Just bought a Forester 2.0XT auto JDM, engine mods?

[Carma]

Hi Im waiting to collect a very low mileage 02 Forester 2.0XT auto JDM and am wondering about a remap and who to use.
I believe its standard at around 170bhp and was hoping to get to 220 ish.

Can anyone tell me what's a sensible limit for an auto Forester, I did drive an early imported auto STi a few years ago and that seemed to shift quite well so I guess a slight bhp increase on an auto is ok.

I could get addicted and upgrade the turbo, inter cooler, exhaust etc... Has anyone any experiences they can share please.

I've also read about 02 being a bad year for SLS rear suspension problems, which manufacture is best for upgraded shocks and springs and maybe ARB's? I also have a desire for a Spec C Impreza would I be better leaving the Forester standard and getting a weekend Impreza? I usually end up modifying most cars so perhaps tweak both?

[Ved]

For mods, give Slow Boy Racing a call. Being an auto you'll likely be safe at the figure you want but aside from a remap just get a nice exhaust system and you'll be fine. They respond very well to ARBs and drop links too. My XT has front and rear Whiteline items and it's magnificent in every way. The SLS should be fine if it's not showing any sag. If it does then look at Pedders for replacements.

Get some photos up!

[Carma]

Thank you!
I'm waiting for dvla to sort the new UK registration before I collect it apparently there running at a 10 day turn round, bit frustrating cos I'm naturally super impatient!!!

I will sort some photos soon as.

[Ved]

Here's mine: http://www.pistonheads.com/news/default.asp?storyI...

[Carma]

Ved said:

Here's mine: http://www.pistonheads.com/news/default.asp?storyI...

It was this that got me thinking about Foresters, inspirational stuff!

I spoke to Slowboy racing today about a remap and they suggested a 100 cell cat from Hayward & Scott (who are 20mins from me) so I spoke to them also and priced a full stainless system, I will go and see them to sort a suitable tail pipe as I don't want 'Owls nesting' if you catch my drift.

Which diameter Whiteline ARB's did you go with? I looked on Demon Tweeks and the price was better than I imagined. Are Tein coil overs any good do you know?

Thanks for the great info!!

[Ved]

Carma said:

Ved said:

Here's mine: http://www.pistonheads.com/news/default.asp?storyI...

It was this that got me thinking about Foresters, inspirational stuff!

I spoke to Slowboy racing today about a remap and they suggested a 100 cell cat from Hayward & Scott (who are 20mins from me) so I spoke to them also and priced a full stainless system, I will go and see them to sort a suitable tail pipe as I don't want 'Owls nesting' if you catch my drift.

Which diameter Whiteline ARB's did you go with? I looked on Demon Tweeks and the price was better than I imagined. Are Tein coil overs any good do you know?

Thanks for the great info!!

Thanks A sports cat will ease things a little and he has some good ones there and would be worth doing for sure. I have just put a Prodrive back box on mine and it looks great while not being loud or too large.

I went for 22mm bars front and back with the drop links too. I got mine from Camskill who did a good price for them so I'd look there too. I wouldn't bother with springs as they may hurt the ride quality so try it with just the ARBs for now. It's also worth noting that you can't just put springs on the rear if they have SLS as it'll just level them again. You'll need to do springs and dampers to get what you want.

[Carma]

Thanks for the ARB info!! I'm getting quite excited about the Foresters imminent-ish arrival (day 4 of 10).
If I'm not carefully I'll have a garage full of parts before it arrives

Seriously though I'm going to spend a little time with it standard, check and service it generally and then start the upgrades, then on the 2nd day....

Thanks once again!!

[markCSC]

Carma said:

.
I believe its standard at around 170bhp and was hoping to get to 220 ish.

I'm fairly sure it is already 220ps as standard

Make sure you also check out the Forester board (Europe Section) http://www.subaruforester.org/vbulletin/f75/