I figured it was time to not be lazy and start a build/progress thread on my 2004 Subaru Forester XT that I picked up around 2 months ago.
I purchased this vehicle off of kijiji knowing that it had some drive-train problems and unknown/questionable maintenance history. This should be a big red flag on a turbo subaru but the price was good, it has the desirable 5 speed and it will keep me busy over the summer (as if detailing wasn't enough work for the weekends). The vehicle ran and drove fine and everything seemed to work on the test drive. The only issue that the previous owner was aware of is a loud humming noise (previous owner thinks its an input/output shaft bearing) that gets louder as speed increases.
Other than the unknown mechanical history, Ontario registration at some point (love rust), some hammered paint and overall dirty condition this vehicle should keep me occupied
.
One of the reasons I bought this vehicle is that I needed another 4 door vehicle (have 2 kids), wanted something I could daily drive that was fun and most importantly I can bounce it down a rig road and not care too much.
Goal of this build: is to Keep it Simple, Make it Reliable/Fun, save my $$$ for a Summer Toy
Day 1: 198,500 kms on the odometer - Vehicle is completely stock!
How she sits currently (December 14, 2014)
Current Mod ListEngine/Exhaust/DrivetrainTactrix 2.0 - Currently Building Stage 2 Map
Cobb Replica Catback
B&B Divorced Downpipe
TurboXS Uppipe - Awaiting Install
Handling/BrakesStoptech Street Performance Pads (Front & Rear)
STI Rear Sway Bar c/w mounts ect.
2007 WRX Suspension Takeoffs
Konig SE10 Graphite 16x7 +40 / General Tire Altimax Arctic 215/60/r16 (Winter Setup)
Rota Grid Gold 18x8.5 +44 / Continental DW 235/40/r18 (Summer Setup)
Factory XT wheels / All season tires 215/60/r16 (Stock/Spare Setup)
Interior/ExteriorOEM All Weather Subaru Floor Mats
Flapatax Mud Flaps - RemovedPlastidipped Front Grill Black
Diode Dynamics Interior Stage 2 White LED Kit
Rally Armor Pink Mudflaps
Lamin-X Yellow Foglight Covers
Jensen VX 7020 Multimedia Receiver with Build in Nav.
6 1/2" Alpine E Type Front Door Speakers
Sound Ordnance 8-PTD Subwoofer
DDM Tuning Bi-Xenon H1 Projectors V3 with 35watt 4300k H1 HID's
WRX Aluminum Pedals
Things I have done to the car:-removed factory roof rails
-replaced air filter (199,000)
-replaced in cabin filter (199,000)
-brake fluid flush with DOT 4 (199,000)
-replaced front and rear brake pads (199,000)
-replaced rear dif fluid (199,000)
-replaced engine oil & filter (199,000)
-replaced spark plugs (ILFR6B) such a pain to do (199,000)
-replaced all the windshield wipers (199,000)
-replaced timing belt, idlers, tensioner, waterpump & thermostat (202,000)
-replaced coolant (202,000)
-replaced all the burnt out bulbs (202,000)
-remove hitch as it was denting the factory exhaust and my replica exhaust wouldn't clear it
-removed all old window tint (nasty purple)
-replaced pvc valve (202,000 km)
-replaced fuel filter (202,000 km)
-replace transmission fluid with Valvoline Synthetic 75W90 (202,000 km)
-replaced engine oil with Rotella T6 5W-40 (202,000 km)
-replaced center differential & transfer gears from 1999 2.5rs donor transmission
-1 step paint correction & Cquartz UK applied to paint
-replaced transfer drive/driven & center differential bearings (4 in total)
-replaced engine oil with Rotella T6 5W-40 (207,000 km)
Things that still need to be done:-fix rust on drivers side rear quarter (haven't decided if I want to yet)
-kartboy shifter bushings
-3/8" saggy butt spacers
-camber bolts for rear
-acquire used STI turbo
-acquire used STI Top Mount Intercooler and BPV