Subaru Crew - Modifications II

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  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Loosh: I'll have my burger medium-well. ;-)

    Did I tell you about the time I wrote "Grammer" on the front of my Grammar notebook. The prof was not happy!

    Bummer about the delay.

    -juice
  • hammersleyhammersley Member Posts: 684
    Bellevue? That's suspiciously close to Stephen's place in Seattle. He's a bit mod-happy nowadays - perhaps you've been hijacked?! (can I say that here without getting strip-searched?)

    Cheers!
    Paul
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    Isn't the the psych hosiptal in NYC?

    -mike
  • kate5000kate5000 Member Posts: 1,271
    I learnt my Inglish from perfekt Skandinavian teechers... Ja, ja. :-)
  • lucien2lucien2 Member Posts: 2,984
    it is just the hangers. the cat-back hasn't shipped yet. =(
  • barresa62barresa62 Member Posts: 1,379
    I had nothin'to do with Loosh's catback hangers! I'm innocent I tell ya! :-)

    Kate: LOL!! I live near Ballard, a Scandanavian neighborhood of Seattle. My gym is there too and every time I go I pass by a shop that sells lutefisk (sp?)...ummm, good! :-)

    Stephen
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Hmm, you can't just use the stock hangers? I removed and replaced mine (to install the diffy protector) fairly easily.

    Just went to Ikea last weekend, the new one in VA, and had a good time with all the Svens. Got some nice curtains for the baby's room. Oops, back to the topic, or is that a mod? ;-)

    -juice
  • jimmyp1jimmyp1 Member Posts: 640
    Paisan, and everyone else, I just had 4 brand new (still have some of the "whiskers" on the tires) WRX wheels and tires delivered to my door. Now, just need my car back (should be this afternoon) and I'll clean her up, inside and out, and get some pictures. Total price on the wheels and tires, $350.00. Total price on the repairs has crept up to around $1,500.00, but I'm banking on her being ready to run for another 60k miles (150k total) or until a B4 is waiting for me at MSRP or lower = a year or so after introduction, IMHO.

    Jim
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    Good find. The Blowtenzas do blow. My XT6 handles better on 14" Dunlops than 16" Blowtenzas! Go figure. Once they are worn I'm gonna switch to the HTRIIs from Sumittomo I think.

    -mike
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    My wife may need tires soon, 205/55R15. But we don't want a summer tire or anything too noisy, any recommendations? She has BFG Comp T/A VR4s now, and they are a good basic tires (except in snow).

    Tire Rack had Kumho 712s for $67, but they aren't all season, the BFG's for $77, and they go up from there. I think the RE730s would be too noisy for her.

    Thoughts? Should she go with an H-rated tire, since there are more available, and those may suit her better? Dumb idea?

    -juice
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    Does she drive? That is the question. If not too agressive I'd go for the Kumhos. On a side note, Costco has a great tire-mounting area. $10/tire :)

    -mike
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Yeah, Costco put on the current tires. We've gone there for years.

    She does not corner aggressively at all, not even 7/10ths. In straight lines she'll drive speed limit to 10 over, no faster.

    So we'd want something quiet, fairly long-lasting, but good hydroplane resistance and traction for braking and emergency handling. Basically a safe tire, not a performance tire.

    Kumhos are summer tires, right? How is hydroplane resistance? In the snow she can borrow Sandy, usually.

    -juice
  • jimmyp1jimmyp1 Member Posts: 640
    I had been shopping for "plus zero" upgrades to my existing stock 195/60-15's, and was finding that 205/55-15's, 215/50-15's, and 215/50-15's (which were sketchy as to rim width requirements) were going to run me about $400 out the door anyway, so these WRX rims came up, with a half inch wider and inch taller rim, and I said, what the heck. So, when the Potenza's wear out, I'll be able to plus zero, back down to my stock rolling diameter, along with a wider width than WRX stock rim width.

    Juice, I don't have much experience with a wide variety of tires, and you'll see the same options pop up on Tire Rack / Discount Tire that I do, so I'll defer to others, but the best tires I have ever had are the Big O tires that are on my Subaru right now. Do you NE folks have those? These are all season high performance tires that have lasted about 60k miles.

    Jim
  • kenskens Member Posts: 5,869
    juice,

    Have you considered the Dunlop Sport A2s? My friend has them on his Forester S and they seem to do quite well. They're H-rated high-performance all-season tires and aren't too pricey.

    Ken
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    I had the D60-A2s on my XT6 this winter. Did well in all but the deepest snow, all-season and handled great in the dry. I hear the Sport A2s are a further expansion on the D60-A2s so those are another good choice.

    -mike
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    I don't think they come in that size (205/55R15). I'd have to get 195/60R15s I think.

    You guys have exactly the right thinking, though.

    -juice
  • lilbluewgn02lilbluewgn02 Member Posts: 1,089
    the Dunlop SP Sport 5000 Asymmetrics in 205/55 WR15...$84 each on Tire Rack

    http://www.tirerack.com/tires/dunlop/du_s5000.jsp#Comments
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Hmm, looks well balanced. Even the treadwear seems decent.

    W-rated, too. Hers now is V-rated. Not that it'll ever matter to her.

    Thanks for the tip - definitely a contender when we order a set (probably this fall).

    -juice
  • kenskens Member Posts: 5,869
    juice,

    The Yokohama Avid tends to get good reviews for price-performance. They don't seem to do so hot with snow traction, but that's what Sandy's for anyway, right? :-)

    Ken
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    We've got some tread left, so I'll keep and eye out for specials on any of the higher rated ones we just mentioned. There's also a chance that we trade in the car before needing the tires.

    Any how, in typical "juice" fashion, I research the purchase well in advance.

    -juice
  • lucien2lucien2 Member Posts: 2,984
    juice- these hangers are poly.
  • lark6lark6 Member Posts: 2,565
    I had good luck with D60A2s in 185/60R14 on my old Jetta - had 2 sets. Better in the wet and longer tread life than the Bridgestone RE71s they replaced. In the dry, those soft Bridgestones were awesome, though.

    I also know a guy with SP Sport 5000s on his WRX wagon and he's happy with them.

    I bought a set of Avid H4s for my wife's Accord and she's happy so far after about 5K miles. Not enough snow here for it to be an issue yet.

    Ed
  • jeijei Member Posts: 143
    I've had Dunlop SP Sport A2s on My Forester "S" since mid-March and REALLY like them. They don't feel like "high performance" tires but are totally surefooted and stable in dry & wet. I can go around corners or through exit ramps at higher speeds than I'm normally comfortable with, and the car just corners, no problem. For me, this is a higher 7/10ths than the OEM Yokohama H/Ts, which were perfectly good. The SP Sport A2s are not bad in moderate snow either. Just a little goosey in snowy lane changes at highway speed - you know - when there's a mound of slush between lanes. Ride is firm and fairly quiet.

    These tires are very well suited to the Forester, and would probably offer fine balance on other Subarus as well.

    John
  • blaneblane Member Posts: 2,017
    I put four Dunlop SP Sport A2's on my wife's 1996 Legacy GT 2.5 a few months ago, based upon excellent reviews that I had researched. They have been fine dry weather performers so far. Here, just NW of NYC, it hasn't snowed and has rained very little, since they were mounted. Therefore, I can't vouch for their bad weather performance as I would have liked to.

    One thing though, their noise level is quite noticeable, compared to the two sets of Bridgestone Potenza RE92's that were previously on the car.
  • jimmyj1945jimmyj1945 Member Posts: 141
    Has anyone tried the Michelin X-ONE tires? I had them on one of my cars and really liked them.

    Jim J.
  • bird19bird19 Member Posts: 10
    Need some info/advice regarding:
    I've used 15" Nokias on my '98 Forester, but I intend to move on to a Subaru that uses 16' tires ('03 Forester, Legacy, or Outback models with 16" tires).

    The Nokias have a a lot of tread left, and, due to the expense of new tires, wheels, etc. I would hate to have to sell them to get new 16" version of the Nokia when I get a new Subie.

    I understand that t some U.S. versions of Outbacks and Foresters get 16" wheels/tires, while other countries may get 15" as standard.

    So, my question is: Even if I get a US version of an '03 Forester, Legacy or Outback, with 16' tires as standard equipment, would I be doing any harm to the suspension, handling, etc. if I were to continue using the 15" Nokias that I have?

    I know my odometer would clock faster, but I wonder, again, if suspension, handling, and clearance would be a problem?

    I am posting this on other Subaru Crew boards, so excuse me if you see this post elsewhere.

    Thanks!
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    The catch is the new Forester will have bigger front brake rotors that may not fit in those smaller diameter rims.

    -juice
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    You can always get some rally rims which usually allow for big brakes to fit (heck you can get 15" wheels for the WRX with 4-pot brakes)

    -mike
  • lucien2lucien2 Member Posts: 2,984
    Irvine Subaru has a SYMS grille for $200. Just in case anyone cares. :-)
  • lark6lark6 Member Posts: 2,565
    I prefer the Aussie-spec Forester GT (a/k/a STi) grille that I picked up for pretty much the same price. Didn't require painting and has more of a factory sleeper look. Downside: multiple mesh holes tougher to keep clean and clear of wax than the Syms, tougher even than the US-spec 8-hole grille.

    Ed
  • rplumrplum Member Posts: 48
    Hey Colin, did you ever receive your SPT Eibachs that you mentioned a few pages back? Just wondering how civilized your car felt going from the Teins back to a more pedestrian setup?

    The Helmet is cool as well.

    Ryan
    -has been mostly wrenching on my friend's weird BMW projects lately, as I sold my 2.5RS a month ago - need something to keep dirt under the nails.
  • bluesubiebluesubie Member Posts: 3,497
    What, no Scooby?
    Are you still at R&D?

    -Dennis
  • locke2clocke2c Member Posts: 5,038
    Hi Ryan,

    Yep I did get those springs but haven't made the time to install them. One weekend that I wasn't busy was really rainy, so I passed. This weekend perhaps?

    What are you driving these days?

    -Colin
  • rplumrplum Member Posts: 48
    yup, still at R&D.

    I have a 02 WRX wagon with the 17" wheel option.

    I have also been driving my friend's BMW 332is, which is basically a 1988 325is with a breathed on 1996M3 engine and transmission installed along with a custom Sachs coilover suspension. The car's interior was stripped over the past few weeks, we replaced the driveshaft (worn center bearing) and the car went to a cage builder in Akron Ohio this past weekend. It's a hoot and I have earned some track time in it for my labor and garage space.

    This friend also has a 1988M5 which has spent a lot of time in my garage lately. Sounds like we are going to do a complete suspension overhaul on it soon, removing the OEM air height adjusting suspension garbage and installing some new Bilstein HDs and a more pedestrian suspension kit.

    I'm actually thinking of building up an S52 (E36M3 engine) E30M3 now or trying to find a E36M3 LTW for my new fun car. Or I'll come to my senses and build some kind of crazy Impreza Wagon track car with an STi drivetrain.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Is that a loaner, or did you buy it?

    I'm already thinking of ways you could tax deduct the car. Maybe for "non-reimbursed training expenses". ;-)

    Your criticism of the air suspension is music to paisan's ears.

    Wedge a turbo powertrain in a Forester. Go for quickest SUV status. It wouldn't be too hard, even.

    -juice
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    Yup yup. POSes! hee hee Glad to be rid of mine!

    -mike
  • qbrozenqbrozen Member Posts: 33,754
    i'm sure you posted it and i missed it, but where did you get this grille? Any pictures on the web i can check out? thanks.

    '11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S

  • barresa62barresa62 Member Posts: 1,379
    my Cusco rear strut tower bar from COBB and put on the front clear side marker lenses. I also changed the bulbs to amber. I still have to cut the strut tower felt/cardboard covers to go around where the strut bar sticks out and over the top. I will post pics when done. :-)

    Stephen
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Sounds good Stephen. I'll look forward to those.

    -juice
  • barresa62barresa62 Member Posts: 1,379
    Cusco rear strut bar:

    image

    Painted OEM rear mudflaps:

    image

    Front clear sides w/amber bulbs:

    image


    Oh yeah...and the sun finally broke. I definitely felt springfever today!


    Stephen :-)

  • lark6lark6 Member Posts: 2,565
    No, didn't post it, but will now:

    City Automotive Group
    142 Breakfast Creek Road
    Newstead, Queensland 4006
    Australia

    (07) 3252 0161 tel
    (07) 3252 3101 fax

    They have a website but I don't recall the address. Price was $320 AUS. Rate of exchange at the time was $1 AUS = $0.52 US.

    Shipping will be the killer. Advice: don't be in a rush and request slowest, cheapest shipping possible.

    Ed
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Steadily looking better and better. That brace looks like a chin-up bar, beefy!

    -juice
  • barresa62barresa62 Member Posts: 1,379
    I think I need to get a trunk monkey for the bar! LOL!

    Stephen
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    I knew there was something missing.

    My trunk monkey looks like the primate from the kid's show "Zooboomafoo", so it also makes a handy play toy for my kid. Ride-on mechanic, baby sitter, mascot. They do it all!

    -juice
  • kenskens Member Posts: 5,869
    Stephen,

    Nice! So have you been able to tell the difference with the strut bar? How much cutting did you need to do to get that installed?

    Ken
  • barresa62barresa62 Member Posts: 1,379
    Juice, where did you get your trunk monkey from?

    Ken: The difference so far has been subtle. I've noticed mostly as I go around traffic circles (albeit, a little faster than you're supposed...testing purposes, ya'know) and tight turns, like 90 degrees. I plan on going down a short twisty, switchback filled road today to test a little more extensively.
    The only cutting I had to do (I could've just left them off)is on the plastic felt covered covers that reside over the strut towers. I cut them to fit around the bar once I had the bar on. Just used an exacto-knife. I did manage to cut my thumb though. Just a little too excited about the strut bar installation I guess, LOL!

    Stephen
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Toys R Us sells them, I think just $8 or so. They are the ones with really long arms and velcro on the ends of the hands and feet so you can hang them on that bar.

    -juice
  • barresa62barresa62 Member Posts: 1,379
    Thanks Juice. I figured I would check Toys R Us anyhow. I figured it would be a fun thing to have especially during Soobie meets. :-)

    Stephen
  • rangerron7rangerron7 Member Posts: 317
    Your mod got me thinking along a different line.
    I wonder if anyone makes a "crossbar" that you could mount the front forks of a mountain/road bike to?? (I know they used to make them for pick-up trucks.)
    I'm not real fond of mounting bikes on the roof. (Then again it's been years since I've gone riding.)
    Ron
  • jimmyp1jimmyp1 Member Posts: 640
    I just noticed that the tire sizer website that we've used for so long has added a nice visual comparison along with adjacent comparative info, big improvement, you'll see what I mean...


    http://www.miata.net/garage/tirecalc.html


    Jim

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