Hey guys, im still new to the community, i am trying to do research on the forester and am having a hard time finding info. Are the automatic trans really that bad from subaru?what is the final drive, 3.90 or 4.11. whats the stock psi on the xt or the other turbo'd foresters. My future plan is a sti swap(on an older forester) or a newer forester and just forging the motor. Im looking for as much info as possible, IE. common problems, great simple mods for a forester,maintence ease and what needs to be taken to the dealer. thanks guys
ps. and yes i tore apart the unibombers manifesto

If you're doing an STI swap, why even bother with an auto? For what the FXT was actually designed for, the auto is fine. However if you're looking for any type of performance, get the 5 speed. Will make your swap that much easier as well.

Also, you can google Forester forums...I know theres one out there somewhere and you can also try the Forester section here on NASIOC. My wife has had hers for about a year, and it's never had any problems.

Check out http://www.subaruforester.org/vbulletin/ all the information you would ever need is there.

Send a PM to Defiant Autospeed. He has a bad ass forester XT with a GT35R running ~22psi on pump gas. I tuned it and the thing hauls.

If you like the older FXT, keep in mind that the 04 & 05 had the same motor as the STI of those yrs. Its begging for a big turbo, intercooler & injector upgrades. Final drive for those yrs (5mt) was 4.44:1
There is a company called Level Ten (in New Jersey?) that upgrades Subaru automatics.

The heads on the 04/05 Forester XT's are actually a little bit different then the USDM STi heads. They identical to the LGT heads.

Auto trans aren't "bad"... but could restricting you from big numbers, as they prolly should be beefed up at 325+ whp.

Here is a brief look at my 04 Forester with a stock 4eat. (shameless plug)

http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1738485

and trans upgrades can be done by IPT Transmissions. I had a wrx with auto and beat the car silly. Saw drag, auto-x, DD, back roads, rally-x. Just dont go crazy with the power and driving and it wont blow up like mine.

Also search here or sf.org for "angry Toaster". It's an STI swapped SF Forester (1st gen). It's wicked to say the least.

http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1612357

Or send a PM to garagedefeat. He's got a beast of a fozzy, and is one of the most humble guys on the planet, and will help you as much as he can.

pic of the beast.

http://i42.tinypic.com/xgfwjm.jpg

Or send a PM to garagedefeat. He's got a beast of a fozzy, and is one of the most humble guys on the planet, and will help you as much as he can.

pic of the beast.

http://i42.tinypic.com/xgfwjm.jpg
I need lots more of this

thank you so much guys, this is exactly what i was looking for, i tried forester club but for some odd reason googles link wouildnt work, if i were to do a sti swap i would do it on an older forester like much older. maybe 98 99 00, but if i get an xt i was planning on just driving the automatic while i finish up school and then swap in a 6 speed and then forge the internals. thanks again and if there is any more imput, throw it in.

The heads on the 04/05 Forester XT's are actually a little bit different then the USDM STi heads. They identical to the LGT heads.

What's different about them?

Or send a PM to garagedefeat. He's got a beast of a fozzy, and is one of the most humble guys on the planet, and will help you as much as he can.

pic of the beast.

http://i42.tinypic.com/xgfwjm.jpg


MOARRRRRR!!

Seriously, I need to see a gallery of this car.

thank you so much guys, this is exactly what i was looking for, i tried forester club but for some odd reason googles link wouildnt work, if i were to do a sti swap i would do it on an older forester like much older. maybe 98 99 00, but if i get an xt i was planning on just driving the automatic while i finish up school and then swap in a 6 speed and then forge the internals. thanks again and if there is any more imput, throw it in.

I see you're from the Chicago area.
There are a bunch of us FXT guys that meet up every Thursday in the Schaumburg area. Check the MWSOC section for a weekly thread. (Moretti's this week).

Me and Roman are usually there every week and can give you more details:

Me:
http://kamil212.com/fxt/50d/art.jpg

Roman:
http://kamil212.com/fxt/frog2.jpg

moretti's by epi

moretti's by epi

http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1837032