2015 Forester 2.0

[Rainman]

Hi Rainman,

 

Indeed .. I had the qashqai 1.2t as its earlier batch of buyers for 3 years before changing to the mazda 6.

 

Looks good, nice interior and great complaint ride for an SUV albiet smaller interior and a bit overpriced in Singapore ... however, issues are that it is underpowered, leaking eo for pre Mar 2016 ones due to wrong hardness of oiston rings and most critically, many were affected by safety related power loss that cannot be solved. It also developed ebrake lock-up that was unresolved if I do not drive it over the weekend in the last 6 months of ownership.

 

If you changed to bilstein b12 spring and dampers set, the ride is even betta controlled and "g force pull" without added harshness if you laboriously coaxed it to speed. New releases in UK are 1.4t manual and 1.6t dct to address this lack of power of the 1.2t but I would not trust their newly introduced dct yet:

 

<<https://www.nissan.co.uk/vehicles/new-vehicles/qashqai/configurator.html>>

 

Main reason I believe is that the qashqai was developed in UK where roads are really bad and they tweaked its suspension well for ride comfort as with most british cars.

 

For our forester, it is really designed as a fairly competent semi terrain suv with xmode etc. and the tradeoff is on its road performance. It is really not just springs or dampers or coilovers but the other designed components and their geometries on ride performance. Just looking at the lateral link that I changed to cusco adjustable one for camber issue, it is much shorter aka less forgiving but more controlled than the ones on the smaller and light qashqai .. lol !

 

No, I am not satisfied the ride of my fxt even with mods done, including extensive soundproofing measures, that yielded some improvement but other aspects makes me keep trying on this compliant ride wish though no more ... we basically bought the wrong SUV for such compliant ride requirement.

 

Cheers.

 

Richard

I like of think so too.... the road feel is too obvious on our ride. Apart from all the expensive cars, the best ride I have as a passenger is actually the old sonata turbo diesel taxi, silky smooth power delivery, cocoon interior and much compliant feel...Whahaha Edited May 11, 2019 by Rainman

[Orixy]

Hi Orixy,

 

Adjustable cusco toe link is more ex at 35kyen compared to their 32kyen camber link ... did not buy the initial as I was hoping the latter suffices. This attempt with cusco touring A dampers with controller and the cusco camber link together with fitting and realignment already cost quite a bit :(

 

2.5 to almost 3 deg camber was adjusted back to 2 deg with the cusco camber link but still not ideal of within typical 1.5 deg .. else toe will be out and People's just stayed as is.

 

Dunno if I will proceed with the adjustable toe link which I understand some bro just cut stock one and mod with adjustor but you need spare since not same day work.

 

Frankly was quite disappointed that just pink spring of lowered 15mm and newly added cusco touring A dampers affected so much when just pink was marginal at 1.5 deg ... both Kenny and People's readout about the same before the adjustable cusco camber link. Cusco touring A dampers affected surprising quite a bit.

 

Admittedly also did not read much into both print out cos confused by many of the measurements shown and left blank.

 

Cheers.

 

Richard

Hi Richard, are your Primacy ST wearing unevenly after the pinkies and Cusco A? Maybe you'll want to share your alignment report for comments by James and other more pro guys here :)

[richard_crl032]

Hi Richard, are your Primacy ST wearing unevenly after the pinkies and Cusco A? Maybe you'll want to share your alignment report for comments by James and other more pro guys here :)

Hi Orixy,

 

Not really .. just fitted cusco touring A and wearing would take a long while but just precautionary to do the right thing since also advised by Kenny initially.

 

People auto confirmed Kenny's concern before fitting the cusco adjustable camber link and doing the alignment since one stop exercise.

 

Unfortunately did not managed to find the print out from People Auto which I tot I saved in my googledrive and cannot share here.

 

Cheers.

 

Richard

[Orixy]

Thought I should share on 2 recent things i did on my FXT.

 

Bought big and small Powerflex polyurethane bushings for front control arm and done alignment. Instantly felt steering was tighter and better feel during turning. Hoped they last way longer than the crappy stock ones that were cracked when i changed them. Costed me $200 to buy + ship from eBay UK.

 

I also did the Neuto dry hydrogen valve decarbonising. The before and after decarbonisation report showed marked improvement to the engine operating parameters like A/F Ratio and CO2 levels. On the road, it feels like the engine has recovered its lost power due to carbonisation as it now pulls strongly even at low rpm using I-mode. Fuel consumption shld improve too. Costed $138 and done within an hour which i think wkshops like BMS and RaceTech are offering for this service. IMO quite a worthwhile "mod" to do.

 

Jus sharing :)

[MPS]

Thought I should share on 2 recent things i did on my FXT.

 

Bought big and small Powerflex polyurethane bushings for front control arm and done alignment. Instantly felt steering was tighter and better feel during turning. Hoped they last way longer than the crappy stock ones that were cracked when i changed them. Costed me $200 to buy + ship from eBay UK.

 

I also did the Neuto dry hydrogen valve decarbonising. The before and after decarbonisation report showed marked improvement to the engine operating parameters like A/F Ratio and CO2 levels. On the road, it feels like the engine has recovered its lost power due to carbonisation as it now pulls strongly even at low rpm using I-mode. Fuel consumption shld improve too. Costed $138 and done within an hour which i think wkshops like BMS and RaceTech are offering for this service. IMO quite a worthwhile "mod" to do.

 

Jus sharing :)

Thanks for sharing these two great tips.

 

Will definitely get to it asap!

[Jamesgetz]

Has anyone successfully installed the STi pedals in the Forester XT?

 

https://www.sti.jp/en/parts/forester_sj/interior/SG317FG000/

 

Reason I’m asking is because I saw the below comment on the STi website. If I’m not wrong, our Forester XT comes with the “sports pedal”.

“ * This product cannot be installed on vehicles equipped with sports pedals with aluminum pads. ”

Edited May 16, 2019 by Jamesgetz

[Epsilon]

Has anyone successfully installed the STi pedals in the Forester XT?

 

https://www.sti.jp/en/parts/forester_sj/interior/SG317FG000/

 

Reason I’m asking is because I saw the below comment on the STi website. If I’m not wrong, our Forester XT comes with the “sports pedal”.

“ * This product cannot be installed on vehicles equipped with sports pedals with aluminum pads. ”

I know someone with FNA installed the same STI pedals that you mention.

[Jamesgetz]

I know someone with FNA installed the same STI pedals that you mention.

I suspect most FNA dont come with the aluminum sports pedals, that’s why no issue with installing the STi pedals

[Doggyfoo]

I suspect most FNA dont come with the aluminum sports pedals, thatâs why no issue with installing the STi pedals

No issue with fxt..I installed on mine.

[Jamesgetz]

No issue with fxt..I installed on mine.

That’s great! Tks for the info

[Orixy]

Just to clarify, your final front camber settings are negative 40” left and negative 22” ?

 

Camber angle is usually in degrees and minutes (“). 60 minutes make up 1 degree so the angle is usually not specified in terms of normal decimal figures. If so, your front and rear camber look OK as the difference between left and right side is minor.

 

And 1 more thing to clarify, is the TOTAL rear toe 0.5? This means the PARTIAL rear toe is 0.25 each for left and right? If so, looks OK

 

Guys, just wanna revisit alignment matter. Perhaps James and other bros can help comment on the alignment done at People's Auto. Do see photo of alignment report. :)

[Tohto]

Just tried my friend 1.2t qashqai and surprisingly even with his 18 inch lower profile tires it still feel much compliant ride than our xt. I actually feel more low end g force pull in his ride than in my own xt. That puzzled me

Because it is made in Europe and europe tuned.

Edited May 19, 2019 by Tohto

[Epsilon]

Hi Orixy,

 

Adjustable cusco toe link is more ex at 35kyen compared to their 32kyen camber link ... did not buy the initial as I was hoping the latter suffices. This attempt with cusco touring A dampers with controller and the cusco camber link together with fitting and realignment already cost quite a bit :(

 

2.5 to almost 3 deg camber was adjusted back to 2 deg with the cusco camber link but still not ideal of within typical 1.5 deg .. else toe will be out and People's just stayed as is.

 

Dunno if I will proceed with the adjustable toe link which I understand some bro just cut stock one and mod with adjustor but you need spare since not same day work.

 

Frankly was quite disappointed that just pink spring of lowered 15mm and newly added cusco touring A dampers affected so much when just pink was marginal at 1.5 deg ... both Kenny and People's readout about the same before the adjustable cusco camber link. Cusco touring A dampers affected surprising quite a bit.

 

Admittedly also did not read much into both print out cos confused by many of the measurements shown and left blank.

 

Cheers.

 

Richard

Hi Richard,

 

Do you have the MFG p/n for the Adjustable cusco toe link?

 

thanks

[richard_crl032]

Hi Richard,

 

Do you have the MFG p/n for the Adjustable cusco toe link?

 

thanks

Hi Epilson,

 

I did not proceed with the adjustable cusco toe link yo know for sure ...

 

These part nos for forester are a bit confusing since not specifically mentioned but it should be this one:

 

6A1 474 LA

<<https://www.japanparts.com/parts/detail/46257>>

 

It is also confusing as they refer it to "front" and what it is means is front link of the rear suspension .. lol.

 

Hope turns out ok and do share to benefit more ... local forester owners are one of most active worldwide and this mycarfroum thread is also read by many to help all.

 

Cheers.

 

Richard

Edited May 20, 2019 by richard_crl032

[Chryze]

Hi all,

 

Between pink springs and vibration control struts,which is a more VFM upgrade for a more comfort ride?

 

If not, are there other upgrade alternatives?

 

I'm driving a FNA and so far I only changed to the sti rear ARB.

 

Thanks.

[Epsilon]

Hi all,

 

Between pink springs and vibration control struts,which is a more VFM upgrade for a more comfort ride?

 

If not, are there other upgrade alternatives?

 

I'm driving a FNA and so far I only changed to the sti rear ARB.

 

Thanks.

for the vibration control struts, if GB of 5 then the price will be $450 and if not will be $500

Hi Epilson,

 

I did not proceed with the adjustable cusco toe link yo know for sure ...

 

These part nos for forester are a bit confusing since not specifically mentioned but it should be this one:

 

6A1 474 LA

<<https://www.japanparts.com/parts/detail/46257>>

 

It is also confusing as they refer it to "front" and what it is means is front link of the rear suspension .. lol.

 

Hope turns out ok and do share to benefit more ... local forester owners are one of most active worldwide and this mycarfroum thread is also read by many to help all.

 

Cheers.

 

Richard

Hi Richard,

 

I don't think i will buy it. but using the same part number this part show as rear lateral link and it is quite expensive.

Edited May 20, 2019 by Epsilon

[richard_crl032]

for the vibration control struts, if GB of 5 then the price will be $450 and if not will be $500

 

Hi Richard,

 

I don't think i will buy it. but using the same part number this part show as rear lateral link and it is quite expensive.

Hi Epsilon,

 

Hence I mentioned it is confusing but it is certainly not the rear lateral camber link that I already installed and hence would be the "front" rear lateral toe link if you understand where I am coming from ..

 

Cheers.

 

Richard

[Jamesgetz]

Hi all,

 

Between pink springs and vibration control struts,which is a more VFM upgrade for a more comfort ride?

 

If not, are there other upgrade alternatives?

 

I'm driving a FNA and so far I only changed to the sti rear ARB.

 

Thanks.

What is your definition of comfort? Feel less road imperfections and less bumpy? Feel more stable/planted at high speed? I asked becos comfort is highly subjective.

 

I’m not sure if the STi pink springs (or any other lowering spring) would improve comfort as it’s meant to be a performance enhancement mod. Lowering springs are stiffer so you will naturally feel more road imperfections but the car would be more stable/planted because the car is lower.

 

I’ve installed the “vibration control” front and rear dampers. It helps a little but in my honest opinion, the $ is better spent elsewhere if you are looking to improve comfort.

 

There’s not much you can do to enhance the comfort of a stock car which is tuned for comfort over performance. The more/thicker braces/bars/bushings you add, the car becomes stiffer, comfort level will drop. Do you realise that the thicker STi rear sway bar will cause your car to jolt up and down more if the left or right wheel goes over a bump (or into a pothole) first? The upside is there is less body roll when you are driving fast round a bend. Most mods come with both pros and cons.

 

1 way you can improve comfort is to downsize the tyres (and rims). Thicker tyres provide more cushioning from road imperfections. But if you are already on 17”, do you want to make the tyres even smaller? And you need to invest in a new set of 16” rims. Or you can upsize the tyre profile but your speedometer will be off and you may feel the car is slightly sluggish during acceleration.

 

Another way is to replace your stock dampers with Cusco touring A dampers. These struts have adjustable damping and you can turn down the damping to very comfy setting, almost like riding on thick, fat tyres. But the handling is also like riding on thick, fat tyres when you drive around a bend...

Edited May 21, 2019 by Jamesgetz