4 CVT Subarus attempt Imogene Pass. A film about the power of LOVE!

[@JasmineSinclair-i3n]

It's amazing what the stock subaru crosstrek will do. I bought mine new a year ago, and have traveled hundreds of miles of difficult forrest roads in the rockies. I hear people talking quite often "how did he get up here in that"? They just don't realize what this car will do. I don't know if I'm going to get a lift or not, because so far I have gone wherever I wanted without it.

[@MatthewHeiskell]

I heard that the white forester does realllly well! 😉

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

Hahah, I'm dying of the suspense!

[@gagags1115]

🙌🏼👍🏼

[@bjarnesverdson1069]

That was some excellent drone piloting. Did you experience any trouble flying at those altitudes considering the lower air pressure and possible wind?

[@Mark-ks9jj]

MH - great drone work mate & your Forester rocks, I have a lifted SH & am lusting after that alloy front bar you have, nice sleek design, well done.

[@decdragon]

It makes me happy to see modded Subies are capable to making it through Imogene Pass.

[@evoman44]

At the elevation that this place is at a turbo model would be perfect. I would personally take an older XT Forester or a lifted WRX wagon. I currently own an 05 WRX sedan.

[@123yrmama]

I wonder if my low rider could get through. 🤔

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

@@evoman44 it would work great if you can keep the revvs up and are in boost range, but the lower compression ratio and low stall torque can make a trail challenging in a 4 cylinder turbo. Crawl ratio is king 😀. A Naturally aspirated 86 HP Suzuki Samurai with low gear transfer case would slay a high elevation trail like this. My friends that have current gen 260HP Outback XTs with the FA24DIT engine will nearly stall out at these elevations on a paved road from a dead stop.

[@TRCAdventures]

I saw a few Subarus up on the pass a few years ago, we were on a bike trip they were having a great time!

[@berserkerusmc7613]

Awesome. I really appreciated you telling us year, suspension mods , driveline and wheel/tire combos of these vehicles. Most informative subaru specific video I've seen. Thank you!

[@RobbieHerrera]

Beautifully shot. It doesn’t look as steep on video but from the way everyone was revving, you can tell it wasn’t easy. I love the energy from everyone. Congrats on the climb ❤

[@Sharpest_]

I've always liked Bruceyyyys slimmed down look. Not flashy but gets the job done. Who needs a bumper anyway!

[@aimlesslydriven]

Awesome congrats to all of you! Next year damn it! I'm gonna do Imogene in the Disco Sport! Glad you all made it safe and all rigs were in one piece. Great that you ran into German and Jay up there too!

[@Drunken_Pil0t]

I sat through the entire video with this rush of anxiety as if I was there with you guys!! Take me with you on the next one! I'd like to put my battle Pilot to the test 🙌😆. Congrats to the entire team that made it up. So awesome 🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@DougVandegrift]

I love the vehicles specs on the outside edge of the video. Fun to see that and watch the rig attempt obstacles

[@Databyter]

Poser rock looks cool and I know it's safe if you're careful. But it still scares the shit outta me just the same. I'm glad you guys used spotters and were very careful. Accidents happen when you let your guard down, and that is the wrong place to hit the wrong pedal or have a failure of some kind. This is one of the coolest Subaru Trekking videos I've ever seen. Great Job!

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

Thanks Databyter! My first 2 visits to Poser Rock, I had no urge to drive up on it 😂, this time around I succumbed to peer pressure!

[@Databyter]

@@JonDZ_Adventuring Well it IS a nice pic. And you actually got drone footage as well. I'm so scared of heights I'd want to be attached to somebodies winch. Lol. Not really, but I'd THINK about it.

[@nita6495]

Congrats everyone! What a great crew (the cars and the people)!

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

Thanks Boss Lady!!! Was a pleasure meeting you! Thanks for the sandwiches and making the fires at camp 🏕️. Congrats on becoming CEO!

[@vanialynd]

You have no idea how much I enjoyed this video! Thanks 😊!

[@jeffreyajello6046]

Great content! Love that you share crossovers (even if modified) doing this stuff!

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

Thanks Jeffrey!

[@gagags1115]

Oh so beautiful. Y'all had so much fun. Not thing better than a great group gathering to do just that! Thank you for sharing

[@Mark-ks9jj]

A great video guys, your combined car, phone & drone work really tells the story well with your obvious friendship & mutual support shining through. A great group to go anywhere in the outdoors with for sure.

[@gagags1115]

WOW! Bruceyyyy and his wonderful wife came from West Virginia! One state over from me. I'm in Virginia. I watch Bruceyyy too. I watch all of y'all 👍🏼👍🏼

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

Come along next year 😀! I'm not sure if Bruceyyyyy and Nita will be able to make it out though!

[@FatalAnimal]

Looks like you guys had ton of fun Jon =) As always thanks for letting us share in your adventures!

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

It was a really good time. This being my 3rd consecutive year doing Imogene Pass, I have no desire to run it again. Next year we will have to go somewhere else 😀

[@vboyz16]

I iust saw your old imogene pass video a couple days ago ! Well done my dude !

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

Thank you!

[@anonymous..-]

I just drove over Imogene in a ‘16 Outback 3.6. I started on the Telluride side. I have armor etc… I had a blast but this trail maxes out the abilities of the Subaru lineup.

[@justenmorgan7144]

Ive got the same green 3.6 as Brucyyy with same wildpeak trails and my sidewalls have taken a beating too. Ill be looking for some tougher tires next time. Great seein all ya'lls gettin after it, Whaooo!!

[@elevatorguy66]

Great video. Love that had all the vehicle specs during portions of the video

[@ir8maverickmichaeljavillon306]

I’m enjoying watching this video bro. This is awesome 🤙🏽

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

Thanks Michael! It was awesome to work on the video!

[@PatrickRich]

You know how I feel about the Subi transmission. Kills me to see a big 3.6 engine that is probably producing around 200 lbs stall torque can't climb what would essentially be a loading ramp for a car hauler. Crawl ratio matters and 12.7 is poor, but even still, thats 2500 lbs-ft to the hubs and that should be enough. My Land Cruiser has the exact same crawl ratio in high range and roughly the same stall torque and I know it would make that hill. The altitude makes it hard for sure, but there is a lot of torque limiting going on with the lineartronic and it holds those poor Subi's back.

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

First of all. Did you know you won the Eco Flow River 2 giveaway?

[@PatrickRich]

@@JonDZ_Adventuring I was wondering about that. Didn't know it was real. What next?

[@tjadventures]

I’m amazed the H6 outback wasn’t able to go up that rock. At first I really thought it just needs more power, but after reading the top info, I saw that it’s actually the more powerful Subaru of the bunch, leaving only the transmission at fault (I think). I would be curious if not having the locker and allowing some wheels to spin and the electronic systems to work would have made it go up. Anyway, really nice video and seems like a lot of fun!

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

@@tjadventures thanks! Glad you enjoyed the video. At some point, maybe next year at the end of spring, I’ll release another trip out to Imogene pass, but this time featuring a 3rd gen Outback with the 3.0 H6 and the 5EAT transmission, it does very well!! Bruceyyyyy’s 3.6R H6 Outback does not have a rear locker, just disconnected sway bars.

[@bajasoobnut]

That is one thing I loved about my old school subies (i.e. 4x140 bolt pattern wheeled cars) you get some very funny looks from jeeps and such being out on trails like this one lol, I sure do miss my little 76 4wd wagon though but loving the Sequoia I have now. Hopefully in the next year or 2 we will be able to do Imogene pass while over visiting my sister who lives north of Denver.

[@JB-ss3bv]

I took my 2018 Forester, 6MT up cinnamon pass with a week's camping gear and a RTT. We made it over from Silverton to Lake City without a problem but just barely. The biggest obstacle was climbing up the west side, nearly not having enough power to climb little steps without some momentum. These little NA engines just don't have the gearing without a low range case.

[@zgh9012]

I don't think I will modify any of my vehicles to that level. 😊 One of the reasons I traded my Outback Wilderness. Comfort is the key.

[@matthewjohnson1211]

Jon, it almost seemed like Matt H’s white forester has a “crawl ratio” like forester wilderness!? The way it went up that steep rock was impressive considering the relivley low H.P. Maybe he just sends it!

[@sneakyracerpr]

I wonder if the shorter wheelbase and less weight play a big factor in this as well.

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

@@sneakyracerpr really good observations guys. Theoretically, a longer wheel base should make climbing easier, but the low weight, lightened wheels and direct injection must have made the difference. I think we need to put a big emphasis on the Enkei wheels that Matt was running. Those are 14 lbs. a piece. A stock Forester wheel is 25-27 lbs. Matt's lighter wheels give him more WHP (wheel horse power) and torque. Also, accounting for rotational mass, that wheel choice makes his vehicle perform 208 lbs. lighter.

[@seanstewart6292]

someone definitely needs to take the outback wilderness and forester wilderness up there.

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

Yeah, that was the plan! Matt has announced that he gets his forester wilderness in November. Would love to see him make the attempt. Make sure you're subscribed to his channel to find out. I bet one of the first things he does when he gets his FW is take it up Imogene. He lives alot closer to Colorado than me.

[@seanstewart6292]

@@JonDZ_Adventuring Subbed thanks love the content keep em coming

[@ThePhotographyHobbyist]

Always seems to come down to the CVT that's holding the Subarus back. The newer Wilderness Outback with the 2.4L turbo and revised gearing does help, but I've still seen videos of those stuck on steep inclines with the engine trying to rev but it's just sitting there doing nothing. Can't spin, can't move, just sitting there with the engine whirring. I guess the thing is, know your vehicle's limits (and your own). Personally, I'd love to see a normal 10 speed auto in the Outback Wilderness with a low range transfer case. That would be awesome.

[@johndoe-oi7bq]

I even had to use low range once backing up on a steep hill with my 01 tahoe. The air was so thin and they don't have a very loose torque converter

[@dhrtiwalter8670]

Could you put one in?

[@Jshanks19]

Thank you Jon and Matt for the phenomenal video and sharing your adventures with us! ❤😊

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@Mquin02]

I need a Millie and a Jon to keep in the Scoutback for emergencies as part of my recovery gear!

[@silverbulletxv4497]

Haha yuppppp of course!!

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

Hahaha! That's over 600 lbs. of Human Power

[@respekted]

A good hybrid system will take the strain off the CVT and also allow for better crawl. Hopefully the '26 will have some upgrades.

[@dominicwilkerson]

Getting your part 107 is super simple. There are many study guides here on YT but as long as you can read a map you should be good to go

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

Thanks! I'll look into it!

[@RoyalEmpressTree]

This is a very enjoyable video. Thanks guys.

[@TobyCostaRica]

Drone footage by a skilled pilot at an epic location 👌🏼

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

This video wouldn't be the same without that drone footage. Big shout out to @Matthew Heiskell !

[@brohammer]

That part where the crosstrek comes up it looks like it's in 2x playback 🤣

[@silverbulletxv4497]

Haha fr, had to send it just in case momentum was the only way!!

[@ShiftinAt8600]

Crazy aerial footage and 250:1 is wild on that FJ lol

[@durtyflyadventures]

Very cool seeing all the awd doing it!!! Is it just me or does the 2 subarus sound like a helicopter? No?

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

It's that boxer engine rumble, haha

[@yourtimefreedomlife]

Nice video. Dropping the pressures more will also help with the climb as you will have more rubber on the road.

[@redtailwoods]

Cool to see what a Subaru can do with some upgrades. I have a winch on my '23 Crosstrek Sport. Seriously considering a lift and bigger tires. Mostly so I can make it up and down the unmaintained road to my house!

[@alandowney4458]

Great video. I’d love to upgrade my 2023 Crosstrek for a little more adventure mode. Currently all stock.

[@gagags1115]

You all were a great fun group to watch!!! That looked like so much fun. Truly God's country STUNNING. If I ever get the itch to come do that, I definitely would love to be in a great group like that

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

Thanks!! Such a beautiful place. Even driving on the Million Dollar Highway an amazing experience! We visit Colorado every year, so if you want to join us, please let us know! It would be awesome to have a Forester Wilderness join in and it would do great!

[@gagags1115]

@@JonDZ_Adventuring I promise I will do my best. It would be wonderful meeting you and hopefully your sweet wife :)

[@RoamRoadless]

I wish we had places like this in Florida so I could do this, and that I had people to do it with. No one I know is interested in it like I am

[@f5fstop]

I have always liked the Subaru even if have never owned one And I have done Imogene pass quite a few times; just a short drive over to the Ouray area from Moab where I used to live, but did it in a Hummer. You guys did good. Now, head over to Moab and do Hell's revenge one of the easiest in Moab.

[@jeiwaru]

44:49 I was like "Darn. Shame he can't do a U turn" 😳

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

haha

[@ZAZOOKING]

Is the cvt slipping on the rock shelf? I don't understand why it can't just crawl up?

[@RoyalEmpressTree]

I want to know more about the white Forester that handled everything like it didn't know that it was supposed to be challenging!

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

@@RoyalEmpressTree that’s Matthew Heiskill. He has a KZbin channel that I linked.

[@PNWOutbackxt]

this makes me want to get a locker now for my 21 obxt

[@falkfluegel5557]

Off roading and mountain climbing with a cvt and without 4lo? Sounds crazy.

[@lucabencini5856]

Thanks for posting. Amazing adventure, with this elevation the engines are done, but you reached the summit. I'm from the Italian alps and got a dual range SG forester with the two liter na engine with twincams. A powerful engine but not the best one for off roading, it needs to be revved, the red line is at 7500 rpm 🙆‍♂️🤦‍♂️

[@Ricksnet2008]

Awesome Video... great trail, makes me want to get out there... One thing to note at 19:40.... the cross in the background... yeah... TIME TO GO....😂

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

Thanks Rick! Yeah, just paying out respects to that grave :P

[@Ricksnet2008]

@@JonDZ_Adventuring glad it was not a “Blair witch” type of thing. :)

[@spencerboaz2385]

Great drone work nice shots.

[@Jason-bd5iq]

A 20:1 crawl ratio isn’t bad, my old ranger with 4.56s is about 30 or 31:1, my wrangler is over 80:1

[@Databyter]

I've seen parts of this on another channel, but I have enjoyed seeing it again. Plus there is some added scenery in here. By the way, it was mentioned that some means of monitoring transmiission temps. I have a factory oil cooler because I have the wilderness. I don't know how good it is but I know it is more than most Outbacks get. But I don't have a way to monitor Transmission temperature. I think I ran across a gizmo that hooks in to your inspection port (I forget the name of that) that allows you to , among other things, see your transmission temp, and it has a little cheap looking (but good enough) monitoring screen that looks like it could attach to a dashboard or kneeboard. What do you guys use to monitor your transmission temps. And do you think that the extra cooling advertised on the Wilderness is as good as the aftermarket solutions people use or would I end up having to upgrade anyway? No problem if you guys don't know the answers to some of this, I just thought you might since, well, you guys are out there. This was a great video. Great group of friendly people having fun and getting the most out of their hobby Subarus!

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

I've always mentioned the Scangauge 2. It was made back in the 90s and is still a really good option. They have the scangauge 3 now, but I don't feel a need to spend all that money, also, I don't need another bright screen in my face at night 🤣

[@Databyter]

@@JonDZ_Adventuring Thanks.That sounds like the one I read about, but I couldn't remember the name. I need to pick one of those up. And I agree on the versions. If I am only using it for one basic purpose that is satisfied by version 2, I'll pocket the savings. Thanks again.

[@forester_overland_nz]

Well done everyone!

[@GrizzlyPath]

Awesome summit my dudes!

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

Thanks Zack!!!

[@josephmdeckman7841]

Great Video, alot of fun and hard work what a crew. What brand and model of radios do you use they are clear, also what charger is needed. where did you purchase the radios. Thank You Very Much!

[@bangishajj5997]

The forester is the most capable subaru

[@jakemaughan3818]

This was amazing. I just want to know how hot those transmissions got!

[@careylando2795]

I had no issues with the trans overheating and was able to monitor and manage my temps in real time with the ScanGauge 2. I also have a Mishimoto trans cooler.

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

As noted in the video's information subtitles, all vehicles in this video have upgraded transmission cooling and all vehicles. Just like with @careylando2795 's Outback last year, we didn't observe excessive temps. At the higher altitudes, the thinner air and lack of engine power will bog down an engine enough so that the transmission doesn't get overworked.

[@hds181]

Very nice! Wonderful video.

[@Locutus720]

When are we getting some wilderness trims on this trip? I got an ‘23 OBW with just some plates and an iron man kit that’s willing to go.

[@stevenle1782]

Love the content! Wish I could make it out on a trail ride with you !

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

Thanks Steve! If you want to join in on the adventures join my "Crossoverlanding (hub)" facebook group. If you haven't already!

[@martin_323]

I'm so curious as to how a Rav4 Hybrid would deal with such a trip. The transmission is a completely different type of CVT, rear wheels have just an electric motor (40kW) driving them with no centre differential.

[@freedom_foz_6337]

Thank you for sharing!

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

It was an awesome time!

[@renoallstate4573]

This is odd to say but I think the new hybrid subaru would possibly do better with the ecvt transmission

[@pnw_element9822]

The momentum tho you go you go don’t go won’t make it up

[@ryanlaw8678]

Do those Subarus not really have low range? Looks like you all had a good time! low range makes night and day difference. I think I would even attempt Imogene pass without low range 😂

[@no-lodesigns]

Carey gave it her all!

[@careylando2795]

Sure did! And I made it unassisted the rest of the way up after that one obstacle. Just a small tug this time!

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

@@careylando2795 whoop whoop!

[@brianwilliams3146]

Nice video. Spotters calling out driver's side or passenger side instead of left/right might help with some confusion?

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

Thanks! I'm pretty sure that's what we were doing, but if someone called out left/right then I have some wrists to slap 😂

[@spartanj2957]

My 78 Subaru 4x4 wagon would easily go up and down that rock out crop all day long no prob. You have no idea what your missing.

[@davidsalazarc]

Great vid. Why did you went back through ouray and not telluride?

[@trubiaventura8602]

I love this video but I can't understand why these Subarus don't have enough power to make the wheels sleep over the rocks, the engine revs but it seems that there is no power to wheels. With a manual gearbox would be different no?

[@robertharold2503]

Just got rid of my Tacoma trd off road for a Subaru forester wilderness. No regrets

[@buckmasterphotography7967]

@jondz_adventuring ....will your group be doing Imogene Pass in Summer 2024?

[@t4thfavor1212]

At 35:30 or so it's so weird to hear the CVT with the engine matted the whole time it just drones at the same RPM. What happens if you let off there? Do you just have to back all the way down and hit it again?

[@IronmanV5]

Wow the views are amazing!

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

absolutely!

[@jordanyang3066]

Just bought a 17 forester and this thing cam wheel

[@lukebess4922]

So.....would you say a Forrester is better because its naturally aspirated and better at altitude and the Forester has better angles? Im about to buy either a Forester or Outback so im learning. Moving from Austin to the mountains to get free.

[@steviesworld3727]

what were the mods on these subarus? would love to know. they definitely modded the suspensions and wheels it looks like.

[@howardmiller4241]

I’d love to see the new turbo engine do this

[@gtrpkr2487]

These are NOT normal Subarus. I’d love to do this, but I don’t know anyone else who would go. Definitely don’t want to go alone. I have a slightly lifted 2022 4Runner TRD Pro.

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

Well, that’s why I went out of my way to list all the modifications on them

[@gtrpkr2487]

I appreciate the info.

[@edgarandreasyan521]

44:00 oh boy… nvm redeemed himself 😂 looking good. And 53:12 i don’t know been running Falkens only and haven’t had any issues with them 🤣 and idk about 4LO all day for that

[@Scahla]

Honda Power! 💪

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

VTEC kicked in YO!

[@cmilviper]

Great job

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

ty ty

[@demongs7481]

Are the those 2 Subaru outbacks 6 cylinder?

[@13BMASTER]

How do you think a forester wilderness would do on Imogene ??

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

Considering that Matt's Forester with a 13.3:1 crawl ratio was able to make it up. The Forester Wilderness would just do it easier (given the same mods: Lift kit, higher clearance mods on the bumpers).

[@13BMASTER]

@@JonDZ_Adventuring nice I just picked up a 14 outback 6 speed manual yesterday! Looking forward to getting up Imogene in the near future!!

[@user-ql3ge2us4s]

Man those cvts screwing them at 7:35. Perfect example.

[@MusicLuv80]

All wheel drive in Subarus different from other cars? Because Subarus seemed to be able to to anywhere with those all wheel drives.

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

The green vehicle is my Honda Passport with iVTM4 awd. Definitely a different awd platform. I’d say old Subaru and new Subarus handle very different too, because of different transmissions and the introduction of brake vectoring.

[@MusicLuv80]

@@JonDZ_Adventuring Thank you for your answer.

[@jb6748]

No way Bruceyyyy is getting full power out of his Subaru.

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

@@jb6748 just did this 4 days ago with a 3rd gen 3.0H6 Outback with the 5EAT with only a 10.9:1 crawl ratio, and it was able to put down more power than the CVT in Bruceyyyyy’s 5th gen Outback 3.6R with more of a crawl ratio. It was very interesting to see.

[@jb6748]

@JonDZ_Adventuring Yeah, I hope to see him get that fixed and back out there running circles.

[@andrewmena3118]

Im really pissed off right now after watching this video. I just bought a 2016 outback 3.6r and I truly had high hopes for it. I wish there was a way to make better power. Is there a way to change the 12.5.1 gear to a better crawling gear? What power upgrades are there?

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

I've been saying this for a while now, but if someone would just make an aftermarket transmission upgrade for Subarus, they would PRINT MONEY. With that said, there are really no current mass produced transmission upgrades for a CVT Subaru. If you had a stick shift, you can go with the ZF design dual range transmission swap. Anything is possible with enough time and money, but it would be completely custom. Don't be mad, your vehicle still has alot of purpose. That thing gets good 28 MPGs when left in a similar form as Bruceyyyyy. Just travel within it's limits. It's rare you'll come across a 13,000 foot peak, so there's still alot of other places to go 😀

[@Locutus720]

Curious at what % hp reduction was that 3.6r running at? Had to be sub 170 or so HP at that altitude right?

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

Every 1000 feet is 3% so at 13K feet that’s 39%, so I’m calculating 156 HP!! Woooo

[@Locutus720]

Thanks, now I’m wondering what that would be for the boosted wilderness. Y’all running another CVT adventure in the future? I’ll keep searching for videos for OBW’s doing this climb, but so far I’ve yet to run into any.

[@rener44]

Do these AWD Subies all have low gear transfer cases?

[@sneakyracerpr]

nope

[@adam_mawz_maas]

Hasn't been a low-range in a Subaru since the 2nd gen Forester. All of these are newer CVT-based ones with a 'crawl mode' but no proper low-range.

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

Rener44, you'll see one in an upcoming "Gunnison Colorado" video. We have Javier and his 4th Gen Manual Forester that had the ZF design dual range transmission put in. We drive up steeper climbs and he was able to stop mid hill and continue on. It was quite impressive. That trip was 3 months ago, but the reason I've been lagging on completing the video is because the trip had so many lessons and I want to do the video justice. I'll try to produce it in 2 weeks time.

[@CrazyGreek80]

That 2.5 barely did it but it made it.

[@bambamyong]

Awesome!!! 😍

[@Rollyman]

Nice!!👍

[@aimlesslydriven]

❤

[@cormacsage7126]

Best outdoor sport

[@beardedpixel]

CVT POWER!!!!!!!! 😁

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

I'm all too familiar with it, haha!