Forester Modifications .... Advice

[paulmoonraker]

Hi all,

A mate at work has a Forester Turbo, 2.5 litre engine, around 2008. It's totally standard at present, but he wants to get it to 280ish bhp. What's the recommended setup. He did mention cams and stuff - is this worth it? What will the standard blower do?

Thanks all...

[ScoobieWRX]

Exactly the same thing you would do to a 2.5Ltr WRX. Exhaust mods, Air filter and remap, you should see 280bhp and a gobful of torque. No need to mess with cams etc..., I'm sure they already run AVCS and they they are about 225bhp standard aren't they?

A Forester is just an Impreza on stilts.

[paulmoonraker]

Does it need a new fuel pump?

[ScoobieWRX]

Nope. He'll be fine up to 280ish on the OEM pump.

If he wants further power increases thereafter he'll need to upgrade the pump from a reliability and fuel delivery standpoint.

[paulmoonraker]

And what will the standard turbo do?

[ScoobieWRX]

I think the 2.5 has a TD04 same as the WRX so should make 280ish on a good day. If he wants more then it's got to be a 16G or a VF34/35 turbo and a walbro fuel pump plus remap on top of the mods he's already done for 280bhp.

[Crazysteve]

Hi, i own one on a 55 plate.
Just for peace of mind i would drop the sump off and check the oil pickup pipe.
Mine cracked at 77k destroying the btm end.
No warning, no oil light flicking, car lurched and that was it.( oil pressure switch approx 4psi)
Another mod would be a oil pressure guage.
Or http://www.killerbmotorsport.com/index_files/Ultim...



Just changed the gearbox oil, 4th grinding.
Tried using http://www.redlineoil.com/product.aspx?pid=43&... wow!! what a difference. 2 quarts of redline and topped up with 75/90.

[ScoobieWRX]

The cracked oil sump pickup pipe is not specific to Foresters, I've heard it happen on a few 2.5 engines fitted to the Impreza as well. Sorry to hear it let go without even a hint of warning

As for the gearbox issues, i've used Redline Heavy ShockPrroof for a few years now. If your gearbox feels a bit rough or noisy, Redline is the stuff to use.

I understand Millers also manufacture a 75W90 with some kind of shockproofing ability as well. Perhaps that contains tiny Polymer beads too.

I don't you can use either of these oils in cars fitted with LSDs though. I'd love to put some in my WRXs rear diff but it's got an LSD so can't use it there.

[Crazysteve]

Well it must be me??
http://www.subaruforester.org/vbulletin/f75/proble...
http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1...
http://www.subaruforester.org/vbulletin/f87/has-an...
Just hacked off with IM, they do not give a s**t about its customers!
sorry for going a bit of topic.
As for info on the Fozzy try this site, i have always found them very helpful. http://www.subaruforester.org/

[RB Will]

my dad has an 07 Forester with the Prodrive kit on which I think is just an exhaust and remap and that is nearly 260bhp. So getting someone to push the boost a bit further would probably see 280bhp

[yellowstreak]

I'll be interested to hear how you get on. I refuse to replace my '05 Forester as it just keeps on truckin' and does everything I need it too. It has a prodrive pack which I think is supposed to push it to 255bhp. It would be interesting to have a few more though! I recently enquired with a tuner about bringing it up to the power of an re-mapped STI, but this would involve a new turbo, fuel pump, injectors and re-map. With labour it was pushing 3.5k which was a step too far for me for such a cheap car.

If another remap would bring it up to 280bhp that would be worth it - an long as it doesn't explode of course.

[ScoobieWRX]

You'll be fine up to 270-280ish as long as you have supporting exhaust and air filter mods. Just keeping the main downpipe cat in place and decatting the rest will get you through emissions.

For any more power buy yourself a used VF34/35/ TD05 16/18G turbo, used 550cc STi injectors and a decent remap, and you're away. The engine itself will be fine upto 330-340bhp no problems.

£3.5K is nothing less than taking the P155!! Money for old rope and people with more money than sense or those that don't know any better pay it as well. Madness!!

There are plenty of decent used parts around, you don't have to go brand new.