Tuning a Forester Turbo
Discussion
Hi folks, currently considering a Forester to replace my Accord workhorse, was wondering what the tunability was like?
I'd probably go for an 05/06 2.5; not too keen on an STi, but would like the performance and noise...
Do most impreza bits fit? There doesn't seem to be much forester-specific stuff out there.
Who are the decent/reliable companies for tuning?
Tia
I'd probably go for an 05/06 2.5; not too keen on an STi, but would like the performance and noise...
Do most impreza bits fit? There doesn't seem to be much forester-specific stuff out there.
Who are the decent/reliable companies for tuning?
Tia
Similar principles apply to the Forester you're thinking of buying as they would to same year Impreza WRX.
Many people prefer the WRX to an STi for a multitude of reasons but want the go, and that's fair enough. Others like the more extreme looks and handling of the STi over the WRX, and again that's fair enough too.
The simple answer is Yes....No Problem
Many people prefer the WRX to an STi for a multitude of reasons but want the go, and that's fair enough. Others like the more extreme looks and handling of the STi over the WRX, and again that's fair enough too.
The simple answer is Yes....No Problem
2.5 bottom end means gobfuls of torque. I don't think the OP, baring in mind the vehicle he drives, is maybe looking for a power monster, although i could be wrong. If all you're interested in is dyno numbers then you can do that too but IMHO doesn't generally drive as nicely when mapped for peak power.
However, a well mapped ECU with driveability in mind will provide cracking performance from low down and enough torque to pull a train. Motorway overtaking becomes effortless and swift without changing gears and the weekend B road blast is transformed into a fun affair.
All you have to worry about after the engine mods and mapping is stopping the beast!!
However, a well mapped ECU with driveability in mind will provide cracking performance from low down and enough torque to pull a train. Motorway overtaking becomes effortless and swift without changing gears and the weekend B road blast is transformed into a fun affair.
All you have to worry about after the engine mods and mapping is stopping the beast!!
ScoobieWRX said:
2.5 bottom end means gobfuls of torque. I don't think the OP, baring in mind the vehicle he drives, is maybe looking for a power monster, although i could be wrong. If all you're interested in is dyno numbers then you can do that too but IMHO doesn't generally drive as nicely when mapped for peak power.
However, a well mapped ECU with driveability in mind will provide cracking performance from low down and enough torque to pull a train. Motorway overtaking becomes effortless and swift without changing gears and the weekend B road blast is transformed into a fun affair.
All you have to worry about after the engine mods and mapping is stopping the beast!!
Absolutely right ScoobieWRX... I'm not after a monster. 280-300hp would be plenty. I used to have a JDM Impreza S-GT with 300 and that was plenty for a work car.However, a well mapped ECU with driveability in mind will provide cracking performance from low down and enough torque to pull a train. Motorway overtaking becomes effortless and swift without changing gears and the weekend B road blast is transformed into a fun affair.
All you have to worry about after the engine mods and mapping is stopping the beast!!
The juvenile side of me loves the subaru burble, but the Foresters I've been in dont have it... are they just more silenced or is there something else at play? I heard something about unequal length manifolds (I'm dead technical, me!) but dont know if the 2.5litre still has that...
Unequal length headers, slip jointed 2 bolt uppipe and decat turbo back exhaust system will have it burbling like a goodun and not so loud either.
You don't don't need a 3" system, the standard manufacturers 2+5/8" pipe bore size is perfect and you'll need a decent flat panel air filter. Current fuel pump should be fine for where you want to be.
Open Source remap is very cost effective and as good as any EcuTek remap. Whichever remap system you use it's always going to be down to the tuner who does the mapping as to how it all turns out.
So long as the car is 100% healthy with no heeader/uppipe leaks, boost leaks, or dodgy sensors and you've carried out all the supporting mods, there is no reason why the end result can't be highly satisfying.
You don't don't need a 3" system, the standard manufacturers 2+5/8" pipe bore size is perfect and you'll need a decent flat panel air filter. Current fuel pump should be fine for where you want to be.
Open Source remap is very cost effective and as good as any EcuTek remap. Whichever remap system you use it's always going to be down to the tuner who does the mapping as to how it all turns out.
So long as the car is 100% healthy with no heeader/uppipe leaks, boost leaks, or dodgy sensors and you've carried out all the supporting mods, there is no reason why the end result can't be highly satisfying.
Hi there OP ... quality choice 
My current car is a 57 plate XTEn manual with the following mods:
PPP Upgrade so about 260bhp/300 torque
Full PPP Stainless Exhaust
Whiteline Strut Brace
Whiteline adjustable front ARB
Whiteline adjustable rear ARB
BC Racing fully adjustable coilovers
Prodrive full bodykit
Prodrive/OZ rims with 235/40/18s
WRX Discs and Pads
Performance is excellent, as is handling/braking. Only thing to consider is Super Unleaded only and 23mpg overall
The car still looks fairly normal, just a little more agressive due to the lower stance and bodykit. It's not as wild as a STi though
HTH
My current car is a 57 plate XTEn manual with the following mods:
PPP Upgrade so about 260bhp/300 torque
Full PPP Stainless Exhaust
Whiteline Strut Brace
Whiteline adjustable front ARB
Whiteline adjustable rear ARB
BC Racing fully adjustable coilovers
Prodrive full bodykit
Prodrive/OZ rims with 235/40/18s
WRX Discs and Pads
Performance is excellent, as is handling/braking. Only thing to consider is Super Unleaded only and 23mpg overall
The car still looks fairly normal, just a little more agressive due to the lower stance and bodykit. It's not as wild as a STi though
HTH
surrey7er said:
why so?
Its a 4 speed and is not re-matched to the engine at all. It's fine in the non-turbos but in even the normal one it finds the wrong gear all the time. If you PPP then your torque curve will change and become V V flat .. this again catches you in the wrong gear all the time. Some of the later ones have various "modes" on them. They might not be so bad, but performance is seriously blunted.A PPP manual is 0-60 in low 5's
A PPP Auto is in the mid 7's
I drove both a few years ago when I bought my 57 plate (had from new) and I had to question the sales guy if it was a non-turbo auto I was driving
As to your other Q ... motorway mpg ... if you sit at 70-80 you'll get 26, if you sit at 95 you'll get 21 .. over 100 and you are in the teens. My car is 57 plate with 135k miles on it, lots of miles on all types of roads (commute is 100 each way when in the office) and my overall is 23 - note Vpower or Tesco 99 ONLY or performance suffers and consumption drops into the teens
arfur said:
I see you are in Surrey ... I'm in Reading. If you fancy a quick go in mine let me know and we can try to arrange something ... you'll know pretty quickly if you are choosing the right type of car
Very kind of you. I'm after something a little less dull for the work drive and four wheel drive would come in handy, as I would like to be able to do a modicum of gentle off roading. 23mpg does sound a bit steep tbh. Might have to do some sums and see if I can afford it! I used to get 32 out of my Impreza without any problems, didnt realise Foresters were that much worse.
I'll PM you if that's OK...
surrey7er said:
Very kind of you.
I'm after something a little less dull for the work drive and four wheel drive would come in handy, as I would like to be able to do a modicum of gentle off roading. 23mpg does sound a bit steep tbh. Might have to do some sums and see if I can afford it! I used to get 32 out of my Impreza without any problems, didnt realise Foresters were that much worse.
I'll PM you if that's OK...
PM replied to ...I'm after something a little less dull for the work drive and four wheel drive would come in handy, as I would like to be able to do a modicum of gentle off roading. 23mpg does sound a bit steep tbh. Might have to do some sums and see if I can afford it! I used to get 32 out of my Impreza without any problems, didnt realise Foresters were that much worse.
I'll PM you if that's OK...
Maybe it's just my lead foot then ;-)
Going back to the Fozzy STi......i feel it is shouting at you
...Everything is already done for you and serious power is only a short step away (if you must have it!)
The Sti with its 6 speed box and the taller gearing they added exclusively to the Forester STI box (14% taller gearing in 4th,5th & 6th) does mean you can get descent mpg figures when cruising around !!
Mine is re-mapped and the 2.5 avcs engine has some serious low down torque for effortless overtaking (even in 6th gear!)
I can not see what is Not to like about it!...ticks every box and then some
....for me it is arguably the most complete car i have owned and consequently the best (and i have had some very nice motors)
Good luck.
...Everything is already done for you and serious power is only a short step away (if you must have it!)
The Sti with its 6 speed box and the taller gearing they added exclusively to the Forester STI box (14% taller gearing in 4th,5th & 6th) does mean you can get descent mpg figures when cruising around !!
Mine is re-mapped and the 2.5 avcs engine has some serious low down torque for effortless overtaking (even in 6th gear!)
I can not see what is Not to like about it!...ticks every box and then some
....for me it is arguably the most complete car i have owned and consequently the best (and i have had some very nice motors)Good luck.
surrey7er said:
Seems like a winner... what mpg can one expect on a motorway?
I need to decide Manual v auto too (swmbo can only drive an Auto, so it'd be handy in that respect...)
Perhaps look out for one with the SportShift box - have the best of both worlds!I need to decide Manual v auto too (swmbo can only drive an Auto, so it'd be handy in that respect...)
I have this in mine and it's great, slightly quicker than the full auto, and only a little behind the manual.
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