Topic: Forester STi (what parts swap?)

[push buggy handle]

Hello everyone. As my 06 sti is up for sale im looking to get into a forester. Few questions.
Is a 99 2.5l manual too early of a model for a 6spd and steering rack upgrade. 
Can í do the same engine mods ( turbo and intercooler, header and full exhaust )  or is that only possible with a 2000-2004 model.
Does the forester have to be an xt.
Im looking for bolt on upgrades don't have easy access to a fab shop. Im also not really concerned about sti subframe and suspension but bigger breaks would be nice
Thanks.

[push buggy handle]

Actually a rear diff from an sti to soak up some extra hp would be nice.

[Speed Stick]

This article answers some of your questions.

http://www.superstreetonline.com/how-to/engine/modp-0911-building-your-own-subaru-forester-sti/

[push buggy handle]

I did read that article and a few others as well, thank you for the link, all í have seen so far is2000 and up forester for getting more power out of the 2.5I. Nothing  about 99 cars.  I will have to do more digging

[Barrett]

A quick google search turned me up the following link

http://www.subaruforester.org/vbulletin/f145/turbo-na-motor-33732/

In my opinion you'd be better off importing, or buying an already imported JDM forester if you're stuck on a 99. They're usually similar in price or cheaper than an 03+ Forester, and come in the already turbo'd variety.

If you're stuck on a 99 USDM I'm pretty sure a 6 speed trans would bolt up, however I doubt the rack would. There's articles on subaruforester.org about subframe spacers and such which make it difficult to align the steering rack and column correctly.

[push buggy handle]

Only reason í was looking at a 99 is because it was cheap. Thanks for the info

[snackers]

In my opinion you'd be better off importing, or buying an already imported JDM forester if you're stuck on a 99. They're usually similar in price or cheaper than an 03+ Forester, and come in the already turbo'd variety.

Or maybe he wants something in proper hand drive.

[Barrett]

Yeah, why not pay more and do way more work for an inferior product?!

That's along my line of thinking. Importing is usually cheaper then buying from here.

[ultimatt]

To the OP: Your question is unclear as to what you're actually hoping to do, which is why you likely didn't get many replies.
If you want an easy bolt in solution with no wiring, start with a later model FXT or import a JDM if you're okay with RHD.

If you're able / willing to do wiring you can pretty much swap whatever EJ based engine into the Forester.
Look at teacherman's thread and other swap threads around the forum. It's always a bit of work, but you don't necessarily need to go into the minutia that teacherman did.

Yeah, why not pay more and do way more work for an inferior product?!

RHD vs LHD aside, I still don't see how teachermans GD STi swapped Forester is inferior to a JDM FSTi?

Is the EJ205 now better than a EJ257? Or the FSTi auto (or 5 speed when available) better than the 6 speed? Brembos vs 4 pots?

Would importing a JDM FSTi be easier and cheaper than a conversion? Absolutely.
But 'better'? Debatable. Better than teacherman's conversion? Not a chance.

TLDR: Quit Trolling.

[push buggy handle]

Thanks for three replies.  Not interested in rus, bolt on only don't want to mess with rewire. Fxt sounds like a good option

[JohnnyCanuck]

Snackers means proper as in lhd is designed for our road system, and he's right, not really trolling.  RHD is not designed for our roads, drive throughs, passing on two lane highways, etc.

[JohnnyCanuck]

schedule an MRI, somethings loose up there.

[GrantC]

Well, I'd say this is going in circles.

So if we can't add anything other than a RHD v. LHD discussion (which isn't what the OP asked about), let's let it peter out.

(Fixed the title)

[GrantC]

We'll just ignore the personal insults though hey?

Actually, I was ignoring your attempts at stirring up a fight, which you then deleted when people called you out.

Now, for the sake of the OP's project, can we consider keeping this thread on topic & away from a "JDM v. the world" fight?

[flipincanadian]

If you don't want to mess with wiring you are best to stick with an 04 and up fxt.  Afaik most Sti parts will bolt up to the equivalent generation of forester. Ie GD Sti turbo, intercooler, 6 speed swap (axles, hubs, tranny and rear diff) will bolt onto a SG forester without too much trouble. I believe it is the same for the 09-14 Sti and forester but I don't know about the current generation of Sti and forester.

[push buggy handle]

Right on. Thanks everyone.

[Highny]

I hope I'm not hijecking but I do have a question related to the swap parts. Does JDM forester sti body kit fit USDM forester of the same year?

[98SF5]

I hope I'm not hijecking but I do have a question related to the swap parts. Does JDM forester sti body kit fit USDM forester of the same year?

for the SF5 yes

[SpdDmn]

I hope I'm not hijecking but I do have a question related to the swap parts. Does JDM forester sti body kit fit USDM forester of the same year?

SG9 also:



With a Sports bumper, you need the Sports grille and Sports wheel well liners.

There are a couple different JDM bumper / lip options. Mine above is the STI bumper with foglight inserts, with no additional lip.
http://www.subaruforester.org/vbulletin/f80/front-bumper-options-04-fxt-96658/

[Canuckrz]

That's an sg5. Also you need the matching headlight surrounds to go with the sport grill.

[SpdDmn]

That's an sg5.

Actually, it's an SG6! Masquerading as an SG9

SG5 chassis code
--> Any Forester in the Japanese Domestic Market from what we consider here in the United States Domestic Market to be '03-'08 but for the JDM is '02-'07. Literally any and all trim levels to include all N/A and Turbo variants as long as it isn't the Forester STi (SG9).

SG6 chassis code
--> Literally any USDM Forester, N/A or Turbo from '03-'08, simple as that.

SG9 chassis code
--> This chassis code is reserved for the Forester STi and ONLY the Forester STi. It was produced from '04-'08 by USDM market standards/years but for the JDM market it was is '03-'07.

http://www.subaruforester.org/vbulletin/f62/sg5-vs-sg6-vs-sg9-what-gives-merged-thread-498082/

[push buggy handle]

I'm back with an 06 forester!!!!   Updated newbie thread.
First question would be, what do I do about the pathetic fog lights other than installing aux lighting. Is there a way to install an insert with a bigger light option?  Maybe cut out around the fog lamp and install bigger lamp?  What have others done

[dxnnie]

I'm back with an 06 forester!!!!   Updated newbie thread.
First question would be, what do I do about the pathetic fog lights other than installing aux lighting. Is there a way to install an insert with a bigger light option?  Maybe cut out around the fog lamp and install bigger lamp?  What have others done

I've seen many people mount fog lights behind a sports bumper. Gives you an excuse to buy one as well!

[SpdDmn]

I've seen many people mount fog lights behind a sports bumper. Gives you an excuse to buy one as well!

Also, I have a spare Sports bumper (plus the correct wheel well plastics) I need to sell at some point!

[drewfuspx]

Also, I have a spare Sports bumper (plus the correct wheel well plastics) I need to sell at some point!

You don't happen to have a hood to go along with tat???