theador

Hmm, does that definitely fit? The shape looks a little different to what's under there at the moment.

Not too shabby at all. If it's of any use to anyone; I've just measured up and my 2004 Forester 2.5XT UK Spec (imported from Guernsey) has 20mm ARB on the front and 17mm on the rear.

I think the one on the SG is pretty useless too. I'll have a look in to it. I was wondering if one of a Prodrive or Sti Impreza would be worth the upgrade

Ha. Wandering off topic a bit; but which thicker rear bar and droplinks did you use?

Lol. All show no go. They're not disimilar in price to the Powerflex Black series, which also see to have ridges. http://www.powerflex.co.uk/black-series/product-details/Front+Anti+Roll+Bar+Bush/9227.html

I wouldn't mind getting black PU bushes as trying to keep the car looking stock.

Fitted the KYB shocks and springs over the weekend. Not too much sweat. Car feels SO much better now. However I think I need to do the front now; Grrr.

Thanks. Now. Where did I put that Vernier... I've seen people slice the PU bushes down the back (like the stock ones come) to ease fitting, is this a good idea?

Hello all. My ARB bushes are shot, so I want to replace them with PU ones. Looking at the power flex site, they list them in 19, 20, 21 and 22mm sizes. I imagine this is to accommodate different diameter ARB's. Can anyone tell me which is the correct size for a standard ARB on a Forester 2.5XT UK spec MY04? Also I imagine the drop links will be shot so can anyone recommend some nice heavy duty ones? I guess Meyle would be good?

I've heard people say good things about these people, they're just down the road from me too. I have no idea what their prices are like though. http://www.simpsonraceexhausts.com

I'm thinking of doing it bit -by -bit. Starting with the downpipe and possibly up-pipe. In the past I've always been able to eek WAY more power out of a downpipe with 100 or 200cel cat than out of a cat back system. Generally the catback has just added noise, which is what I'm trying to avoid. The downpipe in my experience has only added lots of noise when you hit the loud pedal with enthusiasm. That said, I've never had Scoobys before.

How noisy are Cobra's? I've kind of always looked towards Jetex and Miltek as they don't go for super loud systems.

Just to add (and bump the post); does the Miltek fit non-STi models? It specifically says STi, but as far as I can see it would only be the bracket that attaches to the 6 speed STi box that wouldn't reach the 5 speed XT box.

Both. I use cloth/mitt for 90% of the jobs; but clay bar does work better on the really heavy stuff like lower doors, bumpers etc.

I know on the Volvo there were alternatives; I think made by Monroe.

So. Another thread to add to the oversaturated exhaust topic. This one is concentrating purely on two systems for a Forester 2.5XT my04 SG model. I'm deciding between a Hayward & Scott TBE and a Miltek TBE and want people's opinions on them. Most of all on how loud they are. My reason for upgrading is ONLY to allow me to push more power out of the engine. If I could keep the exhaust at the same DB levels as the standard one I would. I'm 40 and my only interest is performance, not interested in having a loud exhaust. Having used Miltek before I know they do top notch stuff and it's never been boy racer loud; but the Miltek system for the Forester is 3". The Hayward & Scott system is 2.5 but doesn't have such a big silencer in the centre section. Has anyone actually heard either of these systems, or had any experience with them?

Cheers Paul. Dog guard is in. Kris

Cheers. Out of interest, what Turbo Back system are you running - or did you have it custom made? I think AEM fuel pumps are meant to be pretty good.

So; looks like doing the full exhaust and cats and deleting the uppipe cat too are the way to go. Looking at Andy Forrest's recommendation he recommends a stage one of: Full Decat or Sportscat exhaust from turbo back 2.5 or 3” bore Ecutek Custom ECU recalibration (similar to PPP) Twin boost set up for high/low power switchable in-car Walbro 255 l/hr uprated fuel pump K+N panel filter Only thing I don;t like there is the K&N. Are they oil based for the Subarus? I killed my MAF last time I used an oil based Pippercross

Where abouts are you? I'm interested if you're not a million miles away. I'll take the lot if the dog guard has all the adjusting feet and bits that push up against the roof. Don't suppose you have an old boot floor mat you could throw in to the deal too? Sorry to hear about your forester; my BMW e91 M Sport was written off by a tool in an HGV a few weeks ago; i took the opportunity to scratch the itch I've always had for a Forester.

Hahah, good old man Maths. Yeah I used some clever man maths to sell in the 2.5XT over a smaller engine in the first place :D. Selling in the tune is going to be PURELY based on fuel savings lol.

Did he map it to VPower or just normal 91 RON stuffs? WOUld be interested to hear how much more fuel you're getting through with the early spool up. I put a Walbro pump in the other car as it's now running bigger injectors. Made a massive difference, but kills fuel when you get enthusiastic with the driving lol.

Sounds plenty. The Volvo's sitting at just over 300 with loads of torque. 250 should be enough for now. I'll give him a shout.

At this stage I wasn't going to remove any of the cats. Just wanted to make the car a little more responsive. For the time being, my Volvo 850R is tuned to go like a bat-out-of hell; the Forester is the family car. Eventually, the Forester will become the second car and then I'll do a lot more modding to it. So for now, I'm just looking at doing a Stage 0 in the next few days and get the thing running as good as possible (doesn't run bad anyway tbh); and then gety a Stage 1 tune just to freshen her up a bit.

Thanks Stants. Was thinking about downloading one and flashing it myself; but can't seem to find one for the Forester XT2.5.