The Forester XT Sports OCD slow build thread

[22B05STI]

Hi everyone, We purchased a Forester XT sports about six months ago now and I have been slowly changing it into an STI clone as well as trying to clean it up like I did with my 05 Impreza STI. Unfortunately this is my Wifes daily driver so I have to do my work in small blocks.
I will post some pictures of the Forester from when we bought the car until today.


This is what it looked like when we bought it in Colorado. I drove from Colorado to Vegas and then bought a few parts and had windows tinted. Added the STI badge to the grill and fit the new front lip which was missing and mudflaps, thanks to Ken at Las Vegas Subaru who also organised window tint.

[22B05STI]

Next was replacing the aftermarket crap Chinese replacement headlight

It is drivers side.


This required removing front bumper

[22B05STI]

Here is a current photo of the new headlight fitted as well as the STI plate. My goals are to paint wheels gold sometime soon to match our Sedan STI

I washed and started the detail of the underbody.

[22B05STI]

As I had said, the car was from Colorado and was quite clearly used off road and it was covered in dirt, it took a day to clean the dirt off so that You could see the blue paint. Unfortunately the right rear quarter panel was damaged during one of it's off road adventures, this need a proper paint and repair job, unfortunately it was a big surprise when I showed up at the dealer to pick it up as it was not disclosed. They paid me $300.00 to not mention their little surprise as I said I would report them. Anyway due to this I won't mention the dealer name.
I have just replaced rear Lateral links and trailing arms and fit STI Springs to factory struts, this has really made a positive change to the handling, it's a little lower and we have no plans of going off road again.




I will paint the wheel arches as I did with my 05 STI . I hope to fit STI brembo brakes and knuckles so I will do that then

[rage-wrx]

In for the pics. We have a Forester XT too,which is also my wife's DD. I hope to have some work done to it too eventually. So far I've done just some cosmetic changes like a new front grille & just ordered a set of Hella supertones.

[maus]

You have some sick builds.

[zax]

Looks great!

Sent from my DROID BIONIC using Tapatalk 2

[22B05STI]

Thanks Guys, it's a really nice car and drives much better on the new STI links/Spring setup!

[22B05STI]

Took both cars to the bay area meet last weekend. First Suby meet for me and it was a great event

[speedtown]

I tried to hunt down a clean forester xt (pre 2008) and just couldn't find one that I liked! Of course finding wrb in a manual I swear was damn near impossible. I wish I could afford a third car cause I would totally pick one up for winter and as a project car.

Looking good!

[22B05STI]

I know it's not related but I had a friend go and look at our 22B in NZ and here are a few pics of it in it's little hideout



It's been Two years since I have been down there so I have to settle for a photo

[maus]

.......wow

[michaelwfox]

Wow is right! Great looking cars!

I want a Fozzy

[Calvinball]

That 22b is sick.

[22B05STI]

Thanks, if you search my username You will find threads and other posts with lots of pictures!
It is a awesome car and I am a big fan of it!
Just a very fortunate guy to own one