Firstly, backed into a protrusion in a wall today, and was wondering how much a rear bumper lip is? Are the bumpers repairable, or do I have to get a new one. I was thinking that maybe they could fill the dent and then I was gonna get it painted like the rest of the car, white.

Secondly, what suspension setups has anyone tried. I'm figuring that it'd be easy to get a stock RS set of struts and springs, and fitting them to my Forester, but was wondering if the back would sag too low. I want it pretty even.

Lastly, has anyone done the remove snorkus/silencer mod, and fitted with a K&N airfilter? How were the gains?

Sorry for all the questions, and if it's been covered already... (too tired to search right now).

Thanks.

Don't know anything about the bumper...

But I do know a little about the suspension http://www.i-club.com/ubb-files/smilies/wink.gif

I am running stock RS springs with KYB AGX struts. I'm not 100% sure, but I don't think you'll want to run the RS Struts (weight difference will make them seem too soft.) Use either the AGX or the STi v.5 struts. (You can get those pretty cheap from SUGAR here on the board. 800-334-4717. I think they are like $295 / set. CHEAP!) Some people are using the 5Zigen springs. They seem to work too. At first glance, it looks like the rear end of my Forester sags, but it really doesn't. Check out pics on my site at www.foresterperformance.fanspace.com (http://www.foresterperformance.fanspace.com) and then click on the my forester buton.

Thanks for your help. I got the same colour Forster as you, mines a MY98. Well, you can see a pic here (http://www.geocities.com/too_stickee/cars.htm) at my outdated webpage, as well as a bit of info.

I don't know what to do... upon graduation, I'll be obtaining either the Forester or Impreza from my parents, and don't know which one to choose and eventually modify.

[This message has been edited by Stickee (edited April 30, 2001).]

Stickee,

I've deleted the snorkus and added an Amsoil foam filter in my 98 Forester S.

Not too much difference with just the foam filter mod. Intake noise is louder and maybe, just maybe, the engine revs a little more easily.

The snorkus removal makes a bigger difference, however. Intake noise is pretty loud, especially at WOT, and the engine does rev a lot more easily.

To be completely honest, I can't say if the snorkus+filter mod adds any more power. The extra noise and faster revs may make it feel like you've got more but I'd be hard pressed to defend that. I've read tons of posts on i-club of people claiming an increase, but there's been little objective data to support that.

The nice thing is that the mod is completely reversible, should you change your mind.

Ken

Stickee,

your Forester does look like mine did. Cool. Personally I (well, my wife and I) own both the Impreza RS and the Forester. IMHO, If I had to pick just one, I'd stick with the Forester. Especially since your '98 more than likely had the dohc motor. Slap an aftermarket turbo on that bad boy and you'll be spanking some mustangs! All that, and room for cargo too. http://www.i-club.com/ubb-files/smilies/smile.gif

At least that's what I plan to do to mine.

FP,

Any particular reason why you mentioned DOHC over SOHC? What would the difference be from an aftermarket turbo perspective?

Ken

If I'm not mistaken, the DOHC has more potential for higher HP (since it can breathe better at high rpm), while the SOHC offers more low end torque. Build it right, and the turbo'd DOHC motor should theoretically produce more high RPM HP. http://www.i-club.com/ubb-files/smilies/wink.gif