1997 Forester S/TB Japanese Import - Parts Help!!?

[STBDriver]

Hi,
Can anyone give me some (fairly basic) advice and help please, with regard to my '97 Forester S/TB Japanese import? Does anyone know where I can source a centre and rear exhaust section for it, that does not seem to cost the earth? The best I have managed to find is about £130 for each part....(doesn't include delivery, and fitting will be on top of this)...which seems a bit steep seeing as I see the same parts elsewhere for "normal" uk 1997 Foresters for about half the price. Am I correct in thinking that the exhaust system on my import is different to the UK '97 Foresters?
Another question...one of the belts is starting to screech...so will need replacing. Am I right in thinking that the engine in the import S/TB is actually an Impreza WRX engine, and so I can use the Impreza parts....including the drive belt(s)?
Apologies for being seeming so clueless (which I admit I probably am)...especially in my first post on this site....but any help would be really appreciated. Thanks very much!!
This is my first Subaru...well impressed with it so far....
STBDriver.

[japgt]

exhaust and belts are all interchangeable between the uk and imports cars as far as im aware. you could always look for an impreza exhaust as i believe they also fit with minor modification.

[jr502]

I believe the imports have a resonator in the centre section, not a CAT like UK models. As said, the Impreza ones do fit with a little modification.

[STBDriver]

Thanks very much for the help japgt and jr502....much appreciated!!
I thought that the exhausts from a uk '97 Forester looked like the one on my import, but was not sure...obviously don't want to spend out on the wrong part.
I will look for Impreza exhausts too.
Thanks again!

[markCSC]

Hello fellow S/tb owner

As said the S/tb has one cat in the downpipe and a centre resonator. The Impreza stuff will need some modification, especially the back box, which is too short for the Forester

The best and cheapest place I have found for general parts is http://www.importcarparts.co.uk
If in doubt send them your VIN number and they can tell you what you need.


Oh and register on the Europe bit of the Forester Board for help and advice
http://www.subaruforester.org/vbulletin/f75

Mark

[STBDriver]

[quote=markCSC]Hello fellow S/tb owner


Hi fellow S/tb owner too!

Thanks very much for the help and info! Trying to sort out the car at a bad time of year and on a tight budget!