2015 Forester 2.0

[Doggyfoo]

Hi Foo,

 

Affirmative .. only front stiffner and I look forward to reportedly higher compliant ride with the rear flexible stiffener pair of ST20168SF000 and not on handling. You did not find this led to better compliance ride ??

 

Our stock fxt din not even come with the long 4 ft undercarriage cover pair shown in the photo that I added and wonder why higher FC or noise with just removal of the covers. I managed to understand where are these cover with photo of my ride .... many thanks for sharing on this good info to me.

 

For bros' understanding, stock oreli have the rear stiffeners but these flexible ones are originally for sti or forester ts (pre FL versions a, b and c) and not later FL versions d and e but works similarly.

 

The million dollars question from me is do you have them for sale still after removal as I would really like to try them but hard to get used ones ecen from Japan since I am not too concerned with fc and my soundproofing may help alleviate any noise increase ... pls pm me accordingly.

 

Cheers.

 

Richard

Nope, I have them installed back as the benefit far surpass the increase in fc and nvh.

 

It's removal is just to prove to myself that the cover have its purposes.

 

However, I do have cusco rear chamber arm, pitch stopper and spoon rigid collars for sales..all brand new.

Edited June 9, 2019 by Doggyfoo

[richard_crl032]

Nope, I have them installed back as the benefit far surpass the increase in fc and nvh.

 

It's removal is just to prove to myself that the cover have its purposes.

 

However, I do have cusco rear chamber arm, pitch stopper and spoon rigid collars for sales..all brand new.

Hi Foo,

 

Awwahh .. looks like I have to wait for used one in Japan or shoot new ones albeit the big $ but not more compliant rear ride as taiwanese modder advised cos now "flexible" instead of stock rigid solid rods ?

 

Tks for the offer but oreli fitted the adjustable cusco camber arm and magic collar while not looking at pitch stopper ... hope bros here reading this will contact you if they need them ... the collars made the forester more planted and significant to be felt instantaneously for me.

 

Cheers.

 

Richard

Edited June 9, 2019 by richard_crl032

[richard_crl032]

Hi Foo,

 

See it now why nvh increases with removal of the 2 bottom covers to allow fitying of these sti flexible covers ... many exposed big holes.

 

Seems not difficult to mod the covers' entrance for the sti flexible stiffeners or worse case just seal the holes seen with stp bomb SP materials ... hope also that the autofoam that I did will alleviate any noise into the autofoam filled chassis beams that stock ones are hollow.

 

Still hope for the further good info if indeed more compliant ride is noted after they are fixed.

 

Cheers.

 

Richard

Edited June 9, 2019 by richard_crl032

[Doggyfoo]

Hi Foo,

 

See it now why nvh increases with removal of the 2 bottom covers to allow fitying of these sti flexible covers ... many exposed big holes.

 

Seems not difficult to mod the covers' entrance for the sti flexible stiffeners or worse case just seal the holes seen with stp bomb SP materials ... hope also that the autofoam that I did will alleviate any noise into the autofoam filled chassis beams that stock ones are hollow.

 

Still hope for the further good info if indeed more compliant ride is noted after they are fixed.

 

Cheers.

 

Richard

Richard, for a more planted and precise handling, you might want to look at Superpro Roll Centre kits and rear bushing. Day and night different in steering feedback and handling performance. Very evident in my occasional travel to T5 construction site and other sites that I visited.

 

It was by chance that I came across this product, my regular workshop, BMS was closed for the day and my Aircon and bushing gave way. Visited dynamic mechanic which was near my workplace and the owner recommended it to me. Not cheap but a very worthwhile upgrade. I believe if one is to push the limit of handling for their fozzie. This is a must have. More so than the rear stiffener.

 

It's not difficult to cut just a little on the bottom cover to allow both the installation of cover and rear stiffener at the same time but I see no reason to do it as NVH is min and you won't notice it after an hr or 2, a light sound proofing will alleviate easily.

 

Pitch stopper, now that is another thing altogether. The spilt second benefit under hard acceleration she provide for the grossly increase in NVH is something I cannot bear. I have it removed in under 15 mins. Full engine and cvt noise are transmitted into the cabin. It is loud and get worst at higher speed.

 

BTW, where did you install ur magic collar?

Edited June 9, 2019 by Doggyfoo

[Doggyfoo]

I think in term of arb, Hardrace and Whiteline are some of the stiffest around. However, I choose the basic sti arb for it more compliance ride compared to the formers. Both HR and WL are no compromise upgrade.

[richard_crl032]

Richard, for a more planted and precise handling, you might want to look at Superpro Roll Centre kits and rear bushing. Day and night different in steering feedback and handling performance. Very evident in my occasional travel to T5 construction site and other sites that I visited.

 

It was by chance that I came across this product, my regular workshop, BMS was closed for the day and my Aircon and bushing gave way. Visited dynamic mechanic which was near my workplace and the owner recommended it to me. Not cheap but a very worthwhile upgrade. I believe if one is to push the limit of handling for their fozzie. This is a must have. More so than the rear stiffener.

 

It's not difficult to cut just a little on the bottom cover to allow both the installation of cover and rear stiffener at the same time but I see no reason to do it as NVH is min and you won't notice it after an hr or 2, a light sound proofing will alleviate easily.

 

Pitch stopper, now that is another thing altogether. The spilt second benefit under hard acceleration she provide for the grossly increase in NVH is something I cannot bear. I have it removed in under 15 mins. Full engine and cvt noise are transmitted into the cabin. It is loud and get worst at higher speed.

 

BTW, where did you install ur magic collar?

Hey Foo,

 

Thanks .. not into performance or handling ... just on more compliant aka plush ride.

 

I was hoping the rear flexible stiffener does so cos it is "flexible" as compared to stock solid rods. I fix the flexible subframe which certain helped for a more compliant/plush ride but not nite and day of course.

 

Cool on possible of mod of the plates and will do so if I do proceed with this 700+ mod .. they are there for some unknown design requirement and prefer stock unless I know when they are for.

 

Noted and tks for yr experience on pitch stopper and guess same like ball top mounted plate instead of stock rubber, great for precision but cannot be more comfortable than stock rubber which absorb the impact.

 

The magic collars were installed in shop opposite kenny alignment but cannot remember name now .. will check. Similarly, nvh increased but marginal against the notable more planted ride and hence did not remove.

 

Cheers.

 

Richard.

[richard_crl032]

I think in term of arb, Hardrace and Whiteline are some of the stiffest around. However, I choose the basic sti arb for it more compliance ride compared to the formers. Both HR and WL are no compromise upgrade.

Hi Foo,

 

Yes .. I also ditched the rear cusco arb and went with sti arb even with flexible subframe especially since cusco touring A is oreli stiffer than stock dampers with already pink springs installed.

 

Unfortunately, no same forester is the same or butt feel is the same. Just have to experiment but bros here and in forester group helped me to appreciate other suspension setups of:

 

- cusco touring A with stock sprinh,

- bilstein b6 with pink,

- sti setup

- rsr with stock dampers and cusco touring A

- peddar coilover,

- bc coilover etc.

 

This is of course in addition to my own pink with stock dampers and with cusco touring A .. also tried 3 stock fna to learn.

 

Cheers.

 

Richard

Edited June 9, 2019 by richard_crl032

[richard_crl032]

Hey Foo,

 

Thanks .. not into performance or handling ... just on more compliant aka plush ride.

 

I was hoping the rear flexible stiffener does so cos it is "flexible" as compared to stock solid rods. I fix the flexible subframe which certain helped for a more compliant/plush ride but not nite and day of course.

 

Cool on possible of mod of the plates and will do so if I do proceed with this 700+ mod .. they are there for some unknown design requirement and prefer stock unless I know when they are for.

 

Noted and tks for yr experience on pitch stopper and guess same like ball top mounted plate instead of stock rubber, great for precision but cannot be more comfortable than stock rubber which absorb the impact.

 

The magic collars were installed in shop opposite kenny alignment but cannot remember name now .. will check. Similarly, nvh increased but marginal against the notable more planted ride and hence did not remove.

 

Cheers.

 

Richard.

Hi Foo,

 

Magic collar from AK motors.

 

Cheers.

 

Richard

Edited June 9, 2019 by richard_crl032

[Jamesgetz]

Richard, suggest you doublecheck the bolts. If I recall, some underchassis bolts are single-use stretched bolts. If removed, should replace with new bolts but most workshops don’t.

 

When I did it on my previous car (VW Jetta) at another workshop, the shop doublecheck the bolt tightness after a few months when I went for servicing.

 

It was a good handling mod for the VW Jetta as the chassis felt stiffer and cornering was more stable. But there was definitely more noise, vibration and harshness hence I decided not to do it for my FXT. I’m surprised you like it since you are after comfort and quietness

 

PS

Just realized you changed your steering wheel. Looks gorgeous!!! Where did you get it? Thought u just wrapped the stock one at wheelskinz?

Edited June 10, 2019 by Jamesgetz

[Jamesgetz]

Anyone had experience on those TPMS? Looking for the external type probably solar powered. Is it accurate enough?

https://m.facebook.com/SouthEastTyreCo/posts/1830901943655389

 

I’m using steelmate cigarette socket model. Used for 2 years already and still working fine. IMO, it’s quite accurate and it’s saved me twice as it detected low pressure due to nail puncture

[richard_crl032]

Richard, suggest you doublecheck the bolts. If I recall, some underchassis bolts are single-use stretched bolts. If removed, should replace with new bolts but most workshops don’t.

 

When I did it on my previous car (VW Jetta) at another workshop, the shop doublecheck the bolt tightness after a few months when I went for servicing.

 

It was a good handling mod for the VW Jetta as the chassis felt stiffer and cornering was more stable. But there was definitely more noise, vibration and harshness hence I decided not to do it for my FXT. I’m surprised you like it since you are after comfort and quietness

 

PS

Just realized you changed your steering wheel. Looks gorgeous!!! Where did you get it? Thought u just wrapped the stock one at wheelskinz?

 

Hi James,

 

Thanks  !  Yes, I read about the single use bolts and installer double checked to advise me no issue ... unfortunately at their mercy and do not believe new bolts were used.  Good advice to doublecheck since almost 1 year since fitted ... will do so very soon.

 

NVH increase was not significant and din feel major stiffening effect but it was "more planted" and assured even on straight road .. our forester has this "unsettled" ride which I find the magic collar to be a positive mod.

 

Glad you like the steering wheel ... this is the alternate Kenstyle sports steering leather wheel to usual d-styled DAMD or PROVA but it is more like double d-styled as the top is also a bit flatten.  I got it cheap used at USD90 that I cannot refuse after price dropped more than 50% but I had it modded to have center marker and restitched red cos it was orange stitching which is probably why nobody bought it earlier  ... wheelskinz one is in my ali baba cave ... lol !  I also had the srs cover redone in leather as the stock plastic one looks worse with this Kenstyle steering and of course had it stitched red.

 

https://www.croooober.com/en/item/8587753/Steerings/Selling-large-special-price-KENSTYLE-Leather-gun-grip-steering-Pleiades-Type-C

 

Cheers.

 

Richard

Edited June 10, 2019 by richard_crl032

[richard_crl032]

Hi Foo,

 

Affirmative .. only front stiffner and I look forward to reportedly higher compliant ride with the rear flexible stiffener pair of ST20168SF000 and not on handling. You did not find this led to better compliance ride ??

 

Our stock fxt din not even come with the long 4 ft undercarriage cover pair shown in the photo that I added and wonder why higher FC or noise with just removal of the covers. I managed to understand where are these bottom platrs with below photo of thrm from my ride .... many thanks for sharing on this good info to me.

 

For bros' understanding, stock oreli have the rear stiffeners but these flexible ones are originally for sti or forester ts (pre FL versions a, b and c) and not later FL versions d and e but works similarly.

 

The million dollars question from me is do you have them for sale still after removal as I would really like to try them but hard to get used ones ecen from Japan since I am not too concerned with fc and my soundproofing may help alleviate any noise increase as well ad there may be ways to mod the 2 bottom plates ... pls pm me accordingly.

 

Cheers.

 

Richard

 

Hi Bros,

 

Oops ... seems this Jap user and even his Jap guru workshop play down the effect of this sti rear flexible stiffener unlike Taiwan modder who had praised them highly to alleviate harshness over less than perfect road:

 

I asked the dealer why it was not adopted as an option, 

"It was adopted as tS pursued to the level that can be demonstrated in the limit state in the circuit etc., but it was adopted because it does not have the necessary effect in general driving "I did not turn it." 

When I asked the staff of the 2018 Nagoya Autotrend, "There was less change (although it would be better to have it than there was no support) compared to the F support subframe rear. 

 

2017/11/12 postscript As 

an evaluation after installation (5000 km travel), it is an impression that the overtaking of the junction of the expressway is more settled. 

However, I feel that at low speeds (country roads with many bumps) do not change much. (Slightly fluffy feeling seems to have increased)

Link: https://minkara.carview.co.jp/userid/1491215/car/2192474/8634665/parts.aspx

 

However, it did mentioned that sti flexible subframe which I can concur as positive mod and I would believe that the sti rear stiffeners being flexible should also be of significant positive impact ... photo of the stock rear stiffener "rod" shown below.

 

Cheers,

 

Richard

Edited June 10, 2019 by richard_crl032

[Jamesgetz]

Hi James,

 

Thanks ! Yes, I read about the single use bolts and installer double checked to advise me no issue ... unfortunately at their mercy and do not believe new bolts were used. Good advice to doublecheck since almost 1 year since fitted ... will do so very soon.

 

NVH increase was not significant and din feel major stiffening effect but it was "more planted" and assured even on straight road .. our forester has this "unsettled" ride which I find the magic collar to be a positive mod.

 

Glad you like the steering wheel ... this is the alternate Kenstyle sports steering leather wheel to usual d-styled DAMD or PROVA but it is more like double d-styled as the top is also a bit flatten. I got it cheap used at USD90 that I cannot refuse after price dropped more than 50% after tracking it for several weeks but I had it modded to have center marker and restitched red cos it was orange stitching which is probably why nobody bought it earlier ... wheelskinz one is in my ali baba cave ... lol ! I also had the srs cover redone in leather as the stock plastic one look worst with this Kenstyle wheel and of course had to it stitched red.

 

Cheers.

 

Richard

US$90?!!! That’s a freaking good deal! I’ve been eyeing the DAMD and kenstyle ones but they cost easily US$400-500, excluding shipping

[richard_crl032]

US$90?!!! Thatâs a freaking good deal! Iâve been eyeing the DAMD and kenstyle ones but they cost easily US$400-500, excluding shipping

Hi James,

 

Indeed usd400-500 made me akan datang for a long time .. I also know that I will get srs cover in leather if I were to get the leather steering after the vfm wheelzkins one.

 

Hope this photo with nice kenstyle paddle shifters pushes you over the ledge .. keke !

 

Cheers.

 

Richard

Edited June 10, 2019 by richard_crl032

[Keno13]

Hi all, my ride is FNA with the following installed recently.

1. STI 20mm ARB

2. STI Pink springs

 

The handling has definitely improved without much roll and understeer during turns. But my CO commented that the ride comfort is harsher now on uneven roads.

 

Just wondering whether if I swapped back to original 16mm ARB paired with pink springs, will the ride comfort be better with acceptable handling? Reason is i have thrown away the original spring but still have the original ARB. Anyone has tried this combination before, able to advise? TIA

[Jamesgetz]

Hi all, my ride is FNA with the following installed recently.

1. STI 20mm ARB

2. STI Pink springs

 

The handling has definitely improved without much roll and understeer during turns. But my CO commented that the ride comfort is harsher now on uneven roads.

 

Just wondering whether if I swapped back to original 16mm ARB paired with pink springs, will the ride comfort be better with acceptable handling? Reason is i have thrown away the original spring but still have the original ARB. Anyone has tried this combination before, able to advise? TIA

Since you still have stock ARB, why don’t you change back to try? Comfort level is highly subjective so what works for others may not be acceptable to you and vice versa

Hi James,

 

Indeed usd400-500 made me akan datang for a long time .. I also know that I will get srs cover in leather if I were to get the leather steering after the vfm wheelzkins one.

 

Hope this photo with nice kenstyle paddle shifters pushes you over the ledge .. keke !

 

Cheers.

 

Richard

Tsk tsk, you very evil... damn nice lor

 

PS. Your tweeter looks bigger than the stock woofer at front doors!

Edited June 11, 2019 by Jamesgetz

[richard_crl032]

Hi all, my ride is FNA with the following installed recently.

1. STI 20mm ARB

2. STI Pink springs

 

The handling has definitely improved without much roll and understeer during turns. But my CO commented that the ride comfort is harsher now on uneven roads.

 

Just wondering whether if I swapped back to original 16mm ARB paired with pink springs, will the ride comfort be better with acceptable handling? Reason is i have thrown away the original spring but still have the original ARB. Anyone has tried this combination before, able to advise? TIA

Hi Keno,

 

Awwah .. wasted that you threw away the stock springs ... I kept mine even though I do not foresee getting them installed back.

 

Just some comments:

 

- fna differ with already softer stock springs as well as different softer pink springs .. also does not have subframe link of fxt which make ride even stiffer

 

- indeed butt feel differs .. I have stiffer pink springs than fna's but my fxt with also stiffer stock dampers than fna still fine but bouncy at highway speed which prompted me to cusco touring A

 

- gets more harsh with cusco touring A even at softest setting without being too bouncy .. stiffer stock dampers of fxt compared to fna is still softer than cusco touring A

 

Lastly, you have to try to know if swapping back to stock arb is better cos it is about matching and not necessarily softer stock arb will be better overall ..it is also just tens of dollars to remove and refit without any need for alignment .. please let us know.

 

Cheers.

 

Richard

[richard_crl032]

Since you still have stock ARB, why donât you change back to try? Comfort level is highly subjective so what works for others may not be acceptable to you and vice versa

Tsk tsk, you very evil... damn nice lor

 

PS. Your tweeter looks bigger than the stock woofer at front doors!

Hi James,

 

Absolutely .. some general comments from sharing but must really try out personally to know.

 

Always like to poison but not in evil way .. just info what can be done .. keke !

 

Btw, those are midrange drivers in a 3 way setup and not tweeters ... yes, some use full range drivers in about same size to work as both tweeters and midrange in a 2 way set up.

 

Cheers.

 

Richard