Alex's PBP '03 X +AVO turbo kit!

2.5x_sleeper · 03-17-2010, 02:25 PM

The Table of Contents for our Member Journal can be found here (post #2), or on the next post. The Table of Contents makes it easier to navigate our Member Journal (skip over the chitchat).

March 17, 2010

Thank you for taking the time to look over our Member Journal, or MODding Journal, as we call it (literary license). Your comments, questions or suggestion are always welcome. Post them here or send us a PM.

I should have started a Member Journal for the '03 X Forester a long time ago. It will be a PIA trying to remember & document the MODding, but as the old saying goes, "better late than never!"

The Beginning!

The '03 X Forester was my first Subaru & not by choice. Let me explain. My vehicle brand was GMC, for me specifically, an S15 4X4 Jimmy. I inherited the Forester when my dad passed away. It had around 4K miles on it. My first thought was to get rid of it but for sentimental reasons, I decided to keep it for awhile. I didn't think it would happen, but the Forester grew on me & I sold the GMC Jimmy!

The craziness starts!

I have to admit after the power of the Votec 4.3L V6 in the GMC S15 Jimmy, the Forester felt a bit wimpy. It had good acceleration around town, but seemed to run out of poop on the open road & it was tricky trying to pass on the up side of a hill! While doing some research on how to boost the engine power & in a moment of craziness, I decided to install an AVO Turbo Kit! What a difference it made! Where the NA (naturally aspirated) engine would start running out of power, with the turbo, it would continue on & on! I was hooked & the MODding bug had me!

Moving on...

I've enjoyed MODding the '03 X, but I've always wanted a Forester XT to do some major power MODding on. After I retired (June/08), I started searching for my next project Forester. After what seemed like forever... I really wanted an '04 XT, I found my new to me '07 FSXT last year (June/09) & I passed the '03 X to my son. If my dad was still around, I'm sure he'd approve!

My son loves the Forester, but he's not into this aspect of MODding, so dad gets to do the deed...

Bobby...

August 21, 2003
The actual dealership window sticker.

This is how the 2003 2.5X Forester looked stock.

'03 X engine as it looked "stock".

The left picture is Alex's lightly MODded '95 Neon Sport, now our spare car. He had a car before he learned how to drive! It was my mother's car before she passed away. I offerred to buy the Neon, but dad wanted to keep the Neon for sentimental reasons. After a couple years, dad traded in his Ford truck for the Forester & the Neon was given to me, to give to Alex when he learned to drive. The right picture is Alex at age 15 (much older now!) with his future Forester... I never saw that coming!

Alex's '03 X Forester, as it looks today!

'03 X engine with the AVO Turbo Kit installed.

The Table of Contents for Alex's Member Journal can be found

here. (post #2) or below on the next post.

2.5x_sleeper · 03-17-2010, 02:25 PM

** NOTICE **
October 16, 2012

A recent forum imposed image posting restriction prevents pictures from being layed out side-by-side, they have been reformatted one on top of the other. This means the picture I refer to as the "LEFT" picture now means the "TOP" picture & the "RIGHT" picture is now the "BOTTOM" picture.

Alex’s Member Journal
Table of Contents

Please note that the links below will not work correctly if the Number of Posts to Show Per Page has been changed from the Forum Default setting. If the links don't come up correctly, you can still use the "Post #" to find it.

First things first:

Murphy's law - "Anything that can go wrong will go wrong." I've always like that one!
DIY - "If you want something done right, do it yourself!" Yes, another favorite saying.
"If it's not broken, don't fix it!" Makes sense to me.
The old adage, "A picture is worth a thousand words." The reason to include pictures in your postings!

Starting the process:

Making room for another Forester! (another forum thread) The story actually started on this forum thread.

The Beginning:

The 2003 2.5 X Forester (Post #1) The story starts here (previous post).

The MODding parts box:
A temporary home for project parts before they're installed.

JDM side turn markers. (Post #39) I'll have to get back to this MOD...
DEI Titanium exhaust wrap. (Post #47) More project parts!
SPT turbo heat shield! (Post #70) Functional & it looks great in the engine compartment!
Subaru SPT (v2.0) battery tie down. (Post #224) Some more blue for the engine compartment!
JDM STi red hazard switch. (Post #257) A nice functional accent for the interior!

Interior:

A simple MOD to disable the A/C when defrost is selected. This links to my post on another forum thread.
'04 STi seats installed! (Post #15) The stock seats were very uncomfortable & had poor support, now they're perfect!
Driver's mat hook upgrade. (Post #36) Another must have MOD!
All Weather Mat coaster MOD. (Post #42) Got to love these simple, cheap MODs!
Momo AT shift knob installed! (Post #54) It looks like a "microphone", but it feels great!
"Get More Gs" Tennis Ball! (Post #206) Love these Subaru freebies!

Glass:

Rear hatch lifter (stay) replacement. (Post #55) Time to replace the weak hatch lifters!
What's under that windshield trim piece? (Post #130) So you think your Forester is clean?
Hatch garnish rubber glass trim replacement (Post #249) This was looking real bad!

Audio:

Improving the stock sound system! (Post #12) The factory sound system needed some help!

Gauges:

Time to add gauges! (Post #13) Gauges, got to have lots of gauges!
+12V accessory outlet unswitched (always on) MOD. (Post #38) I needed the +12V outlet in the cargo area to be unswitched (always on).
Tuning - Part 1a - Air/Fuel gauge - Introduction. (Post #90) A new gauge is required for tuning!
Tuning - Part 1b - Air/Fuel gauge - What comes in the box? (Post #107) Lots of parts to install!
Tuning - Part 2a - Subtle Solutions ashtray gauge bezel - The layout. (Post #91) The design process starts.
Tuning - Part 2b - Subtle Solutions ashtray gauge bezel - Cutting & fitting. (Post #115) Some drilling & filing is required!
Tuning - Part 2c - Subtle Solutions ashtray gauge bezel - Vinyl overlayment. (Post #118) What a difference this makes!
Tuning - Part 2d - Subtle Solutions ashtray gauge bezel - Complete! (Post #124) The parts are installed, wired & labeled!
Tuning - Part 3a - wideband O2 sensor bung. (Post #99) The downpipe needs another bung.
Tuning - Part 3b - wideband O2 sensor bung is installed! (Post #103) This wasn't as bad as I thought it would be.
The Subtle Solutions ashtray gauge bezel - installed & in operation! (Post #176 A picture for now & the detailed installation into the Forester to follow.
Tuning - Part 4 - Subtle Solutions ashtray gauge bezel - The installation! (Post #203) This write up completes this project.

Exterior:
Appearance:

Rear dust deflector, window tint & a hood protector. (Post #9) A few more changes to get that perfect look!
Subaru Badge of Ownership! (Post #106) Now to figure out where to place it?
Subaru Badge of Ownership - Installed! (Post #119) Now the hatch looks balanced!
Detailed & waxed! - Summer 2010 Post #197) Not what I'd call a fun task, but it looks great!
Adam's Super VRT! (Post #230) Always looking for a better product.
Detailed & waxed! - Summer 2012 (Post #233) Not one of our favorite chores, but it sure looks good!

Lighting:

'08 Sports tail light repair! (Post #56) There's always something!
A spider in the Sports tail light! (Post #179) This is a first!

Engine:

MFactory oil catch can & Prova AOS (Air/Oil Separator) kit installed. We did this MOD before we got Member Journals, so this links to another forum thread.
Walbro GSS342 fuel pump upgrade. (Post #37) The stock fuel pump is upgraded!
Kartboy oil cap installed! (Post #57) A nice addition to the engine compartment!
The stock steel battery tie down is replaced! (Post #73) Another nice touch for the engine compartment!
PCV (Positive Crankcase Ventilation) valve & hose replacement. (Post #158) I figured I should do this.
Perfect Power SMT6 Test Jig - Part 1 - What comes in the box. (Post #112) Do you need this?
Perfect Power SMT6 Test Jig - Part 2 - Testing the SMT6! (Post #113) Using the SMT6 Test Jig!
Perfect Power SMT6 - Windows software - Tune MAPs. (Post #114) Programing the SMT6 smart tuner!
AVO Turbo Kit - Part 1 - Why you shouldn't do this! (Post #17) Some thoughts on why this is "craziness"!
AVO Turbo Kit - Part 2 - What comes in the box? (Post #25) When you buy the AVO Turbo Kit, this is what you get!
AVO Turbo Kit - Part 3 - Turbo oil return hose problem! (Post #34) The first installation problem is resolved!
AVO Turbo Kit - Part 4 - TMIC & 5th fuel injector. (Post #51) I didn't like how the 5th fuel injector was installed. Fixored!
AVO Turbo Kit - Part 5 - Painting the TMIC AVO letters! (Post #52) A cosmetic touch for the AVO TMIC.
AVO Turbo Kit - The reinstallation is on schedule! (Post #132) It won't be long now!
AVO Turbo Kit - Part 6 - The turbo up-pipe support bracket doesn't fit! (Post #137) Some modification is required!
AVO Turbo Kit - Part 7 - The downpipe/CAT is fitted! (Post #145) This wasn't too bad!
AVO Turbo Kit - Part 8a - Turbo/up-pipe wrapped! (Post #148) To think, I thought this would be easy!
AVO Turbo Kit - Part 8b - Downpipe/CAT is wrapped! (Post #155) Much easier after doing the turbo/up-pipe, but I still hate installing exhaust heat wrap!
AVO Turbo Kit - Part 9a - Installation - the mechanical. (Post #199) The mechanical part of the installation wasn't that bad... once it was done!
AVO Turbo Kit - Part 9b - Installation - the electrical. (Post #200) Funny... it doesn't seem that difficult once it all done!
Teaser picture... AVO Turbo Kit installation complete! Post #165 Write ups to follow!
AVO Turbo Kit reinstallation - PROBLEM! - oil seepage? - Part 1 (Post #168) If there's going to be a problem, I'll take this one!
AVO Turbo Kit reinstallation - PROBLEM! - oil seepage? - Part 2 (Post #169) Not an easy fix as I first thought it would be... figures!
Got parts! (Post #172) Never give up!
AVO Turbo Kit reinstallation - PROBLEM! - oil seepage resolved! - Part 3 Post #175 I thought this was going to drive me crazy!
AVO Turbo Kit reinstallation - PROBLEM! - oil seepage resolved! - new hose - Part 4 (Post #191) After all the hassle this one hose has given me, there had to be another problem!
AVO Turbo Kit reinstallation - Complete! (Post #182) This was a challenge & pushed the limits of our skills! Still, it was a very good learning experience & it was great fun! Would I do it again... "NO"!
Switched to a full synthetic engine oil! (Post #210) Better protection for the engine & turbo!
Optima Yellow Top battery & SPT battery tie down installed! (Post #255) A fun Birthday project for Alex & dad!
Alternator Diode MOD. (Post #228) A higher charging voltage for the Optima Yellow Top battery.
Engine oil & filter change. (Post #229) Same brand of oil, different oil filter.

Handling:
Wheels & Tires:

Motegi MR7 alloy chromes & Toyo Proxes 4 preformance tires. (Post #5) I had to get rid of the plain steel wheels & the geosquealers!
New wheels - Part 1 - The Motegi MR7 alloy chromes have to go! (Post #96) The Motegi wheels let us down. It's time to try a different brand!
New wheels - Part 2 - a teaser picture! (Post #131) Got the new XXR wheels!
New wheels - part 3 - XXR 507S wheels installed! (Post #185) Got to love new wheels!

Front & rear sway bars:

Suspension upgrades! (Post #14) The excessive body roll had to be addressed!

Miscellaneous & Off Topic:

Bobby's WRB '07 FSXT A link to my Member Journal.
The Ultimate Gaming Computer! Alex needs a new gaming computer!
Alex's 20th Birthday - cake & goodies for the Forester! (Post #53) I had to add this to the Member Journal!
7,000 Views milestone! (Post #159) We had to save a screen snapshot!
14,000 Views milestone! (Post #198) Another milestone to add to our Member Journal!
24,000 Views milestone! (Post #209) We had to add this to our Member Journal!

MudRunner · 03-17-2010, 02:35 PM

Awesome!

I've been waiting for this for a while now. :razz:

I keep wondering about the AVO kit vs a supercharger. Supercharger is cheaper, cooler sounding, but less efficient at high RPM (takes a lot of power to spin that thing at 10000 RPM to get 5lbs of boost). If that little turbo spools by 2500RPM, it would work well. Bahh. Too early to be thinking about it now anyway.

2.5x_sleeper · 03-17-2010, 06:47 PM

Hey Zach!

You're the first poster on this new thread!

This Journal is going to move slowly at first, since I need to try to put some order to the MODding done over the last 5 years.

Bobby...

The Table of Contents for Alex's Member Journal can be found

here. (post #2)

2.5x_sleeper · 03-17-2010, 07:06 PM

The plain steel wheels just didn't cut it, so I had to have custom wheels. Being "old school" & the dark blue color of the Forester, it had to be chromes!

Bobby...

**Update**

We loved these wheels, but they let us down & we've moved on. The details can be viewed starting on the following link.

New wheels - Part 1 - The Motegi MR7 alloy chromes have to go!

Motegi MR7 alloy chromes wheels, 17x7, +40 offset.

I replaced the stock geosquealers with Toyo Proxes T1R tires. These had great traction on dry pavement, but were poor in snow or ice! I replaced the Toyo Proxes T1R with Toyo Proxes 4. I needed tires that have great dry traction, as well as decent snow & ice traction to carry me over to my winter tires. I'd recommend these & I have them on all 3 of our vehicles!

Toyo Proxes T1R___________Toyo Proxes 4

The pictures above are not of our wheels, they're just to show the different thread patterns.

New wheels - Part 1 - The Motegi MR7 alloy chromes have to go! (Post #96)
New wheels - Part 2 - a teaser picture! (Post #131)
New wheels - part 3 - XXR 507S wheels installed! (Post #185)

The Table of Contents for Alex's Member Journal can be found here. (post #2)

Duderotomy · 03-17-2010, 07:13 PM

I can't believe there wasn't a Journal for this car already man!
guess you've got to dig up all those older threads you made about the mods for it too eh?

thebeephaha · 03-17-2010, 07:15 PM

Cannot wait! :)

2.5x_sleeper · 03-17-2010, 07:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Duderotomy

I can't believe there wasn't a Journal for this car already man!
guess you've got to dig up all those older threads you made about the mods for it too eh?

We've only had Member Journals for a couple years & I didn't get into them until last year (June/09) when I got the '07 FSXT.

I have to admit it's kinda of hard putting some order to the previous MODding madness.

Quote:

Originally Posted by thebeephaha

Cannot wait! :)

The nice thing about the Member Journal, is that you can post the MODding out of order or sequence & keep the posts in the correct order via the Table of Contents.

I plan on jumping to the "good stuff" & go back later on to complete the story.

Bobby...

The Table of Contents for Alex's Member Journal can be found

here. (post #2)

2.5x_sleeper · 03-18-2010, 12:29 PM

After the new wheels & performance tires, I decided the '03 X needed window tinting. I opted for 20% tint on the rear glass, left the front stock (my preference). I also added a front hood protector (deflector) & a rear dust deflector, which I felt was more functional than the rear spoiler.

Bobby...

The Table of Contents for Alex's Member Journal can be found

here. (post #2)

Subie 2003 · 03-18-2010, 01:02 PM

I am really amazed at how well the hood protector/bug deflector and rear dust deflector work.

Sweet ride man!

What are the specs on the wheels?

2.5x_sleeper · 03-18-2010, 02:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Subie 2003

I am really amazed at how well the hood protector/bug deflector and rear dust deflector work.

Sweet ride man!

What are the specs on the wheels?

IMO, they work best on a dark colored Forester. They blend in more & don't become the focal point.

The wheels are Motegi MR7 alloy chromes, which I don't recommend getting, if you can even find them. They're made in China & the alloy & chrome are reacting... like rust under paint.

I love the look of those wheels, but I'm not going to buy another set to have them go bad in a few years! We're replacing the Motegi with XXR wheels, also chrome. I'll add pictures & more details when they're installed.

As the the specfications. The ones on there now are 17x7, +42 offset, with Toyo Proxes 4, 235/50. This gives a wider stance, from the stock offset of +48 & of course the wider rubber adds to the stance.

Bobby...

The Table of Contents for Alex's Member Journal can be found

here. (post #2)

2.5x_sleeper · 03-19-2010, 01:28 PM

I'm not into high performance mobile audio, but I do want a nice sounding system. Right off, I knew the factory/OEM system wasn't going to cut it! It wouldn't play my MP3 CD & the volume stepping was odd...?!

The '03 X didn't come with door tweeter or the upgraded premium speakers. I bought the premium speaker upgrade, but haven't installed them (still in the box!). After upgrading the head unit, installing the tweeter upgrade & a subwoofer, the sound was perfect for me & my son says it sounds great! Eventually we'll install the premuim speakers, but there's no hurry.

Bobby...

This is the stock factory/OEM head unit that came in the '03 X.

The left picture is the Sony CDX-MP450 head unit that started out in my 4.3L GMC Jimmy 4X4. I pulled it out before I sold it, wanting it to go in the Forester. I loved this head unit, but it was an early MP3 player & it finally needed to be replaced.

The right picture is the Sony CDX-GT610Ui that we have in all 3 of our vehicles. Yes, we like this Sony head unit!

Sony CDX-MP450-----------------------------Sony CDX-GT610Ui

I wanted a HD Radio option, so I added a Directed Electronics HD Radio to work with the above head unit. The right picture is the tweeter upgrade kit. If you don't have door tweeters, this is a must have audio upgrade!

This picture shows where I mounted the HD Radio display in the '03 X. I placed the HD Radio display in a different location in my '07 FSXT. You can view it here.

**Update**

Funny how things come around! I recently replocated the HD radio display panel to this same location in my '07 FSXT. You can view the write up starting here. The HD radio receiver module (commander) is mounted under the dash in both installations.

I installed the earier version Kenwood subwoofer, the KSC-SW1 in the '03 X. IMO, it sounds better than the later version, the KSC-SW10, which I have in my '07 FSXT. The right picture shows where the wired subwoofer remote was placed. If you're wondering what the switches are for, one is "audio mute" & the other one is "subwoofer on/off". No seat heaters in the '03 X, so I installed the switches in the blank covers. I hate blank covers!

For step-by-step installation instructions, check out the MODding Journal for my '07 FSXT here. The installation in the '03-'08 models are nearly identical!

The Table of Contents for Alex's Member Journal can be found

here. (post #2)

2.5x_sleeper · 03-19-2010, 08:33 PM

The first gauge I added to my '03 X was a Scangauge II. It's hard to beat all the features you get in this very small device. My complete installation write up can viewed here.

I love gauges, traditional gauges, so I decided to do this. The entire '03 X gauge POD v2 write up can be viewed on my post here. I used Nordskog gauges for the fuel pressure & oil temperature. Nordskog doesn't offer a 100 psi oil pressure gauge, so I stayed with a VDO Vision series gauge. All 3 gauges are 52mm/2-1/16" with electric senders.

I selected a mechanical 52mm/2-1/16" VDO Vision series 0-15 psi boost gauge. I prefer a boost (pressure) only gauge. A VUMAXX mounting cup is used to mount the boost gauge on the steering column cover. The detailed installation on my '07 FSXT can be viewed here.

I replaced the incandescent gauge illumination bulbs with green LEDs. This closely matches the factory instrument cluster illumination.

The Table of Contents for Alex's Member Journal can be found

here. (post #2)

2.5x_sleeper · 03-20-2010, 10:46 AM

Trying to document the order the MODding was done to the '03 X is rather difficuilt after so many years!

Not to worry, I will get to the AVO Turbo kit!

The '03 X was leaning too much on tight corners, so I decided it was time to correct this problem!

I went with a RalliTEK 22mm front sway bar & a RalliTEK 19mm rear sway bar, both solid. I also upgraded to AVO linkends & Whiteline KBR16 lateral link brace (a must with a heavier RSB!). The complete installation write up can be viewed here.

If I were doing this again, I'd skip upgrading the linkends. IMO, the stock linkends are fine for nontrack use. I retained the stock linkends when I did the sway bar upgrade on my '07 FSXT. You can view my '07 FSXT write up starting here. I'd still recommend installing Whiteline KBR16 lateral link brace.

he Table of Contents for Alex's Member Journal can be found

here. (post #2)

2.5x_sleeper · 03-20-2010, 12:52 PM

This upgrade made a world of difference on the seating comfort & support. Installing '04 STi seats in the '03 X was a piece-of-cake! The only thing to keep in mind, is that the seatbelt buckle from the stock Forester seats need to be moved to the STi seats. Other than that, it's completely plug & play, no sensors to mess with at all!

As an option to have the STi seats sit higher, as the stock Forester seat sit, the stock seat mounting rails can be used with the STi seats. This will set the seats about an 1-1/2" higher. This is the direction we opted to go.

Keep in mind the driver seat is height adjustable, but not the passenger seat. Placing the passenger seat 1-1/2" lower may not be appreciated by your shorter copilot.

The original '04 STi seat installation write up for the '03 X, done before we got Member Journals, can be viewed here.

Bobby...

The left picture shows the stock '03 X seats minus the headrests. The right picture shows the '04 STi seats.

The left picture shows the '04 STi seats installed. The right picture shows the optional armrest extension installed.

The Table of Contents for Alex's Member Journal can be found

here. (post #2)

03-17-2010, 02:25 PM	#1 (permalink)
2.5x_sleeper has awakened! Join Date: Aug 2007 Posts: 17,303 Location: Newberg, OR Car Year: 2007 Car Model: Forester Sports XT Transmission: 4EAT Gallery: 0 Feedback Score: 36 reviews	Alex's PBP '03 X +AVO turbo kit! The Table of Contents for our Member Journal can be found here (post #2), or on the next post. The Table of Contents makes it easier to navigate our Member Journal (skip over the chitchat). March 17, 2010 Thank you for taking the time to look over our Member Journal, or MODding Journal, as we call it (literary license). Your comments, questions or suggestion are always welcome. Post them here or send us a PM. I should have started a Member Journal for the '03 X Forester a long time ago. It will be a PIA trying to remember & document the MODding, but as the old saying goes, "better late than never!" The Beginning! The '03 X Forester was my first Subaru & not by choice. Let me explain. My vehicle brand was GMC, for me specifically, an S15 4X4 Jimmy. I inherited the Forester when my dad passed away. It had around 4K miles on it. My first thought was to get rid of it but for sentimental reasons, I decided to keep it for awhile. I didn't think it would happen, but the Forester grew on me & I sold the GMC Jimmy! The craziness starts! I have to admit after the power of the Votec 4.3L V6 in the GMC S15 Jimmy, the Forester felt a bit wimpy. It had good acceleration around town, but seemed to run out of poop on the open road & it was tricky trying to pass on the up side of a hill! While doing some research on how to boost the engine power & in a moment of craziness, I decided to install an AVO Turbo Kit! What a difference it made! Where the NA (naturally aspirated) engine would start running out of power, with the turbo, it would continue on & on! I was hooked & the MODding bug had me! Moving on... I've enjoyed MODding the '03 X, but I've always wanted a Forester XT to do some major power MODding on. After I retired (June/08), I started searching for my next project Forester. After what seemed like forever... I really wanted an '04 XT, I found my new to me '07 FSXT last year (June/09) & I passed the '03 X to my son. If my dad was still around, I'm sure he'd approve! My son loves the Forester, but he's not into this aspect of MODding, so dad gets to do the deed... Bobby... August 21, 2003 The actual dealership window sticker. This is how the 2003 2.5X Forester looked stock. '03 X engine as it looked "stock". The left picture is Alex's lightly MODded '95 Neon Sport, now our spare car. He had a car before he learned how to drive! It was my mother's car before she passed away. I offerred to buy the Neon, but dad wanted to keep the Neon for sentimental reasons. After a couple years, dad traded in his Ford truck for the Forester & the Neon was given to me, to give to Alex when he learned to drive. The right picture is Alex at age 15 (much older now!) with his future Forester... I never saw that coming! Alex's '03 X Forester, as it looks today! '03 X engine with the AVO Turbo Kit installed. The Table of Contents for Alex's Member Journal can be found here. (post #2) or below on the next post. __________________ '07 FSXT - COBB Surgeline dyno Protune - Stage 1+ '03 X +AVO turbo kit = XT (son's) '95 Neon Sport Last edited by 2.5x_sleeper; 01-03-2013 at 12:14 PM.

03-17-2010, 02:25 PM	#2 (permalink)
2.5x_sleeper has awakened! Thread Starter Join Date: Aug 2007 Posts: 17,303 Location: Newberg, OR Car Year: 2007 Car Model: Forester Sports XT Transmission: 4EAT Gallery: 0 Feedback Score: 36 reviews	NOTICE October 16, 2012 A recent forum imposed image posting restriction prevents pictures from being layed out side-by-side, they have been reformatted one on top of the other. This means the picture I refer to as the "LEFT" picture now means the "TOP" picture & the "RIGHT" picture is now the "BOTTOM" picture. Alex’s Member Journal Table of Contents Please note that the links below will not work correctly if the Number of Posts to Show Per Page has been changed from the Forum Default setting. If the links don't come up correctly, you can still use the "Post #" to find it. First things first: Murphy's law - "Anything that can go wrong will go wrong." I've always like that one! DIY - "If you want something done right, do it yourself!" Yes, another favorite saying. "If it's not broken, don't fix it!" Makes sense to me. The old adage, "A picture is worth a thousand words." The reason to include pictures in your postings! Starting the process: Making room for another Forester! (another forum thread) The story actually started on this forum thread. The Beginning: The 2003 2.5 X Forester (Post #1) The story starts here (previous post). The MODding parts box: A temporary home for project parts before they're installed. JDM side turn markers. (Post #39) I'll have to get back to this MOD... DEI Titanium exhaust wrap. (Post #47) More project parts! SPT turbo heat shield! (Post #70) Functional & it looks great in the engine compartment! Subaru SPT (v2.0) battery tie down. (Post #224) Some more blue for the engine compartment! JDM STi red hazard switch. (Post #257) A nice functional accent for the interior! Interior: A simple MOD to disable the A/C when defrost is selected. This links to my post on another forum thread. '04 STi seats installed! (Post #15) The stock seats were very uncomfortable & had poor support, now they're perfect! Driver's mat hook upgrade. (Post #36) Another must have MOD! All Weather Mat coaster MOD. (Post #42) Got to love these simple, cheap MODs! Momo AT shift knob installed! (Post #54) It looks like a "microphone", but it feels great! "Get More Gs" Tennis Ball! (Post #206) Love these Subaru freebies! Glass: Rear hatch lifter (stay) replacement. (Post #55) Time to replace the weak hatch lifters! What's under that windshield trim piece? (Post #130) So you think your Forester is clean? Hatch garnish rubber glass trim replacement (Post #249) This was looking real bad! Audio: Improving the stock sound system! (Post #12) The factory sound system needed some help! Gauges: Time to add gauges! (Post #13) Gauges, got to have lots of gauges! +12V accessory outlet unswitched (always on) MOD. (Post #38) I needed the +12V outlet in the cargo area to be unswitched (always on). Tuning - Part 1a - Air/Fuel gauge - Introduction. (Post #90) A new gauge is required for tuning! Tuning - Part 1b - Air/Fuel gauge - What comes in the box? (Post #107) Lots of parts to install! Tuning - Part 2a - Subtle Solutions ashtray gauge bezel - The layout. (Post #91) The design process starts. Tuning - Part 2b - Subtle Solutions ashtray gauge bezel - Cutting & fitting. (Post #115) Some drilling & filing is required! Tuning - Part 2c - Subtle Solutions ashtray gauge bezel - Vinyl overlayment. (Post #118) What a difference this makes! Tuning - Part 2d - Subtle Solutions ashtray gauge bezel - Complete! (Post #124) The parts are installed, wired & labeled! Tuning - Part 3a - wideband O2 sensor bung. (Post #99) The downpipe needs another bung. Tuning - Part 3b - wideband O2 sensor bung is installed! (Post #103) This wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. The Subtle Solutions ashtray gauge bezel - installed & in operation! (Post #176 A picture for now & the detailed installation into the Forester to follow. Tuning - Part 4 - Subtle Solutions ashtray gauge bezel - The installation! (Post #203) This write up completes this project. Exterior: Appearance: Rear dust deflector, window tint & a hood protector. (Post #9) A few more changes to get that perfect look! Subaru Badge of Ownership! (Post #106) Now to figure out where to place it? Subaru Badge of Ownership - Installed! (Post #119) Now the hatch looks balanced! Detailed & waxed! - Summer 2010 Post #197) Not what I'd call a fun task, but it looks great! Adam's Super VRT! (Post #230) Always looking for a better product. Detailed & waxed! - Summer 2012 (Post #233) Not one of our favorite chores, but it sure looks good! Lighting: '08 Sports tail light repair! (Post #56) There's always something! A spider in the Sports tail light! (Post #179) This is a first! Engine: MFactory oil catch can & Prova AOS (Air/Oil Separator) kit installed. We did this MOD before we got Member Journals, so this links to another forum thread. Walbro GSS342 fuel pump upgrade. (Post #37) The stock fuel pump is upgraded! Kartboy oil cap installed! (Post #57) A nice addition to the engine compartment! The stock steel battery tie down is replaced! (Post #73) Another nice touch for the engine compartment! PCV (Positive Crankcase Ventilation) valve & hose replacement. (Post #158) I figured I should do this. Perfect Power SMT6 Test Jig - Part 1 - What comes in the box. (Post #112) Do you need this? Perfect Power SMT6 Test Jig - Part 2 - Testing the SMT6! (Post #113) Using the SMT6 Test Jig! Perfect Power SMT6 - Windows software - Tune MAPs. (Post #114) Programing the SMT6 smart tuner! AVO Turbo Kit - Part 1 - Why you shouldn't do this! (Post #17) Some thoughts on why this is "craziness"! AVO Turbo Kit - Part 2 - What comes in the box? (Post #25) When you buy the AVO Turbo Kit, this is what you get! AVO Turbo Kit - Part 3 - Turbo oil return hose problem! (Post #34) The first installation problem is resolved! AVO Turbo Kit - Part 4 - TMIC & 5th fuel injector. (Post #51) I didn't like how the 5th fuel injector was installed. Fixored! AVO Turbo Kit - Part 5 - Painting the TMIC AVO letters! (Post #52) A cosmetic touch for the AVO TMIC. AVO Turbo Kit - The reinstallation is on schedule! (Post #132) It won't be long now! AVO Turbo Kit - Part 6 - The turbo up-pipe support bracket doesn't fit! (Post #137) Some modification is required! AVO Turbo Kit - Part 7 - The downpipe/CAT is fitted! (Post #145) This wasn't too bad! AVO Turbo Kit - Part 8a - Turbo/up-pipe wrapped! (Post #148) To think, I thought this would be easy! AVO Turbo Kit - Part 8b - Downpipe/CAT is wrapped! (Post #155) Much easier after doing the turbo/up-pipe, but I still hate installing exhaust heat wrap! AVO Turbo Kit - Part 9a - Installation - the mechanical. (Post #199) The mechanical part of the installation wasn't that bad... once it was done! AVO Turbo Kit - Part 9b - Installation - the electrical. (Post #200) Funny... it doesn't seem that difficult once it all done! Teaser picture... AVO Turbo Kit installation complete! Post #165 Write ups to follow! AVO Turbo Kit reinstallation - PROBLEM! - oil seepage? - Part 1 (Post #168) If there's going to be a problem, I'll take this one! AVO Turbo Kit reinstallation - PROBLEM! - oil seepage? - Part 2 (Post #169) Not an easy fix as I first thought it would be... figures! Got parts! (Post #172) Never give up! AVO Turbo Kit reinstallation - PROBLEM! - oil seepage resolved! - Part 3 Post #175 I thought this was going to drive me crazy! AVO Turbo Kit reinstallation - PROBLEM! - oil seepage resolved! - new hose - Part 4 (Post #191) After all the hassle this one hose has given me, there had to be another problem! AVO Turbo Kit reinstallation - Complete! (Post #182) This was a challenge & pushed the limits of our skills! Still, it was a very good learning experience & it was great fun! Would I do it again... "NO"! Switched to a full synthetic engine oil! (Post #210) Better protection for the engine & turbo! Optima Yellow Top battery & SPT battery tie down installed! (Post #255) A fun Birthday project for Alex & dad! Alternator Diode MOD. (Post #228) A higher charging voltage for the Optima Yellow Top battery. Engine oil & filter change. (Post #229) Same brand of oil, different oil filter. Handling: Wheels & Tires: Motegi MR7 alloy chromes & Toyo Proxes 4 preformance tires. (Post #5) I had to get rid of the plain steel wheels & the geosquealers! New wheels - Part 1 - The Motegi MR7 alloy chromes have to go! (Post #96) The Motegi wheels let us down. It's time to try a different brand! New wheels - Part 2 - a teaser picture! (Post #131) Got the new XXR wheels! New wheels - part 3 - XXR 507S wheels installed! (Post #185) Got to love new wheels! Front & rear sway bars: Suspension upgrades! (Post #14) The excessive body roll had to be addressed! Miscellaneous & Off Topic: Bobby's WRB '07 FSXT A link to my Member Journal. The Ultimate Gaming Computer! Alex needs a new gaming computer! Alex's 20th Birthday - cake & goodies for the Forester! (Post #53) I had to add this to the Member Journal! 7,000 Views milestone! (Post #159) We had to save a screen snapshot! 14,000 Views milestone! (Post #198) Another milestone to add to our Member Journal! 24,000 Views milestone! (Post #209) We had to add this to our Member Journal! __________________ '07 FSXT - COBB Surgeline dyno Protune - Stage 1+ '03 X +AVO turbo kit = XT (son's) '95 Neon Sport Last edited by 2.5x_sleeper; 01-03-2013 at 04:48 PM.

03-17-2010, 02:35 PM	#3 (permalink)
MudRunner Arrogant Pilot Contributing Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Posts: 2,469 Location: KSLN... Salina, Kansas Car Year: 2000 Car Model: Outback Transmission: Built 4EAT w/centre diff lock Gallery: 0 Feedback Score: 5 reviews	Awesome! I've been waiting for this for a while now. :razz: I keep wondering about the AVO kit vs a supercharger. Supercharger is cheaper, cooler sounding, but less efficient at high RPM (takes a lot of power to spin that thing at 10000 RPM to get 5lbs of boost). If that little turbo spools by 2500RPM, it would work well. Bahh. Too early to be thinking about it now anyway. __________________ -Zach *MY'00 Outback 4EAT - lifted:* Ludwig von BattleWagon *MY'06 Volvo V50 T5 6MT SportWagon*

03-17-2010, 06:47 PM	#4 (permalink)
2.5x_sleeper has awakened! Thread Starter Join Date: Aug 2007 Posts: 17,303 Location: Newberg, OR Car Year: 2007 Car Model: Forester Sports XT Transmission: 4EAT Gallery: 0 Feedback Score: 36 reviews	Hey Zach! You're the first poster on this new thread! This Journal is going to move slowly at first, since I need to try to put some order to the MODding done over the last 5 years. Bobby... The Table of Contents for Alex's Member Journal can be found here. (post #2) __________________ '07 FSXT - COBB Surgeline dyno Protune - Stage 1+ '03 X +AVO turbo kit = XT (son's) '95 Neon Sport Last edited by 2.5x_sleeper; 01-18-2012 at 09:15 PM.

03-17-2010, 07:06 PM	#5 (permalink)
2.5x_sleeper has awakened! Thread Starter Join Date: Aug 2007 Posts: 17,303 Location: Newberg, OR Car Year: 2007 Car Model: Forester Sports XT Transmission: 4EAT Gallery: 0 Feedback Score: 36 reviews	New Wheels & Tires! The plain steel wheels just didn't cut it, so I had to have custom wheels. Being "old school" & the dark blue color of the Forester, it had to be chromes! Bobby... Update We loved these wheels, but they let us down & we've moved on. The details can be viewed starting on the following link. New wheels - Part 1 - The Motegi MR7 alloy chromes have to go! Motegi MR7 alloy chromes wheels, 17x7, +40 offset. I replaced the stock geosquealers with Toyo Proxes T1R tires. These had great traction on dry pavement, but were poor in snow or ice! I replaced the Toyo Proxes T1R with Toyo Proxes 4. I needed tires that have great dry traction, as well as decent snow & ice traction to carry me over to my winter tires. I'd recommend these & I have them on all 3 of our vehicles! Toyo Proxes T1R___________Toyo Proxes 4 The pictures above are not of our wheels, they're just to show the different thread patterns. Related post: New wheels - Part 1 - The Motegi MR7 alloy chromes have to go! (Post #96) New wheels - Part 2 - a teaser picture! (Post #131) New wheels - part 3 - XXR 507S wheels installed! (Post #185) The Table of Contents for Alex's Member Journal can be found here. (post #2) __________________ '07 FSXT - COBB Surgeline dyno Protune - Stage 1+ '03 X +AVO turbo kit = XT (son's) '95 Neon Sport Last edited by 2.5x_sleeper; 02-05-2012 at 08:44 AM.

03-17-2010, 07:13 PM	#6 (permalink)
Duderotomy ɹoʇɐɹǝpoɯ ɹǝdns Join Date: Aug 2008 Posts: 16,370 Location: Tim Horton's Car Year: 2007 Car Model: Sports 2.5XT Limited Transmission: 5MT Gallery: 0 Feedback Score: 16 reviews	I can't believe there wasn't a Journal for this car already man! guess you've got to dig up all those older threads you made about the mods for it too eh? __________________ 07 XT - VF43'd 02 S 03 Outback H6 98 S - H6/Ver.8 swap 90 Nissan Skyline GTS-t

03-17-2010, 07:15 PM	#7 (permalink)
thebeephaha Forum Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Posts: 1,051 Location: Redmond, WA Car Year: 2003 Car Model: '03 XTi Cross Sports Transmission: 4EAT Gallery: 0 Feedback Score: 6 reviews	Cannot wait! :) __________________ See my '99 & '03 Foresters!

03-18-2010, 12:29 PM	#9 (permalink)
2.5x_sleeper has awakened! Thread Starter Join Date: Aug 2007 Posts: 17,303 Location: Newberg, OR Car Year: 2007 Car Model: Forester Sports XT Transmission: 4EAT Gallery: 0 Feedback Score: 36 reviews	Rear dust deflector, window tint & a hood protector. After the new wheels & performance tires, I decided the '03 X needed window tinting. I opted for 20% tint on the rear glass, left the front stock (my preference). I also added a front hood protector (deflector) & a rear dust deflector, which I felt was more functional than the rear spoiler. Bobby... The Table of Contents for Alex's Member Journal can be found here. (post #2) __________________ '07 FSXT - COBB Surgeline dyno Protune - Stage 1+ '03 X +AVO turbo kit = XT (son's) '95 Neon Sport Last edited by 2.5x_sleeper; 01-20-2012 at 08:52 PM.

03-18-2010, 01:02 PM	#10 (permalink)
Subie 2003 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: 647 Location: PNW Car Year: 2003 Car Model: 2.5x Gallery: 0 Feedback Score: 2 reviews	I am really amazed at how well the hood protector/bug deflector and rear dust deflector work. Sweet ride man! What are the specs on the wheels? __________________ 2003 X 4EAT 49k Sierra Gold What Would Scooby Do?

03-19-2010, 01:28 PM	#12 (permalink)
2.5x_sleeper has awakened! Thread Starter Join Date: Aug 2007 Posts: 17,303 Location: Newberg, OR Car Year: 2007 Car Model: Forester Sports XT Transmission: 4EAT Gallery: 0 Feedback Score: 36 reviews	Improving the stock sound system! I'm not into high performance mobile audio, but I do want a nice sounding system. Right off, I knew the factory/OEM system wasn't going to cut it! It wouldn't play my MP3 CD & the volume stepping was odd...?! The '03 X didn't come with door tweeter or the upgraded premium speakers. I bought the premium speaker upgrade, but haven't installed them (still in the box!). After upgrading the head unit, installing the tweeter upgrade & a subwoofer, the sound was perfect for me & my son says it sounds great! Eventually we'll install the premuim speakers, but there's no hurry. Bobby... This is the stock factory/OEM head unit that came in the '03 X. The left picture is the Sony CDX-MP450 head unit that started out in my 4.3L GMC Jimmy 4X4. I pulled it out before I sold it, wanting it to go in the Forester. I loved this head unit, but it was an early MP3 player & it finally needed to be replaced. The right picture is the Sony CDX-GT610Ui that we have in all 3 of our vehicles. Yes, we like this Sony head unit! Sony CDX-MP450-----------------------------Sony CDX-GT610Ui I wanted a HD Radio option, so I added a Directed Electronics HD Radio to work with the above head unit. The right picture is the tweeter upgrade kit. If you don't have door tweeters, this is a must have audio upgrade! This picture shows where I mounted the HD Radio display in the '03 X. I placed the HD Radio display in a different location in my '07 FSXT. You can view it here. Update Funny how things come around! I recently replocated the HD radio display panel to this same location in my '07 FSXT. You can view the write up starting here. The HD radio receiver module (commander) is mounted under the dash in both installations. I installed the earier version Kenwood subwoofer, the KSC-SW1 in the '03 X. IMO, it sounds better than the later version, the KSC-SW10, which I have in my '07 FSXT. The right picture shows where the wired subwoofer remote was placed. If you're wondering what the switches are for, one is "audio mute" & the other one is "subwoofer on/off". No seat heaters in the '03 X, so I installed the switches in the blank covers. I hate blank covers! For step-by-step installation instructions, check out the MODding Journal for my '07 FSXT here. The installation in the '03-'08 models are nearly identical! The Table of Contents for Alex's Member Journal can be found here. (post #2) __________________ '07 FSXT - COBB Surgeline dyno Protune - Stage 1+ '03 X +AVO turbo kit = XT (son's) '95 Neon Sport Last edited by 2.5x_sleeper; 01-18-2012 at 09:20 PM.

03-19-2010, 08:33 PM	#13 (permalink)
2.5x_sleeper has awakened! Thread Starter Join Date: Aug 2007 Posts: 17,303 Location: Newberg, OR Car Year: 2007 Car Model: Forester Sports XT Transmission: 4EAT Gallery: 0 Feedback Score: 36 reviews	Time to add gauges! The first gauge I added to my '03 X was a Scangauge II. It's hard to beat all the features you get in this very small device. My complete installation write up can viewed here. I love gauges, traditional gauges, so I decided to do this. The entire '03 X gauge POD v2 write up can be viewed on my post here. I used Nordskog gauges for the fuel pressure & oil temperature. Nordskog doesn't offer a 100 psi oil pressure gauge, so I stayed with a VDO Vision series gauge. All 3 gauges are 52mm/2-1/16" with electric senders. I selected a mechanical 52mm/2-1/16" VDO Vision series 0-15 psi boost gauge. I prefer a boost (pressure) only gauge. A VUMAXX mounting cup is used to mount the boost gauge on the steering column cover. The detailed installation on my '07 FSXT can be viewed here. I replaced the incandescent gauge illumination bulbs with green LEDs. This closely matches the factory instrument cluster illumination. The Table of Contents for Alex's Member Journal can be found here. (post #2) __________________ '07 FSXT - COBB Surgeline dyno Protune - Stage 1+ '03 X +AVO turbo kit = XT (son's) '95 Neon Sport Last edited by 2.5x_sleeper; 05-11-2010 at 09:11 AM.

03-20-2010, 10:46 AM	#14 (permalink)
2.5x_sleeper has awakened! Thread Starter Join Date: Aug 2007 Posts: 17,303 Location: Newberg, OR Car Year: 2007 Car Model: Forester Sports XT Transmission: 4EAT Gallery: 0 Feedback Score: 36 reviews	Suspension upgrades! Trying to document the order the MODding was done to the '03 X is rather difficuilt after so many years! Not to worry, I will get to the AVO Turbo kit! The '03 X was leaning too much on tight corners, so I decided it was time to correct this problem! I went with a RalliTEK 22mm front sway bar & a RalliTEK 19mm rear sway bar, both solid. I also upgraded to AVO linkends & Whiteline KBR16 lateral link brace (a must with a heavier RSB!). The complete installation write up can be viewed here. If I were doing this again, I'd skip upgrading the linkends. IMO, the stock linkends are fine for nontrack use. I retained the stock linkends when I did the sway bar upgrade on my '07 FSXT. You can view my '07 FSXT write up starting here. I'd still recommend installing Whiteline KBR16 lateral link brace. he Table of Contents for Alex's Member Journal can be found here. (post #2) __________________ '07 FSXT - COBB Surgeline dyno Protune - Stage 1+ '03 X +AVO turbo kit = XT (son's) '95 Neon Sport Last edited by 2.5x_sleeper; 10-30-2011 at 02:10 PM.

03-20-2010, 12:52 PM	#15 (permalink)
2.5x_sleeper has awakened! Thread Starter Join Date: Aug 2007 Posts: 17,303 Location: Newberg, OR Car Year: 2007 Car Model: Forester Sports XT Transmission: 4EAT Gallery: 0 Feedback Score: 36 reviews	'04 STi seats installed! This upgrade made a world of difference on the seating comfort & support. Installing '04 STi seats in the '03 X was a piece-of-cake! The only thing to keep in mind, is that the seatbelt buckle from the stock Forester seats need to be moved to the STi seats. Other than that, it's completely plug & play, no sensors to mess with at all! As an option to have the STi seats sit higher, as the stock Forester seat sit, the stock seat mounting rails can be used with the STi seats. This will set the seats about an 1-1/2" higher. This is the direction we opted to go. Keep in mind the driver seat is height adjustable, but not the passenger seat. Placing the passenger seat 1-1/2" lower may not be appreciated by your shorter copilot. The original '04 STi seat installation write up for the '03 X, done before we got Member Journals, can be viewed here. Bobby... The left picture shows the stock '03 X seats minus the headrests. The right picture shows the '04 STi seats. The left picture shows the '04 STi seats installed. The right picture shows the optional armrest extension installed. The Table of Contents for Alex's Member Journal can be found here. (post #2) __________________ '07 FSXT - COBB Surgeline dyno Protune - Stage 1+ '03 X +AVO turbo kit = XT (son's) '95 Neon Sport Last edited by 2.5x_sleeper; 06-26-2012 at 08:20 PM.

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