New MY09 GT Spec.B Owner

[Manaz]

Hi all,

Just signed today for a 2009 MY09 GT Spec.B Sedan. 80,462km on the clock, Newport Blue in colour. Unfortunately it's an automatic (the joys of being a family man).

It's the Premium spec, so it comes with the SatNav in the dash. Factory spec otherwise, comes with 12 months Subaru Assured Warranty (it came from a dealership). Tyres are currently Pirelli P-Zeros, they've got plenty of tread on them, so they'll be on the car for a while.

I'll be looking at suspension and engine/tuning mods shortly. What gives the best bang-for-the-buck in these areas?

Regards,

Robert

[agan]

Welcome Rob.

Be very careful in this forum - your wallet will disappear

Suspension wise - Tein S Techs or Kings, unless you want to head to coilovers. If I have my chance again - I would have gone down the Tein route.

Engine wise - heaps. Pierburg 3 port solenoid, Turbosmart Kompact BOV, phat dump (again something I would have done if I can turn back), and from taylor's experience - xforce centre and y pipe along with either your stock muffs or get those phat quads going in the for sale thread here:

viewtopic.php?f=68&t=21550

Have fun

EDIT: Please do post up pictures of your old ride and the current one

[jacks-GTB]

welcome another newport blue guy my twin

got pics ??

[Manaz]

welcome another newport blue guy my twin

got pics ??

Not yet - I pick it up tomorrow.

If you still have those STi oil & radiator caps for sale, what price can you do me on one of each?

[PoidaGT]

Hi all,

Just signed today for a 2009 MY09 GT Spec.B Sedan. 80,462km on the clock, Newport Blue in colour. Unfortunately it's an automatic (the joys of being a family man).

It's the Premium spec, so it comes with the SatNav in the dash. Factory spec otherwise, comes with 12 months Subaru Assured Warranty (it came from a dealership). Tyres are currently Pirelli P-Zeros, they've got plenty of tread on them, so they'll be on the car for a while.

I'll be looking at suspension and engine/tuning mods shortly. What gives the best bang-for-the-buck in these areas?

Regards,

Robert

Hey Rob.

Welcome aboard.

Best bang for your buck for power mods is an exhaust and tune.
This will give decent power and torque increases but more importantly, much better drivability.

Suspension mods I recommend sway bar upgrades and lower control arm bush upgrades.
This will make your Lib handle sweet and keep it family friendly.

There are a couple of highly regarded and trusted workshops here is Sydney I can recommend.
There are also a few ones we can advise you to stay clear of.

Good luck with your Mods.

[Manaz]

Thanks for the post (and the subsequent PMs) PoidaGT.

A plan is starting to come together.

Given I have the auto, and don't want a laggy turbo (but want a better mid/top end than the VF46). Currently investigating ball-bearing turbos with similar characteristics that will fit the Liberty...

[Manaz]

OK.

A plan is starting to build. I am very willing to listen to constructive criticsism/suggested alternatives

• Brakes - I have discussed this with Michael @ Garage 88. Mix of Dixcel stuff to fit under the Spec.B wheels. Will re-consider after I get TbSTi wheels.
• Wheels - stick with current ones till I come across a set of TbSTi wheels at a price I can't ignore.
• Process West Intercooler Kit.
• Turbosmart Kompact Plumb-back BOV. Purchased
• Pierburg 3 Port Boost Solenoid. Purchased
• XForce Exhaust (Mild Steel), will stick with stock rear mufflers.
• Dump Pipe - unsure yet. A PHAT dump would be good if I can get Michael to make one for the 5EAT for me .
• Turbo - totally unsure here. Was considering VF52, but have been advised to find a BB turbo instead of sleeve journal. I'm not after a top-end monster, I want good midrange, don't want it to run out of breath at the redline, and I only want to get to ~200kW ATW (so hopefully I can avoid a late-spooling top-end monster). Totally open to suggestions here.
• Pretty much set on using MSR for the tune. MRT are geographically close, but I think I'll pass, I've just heard too many bad things.

I may also do a reversing camera plugged into the factory SATNAV system, and will probably look at a rear spoiler at some stage too. Might even change the front grill.

[Manaz]

Considering this turbo...

[wilso_8948]

Michael is the man Robert. Stick with him

[PoidaGT]

Considering this turbo...

I was considering this Turbo at one point but was strongly advised against it.

Apparently it doesn't hit full boost until 4000rpm which means its a bit of a dog for an auto (I know of one forum member that has this turbo fitted)

my suggestions would be Garret or a Blouch ball bearing turbo.

I know MSR is a big blouch advocate and has got amazing results from them.

[Manaz]

Thanks Poida.

Sounds like I need to talk to Michael at MSR sooner rather than later.

[PoidaGT]

Thanks Poida.

Sounds like I need to talk to Michael at MSR sooner rather than later.

I just saw one of MSR's Facebook posts.

He recently tuned an unopened WRX with a Blouch turbo on E85 and got 290kw atw. (250 kw on 98)

Very impressive.

[Manaz]

If he can do that, I have no doubt he can get me to 200kW ATW with a quick-spooling turbo.

No E85 for me, but 98 is all I put in my cars.

[PoidaGT]

If he can do that, I have no doubt he can get me to 200kW ATW with a quick-spooling turbo.

No E85 for me, but 98 is all I put in my cars.

I won't consider E85 until its readily available and comparible costs.

I don't really like the idea of filling up every 300 kms.

I would really like the E85 power though.

[Manaz]

My first "mods":

https://www.dropbox.com/s/lz3k8ka8jag1q ... 105057.jpg

OK, that's probably a bit subtle...

https://www.dropbox.com/s/x842c796g9gr3 ... 105336.jpg

Because Spec.B (original name, I know) has headlight washers, the headlamp protectors had to go. Oddly, I'd commented on them to the dealership before I looked at the car the second time - they removed them for me and proved the washers worked - and then re-fitted them for when I picked the car up. But they're gone now.

The engine cover was only held on with two pins (and I cracked one of them as I removed it). Given I plan on upgrading the intercooler soon, I figured I'd remove it and be done with it.

If anyone wants an unmolestered engine cover to fit an EJ25T, or a set of headlight protectors, let me know.