Engine/Bay:
MY07 XT TD04L
Kando Wastegate
Xforce 3" TBE (Twin Tip)
Turbo XS Catless Up-pipe
EGT Resistor Mod
OEM Headers wrapped in Volcano wrap
Intake Resonator Delete
Intake Blanker
PVC CAI
Silicone Y-pipe
Silicone TB hose
Intercooler Tilt Mod
Intercooler Sprayer
GC8 WRX BOV
DW300 Fuel Pump
GRB Belt Cover
Fumoto Valve
OEM Strut Top Covers
Driveline:
4.44 JDM S/TB Forester Gearbox
4.44 JDM S/TB Forester Rear Diff
Exedy Clutch
Hardrace (Group N) Gearbox Mount
JDM S/TB Shifter Assembly
Kartboy Rear Shifter Bush/Stay
Kartboy Front Shifter Bushings
TiC Shifter Linkage
Brakes:
GD WRX 4pot - Front
RDA slotted/dimpled rotors - Front
Bendix Ultimate Pads - Front/Rear
Front and Rear calipers sprayed VHT caliper black
Suspension:
Kido Coilovers
GC8 STI Rear Swaybar (20mm)
GC8 WRX Steering Rack
STI Carbon Fibre Strut Brace - Front
Pedders Link Bushes - Front
Wheels:
Rota RT5-F 18x8.5 +42
235 45 18 CP672 Nexen Tyres
Interior:
Scangauge 2
Autometer Boost Gauge
S/TB Momo steering wheel (Modified to suit cruise)
GD WRX Pedals
Redline Goods black leather gearboot
STI Peter Solberg Edition gearknob
Complete LED conversion (Maps/Dome/Boot/Barrel)
Genuine Cargo Mat
Pioneer AVH-X1650DVD
Pioneer 6.5" 3-way - Front
Pioneer 4" 2-way - Rear
JVC CSBB1 6" sub - Under passenger seat
Exterior:
JDM F-badge
Headlight housings painted black
OEM rear wing
Clear guard indicators
Jurassic Park foglight covers
Stainless AKD plate bolts
Rolled rear guards
3M 20% tint
Phillips Whitevision 4300K Headlights
Phillips Whitevision 4300K Foglights
Phillips Whitevision Parkers/Number plate bulbs
CREE LED reverse lights
Chrome Front/Rear Indicator bulbs (Cya Orange)
Story time!
As most of you will know, I sold my GT30 to Alex. I was stoked he bought it. He was stoked he bought it and that was the end of that.
I got the money I needed for other things (House stuff/Tools for new job/Work car)
As some of you know Alex bought a Forester GT from Dan. Within a few weeks of ownership the gearbox died and it just wasn't what he was looking for in a car.
It sat for a few months in a garage doing nothing. At around this same I was putting the GT30 up for sale, I had a few bites but didn't land a sale.
Alex wanted my car. He had a forry and cash my way if I wanted it. So I arranged a time to bring the car to him for an inspection/drive, I would be inspecting the forester the same day. I didn't really need a forester, But with some love It would get me around for a couple of months until I found a mint KZ powered Hilux (Still looking...)
I arrived at the garage housing the forester gt, Did my inspection before turning the key and man...
Written off gearbox
Clutch was cooked
Rear diff would need changing (Had a 3.90 box and diff, Stock forester/wrx is 4.44)
Paint imperfections
Leak from timing case
Leak from power steering pump
Hard, damaged and even some incorrectly installed vac lines
GD WRX tmic fitted (Didn't fit well at all)
BOV/piping would need to be removed (Both suited the GD cooler)
Chopped out tyres
Dodgy boost gauge install (Fish tank hose and electrical tape holding electrical connections)
Missing screws and clips (Interior/exterior)
Drivers seat base felt loose
Engine bay caked in grime
Up pipe was missing bolts and leaking exhaust gas like a champ
Heatshields rattled
Tailgate rattle
The tint had leprosy
Battery was loose
Power steering whined it's head off
Brakes didn't work well (Stock ones suck!)
Interior smelt like diff oil
One washer jet worked
Missing wiper arm
Belt squeal
Worn out steering wheel
Front left wheel bearing grumbling
Exhaust looked like it came off the titanic
Front right cv bone dry (Boot had been torn for a long time)
Towbar wiring didn't work
and probably some other things.
But none of that turned me off. I have part connections, I'm a mechanic and I know these cars like the back of my head.
The engine started first turn of the key and it sounded sweet! No knocks, smoke or ticks. And it had a factory fitted spoiler...Sold!
It sucked. It was a lemon. These cars (MY01/MY02) have a huge spot in my heart. I still remember going for a spin in one in 2002, Car shopping with a mates dad. It felt like a rocket ship to a 11 year old...That feeling has always stuck with me and seeing that same car in the shape this one was in made me want it more. It could be so much more and I was sure I could return it to some of it's former glory!
The MY01+ cars have a tuneable ecu, coil on plug, cruise control and share heaps of engine bay parts with the bugeye wrx. Leaps and bounds over 98-00's.
Alex inspected my car, took it for a drive, masturbated furiously and was sold on it. We talked money over a fantastic cup of coffee and shook hands.
The last 6 weeks of fixing this baby up have been frustrating, dirty and rewarding.
All issues have been sorted. Everything is back to how it's mean to be. I've given it my usual: All fluids and filters have been changed, Sensors cleaned/serviced, Things adjusted/lubricated, Everything that was a mystery or I wasn't sure about was inspected, pulled apart or replaced to be sure. The things I don't like about foresters (Turbo is too small, The brakes are shit and they don't steer) have been changed for wrx/sti or better aftermarket items and It drives amazing, Feels super tight and is serving me well. It needs a tune, That's next on my list.
UEC is a beautiful thing. It was filthy!
I really haven't taken many pics as I've been working on it when I can, after hours or just don't have my phone on me when doing it. I have tried to take a few as I go.
Here are some pics:
Gravity powered
It's home! Let's attack it with tools, parts, degreaser, swear words and a pressure washer!
After it's first proper detail and a few mods
Mmm fish tank hose...
4pots getting some VHT goodness
No brake upgrade is complete without a spare to match the brake size and rolling diameter of the new wheels!
Engine bay the way it should be! (Needs a better condition intercooler)
Jurassic Park covers. Love these.
New F-badge from Japanparts.
Headers off. Heatshields basically fell apart.
Volcano wrap
Getting ready for the up-pipe install. I had to do 3 up pipe installs...The OEM catless one was bent, I then sourced a used MRT one...It leaked. I then bought a brand new turbo xs one. It was sweet.
Rolled my guards
Mmmm black headlights. Think I set up the suspension pre-load, height and dampeners that day too.
Scangauge 2. What a handy tool!
S/TB wheel!
Speaking of wheels. These arrived.
Jaycar car park stereo install.
Benny (Mechanical Steve) gave me the sub that came out of his 2 door. No boot space lost and sounds decent. Wiring instructions were in Japanese...Good times.
Put my wheels on, Set the height one last time and gave it a wheel alignment.
Detailed for HVC. Hard to believe it's the same cloudy white paint.
One last check over before HVC. No leaks, No rattles, Just sweet sweet rumble and spool.
And finally, HVC.
I got carried away with it. Probably did things that didn't need doing but oh well
. Should serve me well over the next few months.Safe to say it's got some former glory back.
Cheers, Cam.
