SUBARU FORESTER XT BUYERS GUIDE | SG (04-08) EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW!! WATCH BEFORE YOU BUY

[@Mike_44]

Honestly, this has to be the most detailed and complete video about specs/most important things to look out for and fix/improve on these cars. Really appreciate it!

[@jakeheavlow]

Thanks for the support 💪🏼

[@madkatt2201]

💯 great breakdown, hard to find info like this on the SG!

[@TGNF_GSX-750F]

So when you buy this is what you do 1.refresh the whole motor Fluids gaskets filters 2. Upgrade most doodoo tings EL heeders catless dp sti turbo And lots of cobb parts and sti wheels maybe even a full sti swap like 6sped with diff and breaks rotors axles ya know get ss break lines

[@jakeheavlow]

lol full blown overhaul🤣

[@CheckeredPony]

everyone: first head then hair then hat this guy: im gonna pull the old switcheroo

[@STipugpower]

The 4EAT is no slouch- the first thing I did was add a transmission cooler. When you have more power you have to remember that you can’t just start slamming that pedal down with an automatic , and then letting off the gas, you have to let the gear run out; because you’ll tear up your flex plate it’s only a $60 piece but it’s hundreds of dollars to take out the transmission. I see this happen especially when new people are driving the car they’re like whoa! and then let off the gas mid gear.

[@NazgulWraith]

I picked up an 05 XT, 200,XXX miles on the body and only 15,000 on the motor, got with the muffler cut off but I put a cat back on it, the motor was brand new and the same motor in the 05 STI. Very excited to start working on it! Thanks for the video!

[@sg6fxt]

I’m in love with my 2006 Limited. 257k miles and counting, on the same engine! Of course with chronological maintenance done like water pump, timing belt, head gaskets. Pro tuned running 330whp at 18psi. Amazingly the 5EAT is still good! Great and descriptive video.

[@AHavoc907]

Thanks for the informative video, Jake! I watched it even though I have an 04 Forester STI conversion already. :)

[@jakeheavlow]

Cool man thanks for tuning in 👍🏼

[@BaddaBigBoom]

Just re-watched this and have to say how much I appreciate the work and attention to detail you've put into this, I am learning more and more about my UKDM XT as time goes on. My one is an auto with the "sports shift" option that lets you change up/down a bit like paddle shift but down there rather than up here! The poor old thing has 147k on the clock and I'm hoping my YT name doesn't tempt fate ;-) Just changed the oil/filter and coolant has been replaced and had a buttload of welding done in previously corroded areas, mainly rear wheel arches. Very careful not to boost him when the engine is not fully warmed and let him run for a bit before shutting down after a decent length trip out. Subbed.

[@jakeheavlow]

Thanks for the support! Glad I could help 🤘🏼

[@paulbello]

another fire video. get my 05 xt tuned this week super excited, keep up the good work like always

[@jakeheavlow]

Thanks man 🙏🏼 cool stuff & best of luck!!

[@bday773]

4EAT Transmission solution. I have a son that is a Paraplegic so he can not drive a manual. Our work around is a 4EAT built by Level 10. It is slightly more than a standard 4EAT transmission replacement, but is upgraded on all aspects, cooling, valve body etc. The claim is that they can be built to hold significantly more than stock (750+). I am only looking at 360 to the wheels, but it is a much better transmission vs stock and also allows the benefit to put anybody into the car and experience these cars and motorsports. The downside is that there is a not an LSD like the 6spd STI swap.

[@jakeheavlow]

Cool man thanks for tuning in! I forgot to mention the autos can be built up to hold a lot of power

[@delakidzz8131]

Somebody knows their stuff😉 but thats going to be costy tho

[@dedclownsRfunny]

I’m a paraplegic and had a 4EAT FXT for a while. Loved it. I’ve also owned a Golf R with trans and engine tune (246kw) and other cars. The auto on these fozzies are quite capable of very thirsty on fuel. Save your money I reckon

[@bc8Sooners]

Still own 07 FXT Limited (4EAT), it was my commuting car back in the days. Many trips to drag strip and the transmission finally broke (w/ 18G turbo). I installed IPT built transmission, RalliTek comfort mount, and tru-cool cooler, it's been running well for many years now. Sometimes manual is just not practical living in big city with heavy traffic jam. And it's no joke, the sunroof is the biggest I've seen even to this day, feels like driving a convertible in the summer. Did not go with EL header cause I love the boxer engine sound, and don't want to sound like a Honda fart can.

[@dougvelliquette7655]

I've an 04 FXT in the south. Had the car near 15 years. Engine pro rebuilt with forged internals, ported exhaust manifolds, upgraded turbo, injectors, fuel system, suspension all around, many many upgrades and pro tune... I'm moving past my mid-point in my life and would like to pass this fantastic vehicle on to someone who can appreciate the phenomenal characteristics of this car. I don't want to list it locally and have someone get into trouble. Do you have any suggestions as to how I might get in touch with those within the Forester community who may be interested. No rush, I realize this is an older post. Thanks!

[@jakeheavlow]

Hey man, sounds like a pretty sweet car. If you can send me some more details/photos to my email I have a couple friends that may be interested! [e-mail]

[@MrYorugua12345]

Price?

[@dougvelliquette7655]

Just got this back from the shop. New heads, seals, pumps, timing, etc. I'm feeling my age and want to let it go.

[@watsnu2day]

You can put an extra long exhaust rubber hanger so you muffler is a little lower. You cannuse.a ksrtboy, or for cheap a rubber hanger from NAPA or Oreillys. That way you don't burn your rear bumper until you get an exhaust shop to extend it.

[@jakeheavlow]

Thanks for the extra info man

[@thomasbrown9402]

Would love to hear some insight into buying older (and/or N/A) Foresters.. or if anyone could point me out to some youtube builds that'd be great.

[@jakeheavlow]

Hmmm, I don’t know of any videos but I will keep an eye out. Thanks for the support

[@_rumble_wagon3204]

I think In 06 the up pipes went catless because they introduced the air injection pump into the exhaust. Super informative Video

[@jakeheavlow]

True! One thing I missed lol thanks man👌🏼

[@WasatchBDC]

@@jakeheavlow But the '08s do have cats in the up pipes?

[@jakeheavlow]

@@WasatchBDC not 100% clear on the answer but I am gonna go with @rumble wagon & say no they do not

[@theSEGAtwistisover9k]

was not expecting but this is all truly excellent info 👌

[@jakeheavlow]

Thank you! Always gotta help out my forester brothers 🙏🏼

[@theSEGAtwistisover9k]

@@jakeheavlow Dog bless the the glory that is Fozz 🙏

[@sloppy_tv7501]

Nice vid bro!! Very descriptive

[@jakeheavlow]

Thanks man 🙏🏼

[@BeastBabyBeastYouTube]

SO helpful. Thank you so much! Bouta build a monster 😈

[@andyreive8349]

I have 06 xt turbo on aluminium short block with forged rods it's a great car

[@meatballsub3956]

Awesome video man, learning heaps over here. I do have a question about the compatibility of the 2004 models front end to the 06/ 07 models. Do you think fabrication is required or will they bolt on without much trouble? Sorry I know its a weird question.

[@jakeheavlow]

Thanks dude! I have actually only ever seen a couple people do that, I imagine some extra fab required to make the whole front end to mount & sit properly but I don’t have first hand experience !

[@meatballsub3956]

@@jakeheavlow Thanks man, Ill give it a go with the one Im about to buy, after I swap the auto for a six speed 😁 Love the videos man, keep it up!

[@deusvultelect3389]

Thanks Jake, have you done the cylinder 4 cooling mod ?

[@jakeheavlow]

No worries man, thank YOU for tuning in I really appreciate it 🙏🏼 I do have the cylinder 4 cooling mod on my 05 & I have been meaning to snag one for the 08, I will soon & maybe make a quick install vid

[@BaddaBigBoom]

My Foz is a 2006 "facelift" it has an SG9 engine ("version 560" whatever that means). I'm having some trouble finding out details about that, so far everything I've found points to it being presumably the same main block as the Foz STI? The previous owner fitted it with an STI intercooler and a cold air filter and it has no cat in the downpipe, infact the entire exhaust system had been de-catted. The latter made it illegal in UK so I had to have a custom made cat fitted, it's in the center section before the resonator and the (Prodrive) backbox/tailpipe. I'd be grateful for any advice about anything I need to do to make it run optimally. New to Subarus let alone the Forester. I am UK based and my one is RHD.

[@jakeheavlow]

Sorry just saw your comment man! I imagine what could possible be going on is the car is running lean. Lots of times with bolt on parts & no tune this will happen! A tune should hook you up!

[@BaddaBigBoom]

@@jakeheavlow Thanks :-)

[@BaddaBigBoom]

@@jakeheavlow *Update* I found a highly recommended re-mapper based about 40 min drive from where I live, he charges £500 ($680) for a full re-map +rolling road tests, I'm not sure if it has already been re-mapped after the mods or whether they can find that out and charge me less if it has. The engine is an EJ255 btw ...took me nearly a year to find that out! Idling is slightly lumpy, so I'm guessing a spark plug change might be a good idea and maybe clean throttle body before it goes on the dyno.

[@carsnanime4719]

Appreciate the info brotha!

[@jakeheavlow]

Thank you for the support man!

[@thelouiebrand]

I’m lookin at a 2004 with 213k miles next week for 6k. Hopefully it checks out.

[@jakeheavlow]

Good luck man!

[@svrnclv]

I'm pretty sure the short block on the 04 and 05 is an EJ257

[@FelonWithoutFelonies]

Yup

[@sheldonk5747]

I see a really nice '04 red one that's an automatic here in Jersey but I already have the Impreza STI hatchback and a classic American muscle car plus my mon-fri work car. Wish I could get it but I have no more room for vehicles.

[@jakeheavlow]

I know how you feel man!

[@sheldonk5747]

@@jakeheavlow by summer I want to have in my the 3-in downpipe from grim speed. But right now I'm ordering a higher powered alternator for my Buick Grand national regal. These vehicles keep you going you see something and you can't resist buying it.

[@peterose4650]

Hey bro, what are your thought on a 04-08 forester XT versus the Sti hatchback? Debating between the two for a daily driver that I would keep stock. I already have an 05 Sti modded which is my "fun" car.

[@sheldonk5747]

@@peterose4650 hey what's up dude. I would definitely go for the Forester XT because that boxy body style is getting harder and harder to find. But just a few things to remember. That car is aging and when you get it like any other Subaru check for rust. Keep in mind the automatic transmissions people say are made of glass so you can't beat on it too much. You can keep that car as your daily being that of the XT just keep up on the maintenance of it keep it nice and clean and if you get a chance order from the company Eastwood encapsulator black and spray the entire undercarriage of both of your cars. I've used this for my STI My Grand national and my daily that I had at the time which was my Lincoln aviator. And it held up very good through the salt for about three to four years. Then you would have to respray.

[@sheldonk5747]

@@peterose4650 The hatchback is of course the one I have. I absolutely love that car. If you just want a regular run around work car grocery go getter and a few traffic light blasts the XT would be your way to go. The hatchback is a great alternative but I prefer that for a nice summer car or cruise car but you have a modded STI already. My STI is white with gold wheels so it does get a lot of attention. Also that's a collectible as well because it is getting a little bit harder to find and as we all know hatchback STIs haven't been produced for some years now. Let me know how you make out.

[@mecca6801]

solid vid

[@gramgram9043]

Is it a good idea to buy a new oem or aftermarket up pipe?

[@anuyway7]

Hey man thanks for the vid. looking at a built forester sti swap on FB market. I kinda want your input on it mind if I send you the link so you can check it out. Thanks

[@6figuredetailer709]

Good ass video idea🔥. I might need this haha we will see...

[@jakeheavlow]

Lol let’s gooo thanks bro

[@nh--2022]

I've got a pretty sick 04 Forester XT that was modded by someone back in the day and other than normal repairs it runs runs like a top. I wish I could share a pic

[@TechMuchHD]

Make a youtube video of it

[@spo7k]

thanks for this video g

[@jakeheavlow]

💪🏼

[@dannyjstackz8432]

Do I buy a forester Xt 2004

[@stankybaboon3799]

Yes, they look amazing in person

[@willlaplante4122]

I need the sauce on reliable sti turbo build😂🙏🏼

[@rodknockreese]

Yo I just got a jdm wing for my sf5

[@jakeheavlow]

💪🏼💪🏼

[@too1oud979]

5x100 and 5x114 are the same aren’t they?

[@jakeheavlow]

No sir, they are two different bolt patterns

[@deltoidsforaltoids]

5 = Number of lug bolts/studs. 100/114.3 = the diameter of the circle (in millimeters in this case) if you were to draw one through the centers of all your studs.

[@jerstolp1]

The 04 xt 5mt holds more power than the wrx does

[@dougvelliquette7655]

A well maintained 4eat will out perform a 5mt off the line as well as at any speed up to and +150mph. I know, I've done it.

[@sexmachina]

I'll keep this in mind.