How I Made My Subaru Forester Barely Road Legal With Modifications

As a Subaru Forester owner, I've always enjoyed taking my car off road and putting it to work. However, I also wanted to explore modifying it for increased performance on the street. In this article, I'll discuss the modifications I made to lower my Forester and boost its power, pushing it to the very edge of what's still considered road legal.

Lowering With Cosmis Wheels and BC Racing Coilovers

The first major modification was installing Cosmis crossover wheels with BC Racing coilovers to lower the ride height significantly. BC Racing coilovers allowed me to dial in the perfect stiffness for spirited driving while still preserving acceptable ride quality. Combined with the Cosmis wheels, the reduced suspension travel brings the body far closer to the ground for an aggressive stance. However, it does mean the already limited ground clearance is even more restricted, potentially compromising off road capability.

Increasing Horsepower With a Tial Wastegate and Big Turbo Upgrade

To make the most of the lowered center of gravity, I turned my attention to extracting more power from the 2.5L boxer engine. I started with a Tial 44mm wastegate to allow my turbo to spool faster and expel exhaust gases more efficiently. On top of that, I upgraded to a much larger turbo to significantly boost turbo pressure and overall engine output. These forced induction upgrades bumped horsepower well into the high 200s at the wheels, transforming the stock engine into a potent force.

Removing the Catalytic Converter for Extra Power

No high-performance build is complete without removing that pesky emissions equipment. By deleting the catalytic converter, I allowed the engine to breathe freely and unleashed a few extra horses. The raucous exhaust note that followed solidified its identity as a rowdy sleeper. However, the tradeoff is that my vehicle no longer passes smog inspections without it.

Pushing the Limits of "Road Legal"

With its overwhelming presence, booming exhaust, and radical stance, my modified Forester elicits plenty of attention and questions about its roadworthiness. While it may barely cling to the threshold of street legality in terms of safety and emissions, I continue exploring modifications like this push the limits of what's considered "road legal." Stay tuned as I document my ongoing project to transform this utilitarian SUV into an unassuming beast!

FAQs

1. What are the legality issues with removing the catalytic converter?

2. How difficult was the installation of the coilovers and what was your target ride height?

3. What other modifications do you have planned for continued power gains?

4. How does the Forester handle with the lowered stance and increased power?

5. What made you choose the Subaru Forester as a platform for this project?