I've owned my 05 Forester XT for a couple of months now and thought I'd give an update.
Since getting the car I've been focusing on the handling while accumulating parts for a little more power as the stock turbo falls on it's face passed 3500 (though I do like the response). I'd decided on an VF34 Turbo (new) then came down to earth and realized I could find a VF39 pretty cheap. Then I found a VF43 which is pretty much the same as the 39. While talking with the seller he mentioned he was about to install it then decided on a TD05. So I started researching the TD05, that's when I read a review of the Blouch TD05 and decided THAT was the turbo I wanted. 2 weeks later a very slightly used Blouch TD05 18g popped up and I worked out a deal with the seller and bought it (I would have preferred the 16g for response but the price was right). Then I started shopping for intercoolers and found a near mint Sti intercooler (also on craigslist). And I since bought a new up pipe (Grimmspeed). All this stuff is starting to cost me some money and I haven't even installed anything yet!.
I just put on a rear Whiteline sway bar and cartboy end links (the only things I've actually installed on the car). This helped the handling but the car still has issues and I've ordered Swift springs and KYB struts to lower it slightly and firm up the ride a little. I'll probably pick up a front sway bar, though I'd like to autocross the car first and see how it handles. For autoXing I'd prefer some rotation and I know most stock cars tend to understeer and the Forester does come stock with the STI front bar.
While I can do some of the work myself I'm curious if their are any good shops in the Los Angeles area that can handle this type of work and not charge a fortune?. The intercooler I picked up is from an 08 STi and I imagine their may need to be some minor fabricating to get everything hooked up. I've been given the name of a good tuner but could use a good local mechanic/shop.
And any suggestions on a splitter that will work with the 08 intercooler and stock forester hood scoop? Thanks!. Also any feeling regarding the 18g vs the 16g for auto crossing? I do have the 2.5 so I'm hoping it won't be too laggy.
Since getting the car I've been focusing on the handling while accumulating parts for a little more power as the stock turbo falls on it's face passed 3500 (though I do like the response). I'd decided on an VF34 Turbo (new) then came down to earth and realized I could find a VF39 pretty cheap. Then I found a VF43 which is pretty much the same as the 39. While talking with the seller he mentioned he was about to install it then decided on a TD05. So I started researching the TD05, that's when I read a review of the Blouch TD05 and decided THAT was the turbo I wanted. 2 weeks later a very slightly used Blouch TD05 18g popped up and I worked out a deal with the seller and bought it (I would have preferred the 16g for response but the price was right). Then I started shopping for intercoolers and found a near mint Sti intercooler (also on craigslist). And I since bought a new up pipe (Grimmspeed). All this stuff is starting to cost me some money and I haven't even installed anything yet!.
I just put on a rear Whiteline sway bar and cartboy end links (the only things I've actually installed on the car). This helped the handling but the car still has issues and I've ordered Swift springs and KYB struts to lower it slightly and firm up the ride a little. I'll probably pick up a front sway bar, though I'd like to autocross the car first and see how it handles. For autoXing I'd prefer some rotation and I know most stock cars tend to understeer and the Forester does come stock with the STI front bar.
While I can do some of the work myself I'm curious if their are any good shops in the Los Angeles area that can handle this type of work and not charge a fortune?. The intercooler I picked up is from an 08 STi and I imagine their may need to be some minor fabricating to get everything hooked up. I've been given the name of a good tuner but could use a good local mechanic/shop.
And any suggestions on a splitter that will work with the 08 intercooler and stock forester hood scoop? Thanks!. Also any feeling regarding the 18g vs the 16g for auto crossing? I do have the 2.5 so I'm hoping it won't be too laggy.
