Hello all,

I've been running my FSTI quite happily since i picked it up from Torque GT and now got to the point of uprating parts that could be improved.

I'm looking to track down fast road pads and braided lines all round, but having trouble sourcing them without going down the import route.

I'd prefer find something i could get in the UK for delivery time if nothing else.


I've fired a message across to pro-line for the braided hoses and was hoping some people had already overcome this issue on the pads side.


Thanks,

Chris

 

Hi,


Your FSTI will be an SG9 if you look at the chassis number. As far as the majority of the suspension and brake parts go it is identical to the 2004 blobeye impreza STI.


I have just purchased braised brake lines for my 2004 FSTI and the seller (Hel Performance) confirmed they are the same.


The pads will also be the same as the impreza STI brembo's so there a quite a few options to go for. I've used performance friction pads from Aztec Performance and EBC discs on my Impreza STI for years with great results.

 

lines I purchased:


http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/201543772398


discs & pads


http://www.superhids.co.uk/brakes/br...-and-pads.html


Although I use grooved EBC discs from a company called CRN.


Might be worth contacting Ian @ Godspeed. He'll sort you out.

 

SG5 = 2.0L engine
SG9 = 2.5L engine

You'll find a lot of information here.......... (European section)

http://www.subaruforester.org/vbulletin/f75/

 

Aha, i'd always assumed SG5/9 were pre/post facelift in models, thanks for clearing that up.

Mines also an 04 plate, so that helps massively.

I had seen a couple of people saying they were same as blobyeye, wanted some clarification.

Did you have any trouble with the Hel lines? i've read some having issues with the length for rears but didn't say what lines they'd ordered.

Will try Godspeed as they were next on my list if i was still struggling.

 

From what I read I was lead to believe that the STI model was only produced with chassis code SG9 not SG5. That's odd. Mine is an 04 forester STI pre-facelift and it's an SG9 with the 2.5 engine.


Don't trust your logbook as the DVLA are useless at registering import cars. Mine is registered on the logbook as a 2.0L but it's most definitely a 2.5 engine and has the 2.5 label on the pulley cover. My chassis code starts SG9-*****


I was sure they didn't do a 2.0L engine in the 2004 SG shape! Only 2.5L therefore yours will be the SG9.

 

Don, You're not confusing the forester STI SF5 (earlier shape which was a 2.0L) with the SG5 non-sti model code are you?

 

http://www.subaruforester.org/vbulle...thread-498082/

 

You may be right Don about engine size just reading through all the guff again. Although I'd have said was there ever such a think as a 2.0L forester STI 2004 shape model SG5 chassis car? Most will be the 2.5L engine SG9 models. Seems like there is so much mixed info out there to be honest.

 

that whole thread is an argument on an argument... i think I'll just put FSTI in future :P

 

I completely agree. LOL.


Just check your chassis code. Mine is certainly an SG9 and I'll bet yours is too.


Not fitted the HEL braided lines yet, they are next on my list given the time. Will let you know.

 

Just spoken to Ian at Godspeed, ordered discs, pads, hoses and fluid.

Went through it on the phone and covered everything, pointed me towards the kit and sounded ideal, and fairly local.

Done and dusted.

 

Good job! Very helpful guy Ian. Good work.


Did he say it was the same brake hose kit too?

 

Good to speak to you Chris , will get it all sent out tomorrow for you .

The hose kit has a bolt onto front strut bracket , so same as a 2001 onwards Impreza

Cheers Ian

 

That is all based on the US versions, hence I never venture far from the European forum




Equally relates to JDM Body type and displacement


The US "meaning of VIN" They've never had a 2.0L Forester



I didn't earn this for nothing 8 years of modding a Forester..........

 

I was curious looking at that table again what an 'L.L. Bean' Forester was.

After looking, i still don't know what makes it different apart from name....

 

That's very odd in table 2 Don as it states that SG9 is a 2.5 XT model when I'm almost 100% sure the SG9 was reserved purely for the Forester STI not the XT. From what I read even the 2.5XT had an SG5 chassis code. Some of the info online is very contradictory.

Also, thanks Ian for the confirmation on the fitment of the brake lines. That's how I also understood it. Much appreciated.

 

All answers relative to the SG model version only

If you read the US VIN table (table2) correctly a 2.5XT VIN will include SG69........

When you get to the Model Plate all US foresters are SG9




In Japan SG9 does refer to the FSTi as it is the only JDM version with a 2.5L engine.

 

Different paint and trim level in conjuction with L.L.Bean for the hunting and fishing outdoor way of life................

http://global.llbean.com

 

I bow to your knowledge Don and obviously the years spent pouring over painful tables of data! haha.


So for us in the UK market based on the imported JDM models we'd expect the FSTI to be the SG9 chassis code unless the car was a US strange import and LHD with a 2.0L engine. I didn't think the FSTI was released outside the Japanese market though? You learn something every day!

 

The Don of Forester Knowledge.

... I'll see myself out.

 

Wait for me!

 

Just happy to clear up a misconception which many newcomers to the Forester clan make.........................................

 

seeing as i have got the attention of someone as well versed in the forester as yourself, what would you recommend for suspension upgrades?

One of the rear bottom mounts has started knocking so looking to upgrade to coilovers in the near future.

Looked at BC's inverted dampers as I've heard they aren't spine breaking.

also looking at refreshing the bushes but I'll likely try and do that wholesale.

 

Personally I wouldn't put coilovers on a road car unless you have a very soft spring rate that will ultimately compromise handling. Standard shocks and lowering springs are the best option for a road car IMO. I have full pedders suspension on my FSTI and they are very good. Not too hard for an every day car with great handling & a nice drop.

Don't use BC's as they are known to be VERY hard indeed.

There are not too many options available for rear drop links on the FSTI but I have ended up going for the solid type Whiteline drop links front & back on mine (which I still have to fit). Some people in the US have fitted these with great results.


I've also fitted from uprated ARB bushes, whiteline 22mm adjustable ARB, uprated 22mm rear ARB bushes all of whict have improved handling a lot already. I now have Whiteline uprated rear ARB mounts, Whiteline rear subframe lockout bolts and some more camber bolts to fit as my next stage of improvements.

 

I'm quite happy to tinker with suspension settings and wheel camber/castor which is why I've looked at coilovers.

I'm OK losing a bit of comfort if it improves the cornering, welsh roads aren't known for being straight or comfortable, regardless of suspension softness.

I hadn't looked into links and ARBs to much as there are so many different kits to trawl through, though i did have a quick look at your recent thread Brown.

 

I'm considering Meister Zeta-R coilovers for my FSTI eventually, but I'm still worried about killing the ride quality which I don't want to do.