Attention TH-camrs, this is how you do a pricing video for swaps and builds. Edit : Thank you for all the likes! Most likes I’ve gotten on TH-cam so far! LOL
@david chappel The XT's had almost identical engines compared to the STIs at this time. The only major differences were the lack of forged internals, smaller turbo, and smaller intercooler.
I appreciate you leaving the running total up on screen the whole time. For some reason a lot of “how much was my build?” videos don’t display any onscreen numbers.
Then it truly isn't your dream lol. Coming back to this video after spending a bit for my forester, still need to get the sti drive train swap but some how I winded up spending a bit on costs that weren't necessary.
@@Ireef8 be careful your dream doesn't become your nightmare. This was my younger self's dream....now I'm dreaming about a 6bedrolm home with a detached 4 car garage with office space in the loft and an attached workshop....with the fozzy parked there.
Something to note about this video: We no longer endorse Jspec as a source for buying JDM parts. Jspec was supposed to be a reputable source to buy parts from instead of buying from the classifieds. It's sad to hear there are allegations against them for selling stolen parts from Japan. Because of this, we can no longer endorse them as a source for buying JDM parts.
It's a passion project. There's something intangible and infinitely more gratifying building something your own than going out and buying a all spec'd one. Personally, I bought a 2014 Kia (yes, a Kia) Forte5 with a manual. Doesn't have all the fancy stuff the top trim has but a manual was a must. SLowly building it up and it's now fun to drive and just the way I like it. I could have gone out and bought a GTI like everyone else but my build is as fun to drive and all paid for. Mods included it costs more than the GTI but that's the baggage you knew when you commit yourself. I'd probably regret buying the GTI after seeing one every few minutes on the road.
The Yellow Cursor I drive a modded 2013 6mt gti and I couldn’t care less about how many are on the road...don’t know why you even have to bring it up lol
@@sandy2k i guess he meant "do i buy a less powerful car and mod it to the power of a gti, or do i just buy a gti and do not mod it". he has his "own" car now, made it more powerful by himself with the help of the passion that he put into this car. he wouldnt have the same passion for a car thats at the top of his budget, cuz he cant mod it.
Gawdamn I spent that much on my 2017 WRX Premium with a 7 year 100,000 mile warranty with premium sound system and other factory extras. Makes me respect your build so much more. Definitely eye opening, so in love with this build.
Chocolate dragon I wouldn’t say stuck because I have enjoyed the car but I’m coming close to paying it off and hopefully moving on to something different soon.
Currently building one myself. I was hesitant at first but once you start building you kinda get lost in it all and then realize it wasnt so bad to spend all that cash.
@@loganchapman5677 No, you don't understand. I can't even comprehend that. It would take me over a decade to have that kind of spare money to do something like this.
@@InvidiousIgnoramus People with disposable income usually have an incredibly hard time understanding just what it means to have no disposable income. Honestly the worst part about car culture is it really is an upper middle class experience. Modding cars is a high cost, zero return profit hobby. If you are lower income it really isn't feasible. I've thought about getting a built shortblock for my legacy gt which I eventually could find the money for but then if it breaks I am completely and utterly fucked. Being a paycheck to paycheck car nerd is honestly really depressing.
Build not bought !!, this is more than just swaping an engine to the car, this is the passion that we willing to do, even the price is to high, but the satisfaction that we get is priceless
Your video gives me inspiration that I can rebuild my Saab 9-3 2.0T old gen. even when the my B205R engine blew up, that passion for cars is not always profitable. Thank You and Regards from Poland ✌
I've had my 2005 Forester XT for about 6 months now and have been looking into swapping my Forester to a almost full STI build, slowly but surely I'll get there. This video is extremely helpful since I am pretty new to this whole car thing. Just wanted to say thanks for this!
Thanks for producing an actually useful cost summary video. So many channels just fob off the question with "oh you can't put a price on your passion" type statements. But it's genuinely useful to understand the true costs of major projects before jumping in. Can totally sympathetise with the mind set though, I've put way too much money into my legacy which defies logic, but at the same time I don't regret it.
@@mg1721 what are you talking about? Everyone watching this video is here to see if they would do it themselves. I have the money and for sure would not do this. I rather buy an EVO x for that amount or the newer STI like he mentioned. Some people do not have the money and would rack up credit cards just have an STI forester. That's fine either way. But after seen how much he has spend the likelihood of people will question doing this. Pay to play.
That's why these guys are one of the better automotive channels. I mean automotive in the "oh look I review cars for a living saying the same shit video after video"... The Bens are real and down to earth. Just a couple of friends hanging out, doing car things and a sprinkle of life on the side and there's a Truman-esque camera for us to follow along. Makes me wish we'd have more of these channels and less of those "car journalists" channels. /rant
If you would had asked me 10 years ago, I would had told you that building the Forester is the path that I would choose. As I get older though, it’s hard to justify the costs of modding a cheap platform with that much money when you can have a new car with much more value, reliability, and a warranty.
It's still one of my favorite builds on TH-cam. As a wagon fan and a Subaru fan this is a sweet build. That year Forester is absolutely one of my favorite looking vehicles on the road. I can only dream of having something half as clean as that.
Buy the car you want or build the car you want. I subscribed to this channel because it involved a STI swapped forester, not because someone went out and bought a brand new STI.
I bought a blown up Evo 8 with a rebuilt title to try and get into an Evo cheaply... Almost $24k later, I could have bought a clean title one that ran and drove, but, I made the car into exactly what I've always wanted and I know everything that makes it what it is. Not something you can say about a brand new car.
It's some money, but that's also your car, you've put (money we know that already), but also time, passion, dedication and part of your soul. Something you'll never find in a brand new car. Newer stuff is great for sure, faster, reliable blablabla, but we all know down deep why we are spending too much money on our stuff, because it's an extension of our personality, and a way to express ourselves ;) And I maybe right or wrong, but after seeing the total, if you've asked yourself was it worth it objectively ? You would say no, but I'm pretty sure the little voice in the back of your head saying hell yeah, worth every penny ! Cheers from France guys
I’d rather swap my Forester then go buy a new STI. The storage and capacity with a forester is 2-3x that of an STI. Now with that said....there’s a Forester STI in Japan for the 2020 model you you might be able to import one? Edit 1: My Forester is my daily and I love it, so my swap is going to happen when the motor dies on me likely. And seeing as it’s a 13’ with on 57k on it? I got a while... Edit 2: if you got a comment keep ‘em coming. I’ll try to reply to all.
Nathan Brame im from Atlanta. I’m letting AllProSubie in Alpharetta do it. The same place Ben stopped at on the road trip to Alaska to get the drivetrain looked at after he did his swap in like episode 2 I think.
Billy Bob Bobson actually had a blown piston ring and took it to the dealer back in May and they put an entire new short block in no charge. So I only have about 5k on the motor. The trans and clutch at OG tho. No issues with either at the moment
I have a 02 WRX with a bunch of bolt ons and a 6speed swap. Its been sitting in the garage since December of 2012 with a spun bearing. Life happened and even though I bought a engine for it I have not got around to swapping it. January of this year I bought a 2009 Forester X. Was supposed to be my winter beater but I fell in love with it. So much more space and flies under the radar. So far I have lowered it on ISC coilovers. Threw on my Pro Drive PFF7's from my WRX and did the ISC lca's in the rear to correct camber. Also Nameless Performance axle back exhaust. I may give the WRX to my son because I think a STi swap is in the Forester's future.
@SenselessTuning There's a lot more that goes into a build than the labour costs. The months of planning and design also make a car built and not bought because chances are you couldn't buy a car like that
I’d still get the forester and build it up, I’m sure some people don’t have cash to buy a brand new base model STi outright, wind up spending more money than that 34k anyways when you start modding. If it something you love and see yourself keeping till it turns to ash might as well do it. Thanks for the info though I needed a ballpark range to do everything.
I want to STI swap my Forester so badly that I actually watched all your videos and manually calculated the price of parts. Thank you for clearing the air and confirming my doubts. Sadly it'll be a while..
Good lord lol! So with labor I’d say you’re looking at almost $40k? I loved the JDM Forester STi but I think I’ll wait till they’re eligible for import here and try and buy one. As someone who STi swapped my 98 RS coupe many years ago where that swap was considerably cheaper I’m scared to start spending that kinda money again lol
You can actually get an importer to bring over an 07 i believe which is legal for NHTSA importation and on their list... the epa, now thats another story.
Actually you can import a sti forester from2004 to 2007 ,they were made to usdm specs and you get the motor for 3500 they are plug and play with the xt
I don't feel as bad now having spent what I have on my Forester. I appreciate, Ben, how you were open enough to share the costs of your 6-speed swap and your experiences to the Internet community. I think a lingering fear that most of us have when spending a significant amount of money on anything is later learning that we got "p0wnd" on the cost, whether it's the cost of mods, a car, a home, etc. And I think being subject to that kind of criticism is what deters others from sharing what can be considered sensitive information. Thanks for being so forthcoming!
Great way to show the process of your build. It's much harder than people realize to include everything you've done, and insert a brief explanation of why you did it at the time. Keep it up!
Big props for not including the labor costs. Labor costs are something that I, personally, wouldn't even think about being able to do much of this myself. Everybody includes labor costs and it blows the budget out of proportion for home mechanics which can be a real dream killer.
It all comes down to passion and what you love to do. However this hobby can be really expensive, but if you love it the cost doesn't matter. Great video GG. Keep up the passion.
Burly Man amen brother. I purchased my 07 wrx wrecked on Craigslist for 2k with 70k miles, I’ve got over 10k in the thing and she won’t even come close to 300hp but I wouldn’t trade her for the world
This video makes me feel better about buying an already swapped Forester for $14k. It doesn't have all the goodies like yours, but love the 6speed and DccD is fun. 168k mi (90k on trans/drive), turboxs full pipe, cobb AP, wheels, headunit.
I had the same model Forester XT, I swapped out the steering rack, downpipe and upgraded the turbo. I had it remapped and put on Forester STI wheels and Whiteline swaybars. It was fast, drove excellent (thanks to the steering rack, trust me best upgrade you can do) and I was looking into a full Forester STI conversion (bumpers, 6 speed etc) but it would cost me another 5000,- euro. The Forester seats are to small for me and the steering wheel is to far away (or my legs are to long) so I managed to sell the car and I bought a BMW 330i, more comfort for long distance cruising, nice seating position etc but sometimes I just miss the boxer rumble and how it looked on my driveway.
Crazy money 😲 . That's a brave move and shows just how much you love the car. Just looked and In the UK we can grab a 2006 STi Litchfield edition 97k for £8500 ( $10998). Dam that US law !
Everyone always says you should just buy a WRX or an STI but for example, I want to build my ‘08 Impreza into a WRX not to be cheap but for the experience. If I wanted a WRX I would’ve gotten one. But the experience of building this car and being a part of its life is something different and something you can’t just buy.
I own a 04 Forest xt too and can say I’m almost 12k in with no mods just 9 months of ownership! Subaru’s are expensive as heck! But I still love mine for some odd reason:)
Yes, it definately is the smarter idea to get the newer base model STi but that doesn't make up for the memories of the car you had building up to your Froster STi swop. The people you met along this journey and the time spent working on it?!?! It's make it even more priceless and unique to you only... =)
@@jacobbaker9389 Keep it that way. It's rabbit hole I'm currently lost in. I'm about to drop some Tomei Headers, upipe and a External Tial wastegate setup on mine. I really don't want to........ But the Subi gods demand it.
@@Mikey6048 just bought the cobb v3 access port 😁 I think I'll be happy with an intake , catback, and tune. I want to hear the rumble in the back and the woosh in the front.
@@jacobbaker9389 lol. That is where it begins. I highly recommend the Titanium Catback. It sounds incredible. I may post a sound clip soon. I have a turboback setup, SF Intake, Cobb Bypass Valve, 3 port Boost solenoid, Cobb AOS and a protune. Also, save for a AOS. High on your priority to keep the motor running.
Your numbers aren't bad at all. My 2004 STI dyno'd out at 300 whp and 354 wtq with a VF43 running 92 pump (stock fuel system and TMIC) professionally tuned. The car ran really well and was more than enough for the street.
Personally, I love the SG’s. I’m modding my dad wagon slowly over time and found myself here considering an sti swap eventually. I estimate my car needs head gaskets and timing in 3-5 years… just rebuilt the engine not long ago but has 250kish miles. I’d rather purchase an engine and parts and do the swap for a few thousand more. This video was extremely informative and well done. Thanks!
As inferred by the prior comment, the Cayman S is a pure mid-engine sports car. It's going to be way better suited to a road course even in stock form when held against an WRX STI, much less a highly modded Forester. Not exactly a 1 to 1 comparison.
I've been keeping track of my FR-S expenses all the while. It's funny, even though I know I've got great prices on everything I've purchased so far and saved thousands upon thousands buying used, when you take the total and look at the car you can't help but think "wait, there's $X in *that*?"
@@thejanusproject32 yes. Back in the 90s Subaru analyzed who was buying their cars and a significant percentage of buyers were lesbians. Subaru leaned into that with their marketing.
@@v8_sami Subaru identified over 50% of its cars were being purchased by teachers, doctors, IT wonks, outdoorsy types, and lesbians. It hired an ad agency to focus on those 5 groups for all its cars. The original comment wasn't entirely accurate in saying the Forester was marketed toward lesbians, it's that Subaru marketed their entire line toward that demographic (and the other 4 mentioned above as well). The reason it wasn't entirely well known is the advertising took the form of little sly nods toward the community that lesbian consumers would pick up on, but the blissfully ignorant mainstream breeders wouldn't. When the anti-gay folks finally figured it all out, they went nuts and Subaru was inundated with complaints and threats from that group saying they would "never, ever buy a Subaru again." A little more research on Subaru's part quickly showed that most of those people had never even owned a Subaru so the company stuck to its guns and continued its marketing strategy.
For a few minutes while watching the roadtrip episodes, I thought about doing a swap on my Forester because it looks awesome. Now I've seen how expensive that would be, I'm happy keeping it as my people and parts hauling, snow-day, and crappy weather DD. It's slow, it's comfortable, and at the very low frequency I drive it, it will likely last forever.
Thank you thank you THANK YOU for making this video! Far too often people start down the dark path of a build like this with a spitballed idea of what it will cost and end up thousands of dollars beyond what they planned and in terrible situations, can afford. With the IS300 project we did still the #1 question we get despite trying to readily explain everything that was done is... how much did this all cost?! So thanks for shining a bit of light into the builds corner!
Even straight up stock the Foresters are great cars. I bought a new (non-Subaru) car a couple years ago because I was afraid my 2003 Forester (that I’ve owned since new) might be feeling it’s age. After driving the new car for a while I realized that I preferred driving the Forester (by a lot!); so I sold the new car, did some deferred engine maintenance, and just finished a couple very long road trips in my old friend.
I have the same make, model, color, I'm 20k in so far, and had buyers remorse after watching your videos, this makes me feel a little better, but I am still mostly stock.🤑 Wish I would have spent the 20k on the Forester forum for one that was completed. Although if I could start over I would get a complete wrecked STI and flooded Forester off COPART.
With my evo, I bought with full bolt on. Been 4 years and I’ve since spent over $10,000 with built head, cams, bigger turbo, innercooler, flex fuel, parts to support those mods, tune, and clutch... been wanting an fxt, and I’m by no means a baller, but growing with the car created something special for me. I think that’s way more than worth it. Sure that 10k could’ve been used for something more productive. But if you live with regret, that’s not really living. Be happy.
Yes brand new save you work and time but the sweat/stress and dedication to build your machine ....you know how and what from every item and detail that it is worth it.
Thats a very nice built Forester Sti. The amount that your added up was roughly the amount i spent over the years on my 2013 Hatch Sti, with parts and labor, some wear and tears for the track. I didnt regret building the car, but i first started with some basic bolt on and a Cobb access port. Eventually when the ringland cracked on cyl 4, that was when things get down. building these subaru takes you down the road of burning money. LOL
*Many people in the comments section just don't get it.* I own a built Forester XT so this is a familiar topic for me. You don't have to spend US$40K - you could spend a lot less or a lot more. I went built motor + lifted + kept the 5 speed and original hubs. I don't track it and it's an awesome daily driver. No JDM cup holders or bumpers. If you watch the actual video before commenting, you'll see Ben says he loves his Forester and the build can be accomplished for a lot less. But, naturally, stupidity in the comments section prevails. 🤦♂️ A built Forester is not an STi. It's a unique beast, each is different.
I am doing a 2004 JDM Forester STI 500 hp build. Engine, drivetrain and suspension mods. Sitting at around USD 25K with a cost of USD5 .7K when I bought the car. Pretty much in line with this built except more power. JDM Foresters do not work with a Cobb access port . I am using a stand alone AEM ECU. Internals are all Manley, ID1700 injectors and IAG TGV deletes.. Turbo is ATP GTX3076R gen 2. other mods are a Nvidia catless exhaust(catback with cat removed, we do not have emissions tests in Africa), Excedy multi disc clutch and all Kein mounts.
watching this with my 240k mile 17 yo forester xs. lots of time on Canadian gravel. all stock, has a slightly twisted frame (who new they weren't meant for 85mi/hr jumps), leaks coolant, still needs like $500 to fix the last of the squeaks. wouldn't trade it for anything else. its never let me down even with -45 C cold starts, doesn't owe me anything
I bought my 06 Forrester a year ago for $2200.00 I've come to like the car much more than I expected to and think I'll be keeping it for a long time so the engine and trans swap is something I'd really like to do.
Love your build and love this channel. I have a AW FXT SG9 5MT with 90k on the clock. I have thought about swapping the tranny to make it a FSTi however I really enjoy the 5MT that comes in the SG5/SG9. It is not the glassbox that comes in the WRX but rather the early 5MT that came in the JDM GC STi. I have a decent amount of suspension and power modifications but mostly running it conservatively to last longer. It pulls hard and is super quick. My opinion, 6 speed swapping is more about the bling than it is with performance for most people who end up doing it. The FXT 4.44 5MT or 4eat can easily hold 350 whp. Unless you are building for big power or absolutely love the DCCD, the 6 speed does nothing but adds weight. You can have Brembos on 5x100 but for actual stopping power, the FHI 4/2 pots are just as good for half the price and on real budget the LGT big brake set are a great upgrade for pennies compared to Brembos or FHI. The 05-08 FXT and 06-07 WRX have the same engine (EJ255) which is basically the same engine as the STi(EJ257) except a slight different compression ratio that doesn't have the high top end which the STi does. The 257 does have some forged internals but again, unless you are going for big power the 255 is a great power plant for USDM. I wish you would have disclosed separately how much you did pay for labor and give a ballpark figure how what parts you got for free/ step discount to really get a true sense of your total investment, unless that is something you did not want to divulge, just to get a true idea what you have into your Foz. Either way, love your car and hope to see you in CO some day. #FozLife
I'm struggling with my lovely wife as my journey has just begun. Front/rear sway bars. Front shock tower. 3rd Aug going to Canberra for full invidia q300 and stage two tune. She thinks that we are both slightly confused 😀
I have a 2004 Forester XT with no mods and I've spent too much just keeping it stock. Now that ringland failure is imminent I'm planning an STi swap. If you buy your shoetblock and trans together you can save a few bucks and you can of course skip the "race parts" if you want a simple daily driver(lol whi wants that?!)
![ลองสุ่มไอโฟน 990 โกงมั้ย? [ โกงมั้ยครับ ep.101 ] | DOM](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/bfsWe0j492k/mqdefault.jpg)
I'm gonna forester swap my sti
do it!
and end up with 28681$
I hear you can make a lot of money doing this!
Tommy Nakajima you’d save about 30 grand
Most practical 😂👍
Attention TH-camrs, this is how you do a pricing video for swaps and builds.
Edit : Thank you for all the likes! Most likes I’ve gotten on TH-cam so far! LOL
david chappel thats your opinion. Pistons was all he needed, and thats his choice.
@david chappel If it makes him happy, that's all that matters. No need to be a douche about it smh.
@@Chupopy he's probably just jealous that all he has is a rusty bike
Don't the XT s have the same block as STI?
@david chappel The XT's had almost identical engines compared to the STIs at this time. The only major differences were the lack of forged internals, smaller turbo, and smaller intercooler.
I appreciate you leaving the running total up on screen the whole time. For some reason a lot of “how much was my build?” videos don’t display any onscreen numbers.
low production and not good with editing. this is why gog is amazing
So this is what it feels like when your hopes and dreams get shattered.
Hahah no kidding
Right? That's allot...
lmao dude you nailed it right on the head
Then it truly isn't your dream lol. Coming back to this video after spending a bit for my forester, still need to get the sti drive train swap but some how I winded up spending a bit on costs that weren't necessary.
@@Ireef8 be careful your dream doesn't become your nightmare.
This was my younger self's dream....now I'm dreaming about a 6bedrolm home with a detached 4 car garage with office space in the loft and an attached workshop....with the fozzy parked there.
Exactly why most people don't add up the cost of their modifications because ignorance is bliss. Appreciate the honest vid.
Can he insure the car for 35k$?
@@konstantindufnik696 probably not. And if he does its probably a custom policy he had to pay a premium on.
He can but it will be "custom" but yea you can insure aftermarket stuff on cars. It will be pricey I'm sure.
Something to note about this video: We no longer endorse Jspec as a source for buying JDM parts. Jspec was supposed to be a reputable source to buy parts from instead of buying from the classifieds. It's sad to hear there are allegations against them for selling stolen parts from Japan. Because of this, we can no longer endorse them as a source for buying JDM parts.
Gears and Gasoline imma buy some Jspec parts
Whata a good source
Watches whole video...
Yeah I need that cup holder.
Everyone who has entered my forester has mentioned the "cool" Cupholder
Same
Ha! My somewhat tatty XT 2.5 (with a lawnmower in the back) has one :-p
BaddaBigBoom you running stock turbos?
@@yovannyvasquez3916 Yes, but the fozzy is fast enough and has 140k on the clock so prob best to leave it as it is hey.
Moral of the story: Just find the car with the build you want and just buy it with cash.
This build was insane.
The kid that bought my 6mt 300hp 04FXT got a good deal when I let that car go for 8500..
It's a passion project. There's something intangible and infinitely more gratifying building something your own than going out and buying a all spec'd one.
Personally, I bought a 2014 Kia (yes, a Kia) Forte5 with a manual. Doesn't have all the fancy stuff the top trim has but a manual was a must. SLowly building it up and it's now fun to drive and just the way I like it. I could have gone out and bought a GTI like everyone else but my build is as fun to drive and all paid for. Mods included it costs more than the GTI but that's the baggage you knew when you commit yourself. I'd probably regret buying the GTI after seeing one every few minutes on the road.
The Yellow Cursor I drive a modded 2013 6mt gti and I couldn’t care less about how many are on the road...don’t know why you even have to bring it up lol
@@sandy2k i guess he meant "do i buy a less powerful car and mod it to the power of a gti, or do i just buy a gti and do not mod it". he has his "own" car now, made it more powerful by himself with the help of the passion that he put into this car. he wouldnt have the same passion for a car thats at the top of his budget, cuz he cant mod it.
Cory Spears moral of the story, buy a 15 ZL1 for 35k and get more bang for your money...
Gawdamn
I spent that much on my 2017 WRX Premium with a 7 year 100,000 mile warranty with premium sound system and other factory extras.
Makes me respect your build so much more.
Definitely eye opening, so in love with this build.
now you are stuck with a completely stock WRX for 7 years....AP and stage 2+ mods make it worth voiding the warranty.
Chocolate dragon I wouldn’t say stuck because I have enjoyed the car but I’m coming close to paying it off and hopefully moving on to something different soon.
But did u make money from your car nope it works for him with TH-cam money
That's right, you're STUCK with a stock car that won't detonate and will be under dealer care for the duration of the loan. You SIMPLETON.
A brand new sti, will never be as unique as this forester. Amazing car.
Didn't realize how expensive Cobb was. $405 for an oil catch can is straight up murder considering that's how much your rods cost. Damn son.
Man, if only. I love the look of the Forester STI, but I can't even comprehend spending anywhere near that much on a car.
just throw a stage 2 on an FXT and call it a day
Currently building one myself. I was hesitant at first but once you start building you kinda get lost in it all and then realize it wasnt so bad to spend all that cash.
@@loganchapman5677 No, you don't understand. I can't even comprehend that. It would take me over a decade to have that kind of spare money to do something like this.
@@InvidiousIgnoramus People with disposable income usually have an incredibly hard time understanding just what it means to have no disposable income. Honestly the worst part about car culture is it really is an upper middle class experience. Modding cars is a high cost, zero return profit hobby. If you are lower income it really isn't feasible. I've thought about getting a built shortblock for my legacy gt which I eventually could find the money for but then if it breaks I am completely and utterly fucked. Being a paycheck to paycheck car nerd is honestly really depressing.
You can get a southern (presumably non-rusty) 2015 Forrester XT with touring trim and 50K on the odo for $18K. It ONLY makes 250HP tho... ;-)
Build not bought !!, this is more than just swaping an engine to the car, this is the passion that we willing to do, even the price is to high, but the satisfaction that we get is priceless
I’ve told several of my friends this exact story. Building a car is about your personal love to complete a project. Economics wise it’s pointless.
Your video gives me inspiration that I can rebuild my Saab 9-3 2.0T old gen. even when the my B205R engine blew up, that passion for cars is not always profitable. Thank You and Regards from Poland ✌
Piotrek 1982 lol passion for cars is usually not profitable but as long as youre getting by in life its worth spending for the feeling it brings.
I've had my 2005 Forester XT for about 6 months now and have been looking into swapping my Forester to a almost full STI build, slowly but surely I'll get there. This video is extremely helpful since I am pretty new to this whole car thing. Just wanted to say thanks for this!
Not a subie guy or a JDM guy in general but really respect the effort you paid toward this forester.
Thanks for producing an actually useful cost summary video. So many channels just fob off the question with "oh you can't put a price on your passion" type statements. But it's genuinely useful to understand the true costs of major projects before jumping in.
Can totally sympathetise with the mind set though, I've put way too much money into my legacy which defies logic, but at the same time I don't regret it.
Everyone wants be a lion until you have to spend like one.
@@mg1721 what are you talking about? Everyone watching this video is here to see if they would do it themselves. I have the money and for sure would not do this. I rather buy an EVO x for that amount or the newer STI like he mentioned. Some people do not have the money and would rack up credit cards just have an STI forester. That's fine either way. But after seen how much he has spend the likelihood of people will question doing this. Pay to play.
Gentlemen. Chill. G&G's channel is my sanctuary of non partisan car based content from enthusiasts. Keep it civil.
@@davidmiddleton-gear8206 well, he started it!!! Hahah 👍
@@AutomotiveAnatomy actually I'm just watch the video. I have no interest in doing a swap
@@mg1721 you lost me at " I do not have a car." Your opinions are irrelevant. Have a good day.
I really needed an honest video like this, thank you my dudes.
That's why these guys are one of the better automotive channels. I mean automotive in the "oh look I review cars for a living saying the same shit video after video"... The Bens are real and down to earth. Just a couple of friends hanging out, doing car things and a sprinkle of life on the side and there's a Truman-esque camera for us to follow along. Makes me wish we'd have more of these channels and less of those "car journalists" channels.
/rant
If you would had asked me 10 years ago, I would had told you that building the Forester is the path that I would choose. As I get older though, it’s hard to justify the costs of modding a cheap platform with that much money when you can have a new car with much more value, reliability, and a warranty.
It's still one of my favorite builds on TH-cam. As a wagon fan and a Subaru fan this is a sweet build. That year Forester is absolutely one of my favorite looking vehicles on the road.
I can only dream of having something half as clean as that.
One of the most well put together build videos. Pay attention you “car” you tubers, this is how it’s done.
If anything, I am glad you shows us love to the most loved version of forester.
Good work.
Damn. For that price, converted to CAD, I could buy two JDM Forester STIs.
I think more like 3!
Buy the car you want or build the car you want. I subscribed to this channel because it involved a STI swapped forester, not because someone went out and bought a brand new STI.
Pushes stock high ass mileage ej motor way beyond factory spec horse power. Engine blows!
Ben: 😮
I have a 2011 WRX Hatch. You helped me figure out the direction I ultimately want to go. Gonna be pricey, but feels more worth it
Derrick Spenhoff 6 speed swap is definitely worth it man
I bought a blown up Evo 8 with a rebuilt title to try and get into an Evo cheaply... Almost $24k later, I could have bought a clean title one that ran and drove, but, I made the car into exactly what I've always wanted and I know everything that makes it what it is. Not something you can say about a brand new car.
It's some money, but that's also your car, you've put (money we know that already), but also time, passion, dedication and part of your soul. Something you'll never find in a brand new car. Newer stuff is great for sure, faster, reliable blablabla, but we all know down deep why we are spending too much money on our stuff, because it's an extension of our personality, and a way to express ourselves ;)
And I maybe right or wrong, but after seeing the total, if you've asked yourself was it worth it objectively ? You would say no, but I'm pretty sure the little voice in the back of your head saying hell yeah, worth every penny !
Cheers from France guys
“I might as well” -the famous last words
Justin B
Along with “while I’m at it....” and “While it’s apart....” 🤣🤣🤣🤣 HIGHLY impressive build, I tip my hat, sir!
😂 That's exactly how I ended up spending the best part of £800 on trying to make custom headlights!
Ben what you have done now is just encourage more guys to do this and we appreciate you for that 😎
I’d rather swap my Forester then go buy a new STI. The storage and capacity with a forester is 2-3x that of an STI. Now with that said....there’s a Forester STI in Japan for the 2020 model you you might be able to import one?
Edit 1: My Forester is my daily and I love it, so my swap is going to happen when the motor dies on me likely. And seeing as it’s a 13’ with on 57k on it? I got a while...
Edit 2: if you got a comment keep ‘em coming. I’ll try to reply to all.
Lee Rey til you have problems with aftermarket parts.
Remember he did not do the install. A shop full of experts did
Nathan Brame im from Atlanta. I’m letting AllProSubie in Alpharetta do it. The same place Ben stopped at on the road trip to Alaska to get the drivetrain looked at after he did his swap in like episode 2 I think.
Lee Rey nah, you’re headgaskets 6 years old regardless of mileage. Good luck.
Billy Bob Bobson actually had a blown piston ring and took it to the dealer back in May and they put an entire new short block in no charge. So I only have about 5k on the motor. The trans and clutch at OG tho. No issues with either at the moment
So you'd swap your Forester AND go buy a new STI?
I have a 02 WRX with a bunch of bolt ons and a 6speed swap. Its been sitting in the garage since December of 2012 with a spun bearing. Life happened and even though I bought a engine for it I have not got around to swapping it. January of this year I bought a 2009 Forester X. Was supposed to be my winter beater but I fell in love with it. So much more space and flies under the radar. So far I have lowered it on ISC coilovers. Threw on my Pro Drive PFF7's from my WRX and did the ISC lca's in the rear to correct camber. Also Nameless Performance axle back exhaust. I may give the WRX to my son because I think a STi swap is in the Forester's future.
If i was making serious money with time. I'd rather build something like this. It's something i would keep for a while, and creates great memories.
I went for the build option for my 2001 JDM SF5. Gives me more satisfaction in seeing the outcome after blood, sweat, tears, trial & error.
The saying Build not Bought makes sense now.
Epic build and always love and look forward to more uploads about this build.
@SenselessTuning There's a lot more that goes into a build than the labour costs. The months of planning and design also make a car built and not bought because chances are you couldn't buy a car like that
I’d still get the forester and build it up, I’m sure some people don’t have cash to buy a brand new base model STi outright, wind up spending more money than that 34k anyways when you start modding. If it something you love and see yourself keeping till it turns to ash might as well do it. Thanks for the info though I needed a ballpark range to do everything.
Ireef8 and you can out run sti’s in a station wagon lol
Honestly an STI swapped Forester would catch my eye more then an STI Impreza.
Something about those Foresters.
I want to STI swap my Forester so badly that I actually watched all your videos and manually calculated the price of parts. Thank you for clearing the air and confirming my doubts. Sadly it'll be a while..
Good lord lol! So with labor I’d say you’re looking at almost $40k? I loved the JDM Forester STi but I think I’ll wait till they’re eligible for import here and try and buy one. As someone who STi swapped my 98 RS coupe many years ago where that swap was considerably cheaper I’m scared to start spending that kinda money again lol
You can actually get an importer to bring over an 07 i believe which is legal for NHTSA importation and on their list... the epa, now thats another story.
How much was the Rs swap? And when did you do it?
Actually you can import a sti forester from2004 to 2007 ,they were made to usdm specs and you get the motor for 3500 they are plug and play with the xt
@@rolfevonkamper Actually no you can't. The only Forester on the approved list is the 06-07 Forester.
this video is very important because i just bought my Forester and I plan to do the STI conversion but in my own labor
I don't feel as bad now having spent what I have on my Forester. I appreciate, Ben, how you were open enough to share the costs of your 6-speed swap and your experiences to the Internet community. I think a lingering fear that most of us have when spending a significant amount of money on anything is later learning that we got "p0wnd" on the cost, whether it's the cost of mods, a car, a home, etc. And I think being subject to that kind of criticism is what deters others from sharing what can be considered sensitive information. Thanks for being so forthcoming!
Great way to show the process of your build. It's much harder than people realize to include everything you've done, and insert a brief explanation of why you did it at the time. Keep it up!
I would have your forester over a new sti
Big props for not including the labor costs. Labor costs are something that I, personally, wouldn't even think about being able to do much of this myself. Everybody includes labor costs and it blows the budget out of proportion for home mechanics which can be a real dream killer.
At the end of the day this car's a passion project
It all comes down to passion and what you love to do. However this hobby can be really expensive, but if you love it the cost doesn't matter. Great video GG. Keep up the passion.
Subaru’s sure ain’t cheap but don’t forget boys “love is what makes a Subaru a Subaru”
I keep saying this to myself regarding my '98 GF WRX :D
Noone will understand, why we put so much money in our cars until they do it on their own..
Burly Man amen brother. I purchased my 07 wrx wrecked on Craigslist for 2k with 70k miles, I’ve got over 10k in the thing and she won’t even come close to 300hp but I wouldn’t trade her for the world
Aaron Rodriguez how have you spent 10k and still not close to 300whp? Comes stock with 265 already doesn’t it?
Hunter Hambly ohh no not crank hp and keep in mind the car was wrecked so I did need control arms and basically all the front end body panels
Worst motors, blows like a ho. Thats why im in the process of doing a r34 swap
This video makes me feel better about buying an already swapped Forester for $14k. It doesn't have all the goodies like yours, but love the 6speed and DccD is fun. 168k mi (90k on trans/drive), turboxs full pipe, cobb AP, wheels, headunit.
wow and i thought 10k into my Evo was crazy
@Sideways G that better make some crazy power
david chappel because driving in a straight line is boring
@Sideways Gahhh this... this reminds me of my $6 pillow, which has a $40 silk pillowcase around it...
@Sideways G That is bad ass dude
I had the same model Forester XT, I swapped out the steering rack, downpipe and upgraded the turbo. I had it remapped and put on Forester STI wheels and Whiteline swaybars. It was fast, drove excellent (thanks to the steering rack, trust me best upgrade you can do) and I was looking into a full Forester STI conversion (bumpers, 6 speed etc) but it would cost me another 5000,- euro. The Forester seats are to small for me and the steering wheel is to far away (or my legs are to long) so I managed to sell the car and I bought a BMW 330i, more comfort for long distance cruising, nice seating position etc but sometimes I just miss the boxer rumble and how it looked on my driveway.
This reminded me to put money into my savings account :D
Your car is tremendous. And the design of this Subaru of yours is something marvelous. I can't get enough of admiring it.
keep in mind them labour costs especially for the engines prob gonna add another 7 to 10k
Crazy money 😲 . That's a brave move and shows just how much you love the car. Just looked and In the UK we can grab a 2006 STi Litchfield edition 97k for £8500 ( $10998). Dam that US law !
Shout out to the homies that been talking about starting their swaps for 3 years now 😭
Everyone always says you should just buy a WRX or an STI but for example, I want to build my ‘08 Impreza into a WRX not to be cheap but for the experience. If I wanted a WRX I would’ve gotten one. But the experience of building this car and being a part of its life is something different and something you can’t just buy.
I think I'd rather by 34 $1,000 mitsubishi Eclipse turbo dsm's with aftermarket mods.
You're an idiot
@@norgepalm7315 chill bro. everyone has an opinion lol
I own a 04 Forest xt too and can say I’m almost 12k in with no mods just 9 months of ownership! Subaru’s are expensive as heck! But I still love mine for some odd reason:)
I'd build a Forester, because wagons are awesome
Have a look at the 06 to 09 legacy wagons. 280hp stock and come 6speed
Yes, it definately is the smarter idea to get the newer base model STi but that doesn't make up for the memories of the car you had building up to your Froster STi swop. The people you met along this journey and the time spent working on it?!?! It's make it even more priceless and unique to you only... =)
B E A UTIFUL as Bruce Almighty would say.
I don't care what it costs; that Forester is absolutely on point. love it
Now my 2015 STI feels inadequate with its 300whp and 321 wtq.
Ugh.... More parts to buy.
My 2016 is stock power 😥
@@jacobbaker9389 Keep it that way. It's rabbit hole I'm currently lost in. I'm about to drop some Tomei Headers, upipe and a External Tial wastegate setup on mine.
I really don't want to........ But the Subi gods demand it.
@@Mikey6048 just bought the cobb v3 access port 😁 I think I'll be happy with an intake , catback, and tune. I want to hear the rumble in the back and the woosh in the front.
@@jacobbaker9389 lol. That is where it begins.
I highly recommend the Titanium Catback. It sounds incredible. I may post a sound clip soon. I have a turboback setup, SF Intake, Cobb Bypass Valve, 3 port Boost solenoid, Cobb AOS and a protune.
Also, save for a AOS. High on your priority to keep the motor running.
Your numbers aren't bad at all. My 2004 STI dyno'd out at 300 whp and 354 wtq with a VF43 running 92 pump (stock fuel system and TMIC) professionally tuned. The car ran really well and was more than enough for the street.
Personally, I love the SG’s. I’m modding my dad wagon slowly over time and found myself here considering an sti swap eventually. I estimate my car needs head gaskets and timing in 3-5 years… just rebuilt the engine not long ago but has 250kish miles. I’d rather purchase an engine and parts and do the swap for a few thousand more. This video was extremely informative and well done. Thanks!
How do you go about insuring it? Are you able to insure it for its full value - aftermarket parts included?
Curious as well!
This so much better than buy a new Golf GTI for 40.000€ ( like many people in germany ) for example. I love your Work
Shoulda just bought a 07-09 Cayman S
And had a completely different chassis that doesnt provide any utilitarian properties wowee what a good suggestion.
As inferred by the prior comment, the Cayman S is a pure mid-engine sports car. It's going to be way better suited to a road course even in stock form when held against an WRX STI, much less a highly modded Forester. Not exactly a 1 to 1 comparison.
I've been keeping track of my FR-S expenses all the while. It's funny, even though I know I've got great prices on everything I've purchased so far and saved thousands upon thousands buying used, when you take the total and look at the car you can't help but think "wait, there's $X in *that*?"
fun fact: the Subaru Forester was originally marketed for lesbian couples!
what?
@@thejanusproject32 yes. Back in the 90s Subaru analyzed who was buying their cars and a significant percentage of buyers were lesbians. Subaru leaned into that with their marketing.
@@thejanusproject32 search "up to speed forester" by donut media lol. I think they mentioned that in their video too.
@@zimmejoc also wasn't the outback more of a shot towards that consumer market?
@@v8_sami Subaru identified over 50% of its cars were being purchased by teachers, doctors, IT wonks, outdoorsy types, and lesbians. It hired an ad agency to focus on those 5 groups for all its cars. The original comment wasn't entirely accurate in saying the Forester was marketed toward lesbians, it's that Subaru marketed their entire line toward that demographic (and the other 4 mentioned above as well). The reason it wasn't entirely well known is the advertising took the form of little sly nods toward the community that lesbian consumers would pick up on, but the blissfully ignorant mainstream breeders wouldn't. When the anti-gay folks finally figured it all out, they went nuts and Subaru was inundated with complaints and threats from that group saying they would "never, ever buy a Subaru again." A little more research on Subaru's part quickly showed that most of those people had never even owned a Subaru so the company stuck to its guns and continued its marketing strategy.
For a few minutes while watching the roadtrip episodes, I thought about doing a swap on my Forester because it looks awesome. Now I've seen how expensive that would be, I'm happy keeping it as my people and parts hauling, snow-day, and crappy weather DD. It's slow, it's comfortable, and at the very low frequency I drive it, it will likely last forever.
Yeah not worth the $
i need money
Worth videos
I've done a V160 6 speed swap on my Toyota Soarer. This video is pretty much on the money. So many variables
I would take the swapped Forester over a new STI sedan. No brainer
Thank you thank you THANK YOU for making this video! Far too often people start down the dark path of a build like this with a spitballed idea of what it will cost and end up thousands of dollars beyond what they planned and in terrible situations, can afford. With the IS300 project we did still the #1 question we get despite trying to readily explain everything that was done is... how much did this all cost?!
So thanks for shining a bit of light into the builds corner!
My favorite car 🇰🇪🇰🇪 sti
True, the only sports car that wasent ruined by its company
True even the body itself still original
Even straight up stock the Foresters are great cars. I bought a new (non-Subaru) car a couple years ago because I was afraid my 2003 Forester (that I’ve owned since new) might be feeling it’s age. After driving the new car for a while I realized that I preferred driving the Forester (by a lot!); so I sold the new car, did some deferred engine maintenance, and just finished a couple very long road trips in my old friend.
200$ for a jdm cup holder!!!!
JDM bro, won't break down lol
Your video has taught me that I should buy someone elses completed STi swapped Forester for half as much.
Please don’t exclude labor and other costs. I have zero mechanical ability and would need someone else to do all the work.
I have the same make, model, color, I'm 20k in so far, and had buyers remorse after watching your videos, this makes me feel a little better, but I am still mostly stock.🤑 Wish I would have spent the 20k on the Forester forum for one that was completed. Although if I could start over I would get a complete wrecked STI and flooded Forester off COPART.
Waste of money tbh
With my evo, I bought with full bolt on. Been 4 years and I’ve since spent over $10,000 with built head, cams, bigger turbo, innercooler, flex fuel, parts to support those mods, tune, and clutch... been wanting an fxt, and I’m by no means a baller, but growing with the car created something special for me. I think that’s way more than worth it. Sure that 10k could’ve been used for something more productive. But if you live with regret, that’s not really living. Be happy.
Yes brand new save you work and time but the sweat/stress and dedication to build your machine ....you know how and what from every item and detail that it is worth it.
It's not about the total cost up front, but the journey of upgrading parts and driving it.
Honest answers my man! This is how it is! Plus you will always come across things that turn out even more expensive then you thought
I just bought a 2005 XS with 27k miles on it for 13,225 USD. So happy with it!
A lot of people are forgetting the deals he got with sponsorships which makes this build a lot more cost effective.
Still gives a good indication if a regular Joe wanted to do this
Thats a very nice built Forester Sti. The amount that your added up was roughly the amount i spent over the years on my 2013 Hatch Sti, with parts and labor, some wear and tears for the track.
I didnt regret building the car, but i first started with some basic bolt on and a Cobb access port. Eventually when the ringland cracked on cyl 4, that was when things get down.
building these subaru takes you down the road of burning money. LOL
*Many people in the comments section just don't get it.*
I own a built Forester XT so this is a familiar topic for me. You don't have to spend US$40K - you could spend a lot less or a lot more. I went built motor + lifted + kept the 5 speed and original hubs. I don't track it and it's an awesome daily driver. No JDM cup holders or bumpers.
If you watch the actual video before commenting, you'll see Ben says he loves his Forester and the build can be accomplished for a lot less.
But, naturally, stupidity in the comments section prevails. 🤦♂️
A built Forester is not an STi. It's a unique beast, each is different.
I am doing a 2004 JDM Forester STI 500 hp build. Engine, drivetrain and suspension mods. Sitting at around USD 25K with a cost of USD5 .7K when I bought the car. Pretty much in line with this built except more power. JDM Foresters do not work with a Cobb access port . I am using a stand alone AEM ECU. Internals are all Manley, ID1700 injectors and IAG TGV deletes.. Turbo is ATP GTX3076R gen 2. other mods are a Nvidia catless exhaust(catback with cat removed, we do not have emissions tests in Africa), Excedy multi disc clutch and all Kein mounts.
watching this with my 240k mile 17 yo forester xs. lots of time on Canadian gravel. all stock, has a slightly twisted frame (who new they weren't meant for 85mi/hr jumps), leaks coolant, still needs like $500 to fix the last of the squeaks. wouldn't trade it for anything else. its never let me down even with -45 C cold starts, doesn't owe me anything
Just bought a 2012 forester completely stock I will be doing a swap like this 💪🏼
I bought my 06 Forrester a year ago for $2200.00 I've come to like the car much more than I expected to and think I'll be keeping it for a long time so the engine and trans swap is something I'd really like to do.
And I thought I spent a lot of money on my Subaru 😦
Best of luck to you ben, easily the cleanest forester build I’ve ever seen!
Love your build and love this channel. I have a AW FXT SG9 5MT with 90k on the clock. I have thought about swapping the tranny to make it a FSTi however I really enjoy the 5MT that comes in the SG5/SG9. It is not the glassbox that comes in the WRX but rather the early 5MT that came in the JDM GC STi. I have a decent amount of suspension and power modifications but mostly running it conservatively to last longer. It pulls hard and is super quick. My opinion, 6 speed swapping is more about the bling than it is with performance for most people who end up doing it. The FXT 4.44 5MT or 4eat can easily hold 350 whp. Unless you are building for big power or absolutely love the DCCD, the 6 speed does nothing but adds weight. You can have Brembos on 5x100 but for actual stopping power, the FHI 4/2 pots are just as good for half the price and on real budget the LGT big brake set are a great upgrade for pennies compared to Brembos or FHI. The 05-08 FXT and 06-07 WRX have the same engine (EJ255) which is basically the same engine as the STi(EJ257) except a slight different compression ratio that doesn't have the high top end which the STi does. The 257 does have some forged internals but again, unless you are going for big power the 255 is a great power plant for USDM. I wish you would have disclosed separately how much you did pay for labor and give a ballpark figure how what parts you got for free/ step discount to really get a true sense of your total investment, unless that is something you did not want to divulge, just to get a true idea what you have into your Foz. Either way, love your car and hope to see you in CO some day.
#FozLife
I'm struggling with my lovely wife as my journey has just begun. Front/rear sway bars. Front shock tower.
3rd Aug going to Canberra for full invidia q300 and stage two tune.
She thinks that we are both slightly confused 😀
I'll take the Fozzy any day. I have a 2002 foz and this is my dream.
I have a 2004 Forester XT with no mods and I've spent too much just keeping it stock. Now that ringland failure is imminent I'm planning an STi swap.
If you buy your shoetblock and trans together you can save a few bucks and you can of course skip the "race parts" if you want a simple daily driver(lol whi wants that?!)