stan_t

Hello,

So, I'm planning a turbo swap for my '07 FXT. I wanted to put together a checklist of parts that are needed for the upgrade to make sure I get everything right. Question I have is: do I NEED a new turbo inlet hose, or can I get away with using a stock one? I'd rather not spend the money on a new one if I don't have to.

Checklist:

1. Engine Management -- obtained, AP v2
2. larger downpipe -- optional, obtained
3. VF43 turbo -- obtained
4. STi TMIC -- obtained
5. TMIC elbow and t/b hoses -- optional, obtained
6. STi TMIC to BPV gasket -- obtained
7. STi exhaust manifolds -- obtained, ported, (porting optional)
8. '02 JDM STi hood scoop -- need
9. splitter to cover TMIC -- obtained, Suble Solutions
10. Subaru antifreeze -- obtained
11. Correct oil lines for VF43 -- my VF43 came with the oil lines
12. new gaskets - uppipe, DP, etc -- obtained, GrimmSpeed
13. new turbo inlet hose -- optional
14. fuel pump -- optional

Anything else?

Thank you,

Stan

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'07 XT 5MT, VF43 tuned by FLI
handling > power > looks

smooth906

Weren't you just saying a week ago that you were sticking with the stock turbo for now? I bet you read through some more threads and just couldn't stop yourself - I know the feeling. This site is the devil!!!

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'07 FSXT WRB

stan_t

Yeah, for now didn't last very long, did it?

I figured might as well go for the STi upgrade. To tell you the truth, Silkie's review of Subed's recent transformation helped a little with making the decision

Stan

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'07 XT 5MT, VF43 tuned by FLI
handling > power > looks

toddlamp

I'll try to go in order:

I have an STi exhaust monifold, gasket ported and love it. It helped free up some HP. DO a search for my exhaust manifold install thread and I have some XT vs. STi manifold pics on there.

You don't NEED an STi hood scoop but it will help flow more air over the larger STi I/C.

The Impreza splitters are not going to help you. The distance between the I/C and splitter on the XT is far greater and you won't get any seal. The best thing you can do is get a Process West splitter. It's expensive but the only one that I know of that is made for a Forester with an STi intercooler. A JDM Forester STi splitter with skirt will help, but the Forester STi intercooler is only as large as the 02-05 WRX I/C so you're missing out.

As for coolant, I guess you should just use the Subaru stuff.

Whenever you take stuff apart that has gaskets inbetween, the best thing to do is replace them. Even if they have only been on for a short time (weeks+, not days). You're going to kick yourself if you have a leak when you could have just spend the $10 or so and got a new gasket. It'll cost you a lot more in time to get back in there to replace it.

I am running a VF34 with stock inlet. The VF43 is pretty close if not the same on the compressor side so I imagine it will be fine. I don't think the inlet pipe changed on the STi's when they switched to the VF43.

I am running a VF34 with stock fuel pump. It is running just fine, but I will be installing a Walbro soon just to be certain there are no issues. They can be had for relatively cheap price and is a worth while safety precaution.

Make sure you have the right oil lines for the VF43. I doubt that the ones for the TD04 are going to be compatitble. Also make sure you use the right pill for the 43. I also assume you already have engine management and will be getting it tuned?

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06XT MT CGM Blouch TD05-18g 8cm equipped

The Black Box

Don't need the inlet hose.

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'08 XT LTD/MT

kamil212

I ran the OTS stg2 UTEC map when I started tuning and was maxing out my injectors (running rich), so I would get a fuel pump for sure.

stan_t

Thank you guys for all the feedback, updated checklist above.

Stan

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'07 XT 5MT, VF43 tuned by FLI
handling > power > looks

toddlamp

The OTS maps are like that on purpose for safety purposes. A bit of tuning will likely drop the IDC a good bit. It's definitely recommend and as I mentioned inexpensive insurance. I'm at 95% IDC on the stop pump. That's as high as I would ever want to go and for some that's too high.

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06XT MT CGM Blouch TD05-18g 8cm equipped

toddlamp

Looks like a good list now. Just know that installing the turbo inlet pipe is a chore. I wouldn't even consider buying it if you're not going to do injectors and maybe fuel rails since you have to take off the intake manifold. And those three should be done at the same time to cut down on repeatative work. Oh and don't forget the TGV deletes, and Hondata intake manifold gasket, and....................the list goes on.

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06XT MT CGM Blouch TD05-18g 8cm equipped

kamil212

yeah, the OTS map was running really rich (hitting 9:1 AFR up top ). I've tuned it down that night to have it in the high 10s and been trying to find some time to actually tune it out. (with 15psi and hitting high 10s:1 I was in the low 90%s for the IDC)

pleiad7

Just a thought in regards to coolant... A lot of times I see people using the cheapest antifreeze they can find. I'd recommend sticking with the OEM coolant, for reasons explained here: http://endwrench.com/images/pdfs/CoolMay05EW.pdf

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-Silke
04 FXT PP PSM ~ "Subed"
98 Forester S ~ "Slynki"
92 SVX LS-L ~ x2

Andy_PHA

Just be careful with your inlet hose as I believe I tore mine during my 18G install and thus had a hell of a time once strapped to the dyno. Now I'm going to have to go through most of the install crap again to install a new inlet hose and head back to the dyno. Oh and the perrin you do not have to remove the intake manifold. And that's the one I just ordered.

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06 FXT Limited 4EAT 18G powered.

wakeabyss

I just finished my turbo swap last night and it was going pretty well until I went to swap out the turbo inlet for a Samco one. That was by far the most difficult part of the whole chore. I know I didn't need an after market inlet hose for my VF34, but I said what the hell... and boy was I in for a treat. I had to cut apart the stock inlet hose and cut off all the nipples to get the darn thing out. And, getting the Samco one in was no easier, what a PITA. I will never do an inlet hose ever again.

Don't forget two crush washers for the oil feed banjo bolt, and don't tighten it too much because I snapped the head of the bolt right off.

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MY07 WRB FSXT MT bobbytuned
MY00 SR OBS AT

elxkid

sorry to hop on here since I never got an answer on my thread. Do I need to get the STI restrictor pill? And do I order that from subarugenuineparts.com?

thanks! good luck and godspeed with your STI swap :)

trippin

I would definitely recommend buying a walbro. You can get one for $80 and I have seen Stage 2 STi tunes max out the stock pump. It is a very borderline situation running the stock sti pump and sti injectors on a vf43. By running a walbro it will also help lower your injector duty cycle.

Also a turbo inlet isnt a bad idea. Question is are they worth the money for the gains produced. With the money and time invested is another $125 to $175 worthwhile. The stock inlet is very turbulent, easy to tear during a turbo install and longevity is questionable. If it does develop a leak down the road you will be scratching your head trying to find it. There are a couple lower priced alternatives for inlets now that people have been having good luck with.