Classic Impreza - Forester XT - Differences ?
Discussion
I have previously owned a 2.0T Jap and UK Classic Imprezas and recently bought a 2.5XT Forester.
I know the Forester is slightly heavier and softer / raised suspension but is there differences in Diffs etc ?
I remember a sharp turn in that's missing (I'm running 225/50/17 Contis)
On hard launches the front obviously loses grip whereas I remember the Classics just taking off
On turning right from a standstill the same happens - the Classics just went, the Forester loses grip and steering.
Essentially the Forester seems more front biased and you can feel it's lost grip before transferring power to the back, in the Classic I was unaware that was happening
I know the Forester is slightly heavier and softer / raised suspension but is there differences in Diffs etc ?
I remember a sharp turn in that's missing (I'm running 225/50/17 Contis)
On hard launches the front obviously loses grip whereas I remember the Classics just taking off
On turning right from a standstill the same happens - the Classics just went, the Forester loses grip and steering.
Essentially the Forester seems more front biased and you can feel it's lost grip before transferring power to the back, in the Classic I was unaware that was happening
From one FXT owner to another...you'd be better off asking these Q?'s here...
subaruforester.org/vbulletin/f75/
Re' difference in handling, unless your FXT is in mint low mileage condition you won't really know how tired some of the suspension components will be so comparing an FXT with a Classic, or a WRX for that matter, has no bearing. Also, if your FXT is still using SLS there will naturally be some shift in handing. Similarly, tyres...if you're running GeoSquealers or lower quality tyres or tyres that are/have gone off. To compare correctly the FXT's suspension should be specific coil overs and tyres need to be in tip-top condition. Increase the rear ARB, drop links and bushes...and you'll see a big tranformation. Lastly, CoG...simply, the FXT's ride height raises CoG and :. handling characteristics. If you're wanting the FXT to handle like an Impreza you'd better start mod'ing.
subaruforester.org/vbulletin/f75/
Re' difference in handling, unless your FXT is in mint low mileage condition you won't really know how tired some of the suspension components will be so comparing an FXT with a Classic, or a WRX for that matter, has no bearing. Also, if your FXT is still using SLS there will naturally be some shift in handing. Similarly, tyres...if you're running GeoSquealers or lower quality tyres or tyres that are/have gone off. To compare correctly the FXT's suspension should be specific coil overs and tyres need to be in tip-top condition. Increase the rear ARB, drop links and bushes...and you'll see a big tranformation. Lastly, CoG...simply, the FXT's ride height raises CoG and :. handling characteristics. If you're wanting the FXT to handle like an Impreza you'd better start mod'ing.
Yours is based on a newage chassis not the classic so that'll be your main difference and a lot of weight naturally.
You can fix it all with a thick 22 or 24mm roll at at the back. I've had whiteline goodies on the front and back of mine and it's very pointy and chuckable now. Leave the SLS on the rear until it sags then get some nice Pedders replacements.
You can fix it all with a thick 22 or 24mm roll at at the back. I've had whiteline goodies on the front and back of mine and it's very pointy and chuckable now. Leave the SLS on the rear until it sags then get some nice Pedders replacements.
v8250 said:
From one FXT owner to another...you'd be better off asking these Q?'s here...
subaruforester.org/vbulletin/f75/
Re' difference in handling, unless your FXT is in mint low mileage condition you won't really know how tired some of the suspension components will be so comparing an FXT with a Classic, or a WRX for that matter, has no bearing. Also, if your FXT is still using SLS there will naturally be some shift in handing. Similarly, tyres...if you're running GeoSquealers or lower quality tyres or tyres that are/have gone off. To compare correctly the FXT's suspension should be specific coil overs and tyres need to be in tip-top condition. Increase the rear ARB, drop links and bushes...and you'll see a big tranformation. Lastly, CoG...simply, the FXT's ride height raises CoG and :. handling characteristics. If you're wanting the FXT to handle like an Impreza you'd better start mod'ing.
I'll take a look - I did ask a couple of questions on a Forester Forum and didn't get any replies so gave up on them.subaruforester.org/vbulletin/f75/
Re' difference in handling, unless your FXT is in mint low mileage condition you won't really know how tired some of the suspension components will be so comparing an FXT with a Classic, or a WRX for that matter, has no bearing. Also, if your FXT is still using SLS there will naturally be some shift in handing. Similarly, tyres...if you're running GeoSquealers or lower quality tyres or tyres that are/have gone off. To compare correctly the FXT's suspension should be specific coil overs and tyres need to be in tip-top condition. Increase the rear ARB, drop links and bushes...and you'll see a big tranformation. Lastly, CoG...simply, the FXT's ride height raises CoG and :. handling characteristics. If you're wanting the FXT to handle like an Impreza you'd better start mod'ing.
I have started modding - it already had the Whiteline ARB, I've added WRX 17 alloys with 225/50/17 Continental Sport Contacts and TBH the feeback is still awful as is the front grip.
I don't want to lower it really - it's height and comfort over potholes was one of the main reasons I bought it.
V8RX7 said:
I'll take a look - I did ask a couple of questions on a Forester Forum and didn't get any replies so gave up on them.
I have started modding - it already had the Whiteline ARB, I've added WRX 17 alloys with 225/50/17 Continental Sport Contacts and TBH the feeback is still awful as is the front grip.
I don't want to lower it really - it's height and comfort over potholes was one of the main reasons I bought it.
To get no replies from subaruforester.org [european forum] seems strange. Seriously, the guys there are the most friendliest, supportive and knowledgeably enthusiastic fellows one could possibly ask for.I have started modding - it already had the Whiteline ARB, I've added WRX 17 alloys with 225/50/17 Continental Sport Contacts and TBH the feeback is still awful as is the front grip.
I don't want to lower it really - it's height and comfort over potholes was one of the main reasons I bought it.
17" with 225/50/17's is the right thing to do. This is the same as mine. The only difference being I have STi suspension which definitely firms the ride but not harshly...and keeping 17" gives just that little bit of tyre wall flex that makes the FXT's ride very good. Foresters don't have as good a steering wheel feedback as Imprezas, but that's the same with most larger cars. The concern is front grip...naturally your tyre pressures are okay? So, when was the last time the car had a proper 4wheel electronic wheel alignment? Like all Subarus, FXT's like their geometry to be set-up pin sharp. Mine's set up as follows ad it drives flawlessly.
FRONT Camber -0deg34', Caster 3deg, Toe -0deg9'
REAR Camber -1deg25', Toe 0deg05'
Rear toe-in set up is very important for Foresters. Also, how many miles has your XT completed? Could it be that you need to be looking at replacing your bushes?
Whilst I intend to get it aligned (thanks for a spec) I have to decide whether I'm refreshing the suspension first.
This is my daily hack rather than my toy and I can't see that the alignment would affect the power transfer.
I thought that the Forester was an Impreza with a different body, suspension and turbo - is this correct ?
Because mine feels like it has different diffs (or something similar) - admittedly my limited experience was all with Classics but I thought the basic drivetrain (engine, gearbox, diffs etc) was carried forward onto the later models.
This is my daily hack rather than my toy and I can't see that the alignment would affect the power transfer.
I thought that the Forester was an Impreza with a different body, suspension and turbo - is this correct ?
Because mine feels like it has different diffs (or something similar) - admittedly my limited experience was all with Classics but I thought the basic drivetrain (engine, gearbox, diffs etc) was carried forward onto the later models.
It's manual.
When it goes on the 4WD dyno I hope I'll be able to see how it's transferring power around.
Before the Decat I didn't notice but after removing the 3 Cats, the extra torque is noticeable - I suppose with the Classics being 2.0 and larger turbo V FXT 2.5 and smaller turbo it may just be the extra low down torque overwhelming the fronts.
When it goes on the 4WD dyno I hope I'll be able to see how it's transferring power around.
Before the Decat I didn't notice but after removing the 3 Cats, the extra torque is noticeable - I suppose with the Classics being 2.0 and larger turbo V FXT 2.5 and smaller turbo it may just be the extra low down torque overwhelming the fronts.
I've got a manual 2.5XT and would describe the acceleration grip as faultless in the dry. Are you just dumping the clutch and going for it out of every junction?
I'd say the extra natural torque + decat + the extra rearward pitching on acceleration is causing the front end to lighten and be over whelmed.
Stiffer suspension = flatter take off = you're a happy man. But that's not why you bought the Forester. It's a tough one
I'd say the extra natural torque + decat + the extra rearward pitching on acceleration is causing the front end to lighten and be over whelmed.
Stiffer suspension = flatter take off = you're a happy man. But that's not why you bought the Forester. It's a tough one
No - that's the strange thing when I have had a play from the lights it's had so much grip that I get a slipping (and stinking clutch)
This is when I'm pulling out of junctions (admittedly rapidly to join the flow of traffic) I remember being stunned how well the Impreza did this and the FXT doesn't.
If the drivetrain is the same, I suppose it has to be the suspension.
This is when I'm pulling out of junctions (admittedly rapidly to join the flow of traffic) I remember being stunned how well the Impreza did this and the FXT doesn't.
If the drivetrain is the same, I suppose it has to be the suspension.
I believe the XT has a different Final drive ratio to the Impreza (sure i'll be corrected if wrong) so that that might play into it, but i doubt it. I think the weight transfer to the rear is where the difference is.
Perhaps the psi you're running tyres at though? . Subaru recommend 28F/30R psi on standard 16" rims which I imagine is different to an impreza setup
Perhaps the psi you're running tyres at though? . Subaru recommend 28F/30R psi on standard 16" rims which I imagine is different to an impreza setup
Ah I seem to remember that it has got lower gearing which could be partially responsible.
I had it remapped today 273bhp, 303ftlb - I didn't get much chance to test it out due to traffic, whilst it does pull better, it isn't that obvious and feels like it only added a similar amount as Decatting did.
I had it remapped today 273bhp, 303ftlb - I didn't get much chance to test it out due to traffic, whilst it does pull better, it isn't that obvious and feels like it only added a similar amount as Decatting did.
Yup - rear arb should dial out all understeer
A good starting place alignment wise is zero toe all round, or a little toe-in all round
I always find that initial steering is quicker with more toe-in but calmer on the straight and motorways.
Toe-out normally has slightly slower take up but gains ‘speed’ as turn-in happens. A lot more nervous on the straights though.
0 toe is somewhere in between
It also depends on your ‘acceleration of steering’. By that I mean how fast to you turn the steering wheel. Some people start to turn really fast and then slow.
Either way your Foz should not really be doing what you describe and before going crazy on suspension refreshes, arb and alignment could sort things enough to make for a happy time of things
A good starting place alignment wise is zero toe all round, or a little toe-in all round
I always find that initial steering is quicker with more toe-in but calmer on the straight and motorways.
Toe-out normally has slightly slower take up but gains ‘speed’ as turn-in happens. A lot more nervous on the straights though.
0 toe is somewhere in between
It also depends on your ‘acceleration of steering’. By that I mean how fast to you turn the steering wheel. Some people start to turn really fast and then slow.
Either way your Foz should not really be doing what you describe and before going crazy on suspension refreshes, arb and alignment could sort things enough to make for a happy time of things
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