Author Topic: 10secdream's 04 Forester XT 5MT - Sold  (Read 27650 times)

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Offline 10secdream

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10secdream's 04 Forester XT 5MT - Sold
« on: July 31, 2014, 01:53:22 pm »
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  ;D.

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 List

Engine/Exhaust/Drivetrain
Tactrix 2.0 - Currently Building Stage 2 Map
Cobb Replica Catback
B&B Divorced Downpipe
TurboXS Uppipe - Awaiting Install

Handling/Brakes
Stoptech 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/Exterior
OEM All Weather Subaru Floor Mats
Flapatax Mud Flaps - Removed
Plastidipped 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
2003 Mazda Miata
2015 WRX Build
2004 Forester XT Build

“When you see the tree you’re about to hit, it’s called under steer. When you can only feel and hear it, it’s over steer.”

Offline YvanF

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Re: 10secdream's 04 Forester XT - Daily, Child Hauler, Rig Road Bouncer
« Reply #1 on: July 31, 2014, 02:04:31 pm »
I love Fozzies. Especially red fozzies. :)

Offline 10secdream

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Re: 10secdream's 04 Forester XT - Daily, Child Hauler, Rig Road Bouncer
« Reply #2 on: July 31, 2014, 02:20:41 pm »
First thing I did was give her a nice bath and start cleaning up the paint and interior. I have been taking my time cleaning everything up so once I have it all complete I will have a detailing write-up.

Teaser Pictures:



2003 Mazda Miata
2015 WRX Build
2004 Forester XT Build

“When you see the tree you’re about to hit, it’s called under steer. When you can only feel and hear it, it’s over steer.”

Offline 10secdream

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Re: 10secdream's 04 Forester XT - Daily, Child Hauler, Rig Road Bouncer
« Reply #3 on: July 31, 2014, 02:22:13 pm »
Testing Cquartz UK on the hood. Love the gloss & hydrophobic properties.

2003 Mazda Miata
2015 WRX Build
2004 Forester XT Build

“When you see the tree you’re about to hit, it’s called under steer. When you can only feel and hear it, it’s over steer.”

Offline 10secdream

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Re: 10secdream's 04 Forester XT - Daily, Child Hauler, Rig Road Bouncer
« Reply #4 on: July 31, 2014, 02:24:38 pm »
Vehicle was in dire need of a headlight/fog light restoration.



2003 Mazda Miata
2015 WRX Build
2004 Forester XT Build

“When you see the tree you’re about to hit, it’s called under steer. When you can only feel and hear it, it’s over steer.”

Offline YvanF

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Re: 10secdream's 04 Forester XT - Daily, Child Hauler, Rig Road Bouncer
« Reply #5 on: July 31, 2014, 03:31:39 pm »
Man does clearing out headlights ever make a difference on the look of the whole car.

Offline LilDrunkenSmurf

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Re: 10secdream's 04 Forester XT - Daily, Child Hauler, Rig Road Bouncer
« Reply #6 on: July 31, 2014, 03:43:38 pm »
I really need to do that.
If the sea was vodka, and I was a duck.
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Offline Dev

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Re: 10secdream's 04 Forester XT - Daily, Child Hauler, Rig Road Bouncer
« Reply #7 on: July 31, 2014, 03:46:17 pm »
Man does clearing out headlights ever make a difference on the look of the whole car.

Ohh yeah, it's one of the first things I look at when I look at cars
My 2006 STI Build:*Sold*
Project "Panda"
My 2014 XT Build: *Sold*
Project "Panda" #2
My 2016 Golf R Build Project "Panda" #3

Offline jellynuts

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Re: 10secdream's 04 Forester XT - Daily, Child Hauler, Rig Road Bouncer
« Reply #8 on: July 31, 2014, 11:38:35 pm »
Where is the said love rust?

I can't wait to see your detailing right up. Old tired red paint restored to never before glory.  Woot! :)
uckfay, Johnny with the back-handed slap. You're clearly the Oracle.

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Offline 10secdream

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Re: 10secdream's 04 Forester XT - Daily, Child Hauler, Rig Road Bouncer
« Reply #9 on: August 01, 2014, 08:19:14 am »
Here is some of the cancer!



2003 Mazda Miata
2015 WRX Build
2004 Forester XT Build

“When you see the tree you’re about to hit, it’s called under steer. When you can only feel and hear it, it’s over steer.”

Offline 10secdream

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Re: 10secdream's 04 Forester XT - Daily, Child Hauler, Rig Road Bouncer
« Reply #10 on: August 01, 2014, 08:21:05 am »
Good news is I put the vehicle back together after replacing the timing belt, idlers, tensioner, water pump and thermostat. Put in new coolant and fired her up. No leaks and everything seems to be good to go for another 160,000 km.

Next task is to access the center differential and locate my bad bearing/bearings.
2003 Mazda Miata
2015 WRX Build
2004 Forester XT Build

“When you see the tree you’re about to hit, it’s called under steer. When you can only feel and hear it, it’s over steer.”

Offline 10secdream

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Re: 10secdream's 04 Forester XT - Daily, Child Hauler, Rig Road Bouncer
« Reply #11 on: August 01, 2014, 12:57:42 pm »
Received my 2007 WRX Takeoffs from "Habby" today. Should have them installed this weekend. It will be nice to be suspension that is not "blown" and the 2-2 1/2" drop will be nice as well.
2003 Mazda Miata
2015 WRX Build
2004 Forester XT Build

“When you see the tree you’re about to hit, it’s called under steer. When you can only feel and hear it, it’s over steer.”

Offline 10secdream

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Re: 10secdream's 04 Forester XT - Daily, Child Hauler, Rig Road Bouncer
« Reply #12 on: August 04, 2014, 08:12:28 am »
Took my time removing the stock suspension to ensure that I didn't break anything. Got my 2007 wrx take offs installed and I am very happy with the results. I will try to take some pictures later this evening.

Also finished my Stage 1 rom. Once the vehicle is fixed I will do a comparison between the factory tune and the stage 1 tune.
2003 Mazda Miata
2015 WRX Build
2004 Forester XT Build

“When you see the tree you’re about to hit, it’s called under steer. When you can only feel and hear it, it’s over steer.”

Offline Tenacious_B

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Re: 10secdream's 04 Forester XT - Daily, Child Hauler, Rig Road Bouncer
« Reply #13 on: August 04, 2014, 03:02:46 pm »
Received my 2007 WRX Takeoffs from "Habby" today. Should have them installed this weekend. It will be nice to be clunk free(hopefully) and the 2-2 1/2" drop will be nice as well.

I could be wrong but being that the WRX struts are not inverted, there should be no clunk.

PICS!
I used to drive Subaru's.

Offline 10secdream

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Re: 10secdream's 04 Forester XT - Daily, Child Hauler, Rig Road Bouncer
« Reply #14 on: August 04, 2014, 03:18:31 pm »
I will revise my sentence how about not blown? ;D I will get some pictures tonight.
2003 Mazda Miata
2015 WRX Build
2004 Forester XT Build

“When you see the tree you’re about to hit, it’s called under steer. When you can only feel and hear it, it’s over steer.”

Offline 10secdream

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Re: 10secdream's 04 Forester XT - Daily, Child Hauler, Rig Road Bouncer
« Reply #15 on: August 04, 2014, 09:22:01 pm »
Engine Bay Before:



Engine Bay After:



2003 Mazda Miata
2015 WRX Build
2004 Forester XT Build

“When you see the tree you’re about to hit, it’s called under steer. When you can only feel and hear it, it’s over steer.”

Offline 10secdream

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Re: 10secdream's 04 Forester XT - Daily, Child Hauler, Rig Road Bouncer
« Reply #16 on: August 04, 2014, 09:23:39 pm »
Stock Suspension:





2007 WRX Takeoffs:





Looks like I need some saggy butt spacers now.

2003 Mazda Miata
2015 WRX Build
2004 Forester XT Build

“When you see the tree you’re about to hit, it’s called under steer. When you can only feel and hear it, it’s over steer.”

Offline LilDrunkenSmurf

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Re: 10secdream's 04 Forester XT - Daily, Child Hauler, Rig Road Bouncer
« Reply #17 on: August 05, 2014, 07:09:14 am »
Looks good. Good ride height. What did you use to clean up the engine bay? Those plastics are really black and shiny.
If the sea was vodka, and I was a duck.
I would swim to the bottom, and drink my way up.
But the sea isn't vodka, and I'm not a duck.
So give me the vodka, and stfu.
If you're having forum problems, I feel bad for you son, I got 99 problems but your post ain't one.

Offline 10secdream

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Re: 10secdream's 04 Forester XT - Daily, Child Hauler, Rig Road Bouncer
« Reply #18 on: August 05, 2014, 07:34:46 am »
Used APC diluted 4:1 and then scrubbed with various brushes. I used Sonus Trim & Motor Kote on the plastics. Such a great product as you spray it on (it will look wet and your instinct tells you to wipe it off but don't) leave it over night and it looks like new. Super easy to use.
2003 Mazda Miata
2015 WRX Build
2004 Forester XT Build

“When you see the tree you’re about to hit, it’s called under steer. When you can only feel and hear it, it’s over steer.”

Offline Tenacious_B

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Re: 10secdream's 04 Forester XT 5MT - Sitting Lower
« Reply #19 on: August 05, 2014, 08:01:43 am »
I spy a plastidipped grille as well.

Were they WRX or WRX Wagon takeoffs?
I used to drive Subaru's.

Offline 10secdream

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Re: 10secdream's 04 Forester XT 5MT - Sitting Lower
« Reply #20 on: August 05, 2014, 08:06:40 am »
Sedan takeoffs. I am actually surprised that it sits fairly even (maybe 1/4" lower in the rear).
2003 Mazda Miata
2015 WRX Build
2004 Forester XT Build

“When you see the tree you’re about to hit, it’s called under steer. When you can only feel and hear it, it’s over steer.”

Offline Tremor

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Re: 10secdream's 04 Forester XT 5MT - Sitting Lower
« Reply #21 on: August 05, 2014, 09:28:11 am »
I've got 07 Wagon Takeoffs on my 04 XT and it sits almost identical to that. Over time it may change but not much of a difference!

Offline Asstuna

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Re: 10secdream's 04 Forester XT - Daily, Child Hauler, Rig Road Bouncer
« Reply #22 on: August 06, 2014, 05:36:58 am »
Used APC diluted 4:1 and then scrubbed with various brushes. I used Sonus Trim & Motor Kote on the plastics. Such a great product as you spray it on (it will look wet and your instinct tells you to wipe it off but don't) leave it over night and it looks like new. Super easy to use.
I checked this stuff out online. I'm rather impressed with the price and result.
1. please cross post this baby in the detailing thread
2. where is the easiest place to source it quickly? I want to make sure I have some for illmotion Sunday School

Offline jellynuts

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Re: 10secdream's 04 Forester XT - Daily, Child Hauler, Rig Road Bouncer
« Reply #23 on: August 06, 2014, 07:54:31 am »
2. where is the easiest place to source it quickly? I want to make sure I have some for illmotion Sunday School

I'm headed up to Edmonton next week. I could take Bee with me to pass on to 10sec :D
uckfay, Johnny with the back-handed slap. You're clearly the Oracle.

Check out my work on:  Instagram  FaceBook  Flickr  YouTube

Offline 10secdream

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Re: 10secdream's 04 Forester XT - Daily, Child Hauler, Rig Road Bouncer
« Reply #24 on: August 06, 2014, 08:50:55 am »
I checked this stuff out online. I'm rather impressed with the price and result.
1. please cross post this baby in the detailing thread
2. where is the easiest place to source it quickly? I want to make sure I have some for illmotion Sunday School

Auto obsessed has it in stock currently. http://autoobsessed.com/shop/sonus-trim-motor-kote-p-353.html
2003 Mazda Miata
2015 WRX Build
2004 Forester XT Build

“When you see the tree you’re about to hit, it’s called under steer. When you can only feel and hear it, it’s over steer.”