RE: Subaru Forester STI: PH Fleet

RE: Subaru Forester STI: PH Fleet

Tuesday 9th February 2016

Subaru Forester STI: PH Fleet

Does the Forester STI reality live up to the dream? Dan reports back on life with his new Subaru



I first wrote about the Forester STI late last year as I attempted to justify blowing nearly 10 grand on a decade-old imported Subaru. Despite a determined going over with the ugly stick it's had a great response both online and on the road so, a month and a bit into ownership, it's time to welcome it formally to the PH fleet.

Certainly drives like a Subaru!
Certainly drives like a Subaru!
I realise a blacked out biscuit tin on wheels with a bonnet scoop isn't your typical automotive pin-up. But if you asked me to sketch my ideal car I think I'd end up with something pretty much Forester shaped. I need to haul kids and associated clobber, I want room to carry a bike or two, it needs to have boring stuff like ISOFIX mounts and airbags and Mrs Trent needs to be confident driving it. Four-wheel drive would be a handy bonus too for when the weather gets a bit grim up north. Which it has been. 

On top of that I want something with PH credibility, some engineering intrigue, the ability to entertain when opportunity strikes and - naturally - a bit of performance. Boxes ticked. With the added bonus of gold Brembos! 

So how does it go? Perhaps unsurprisingly it's pure Subaru, from the slightly apologetic cough on start up to the astonishing pace it'll carry when the weather, road conditions and topography suggest otherwise. 

I speak as the former owner of a classic Impreza WRX wagon (a MY95 import) and custodian of the PH Fleet WRX STI we ran last year. Characteristics of both of those cars are shared with the Forester. It's got the close gearing and typical short-throw, notchy gearshift. And you have to contend with a bit of lag before things get interesting. The steering is pretty light and the front end quite darty, though the initial turn-in balance errs towards understeer. It's also not shy in the chassis set-up, which is surprisingly stiff and perhaps the one main compromise over the more softly sprung UK car I thought I wanted. The benefit of that, of course, is Impreza-like cross-country pace with the comedy value of deliberately fugly proportions. 

Another Subaru back in the Trent household
Another Subaru back in the Trent household
Steering lock, throttle, lateral load - the more you ask of the tyres the happier the Forester seems and if the nose is pointing where you want it to go you probably should have been on the power already. It's a hoot - the more you throw at the car the more it seems to respond, encouraging increased overlap between your braking, steering and throttle inputs to deliver lovely neutral drifts out of the corners, squatting down as the rear axle pushes the nose into the turn and the front wheels pull you out. I appreciate the fact it's all being done mechanically too - there's no brake nibbling, electronic torque distribution or any of that synthesised stuff you get in modern equivalents. 

Conversation with fellow owners indicates a stiffer rear anti-roll bar is a popular mod and tips the balance further in the direction described above. Officially I'm happy with the quoted 265hp but I think it would benefit from a little more boxer burble. Domestic negotiations are a little tense on this matter and I don't want the full chav bean tin backbox. But a Subaru should sound like a Subaru. Recommendations on this front gratefully received. Before collection it was mapped and had a basic oil and filters service too but I think it'll merit a proper going over soon, not least the brakes which feel a little lacking in bite given the bling within the wheels. I'm hoping fresh fluid and some braided hoses will sort that. 

Fast enough; now the quest is on for more noise...
Fast enough; now the quest is on for more noise...
Elsewhere the ICE update has been a huge success too, the Pioneer system fitted recently by Halfords bringing the car bang up to date in terms of connectivity, navigation and entertainment. I had feared a new head unit in an old car would look out of place but the screen integrates into the interior very nicely indeed.

It's long overdue a proper wash and buff-up as well. But the weather's been awful. Plus it would be both a waste of time and the opportunity to enjoy what the car does best. I usually hate this time of year and the sense winter will never end. Right now I'm loving every minute! 


FACT SHEET
Car
: 2005 Subaru Forester STI (JDM import model)
Run by: Dan Trent
Bought: December 2015
Mileage: 122,843km (at purchase)
Purchase price: £9,500
Last month at a glance: It's boxy, it's ugly and it's mine!





Photos: Sim Mainey

Author
Discussion

MajorMantra

Original Poster:

1,265 posts

111 months

Tuesday 9th February 2016
quotequote all
I love these, and I don't know why people slag them off for being ugly - I think there's an inherent rightness to them, a nice combination of utilitarian capability with a dash of aggression, but not in the cartoonish fashion of some current cars.

Fuel consumption is fairly hideous isn't it?

philkermeen

28 posts

146 months

Tuesday 9th February 2016
quotequote all
Glad to hear similar thoughts in terms of set up etc as my blue bus. Its not perfect (interior finish is so cheap [though am thinking of talking to http://royalsteeringwheels.com/ to up it a bit!]) but it covers so many bases. I reckon it could be caught napping by a well driven modern diesel turbo but while i still have my diesel snob hat on (and can afford to currently!) there is not much else like it out there.

MDMA .

8,849 posts

100 months

Tuesday 9th February 2016
quotequote all
lovely. enjoy. need to get mine out more often. currently under wraps in the garage.

as for mods, mine has a Prodrive sports cat, full 3inch ss exhaust, Bob Rawle re-map. good for 330-odd bhp and nearly 400lb-ft torque.

Edited by MDMA . on Tuesday 9th February 13:43

anonymous-user

53 months

Tuesday 9th February 2016
quotequote all
I had one back in the day, utterly brilliant family wagon with plenty of fun to be had at the weekends.

Mine was a JDM in WR Blue, fond memories of blatting across the South in it loaded up with mountain bikes and a little later on with kids, dogs etc.

It never missed a beat in comparison to my UK STi Imprezza (utter st box of unreliability and hopeless main dealers)

Enjoy! cool

CS400

145 posts

110 months

Tuesday 9th February 2016
quotequote all
I love these and this just increases my need for another one frown

Regarding the brakes, I also tried to improve the performance of the brakes, like you mentioned you want to do, but it still required improvement.
I upgraded the brake discs and pads to some Tarox grooved discs and Tarox replacement pads and it made all the difference to the braking, although the noise under very heavy use increased quite a bit. I highly recommend them and would say they are worth every penny.

Regarding the exhaust, I would recommend contacting Litchfield as they worked with Milltek to produce a good exhaust system and when fitted with their power upgrade will take the power to a safe, reliable 330bhp and it isn't too noisy. I think they will also supply the exhaust for you to fit, if you want to go down that route.

Also, just my personal view, ditch the 'import style' (square) front number plate and get a 'UK style' one, it make the car look a lot better.

Also, in response to an earlier post, the fuel economy isn't bad and no way as bad as the UK 2.5XT, as it has a 6 speed box whereas the UK 2.5XT has a 5 speed box, which makes hard work of motorway work.

macky17

2,210 posts

188 months

Tuesday 9th February 2016
quotequote all
Is that 2.5 more reliable than the one in the UK cars? I'd be a little nervous at 400 lb/ft if not. Love the car though - I've almost bought one of these more than once and still may do one day. I think black is the best colour too.

MDMA .

8,849 posts

100 months

Tuesday 9th February 2016
quotequote all
CS400 said:
Also, just my personal view, ditch the 'import style' (square) front number plate and get a 'UK style' one, it make the car look a lot better.

.

DanielSan

18,747 posts

166 months

Tuesday 9th February 2016
quotequote all
I believe the Impreza and Forester have the same exhaust systems, so if it's a bit of noise you're after a Scoobyworld Racebox back box and unsilenced centre pipe add a nice burble, but with the backbox being so quiet it doesn't become all stupid, you can get both together for around £320 and as their exhaust systems are made by Hayward and Scott they're good quality and a good fit plus it looks almost identical to the Prodrive backbox. Or if you want to spend more then go for a Miltek.

Dan Trent

1,866 posts

167 months

Tuesday 9th February 2016
quotequote all
Fuel consumption isn't *quite* as hideous as I'd feared; mid to high 20s on a run so within the realms of deniability.

And - CS400 - thanks for the tips ref. brakes and exhaust. Food for thought.

That UK front numberplate installation looks neat too. But I have to confess I do actually like the import look square front plate. paperbag

Cheers,

Dan

DeanHelix

135 posts

154 months

Tuesday 9th February 2016
quotequote all
I put a Roger Clark exhaust on my MY00 Impreza, it made a lovely noise without being too much on a long motorway journey. Would def recommend that if they do one for a Forester.

MDMA .

8,849 posts

100 months

Tuesday 9th February 2016
quotequote all
DanielSan said:
I believe the Impreza and Forester have the same exhaust systems, so if it's a bit of noise you're after a Scoobyworld Racebox back box and unsilenced centre pipe add a nice burble, but with the backbox being so quiet it doesn't become all stupid, you can get both together for around £320 and as their exhaust systems are made by Hayward and Scott they're good quality and a good fit plus it looks almost identical to the Prodrive backbox. Or if you want to spend more then go for a Miltek.
Forester system is about 3inch longer so the Impreza one is a little short to fit correctly.

DanielSan

18,747 posts

166 months

Tuesday 9th February 2016
quotequote all
MDMA . said:
DanielSan said:
I believe the Impreza and Forester have the same exhaust systems, so if it's a bit of noise you're after a Scoobyworld Racebox back box and unsilenced centre pipe add a nice burble, but with the backbox being so quiet it doesn't become all stupid, you can get both together for around £320 and as their exhaust systems are made by Hayward and Scott they're good quality and a good fit plus it looks almost identical to the Prodrive backbox. Or if you want to spend more then go for a Miltek.
Forester system is about 3inch longer so the Impreza one is a little short to fit correctly.
Bugger.

Miltek it is then.

anonymous-user

53 months

Tuesday 9th February 2016
quotequote all
DBA discs, DS2500 pads, 5.1 fluid and braided hoses all round will bring you to a stop time after time without fade.

I personally found the droning Miltek exhaust too much and had a custom baffled exhaust made by Hayward and Scott, much more civilised.

MDMA .

8,849 posts

100 months

Tuesday 9th February 2016
quotequote all
I believe you can get an extended mid section to make up the short fall, but not 100% certain. could be front / mid / or rear TBH. I forget which part needs to be longer. I recommend the sports cat and 3inch system. nice sound with cracks / pops on the over-run.

Vixpy1

42,620 posts

263 months

Tuesday 9th February 2016
quotequote all
The H&S ones are good, but they did go through a period of making crap

Miltek's are very good, i don't find them too loud.

KarlMac

4,457 posts

140 months

Tuesday 9th February 2016
quotequote all
The Milltek resonated system is by far the most sensible.

Loved my Prodrive one with sports cat but not sure if they do a version for the Forester.

Maybe use your position of influence to negotiate mates rates from Cobra or Hayward & Scott for a bespoke system. Russ Fellows also make some great exhausts.

Oliie

41 posts

101 months

Tuesday 9th February 2016
quotequote all
I have a HKS Silent Hi-Power. It sounds absolutely perfect and allows 400bhp on mine with standard cat in place. No drone and let's the four pot burble really shine. HKS must have sold thousands of their systems for the JDM Foresters so they are exceptional for the car.

May I also suggest you consider a Kartboy short shift upgrade coupled with new Whiteline bushings. Part of the joy of the car is the gearbox... and the Kartboy will really add to the driving experience.

I also run full whiteline ARBs, strut bars (quick release in the rear), bushings etc., Tein coilovers and are all highly recommended before you get to the list of power upgrades... for another day smile



Edited by Oliie on Tuesday 9th February 16:07


Edited by Oliie on Tuesday 9th February 16:09


Edited by Oliie on Tuesday 9th February 16:11

Moominator

37,010 posts

210 months

Tuesday 9th February 2016
quotequote all
Topics like this really need banning. Id be in trouble bringing home a third Forester.

KarlMac

4,457 posts

140 months

Tuesday 9th February 2016
quotequote all
Oliie said:
I have a HKS Silent Hi-Power on mine.
I have the same on my Evo V and can highly recommend, drove from Sheffield to Goodwood with my wife and 1yo daughter in the car with no complaints

trails

3,624 posts

148 months

Tuesday 9th February 2016
quotequote all
Performance Friction disks and pads will address the brake issue, although there is a large chance you will 'cook' you currently gold Brembos to a slightly more bronze tone if it soends time on track!

Exhaust you want (if you are keeping the 2.5" DP) is a ScoobySport classic backbox; right volume without being a knob and it has a rolled tip so thankfully a million miles away from those JDM Baked bean can jobbies smile