Great question Bob. I've got a 2010 XT also and will be paying attention to the answers. I don't think there is much out there yet for the new Forester, but I'm guessing we will get some advice on using WRX/STI parts.
2010 Forester XT Mod Questions
I will be buying a 2010 XT Forester tomorrow. First, I'm a Sales consultant for Subaru so I'm getting a very good deal. I talked to our service manager about adding performance parts and warranty. He told me if it's parts they sell it will be covered under warranty (7 year-100,000 mile).
This will be my daily driver so I would like an increase in performance but yet get decent mileage. My last vehicle was a Dodge Diesel which I modified and still got very good mileage (18 to 22 mpg depending on how I drove). I did the cold air intake AFE to the turbo, full exhause with performance muffler MBRP and the Edge with Juice contoller= 425hp & 800 lb of tq. :rock:
I'm looking for the best bang for the buck with the Subaru Performance Parts. I will not be lowering as I will be doing some mild off roading for recreational purposes (hunting, fishing & camping).
Thanks
Bob...
This will be my daily driver so I would like an increase in performance but yet get decent mileage. My last vehicle was a Dodge Diesel which I modified and still got very good mileage (18 to 22 mpg depending on how I drove). I did the cold air intake AFE to the turbo, full exhause with performance muffler MBRP and the Edge with Juice contoller= 425hp & 800 lb of tq. :rock:
I'm looking for the best bang for the buck with the Subaru Performance Parts. I will not be lowering as I will be doing some mild off roading for recreational purposes (hunting, fishing & camping).
Thanks
Bob...
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+2. I've been wondering about what I could do to not void the warranty and all I could think of was getting a K&N drop in filter and synthetic oil maybe. Yep, after that, I don't know. I'll be interested in the replies from the experts here. I think I've read that a lot of guys use WRX cat-backs, but I don't know about the 09's or 10's.
depsite what your buddy told you about warranty work there is proof stating otherwise. then again if hes your service manager, maybe he'll stand by ya, nothing is a definite when venturing down this road... anything you mod, has the potential of voiding your warranty whether its an spt product or not. that being said, your first mod should be some sort of engine management because the stock tune on these cars just sucks.
id keep it simple though and stick w/ a stg2 setup which will consist of a downpipe(+ maybe catback exhaust) and tune. that should give you enough power to start and you can move on2 other parts of the car.
id keep it simple though and stick w/ a stg2 setup which will consist of a downpipe(+ maybe catback exhaust) and tune. that should give you enough power to start and you can move on2 other parts of the car.
Welcome, and enjoy that new Fozzy XT.
What fourortwowheels said would be a good starting point but unfortunately Subaru does not make any of these parts. Any engine mgmt will compromise the warranty. If you do a stage 2 tune the ecu will record the change and "if" you have problems Subaru will and probably deny coverage. This comes from my dealership, which, was very heavily into modding subbies. They have repeatedly told me that SOA is cracking down on modifications and not allowing warranty repairs. It is not that the forester cannot handle these changes, and some are even more efficient than stock (as fourortwowheels said), but it may void your warranty. Proceed at your own RISK.despite what your buddy told you about warranty work there is proof stating otherwise. then again if hes your service manager, maybe he'll stand by ya, nothing is a definite when venturing down this road... anything you mod, has the potential of voiding your warranty whether its an spt product or not. that being said, your first mod should be some sort of engine management because the stock tune on these cars just sucks.
id keep it simple though and stick w/ a stg2 setup which will consist of a downpipe(+ maybe catback exhaust) and tune. that should give you enough power to start and you can move on2 other parts of the car.
Now what to do. You can change your A/F to something like a K&N but you will not pick up much of anything except a bill for the item. Enhancing the air flow of the system requires you to do a CAI, down pipe and cat back exhaust. All of those items are not yet made by Subaru for the MY09,10 forester (certain items are made by SOA but are not designed for the forester. Case in point, godwhoismike, a member here, had his dealer put on, purchased there, the SPT cat back exhaust made for the WRX. It is a direct bolt on. The item failed, a weld, and he was denied warranty and SOA said if any other problems develop, engine, it would void the warranty (there is a thread here on the subject)). Since you are a SOA consultant you can probably check into this better or have the service mgr check deeper with SOA. If you want to change something I would focus on suspension for now. You can change the sway bars which should give you much better handling without compromising the suspension or warranty (this again is an "if" but I feel a safe one). These are also somethings I wanted to do to my FOZ but when I realized the possible implications I decided against them. That's why I buy new. I want a warranty. Sorry to be the bearer of bad news but that's how it is (at least from my research and the information I have been able to attain). As I said earlier......proceed at you own risk unless your buddy/dealership will personally guaranty the work and parts. If that is the case have at it but get it in writing. There are also accessory items to add on to the FOZ to increase the creature comforts and appearance of the forester, but that's it for now. Good luck with your new Forester.......it's a great vehicle and I do enjoy mine.
^^ Accurate info, and good advice.What fourortwowheels said would be a good starting point but unfortunately Subaru does not make any of these parts. Any engine mgmt will compromise the warranty. If you do a stage 2 tune the ecu will record the change and "if" you have problems Subaru will and probably deny coverage. This comes from my dealership, which, was very heavily into modding subbies. They have repeatedly told me that SOA is cracking down on modifications and not allowing warranty repairs. It is not that the forester cannot handle these changes, and some are even more efficient than stock (as fourortwowheels said), but it may void your warranty. Proceed at your own RISK.
Now what to do. You can change your A/F to something like a K&N but you will not pick up much of anything except a bill for the item. Enhancing the air flow of the system requires you to do a CAI, down pipe and cat back exhaust. All of those items are not yet made by Subaru for the MY09,10 forester (certain items are made by SOA but are not designed for the forester. Case in point, godwhoismike, a member here, had his dealer put on, purchased there, the SPT cat back exhaust made for the WRX. It is a direct bolt on. The item failed, a weld, and he was denied warranty and SOA said if any other problems develop, engine, it would void the warranty (there is a thread here on the subject)). Since you are a SOA consultant you can probably check into this better or have the service mgr check deeper with SOA. If you want to change something I would focus on suspension for now. You can change the sway bars which should give you much better handling without compromising the suspension or warranty (this again is an "if" but I feel a safe one). These are also somethings I wanted to do to my FOZ but when I realized the possible implications I decided against them. That's why I buy new. I want a warranty. Sorry to be the bearer of bad news but that's how it is (at least from my research and the information I have been able to attain). As I said earlier......proceed at you own risk unless your buddy/dealership will personally guaranty the work and parts. If that is the case have at it but get it in writing. There are also accessory items to add on to the FOZ to increase the creature comforts and appearance of the forester, but that's it for now. Good luck with your new Forester.......it's a great vehicle and I do enjoy mine.
I did add a few accessories which will be installed this week. I agree and will focus on the suspension first (sway bars) and tires. I need to sell my Tacoma before I add the SPT intake, heat shield and exhaust. I will also make sure this doesn't void my warranty. I'm new to adding mods to Subaru's and have a question. Are the warranties of the STI, WRX, Legacy GT and Outback XT covered when the SPT performance accessories are added by the dealer? :icon_question:
Thanks
Bob...
Thanks
Bob...
That's something that seems to vary from dealer to dealer. May want to ask at your local dealership and see if any of those SPT parts will affect your warranty.I did add a few accessories which will be installed this week. I agree and will focus on the suspension first (sway bars) and tires. I need to sell my Tacoma before I add the SPT intake, heat shield and exhaust. I will also make sure this doesn't void my warranty. I'm new to adding mods to Subaru's and have a question. Are the warranties of the STI, WRX, Legacy GT and Outback XT covered when the SPT performance accessories are added by the dealer? :icon_question:
Thanks
Bob...
dont even do the spt. id keep the stock intake, and just do a drop in filter. those spts while they do make power and have there place in the aftermarket, are hot air intakes. i just recently switched back to the oem from the spt, and saw a 30degree drop in temps! when i was sitting in traffic or in the staging lanes @ auto-x/drag strip, the IATS(intake air temps) would soar threw the roof...
Bob, Even though it looks as the SPT intake is for the Forester it will NOT work. The MAF sensor will not attach to the unit. Another member here tried and purchased it, but no go. After he spoke in-depth with SOA they confirmed it will not work. This was several months ago and I believe nothing has changed. Return it if you have purchased it already. As far as the warranties go....as long as the parts are for a certain vehicle, as deemed by Subaru, then yes the parts carry a warranty. I also believe the parts will carry the warranty even if installed by yourself as long as the install is done correctly, may be limited to 90 days, not sure.I did add a few accessories which will be installed this week. I agree and will focus on the suspension first (sway bars) and tires. before I add the SPT intake, heat shield and exhaust. I will also make sure this doesn't void my warranty. I'm new to adding mods to Subaru's and have a question. Are the warranties of the STI, WRX, Legacy GT and Outback XT covered when the SPT performance accessories are added by the dealer? :icon_question:
Thanks
Bob...
I would think that the 05-09 LGT SPT intake would work on 09+ FXT since they share the same layout, but I would NOT recommend it. The LGT version is different than the WRX/STI version and has a nasty bend which affects the MAF readings.
Fourortwowheels- I think I will do the drop in filter. I talked to the service manager today and he said if it is sold by Subaru (SPT) then not a problem. If it is aftermarket you take your chances. I will update with more details as this project progresses.
Bob...
Bob...
I talked to the service manager today and he said if it is sold by Subaru (SPT) then not a problem. If it is aftermarket you take your chances.
Bob...
Bob, I sincerely understand your desire to beef up your FOZ but I would take a look at this thread: http://www.subaruforester.org/vbull...-spt-exhaust-your-09-fxt-your-own-risk-70030/.
Either your service mgr doesn't know what is going on or he will deceive Subaru about an issue. Realize that I am not trying to put that person down, I am just trying to save you a possible migraine. That being said, it is your ride and you can do anything that you want to do to it and you may never experience any problems. I hope that is the case for you and you have many fun years of driving the XT. Either way you are now more informed. Read Pleiad7's link to the warranty of parts. As I have seen over the past 1 1/2 years here on this forum, and my affilation with Subaruforester.org, some/many of the members here are more knowledgeable about the Forester and Subaru's position on things than service mgr's, salespeople, or mechanics. **This is not always the case or intended to put those people down**
That sucks. I guess the only hope we have is in 2011 they come out with a high performance STI Forester for the US and parts we can order. I have read that Subaru produced and sell a STI Forester in Japan.
Thanks for the info.
Bob...
Thanks for the info.
Bob...
yea we wont see an sti forester however, not enough interest here in the states for a 40k jap suv. youll be forced to make your own, but itll be just as fun!
If I were to go ahead and order SPT parts, which would be the best bang for the dollar. What years parts work from the WRX-STI (exhaust- up pipe)?
Thanks
Bob...
Thanks
Bob...
To the best of my knowledge and all my searching and inquiring Bob, you need anything made that will fit a MY08+ WRX. That being said the only item that is made is the cat-back exhaust. There isn't a down pipe or up pipe made by Subaru as of yet and I don't believe there is one for any year that is made by Subaru (I could be wrong). Something else you may not be aware of is that when the SPT exhaust has been put on other MY09XT Fozzie's, it produces a drone at highway speeds that has turned some people off. Realize the WRX has a trunk which the Forester does not creating loud resonances in the passenger compartment. Other than that Subaru really doesn't make anything to increase engine performance, for that matter nothing for suspension either other than a (new) front strut tower brace, that has a rubber bushing in the middle of it (makes no sense, I won't use it until somone else reports benefits). Since it seems as though you are willing to take chances there are plenty of aftermarket items that will work and are very good products. You can search through the "members gallery" and look to see what some that own the SH model have done. That's my take on it.........Best of luck with the mods.If I were to go ahead and order SPT parts, which would be the best bang for the dollar. What years parts work from the WRX-STI (exhaust- up pipe)?
Thanks
Bob...
Like Hot09XT said, the SPT exhaust will work. I would not use the SPT intake designed for 05+ LGTs even though most likely it will work with your car.If I were to go ahead and order SPT parts, which would be the best bang for the dollar. What years parts work from the WRX-STI (exhaust- up pipe)?
Thanks
Bob...
SPT does not make up pipes or downpipes. Your stock UP is already catless.
SOA has to prove the mods caused the failure. It also depends as much on where you get your service done. I threw a timing belt on my modded XT and they covered everything because the water pump seized up and I'd like to think also because I had every other oil change done there for good will. I'm sure your buddy wouldn't lead you astray. It just depends but be willing to have the warranty denied on the part you replaced in any case.
That being said I know the downpipe for my GR is the same as a Legacy. That and a Protune are the engine bang for the buck mods. Not sure about fitment on a Forester though. Until you start upgrading turbos and such the catback and CAI are just expensive noise makers. Swaybars, and tires will give you handling bang for the buck.
That being said I know the downpipe for my GR is the same as a Legacy. That and a Protune are the engine bang for the buck mods. Not sure about fitment on a Forester though. Until you start upgrading turbos and such the catback and CAI are just expensive noise makers. Swaybars, and tires will give you handling bang for the buck.
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