Finally found my donor

[anejo99]

After trolling around the IAAI website for several weeks waiting for the 'perfect' donor, I finally pulled the trigger and bought a 2004 Forester XT. The car was only rear ended and (is suppose to have) good mechanicals (i.e. it starts and runs) -- I am still waiting for it to arrive to check it out in person, however, thus the proof will be in the pudding at that point, but all looks good so far.

If you are not familar, this model has essentially the same engine as the 2006/07 WRX, whereas it uses the same block as the 2004 STi but with a smaller turbo and injectors. Thus it is also easily upgradeable to STi power levels (which I will likely be doing). It also has the same 5-speed as the 2004 WRX, but with slightly taller gears (TBD on what real-world difference that may make).

Finally, since it is suppose to be essentially the same as a 2004 WRX otherwise, I think I should have everything I need, but I am curious if anyone knows what else may be different or needed?
Thanks.

[Evan78]

Just an FYI, the gear ratios are the same as the WRX from around those years, but it came with a 4.44 final drive instead of the 3.9 of the WRX. Since we're not using the rear or center diff, I think the effective ratio is going to be the same as a WRX transmission.

Edit: duh, I would assume the front output matches the 4.44 of the rear, so it should be shorter than the 3.9 of the WRX.

[Frank818]

That Forester has all the variable cam stuff? AVLS and AVCS?

[RM1SepEx]

4.44 is shorter gears, not taller. Speed in gears will be less

WRX MPH & RPM Calculator
Gear Ratios 1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th Final
3.454 1.947 1.366 0.972 0.738 4.44

MPH Calculator
MPH 33.7694758804 59.91 85.39 120.00 158.05
RPM 7000

RPM Calculator
RPM 14510.1452487805 8179.29 5738.52 4083.34 3100.31
MPH 70

Tire Diameter 24.86
Aspect Ratio 50
Section Width 225
Wheel Diameter 16

[anejo99]

I am still waiting to recieve it, thus I will shortly find out what the status of everything is - plus when I tear it down, I will become even more familar with the details.

Given the recent concerns about the tranny's strength, however, I am considering upgrading it with stronger gears and a LSD -- or I just might wait until it blows up and do it then, thus the stock gearing becomes a moot point when that occurs. In the meantime, if indeed it comes with shorter gears, I'll let everyone know what the driving experience is like with them - TBD.