX that you can pick up cheap on places like NASIOC. If you feel like getting crazy, you can buy a wrecked 08-11 STI and do a complete drivetrain swap from the motor to the trans, brakes, wheels, and interior pieces (seats). As with everything with cars, you can do whatever you want, but the cost of parts increases exponentially with power that part provides. Most important thing, HAVE FUN!
Thank you! I appreciate the quick reply! I am now looking at an exhaust for a 2009 Impreza 2.5i Wagon. I have found a Invidia N1 exhaust I think sounds nice but it seems like they only have them for the sedan version of the 2.5i. Is there a exhaust you would suggest that still gives it that deeper Subaru sound that will easily fit on the 2009 Impreza 2.5i Wagon?
I just got a 2000 jdm sti. forester, what kind of oil are you running? do you have an oil catch can?
+Andre Tran Hey Andre. Nice car! I get asked all the time, "Is this a real STI Forester??" to which my response is, "No, but I couldn't help myself with the badges, leave me alone, it's still faster than your car." Haha.
To answer your question. I run Royal Purple, 5W-40. If you drive your car pretty hard (as it should :D ) then a 5W-30 will turn into a 5W-20 over time. Going to a 40 won't have any adverse impact on performance, and it will keep the oil within tolerance longer if you do drive enthusiastically. If you live in a colder climate, you may need a 0W. In general, there is nothing wrong with following the manufacturer recommend spec's.
For the oil catch can, I don't have one right now, but my car is not too far past STI power levels. If/when I build the motor, or get a built long block, I will probably get a catch can, but on my 87,XXX mile car, I'm not really worried about it. All my performance parts were bought second hand, and there is a good chance they didn't use a catch can. At this point adding it to my car wouldn't do much because the intake components already have many miles of oil-mist coating everything (which is one of the things the catch can is used to prevent).
If you have any other questions, just let me know! -Scott
06+ have a catless up pipe
exactly what I was thinking.
I have a no turbo Forester 2002. Is there an sti available in the US?
Hey. No, there is not a true STI Forester in the US, but it is possible to make one. Just depends on your budget.
loose the air filter put origional box with high flow filter = replace inlet tube with a larger silicone tube and add a waste gate adjuster = 50 hp = not crap like that air filter = you know NOTHING HIGH PERFORMANCE !
Get the 04-05 FXT...Raw non emission control engine.. Creme ala creme
Hey man, Great car! Your car inspired me alot. I have a 2015 forester what basic engine upgrades do you suggest? I will really appreciate your reply
Thanks for the kind words! Which motor do you have now? Turbo or non-turbo? With the turbo motors, there are a lot of simple things you can do that are pretty simple and have good results. The non-turbo motors have smaller gains, but you can still have fun.
+Spectro Racing i got the 2.0 turbo. Any suggestions on upgrading the engine?
+Ralph Alvarez The easiest thing to start would be a kit from Cobb or something similar. Tune and a few supporting mods will make a huge difference without requiring a lot of down time for the car.
Hey everyone. Let us know what you think of this video series! We will be doing on on the Mustang next!
Hi I just recently bought myself a 2006 forester xt and was wondering if there were any other upgrades than the air intake when doing the sti turbo swap, also would it be okay to wait to wait for the stock turbo die and then upgrade?
air intake has just lost 15 hp = with that CRAP !
Hey Scott!! Im working on a STI Forester 2014 Model. I guess you could call it a clone. Your Forester is great! Come look at my version on my channel if you get a chance.
you must know NOTHING - a silicone larger intake hose will give 20 hp - that air filter will loose 15hp. he`s a FAKE.
its a goddamn XT not an FSTI. mislead title just to get views. this is a video of your own XT
I get why he called the video that, but yeah. Pretty Misleading.