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Comments
I am done making changes to my FXT -- finally satisfied with the handling.
In case anyone is interested, here is what I did:
1) Replaced stock rear sway bar with STi RSB (20 mm), plus collars and endlinks. This corrected the understeer problem. It makes the car track significantly better around curves. The difference was immediately noticeable. This is a relatively inexpensive modification. I think the RSB, endlinks, and collars cost about $130. Installing them is something that most people can probably do themselves (not me, unfortunately!).
2) Replaced stock tires with Falken-Ziex 512's. This also improved the handling. They feel very secure in bad weather. Definitely worth it. (These particular tires are also inexpensive -- about $55 each).
3) Replaced stock springs with Forester STi springs (note that they are "Forester STi" springs, and NOT "wrx STi" springs). The Forester STi springs fit perfectly on the FXT. They lower the car by about an inch, which makes a major difference in handling, but is barely noticeable in appearance -- the car does not look as if it's been lowered. I had been very bothered by the leaning of the car when going around curves. The new springs have remedied that. And, happily, the steering feels more precise. This modification was more expensive than the others (springs cost $360, installation took all day and cost accordingly), but was worth it.
If you are looking to improve your FXT's handling, I cannot recommend these modifications enough. It makes the car feel so much safer and more fun to drive.
I am happy to finally settle into my car that I have had for a little over a month, and enjoy driving it without ruminating over what improvements I want to make!
Today I was driving on the freeway in horizontal rain and I felt totally secure. That is a good feeling.
I've had posts of mine removed in the past for naming other websites.
I'm really sorry.
Try this: search google for "allsubaru" (one word). I hope that helps, and that it's not breaking forum rules.
The person who recommended this upgrade to me has an '04 FXT and did the same upgrade on his car. You should definitely ask the place you buy them from in advance, though, just to verify that they'll work for your car.
roadtripper - I may try having the springs replaced like you suggested. I understand working on the rear struts might be a bit dangerous w/o proper protection since the springs are under tremendous pressure, so I may take that to my dealer.
As for what difference I noticed between the stock sway bar and the STi upgrade... my reaction was not as dramatic as others have reported. I used to always be annoyed by the body roll around turns with the stock bar. I no longer notice the roll when I try to find it but other than that the change was subtle to me.
elissa
That's quite an interesting story about your Passat. At the risk of turning this into a VW-bashing session I have to say that I'm not surprised. My sister recently purchased a 1999 Jetta with about 50K miles on it. Since purchasing the car at blue book - $6500 - she has put about $6000 of repairs into the car - the most recent repairs including new tie rods, new transmission (she had the infamous VW automatic POS that wouldn't shift into 4th), A/C repair, and I forget the rest... Note the year and the miles! For $12000 she could have purchased a brand new Honda or Toyota or a nicely running used Subaru! Note she took her boyfriend's advice in buying the car - NOT mine. ;-)
Oh well, congrats on your decision to buy a Subaru. Even if you wind up with a lemon, it will still be better than the average VW in my opinion.
Elissa
The Passat six cylinder with manual transmission was a delightful car to drive, strong engine and great road holding. My wife and I will both miss driving it. BUT, it was the only new car I ever owned that left me calling for a tow truck three times. As I recall, the new CEO of VW was brought in to address quality control issues. I wish him well.
The FXT is a fine car and it suits our needs. The turbo is the icing on the cake. Some have called the shape of the Forester to question. I think it's a classic!
Mike
-Dennis
How do the changes you have made affect the comfort and ride? My wife and I are planning to take some long trips, and want the Forester to handle as good a possible, but do not want to do anything that would ruin its comfortable ride.
I am also planning to pull a sailboat and trailer the will be close to the reccommended #2400lbs. How will your changes affect towing?
I am planning on all the changes you mentioned, but would like to use Falken-Ziex 512's 225/60R/16 V rated tires. Would these tires work ok with the Sti Springs?
We hope the get our XT PP next month. Thanks for your help. It is a shame that Suraru does not build the Forester as you have modified it.
Thanks again,
Don Luce
to Fla. panhandle. got 25.8 for the entire trip.
Stayed around 69-72 MPH most of the time..
About 15,600 miles on the odometer now..
Deadeye
Thanks,
Don Luce
Deadeye
The rear sway bar and tires do not affect the comfort of the ride. The new springs, however, give the car a firmer ride -- you feel the bumps in the road more.
This is fine for me; my previous car (98 Impreza 2.5 RS) also had a firm ride, so I'm used to it. It's not uncomfortable for me.
I really don't know how to quantify the difference in feel! If you feel that the stock XT gives you the minimum comfort that you would want, then you might not want to change the springs. But if sacrificing a bit of the comfort is worth a significant improvement in handling, then go for it. When you get your car, drive it around a bit and see if the handling bothers you... maybe it won't.
I have no idea whether changing any of these things affects towing capactiy. I have heard that it does not, but I have no experience with it. Perhaps someone else can chime in on that.
The 225/60/16 tires should be fine with the Forester STi springs. I almost got them myself. I decided against it in a moment of panic over the money I was spending on these modifications, and buying FIVE tires (to have a spare) instead of FOUR seemed like way too much!
I agree that it is a shame that Subaru doesn't just build the Forester like this in the first place! I also would love to drive the Forester STi, but I guess I have to fly across the ocean to do that!
The XT PP is really nice. My previous car didn't have leather seats and I wasn't sure I'd like them, but I really do! They are much easier to keep clean (if you have a dog) and the seat warmer is such a luxury!
I did not, however, feel that the new RSB affected body roll all that much. That's why I got the new springs.
I have also heard that working on springs/struts can be dangerous. I haven't had good experiences with any of the dealers near me, so I had a local independent mechanic do it. Worked out well.
..now if only premuium weren't required........ez
(jk)
Also, with the winter weather bringing fewer opportunities for rapid acceleration due to icy roads, does anyone else use Premium in the Summer and Regular in the Winter?
Thanks,
Don Luce
then went to the Mid range 89 Octane. Now have over 15 K on the odometer and not a trace of
spark knock or pinging. Do the same on a Caddy
with a big V8--runs like a top !!
Deadeye
Elissa
At this point, I cannot fathom getting anything close to 26 or 30 mpg. I've been getting 17.5 mpg ever since I got the car 6 weeks ago.
Hopefully going downhill for a few hours will boost my average!
Chuck
Steve, Host
I expect better, SoA, from an OEM battery, given the traditional regional demographics of your ownership. Time to head to Sears for a DieHard WeatherHandler North, or find a local Optima retailer. Ugh.
Ed
And yes, it sounds quite exciting for the first few minutes.
-Brian
Doesn't it take a little more to crank over an AT?
DaveM
-Frank
Ed
-Dennis
-juice
BTW, even though I live in Georgia, a couple of times when I have been at my cabin up in the north Georgia mountains (hills for you folks out west) I've had the opportunity to start the car when it has been in the low to mid teens, and it has fired right up. Heated seats are sweet!
-Frank
John
Possibly the fuel pump cycling down - When you turn on the key (but not starting), you'll hear it cycle up and pressurize the system.
Try this and see if it's the same sound.
-or-
More likely coolant venting.
When you shut off an engine, it will 'heat soak'.
The residual heat in the engine will increase for a little while due to not having any circulating coolant to dissipate it.
This can sometimes cause a small coolant boil.
It's normal and nothing to be alarmed about.
I'm curious if you can provide any more info.
Next time you park, leave the engine running until the garage door closes, and open the hood.
Stand where you can see/hear the engine bay and then shut off the engine.
Try to determine where it's actually coming from and perhaps a better description of the sound.
Also look around the radiator cap and the area of the overflow hose that comes out of the coolant catch bottle.
*Also look for any small leaks around the cap for the turbo coolant reservoir if it's an XT.
Again, a [i]small[/i] leak is nothing to worry about - Especially if the coolant level is high in the catch bottle.
Let us know what you find.
about this on the Forum. I installed a Battery Warmer on my XT prior to spending Dec. in Canada.
(Below O temps) cranked great ea. AM. Some of you may recall your Dad putting a light bulb lit next to the Batt. on cold nights.-Same principle.
A COLD batt. will NOT deliver full CCA in cold
temps.
Luck, Deadeye
Chuck
Must be a Japan versus USA thing.
DaveM
Ideally a 3 bike rack would be good - that’s what I have now (Allen trunk mount on Camry) - but 2 will do...
tia
srp
The OE hitch comes with a plug-and-play harness and water-tight grommet. That I liked. Made the install so easy I did it myself, with no help at all from anyone.
It costs more, but remember to factor in the cost of the harness and that custom-fit grommet.
Catch? It's a small receiver hitch, I forget the exact size now but I think it's 1.25". But the bigger one is more standard, 2" IIRC, and so more aftermarket add-ons will fit in those.
-juice