(Another) Forester STI
Discussion
Bought this yesterday! Yes, I know, another FSTI.
Bit of a backstory: Fourteen months ago I had a crash and wrote off my mk1 MX-5. It was my fault, driving too fast on a wet motorway slip road and span it across the verge separating the slip road from the carriageway, then across all three lanes of the carriageway, and smacking into the central reservation. Luckily it was a winters evening and I didn’t collect anyone on the way through, but I knackered every panel except the driver’s door and the roof. I walked away but very shaken and with a very dented confidence in driving in the wet and/or dark. I decided then to drive the Shogun we have to tow Her horse as a daily. Reasons being because a) it’s 4WD and b) very slow, so I figured I couldn’t really get into that much trouble in it while I rebuilt my confidence. However it was just too expensive to run daily so bought a shed diesel Focus at the start of this year to cut running costs. I’ve hated every moment in it for reasons I shouldn’t have to explain so the hunt was on for a more interesting daily.
In the summer I started looking about at Imprezas, specifically a hawk-eye STI. Then Dan Trent started sending out updates on his Forester STI and realised that it had all the attributes I was looking for in an Impreza with added practicality and rarity (with a slight compromise in handling, granted). I did some reading, YouTube-ing and found a fellow PHer willing to let me have a look around theirs – thanks again MDMA. I liked the look of what I saw/read so went shopping.
I found this one on PH via an importer in Glasgow a mere 200miles from my house. I spoke to Zak at Rare Imports and he couldn’t have been more helpful. I’ll get this said here – the entire buying experience was excellent and I can highly recommend their services. Helpful, knowledgeable, professional, you name it. I put a reserve on the car as it was still on the boat, viewed it once landed, and collected once Zak had prepped it for sale.
Collected it yesterday and I have to say I’m very impressed. It has some factory upgrades which are nice – backbox, boost gauge, wind deflectors, front strut brace – all with the proper paperwork. We suspect an aftermarket clutch because the bite is quite aggressive which I’m still getting used to. It makes all the right noises but isn’t too antisocial or booming/droning from the cabin. I’ve not pushed the performance too much yet - it’s a big step up from a 1999 diesel Focus and the most powerful car I’ve owned to date. However even on ¾ throttle it’s very exciting and is going to take some acclimatisation.
Looking ahead, in the new year I’ll get it properly remapped for UK fuel – I’m running VPower currently. I’ll not be chasing big power, just want it running right. I was so fed up with spending so much time in a sh!t box I didn’t like I’ll happily take the hit on fuel costs. Popular modifications are thicker and solid ARBs and braces which I might look into to sharpen handling and reduce bodyroll, but as it’s going to be used every day I don’t want something too harsh and unforgiving. I’m open to suggestions though! Other than that I’m looking forward to driving something regularly that I’m proud of, getting out to some Sunday Services and car shows, and exploring some of the B roads around where I live which I haven’t done since moving here about 18 months ago (no point exploring them in a diesel).
Bit of a backstory: Fourteen months ago I had a crash and wrote off my mk1 MX-5. It was my fault, driving too fast on a wet motorway slip road and span it across the verge separating the slip road from the carriageway, then across all three lanes of the carriageway, and smacking into the central reservation. Luckily it was a winters evening and I didn’t collect anyone on the way through, but I knackered every panel except the driver’s door and the roof. I walked away but very shaken and with a very dented confidence in driving in the wet and/or dark. I decided then to drive the Shogun we have to tow Her horse as a daily. Reasons being because a) it’s 4WD and b) very slow, so I figured I couldn’t really get into that much trouble in it while I rebuilt my confidence. However it was just too expensive to run daily so bought a shed diesel Focus at the start of this year to cut running costs. I’ve hated every moment in it for reasons I shouldn’t have to explain so the hunt was on for a more interesting daily.
In the summer I started looking about at Imprezas, specifically a hawk-eye STI. Then Dan Trent started sending out updates on his Forester STI and realised that it had all the attributes I was looking for in an Impreza with added practicality and rarity (with a slight compromise in handling, granted). I did some reading, YouTube-ing and found a fellow PHer willing to let me have a look around theirs – thanks again MDMA. I liked the look of what I saw/read so went shopping.
I found this one on PH via an importer in Glasgow a mere 200miles from my house. I spoke to Zak at Rare Imports and he couldn’t have been more helpful. I’ll get this said here – the entire buying experience was excellent and I can highly recommend their services. Helpful, knowledgeable, professional, you name it. I put a reserve on the car as it was still on the boat, viewed it once landed, and collected once Zak had prepped it for sale.
Collected it yesterday and I have to say I’m very impressed. It has some factory upgrades which are nice – backbox, boost gauge, wind deflectors, front strut brace – all with the proper paperwork. We suspect an aftermarket clutch because the bite is quite aggressive which I’m still getting used to. It makes all the right noises but isn’t too antisocial or booming/droning from the cabin. I’ve not pushed the performance too much yet - it’s a big step up from a 1999 diesel Focus and the most powerful car I’ve owned to date. However even on ¾ throttle it’s very exciting and is going to take some acclimatisation.
Looking ahead, in the new year I’ll get it properly remapped for UK fuel – I’m running VPower currently. I’ll not be chasing big power, just want it running right. I was so fed up with spending so much time in a sh!t box I didn’t like I’ll happily take the hit on fuel costs. Popular modifications are thicker and solid ARBs and braces which I might look into to sharpen handling and reduce bodyroll, but as it’s going to be used every day I don’t want something too harsh and unforgiving. I’m open to suggestions though! Other than that I’m looking forward to driving something regularly that I’m proud of, getting out to some Sunday Services and car shows, and exploring some of the B roads around where I live which I haven’t done since moving here about 18 months ago (no point exploring them in a diesel).
Thanks all.
Brads, although I'm sure Andy is very capable I think I'll look at options a little closer to home as I'm based in Wigan. I've been recommended Ade at Ade Tuning or TDI North Powertuning. If anyone has any experience of either I'll happily listen. I'll do some proper research in the new year.
Thanks, Rob. You'll have to come up with yours in the spring - bring your little girl to have a look at the horses. I'd like to see how yours compares with mine given the mods it has - a couple of people have mentioned the uprated ARBs/mounts and coilovers which from memory I think yours has?
What I didn't mention in the first post was that when the importer drove it he noticed a lot of wind noise from the off side door/wing mirror. Apparently this is a common problem with Foresters relating to a failing door gusset. He expressed one from Japan (Subaru UK didn't have any) but it didn't arrive in time to fit before I collected so he's posted it on to me. Ordered from Japan on Friday, delivered to importer in Glasgow Tuesday, delivered to me in Wigan on Wednesday. Brilliant customer service. On the test drive we noticed that the near side might be on it's way out too so he's sending me a second in the new year. This is it.
I'll fit it next time it's dry and I'm off work. Probably March then.
Brads, although I'm sure Andy is very capable I think I'll look at options a little closer to home as I'm based in Wigan. I've been recommended Ade at Ade Tuning or TDI North Powertuning. If anyone has any experience of either I'll happily listen. I'll do some proper research in the new year.
Thanks, Rob. You'll have to come up with yours in the spring - bring your little girl to have a look at the horses. I'd like to see how yours compares with mine given the mods it has - a couple of people have mentioned the uprated ARBs/mounts and coilovers which from memory I think yours has?
What I didn't mention in the first post was that when the importer drove it he noticed a lot of wind noise from the off side door/wing mirror. Apparently this is a common problem with Foresters relating to a failing door gusset. He expressed one from Japan (Subaru UK didn't have any) but it didn't arrive in time to fit before I collected so he's posted it on to me. Ordered from Japan on Friday, delivered to importer in Glasgow Tuesday, delivered to me in Wigan on Wednesday. Brilliant customer service. On the test drive we noticed that the near side might be on it's way out too so he's sending me a second in the new year. This is it.
I'll fit it next time it's dry and I'm off work. Probably March then.
So I'm a month or so and 1,000 miles into ownership and I continue to be very impressed. It's quick (not as quick as it could/should be - more on that below), cool, and actually quite comfortable. There are however a couple of things letting it down.
As per above the wind noise is pretty horrendous at anything above 50mph due to leaky gussets. I've not fitted the one I have yet - waiting to receive the second and I'll do the job in one hit.
I thought I had a very cunning plan to combat the wind noise - turn the stereo up. Unfortunately the stereo is crap. The sound is very thin despite me fiddling with the settings. Upgraded speakers I think are on the cards if I decide that I like the car to keep it medium/-long-term which I think I am. I might throw a sub in there too to beef it out - decide at the time.
The petrol tank has a capacity of about 10 gallons meaning a top up every 200-250miles, or about 5 days. The fuel economy per se and the cost doesn't bother me - I knew what I was getting into - but the constant trips to the petrol station are a bit tiresome. I'm sure 10gallons is adequate for the rest of the range but not so for the STI. I could get a cell made to fit in the ample boot if I was really bothered but I don't think I am.
Some unwanted attention. Not from the boy racers I was expecting, but repmobiles on the motorway with a point to prove.
Despite these niggles I remain very happy with it. I love drama of the boost which still takes me by surprise at its ferocity. The noise at tickover is just encouraging, and at high revs very exciting, although I wish I could hear more of it. I like the fact it's unusual. I love the looks and I've missed having a car I always look back to when I park it. The seats and ride I find very comfortable.
Jobs in the pipeline:
remap - only boosting to about 0.9bar and I could play with the boost controller but too afraid to f**k it up
perhaps a performance exhaust centre section so I can hear more of that noise
new gussets when the second arrives
give it a wash - went for ta drive last week, got lost down a dirt track and ended up with mud on the roof
speak to K&M in Wigan about stereo options
As per above the wind noise is pretty horrendous at anything above 50mph due to leaky gussets. I've not fitted the one I have yet - waiting to receive the second and I'll do the job in one hit.
I thought I had a very cunning plan to combat the wind noise - turn the stereo up. Unfortunately the stereo is crap. The sound is very thin despite me fiddling with the settings. Upgraded speakers I think are on the cards if I decide that I like the car to keep it medium/-long-term which I think I am. I might throw a sub in there too to beef it out - decide at the time.
The petrol tank has a capacity of about 10 gallons meaning a top up every 200-250miles, or about 5 days. The fuel economy per se and the cost doesn't bother me - I knew what I was getting into - but the constant trips to the petrol station are a bit tiresome. I'm sure 10gallons is adequate for the rest of the range but not so for the STI. I could get a cell made to fit in the ample boot if I was really bothered but I don't think I am.
Some unwanted attention. Not from the boy racers I was expecting, but repmobiles on the motorway with a point to prove.
Despite these niggles I remain very happy with it. I love drama of the boost which still takes me by surprise at its ferocity. The noise at tickover is just encouraging, and at high revs very exciting, although I wish I could hear more of it. I like the fact it's unusual. I love the looks and I've missed having a car I always look back to when I park it. The seats and ride I find very comfortable.
Jobs in the pipeline:
remap - only boosting to about 0.9bar and I could play with the boost controller but too afraid to f**k it up
perhaps a performance exhaust centre section so I can hear more of that noise
new gussets when the second arrives
give it a wash - went for ta drive last week, got lost down a dirt track and ended up with mud on the roof
speak to K&M in Wigan about stereo options
Lovely looking car, nothing beats subablue as well it's just so perfect.
I sorted* the wind noise on my Forester by upgrading component speakers in the front and back doors with better quality aftermarket ones powered through an amp. Underseat subwoofer added to the fix as well, can't hear any wind noise now
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I sorted* the wind noise on my Forester by upgrading component speakers in the front and back doors with better quality aftermarket ones powered through an amp. Underseat subwoofer added to the fix as well, can't hear any wind noise now
.Thanks all. I felt it had to be world rally blue, like I think a Ferrari has to be rosso corsa. Many people will think that I'm wrong and that's fine - feel free to keep aggressive opinions to yourselves. Friendly ones welcome.
MDMA has very very kindly donated a powered sub today. I've got a mate in work who used to fit car stereos so I'll ask him to sort it out ASAP and take it from there. Very much appreciated - top man.
Yes, that would've been me on the 62. I did see you Falsey, but shy of something heroic wouldn't have been able to acknowledge it.
MDMA has very very kindly donated a powered sub today. I've got a mate in work who used to fit car stereos so I'll ask him to sort it out ASAP and take it from there. Very much appreciated - top man.
Yes, that would've been me on the 62. I did see you Falsey, but shy of something heroic wouldn't have been able to acknowledge it.
Well finally got round to switching over the door gussets to address the wind noise. As you can see from the side-by-side of old vs. new over time the rubber gets stretched, loses it's elasticity, and can split.
There are plenty of online tutorials/walk-throughs/videos for this fix because it's such a common issue. It was very simple, taking about 30mins for the first side. It would have taken about 20 for the second, but I couldn't undo the three screws that fix the wing mirror to the old gusset. I tried soaking them in WD40 for an hour or so, putting a screwdriver in the screwhead and whacking the handle with a hammer, tightening the screw to break the seal. Nothing worked. Tried the highest torque setting on my electric screwdriver/drill too and didn't budge. By this time my fingers were going numb so threw it back on unfixed. Apart from I forgot to reconnect the electirc mirror electrics. b
ks.
The one that I did get sorted has worked a charm - made a huge difference. Has anyone got any bright ideas on how to free these screws? Any recommendations for a better penetrating fluid? The only other thing I can think of it taking it down to a garage and ask them to get an air-driven impact driver on it. Fustrating afternoon in the cold.
There are plenty of online tutorials/walk-throughs/videos for this fix because it's such a common issue. It was very simple, taking about 30mins for the first side. It would have taken about 20 for the second, but I couldn't undo the three screws that fix the wing mirror to the old gusset. I tried soaking them in WD40 for an hour or so, putting a screwdriver in the screwhead and whacking the handle with a hammer, tightening the screw to break the seal. Nothing worked. Tried the highest torque setting on my electric screwdriver/drill too and didn't budge. By this time my fingers were going numb so threw it back on unfixed. Apart from I forgot to reconnect the electirc mirror electrics. b
ks.The one that I did get sorted has worked a charm - made a huge difference. Has anyone got any bright ideas on how to free these screws? Any recommendations for a better penetrating fluid? The only other thing I can think of it taking it down to a garage and ask them to get an air-driven impact driver on it. Fustrating afternoon in the cold.
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