Thanks Fella's. I had kinda debated for quite a while between some wide 18's and going to 19's. In the past I was far more a fan of function over style (although likes the style in there) and would have gone for the lightest 17 or 18" wheel I could find but now that I am getting older and have moved into an automatic for the first time in my life I figured style could step up a little. Once the 19's were on I knew I made the right choice, the tire size is great and although harsher than the 18's it is VERY liveable. The coils offer a great ride but are VERY comfortable as the spring rates are fairly low. Very happy with them.
My goal was to build a good all around FXT. I didn't want to lose fuel economy (if I drove mellow), I didn['t want to drop it to the point where speed bumps, plowing snow would be an issue, I didn't want it to draw attention due to a loud grumble every time I gassed it and I didn't want to break the bank.
The intake and IC were nice power additions (intake more of a sound addition as there wasn't much power increase) but could have been done without. With just the DP and tune power was where I needed it. I live in the city and like to be able to get a nice launch from traffic lights when needed. Fuel economy is not great around town as I do tend to punch it off the line but it has remained the same with highway and mellow driving. Although more power would be great, the next step would be catless/catback and injectors which would negate two of my goals.
Coilovers were chosen in place of springs as the only thing available at the time were SWIFT springs which did not offer enough lowering for my tastes. The other option was suspension made for the Impreza which, when measured, would have lowered too much and not had the correct spring/shock rates for the weight/balance of the Forester.
I had e-mailed Rallispec for suggestions and they had said that RS&SP were developing a coilover for the FXT. I got the first set and after the first install we found a couple small issues which were promptly sorted and now alls good. Not sure what the regular retail cost will be of these units so I won't comment.
I've still got a little height to play with if I want it lower but I am quite happy with the current set up.
Future plans, for the first time with a car I've owned, I don't have any. I am truly happy with the way the car is and I have to say (even with the stock unit) it was the best purchase I ever made. It is the perfect compromise car for me where I get the best of all worlds.
I had looked at a Merc GLK, Infiniti EX and Acura RDX turbo. All had options I didn't want need or had to pay for and ended up being almost $10K more than the FXT.
Previous cars included (from newest to oldest):
2008 Volvo C30 T5 (FWD, heavy, looked good but BORING to drive and **** in snow).
2004 Subaru STi (325 WHP, lost my license....no wagon)
2001 Legacy Wagon (no power)
1998 Imp RS (no power but fun and coo)
1996 Civic Si (good uni car, easy to maintain,zippy)
1988 E30 M3 (one of my favorite cars in the world, ever...why did I sell)
1992 Jeep Wrangler (great first car)
Also currently have a Miata '92 project for my track car.
Thanks for peeking guys...
