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Time to read 18 min
Getting creative is an important aspect of being an enthusiast no matter your choice of Subaru vehicle or style target you have in focus. Many may think a true modifier is one who only alters their vehicle to become a high performing showpiece or something that only hits the highway during the week or the track on the weekends. This could not be further from the truth. When you become embedded in the Subaru community, you quickly realize how diverse and special the members are. They come from all walks of life, follow all areas of car culture - based on road, track, and/or trail - and drive all platform types. If you have spent significant time around the Subaru crowd, you will see that the overland faction is a definite force who takes their passion and their vehicles very seriously. Also, like their road and track siblings, they love to modify, upgrade, and enhance their chariots to make them look and perform better under some of the most challenging situations. Owners of the Subaru Forester have been a proud bunch since the vehicle's introduction in 1998. Three years after the launch of Subaru's first "sport utility wagon", the large, robust Outback, the Forester came on the scene as a true “sport utility vehicle” (SUV). The smaller, but muscle flexing younger child was bigger than the Impreza and could do much more which turned many heads in a community of faithful who wanted to not only drive safely under harsh conditions, but have an economically smart vehicle become part of their family - joining them on all their weekend outings and letting it go through the rough and tumbling world without worrying about looking bright and polished every second.
Like the Outback, the Subaru Forester became a very familiar, and truthfully, very comforting household name wearing a badge of safety and dependability as well. Over the years all this bonding between driver and vehicle created the need for aftermarket upgrades to assist the owner in fulfilling the expectations which were born from that first experience. The most passionate expressive owners, drivers and enthusiasts needed upgrades to make their favorite platform ride higher, sound tougher, stop more safely, while looking sharp. The aftermarket provides a wide range of options for the Subaru Forester model, from the first year up to the present, to bring the vehicle to the next level, no matter what degree of performance the owner dreams to achieve. A Forester owner may be contemplating an upgrade to their suspension where they will possibly be researching coilovers, stabilizer components, or lift kits, or they may be looking into enhancing their sound with a new exhaust as they check out the best cat-backs and axle-backs available. Along this line, they may also be thinking about a performance braking system, how to protect the exterior of the vehicle from trail damage, and moreover, how to navigate safely. Whatever items or ideas fill their dreams, there are quality innovators in the marketplace to satisfy their desires. In this article we will try to paint an overview of available modification options using some broad, introductory strokes which aim to prompt ideas and direct the driver to some quality products in these four areas.
There are a wide range of premiere manufacturers in the marketplace when an overland enthusiast is looking to modify specific areas on their beloved Subaru Forester. Again, whether the focus is on the suspension, the exhaust, the brakes, the exterior, or the interior, these creators of quality, performance, and style have some big offerings. First, the folks at BC Racing have been engineering and building coilover solutions for over 20 years. After their first decade of dominance in the industry, they became one of the most successful and established suppliers of suspension systems for professional drivers and the average Subaru enthusiast. Fortune Auto is another manufacturer who has delivered the goods by supplying motorsports with performance suspension components that have helped transform both Japanese and European cars into winners at events from the World Challenge to Formula Drift and beyond. Their engineering and testing is an example of how technology and innovation translate into success and respect which is reflected both in the consumer and professional markets. The New Hampshire manufacturer ISC Suspension also brings a wide range of high performance suspension kits, suspension control arms, and lowering springs to the market while injecting their influence into both motorsports and the life of the quality seeking Subaru enthusiast. Using the most modern manufacturing processes, ISC takes pride in the quality materials they use to create products to bring all drivers of all genres to victory. The historic timeline of Racing Studio-R ( RS-R Suspension ) goes back to 1980 where their team began manufacturing high quality suspension components to improve upon their ability to provide customers on all levels with products that will bring success.
Over the decades, companies like BC Racing, Fortune Auto, and RS-R have become serious innovators and technical experts in their field with the primary goal to satisfy the demand of our amazing marketplace. Expanding into the world of manufacturing that provides not only suspension solutions, RalliTEK also delivers lift-kits and a wide range off-road-focused parts for the overland Subaru enthusiast. Along with answers for the off-road suspension modification, they provide springs, struts, and protective hardware for the trail digging vehicle. Canadian-based LP Aventure has two decades of experience as off-road outfitters supplying their customers with a hearty range of lift kits, bumper guards, skid plates and a number of exterior accessories. They have a respected reputation for being a safety focused provider spending much of their development and engineering efforts on both testing and compliance to ensure both quality and safety are top priorities. Swinging our view to the vehicle's underside, we see companies like Invidia, Nameless Performance, HKS , and Lachute Performance continually bring a steady stream of products into the market to serve those looking to improve their vehicles power, growl, and audible presence. All have become major players in the Subaru modification game while applying a high degree of pride onto those drivers using their products. Another collection of talent innovators who can provide the Subaru Forester owner with quality options.
Scanning over the world of performance braking, like with Suspension and Exhaust manufacturers, there are a few iconic creators that have been powerful forces in making sure both drivers on the road and track can safely stop during any scenario, whether at lower or higher speeds. Disk Brakes Australia (DBA) are globally renowned for their 45 years of manufacturing experience, impressive designs, and intelligent engineering. Their proven performance, reputation, and heritage has brought this company unwavering support from lovers of motorsports and the everyday enthusiast alike. The California-based company Stoptech has been embedded in the racing scene from the Grand-Am to the World Challenge successfully fueling the marketplace with a number of high-quality performance braking products that satisfy the needs of Subaru drivers both on and off the road. The 30-year veteran manufacturers at Hawk Performance bring their braking systems and products to all factions of the Subaru faithful. Between their offerings for the daily driver and the professional racer, Hawk always keeps pushing the advances of braking technology as they bring their concepts to the production table year after year. While pure performance and mechanical enhancements are always something on the mind of the enthusiast, whether they motor on the road, track, or overland, bringing a sweet modification to the Subaru Forester can only be achieved after sampling the great offerings of some other companies who specialize in enhancing the exterior of a vehicle with quality parts made by companies with a stellar reputation.
Rally Armor has been providing robust products which can protect, stylize, and bring a quality look to the Subaru Forester for over 20 years. Their mud flaps are manufactured from premium materials designed and crafted by their team of experienced fabricators which not only helps enhance the modification ideas for the driver, but ultimately protects vehicles and those surrounding drivers. Brightening the road or trail more effectively has always been an important goal for Subaru enthusiasts. Manufacturers like Morimoto and Baja Designs are perfect sources for the Subaru Forester driver who wants to level up on their lighting output and bring additional style to the exterior personality of the vehicle. Morimoto lighting came on the aftermarket lighting scene in 2008 and has been providing both the daily consumer and professional performer equipped with high quality automotive lighting products which include headlights, taillights, fog lights, and other accessories for both on and off road adventure. Baja Designs are also veterans in the off-road lighting realm bringing a wide range of proven, high level offerings to the overland lover since 1992. Both companies, each serving different performance challenges with unique solutions, have engineered innovative methods to stay at top of the automotive lighting market. At this point, the best way to outline all these options for your Subaru Forester is to break them down by category. So, let's go.
First, moving into the area of suspension, lift, and the overall stabilization of the Subaru Forester, Subimods gives our creative community of enthusiasts a few options when their minds drift into a modification project in this category. If the driver is looking for the flexibility of quality coilovers, BC Racing has a couple of products that will satisfy the Forester lover. BC Racing offers their BR Series Coilovers for $1,195.00 which deliver both a mono-tube shock design with full height adjustability and 30 levels of dampening adjustment. Their DS Series Coilovers priced at $1,395.00 prove to be a versatile product that improves handling, lowers center of gravity, and enhances the overall stance of the vehicle. If the driver of a 2003 to 2008 Forester needs some help, the makers at Fortune Auto provide a solution at $1,799.00 with their 500 Series Generation 8 Coilover Kit which features 24-step adjustable monotube dampers with high pressure nitrogen, T6 6061 aluminum mounts and camber plates. ISC Performance offers the 2014 to 2018 Forester driver their Basic V2 Coilovers for $1,081.00 which feature 32 way adjustable damping, mono-tube dampers, full height adjust-ability, and a set of premium hardware included. With another suspension upgrade option, the good people at RS-R Suspension can provide their Best-I Jouge Coilover Kit for the 2019 Forester for an investment of $2,199.00. This product gives the Forester driver 36-way adjustable dampers allowing the enthusiast to tune their shock's compression and be prepared for almost any performance scenario. If the 2009-2024 Forester driver is looking into both a suspension upgrade and a few lifting options for their trail rider, both RalliTEK and LP Aventure have excellent solutions to deliver what they need to hit the trail safely.
First, a product which could give a lift to Foresters within the 2009 to 2018 range is the RalliTEK 1.5" Suspension Lift Kit Spacers for $576.45 or 2" Suspension Lift Kit Spacers for $618.45. Drivers of newer model Subaru Foresters built within the 2019-2024 time frame might consider the RalliTEK 1.5" Lift Kit Spacers with Alignment Correction for $618.45 or their 2" Lift Kit Spacers w/ Alignment Correction for $789.45 which are all manufactured in the USA, easy to install, and supported by a lifetime warranty. With more quality lifting options for the 2009 to 2023 Forester driver, LP Aventure has produced a number of choices allowing the enthusiast to lift the vehicle from 1.5 to 2 inches with ease and safety woven into the design. LP Aventure offers their 1.5" Lift Kit for 2009-2013 Foresters at $746.90, the 2" Lift Kit for the 2014 to 2018 Forester for $786.50, or for the 2019 to 2022 Forester, they have a 2" Lift Kit priced at $922.90. For some additional style to the underside of the vehicle, LP Aventure also provides some stylish options including their Powder Coated 1.5" Lift Kit for the 2009 to 2013 Forester for $830.50, the Powder Coated 2" Lift Kit for the 2014 to 2018 Forester for $878.90, and their product to serve the newer model vehicle, the Powder Coated 2" Lift Kit for the 2019 to 2022 Forester for $988.90. These products are designed with 304 stainless steel and TIG welded with an offset design, multi-link spacers which help to maintain the original positioning of the rear wheels, plus longer exhaust hangers to make configurations with single and dual exhaust systems installed easily. Moving from stability and lift to the voice of the vehicle, we can now examine some exhaust system options for the Subaru Forester of your choice.
As we outlined earlier, there are a number of manufacturers in the marketplace who provide exhaust system solutions to drivers who want to squeeze a bit more performance out of their vehicles, a couple we would like to feature as quality options for an upgrade project on the Subaru Forester. Maybe an earlier Subaru Forester owner, driving a trail-blazing 2009-2013 model, wants a little more aggression in its voice. They could first investigate what is available from our friends at Invidia who offer their model Q300 Cat Back Exhaust with Polished Tips for a little under a thousand dollars at $972.30. Those other drivers who are looking to improve the throaty sound of their 2015 to 2017 model Forester, should seriously look at their model N1 Dual Cat Back Exhaust for $906.50, and if they want some additional style, the same product comes with Titanium Tips for $934.50. Drivers of the base Forester, the 2.5i, and Forester XT can gain a little power and grit themselves if they take a peek at what Nameless Performance has in their product line. They offer a wide range of systems for a range of Forester models from 2009 to 2022 which allows a great number of upgrade possibilities. They have a few solutions in their arsenal, including their Axle Back model for the 2009 to 2013 Forester XT for $398.00, the Axle Back for the 2014 to 2018 Forester 2.5i for $253.00, and another Axle Back specifically for the 2019 to 2022 Forester for $314.00. Not forgetting the Cat Back systems from Nameless Performance, there is also a selection for XT vehicles built between 2014 and 2018 which include their Catback system for the 2014 Forester XT priced smartly at $1,147.00, the option with 5" Mufflers for $1,312.00. They also provide Catback solutions for the 2015 to 2018 Forester XT models with one system priced at $1,147.00 and one with 5" Mufflers for $1,312.00.
Both HKS and Lachute also have some quality products available for that Subaru Forester driver who is looking for a premiere exhaust system to give to their favorite outdoor adventurer. Again, an enthusiast who wants to upgrade their 2014 to 2018 Forester 2.5i, can take a look at the Legamax Premium Axle Back Exhaust for $493.00, and those owners of newer models around the 2019 to 2022 timeframe could check out the HKS Legamax Premium Axle Back Exhaust which is available with Burnt Stainless Steel Tip for $569.50. Lastly, if a Forester born between 2019 and 2024 is in need of a vocal upgrade, the enthusiast may consider Axle Back products from Lachute who offer both their Stainless Steel Muffled Axle Back with Double Wall Polished Tip for $357.50, and the Stainless Steel Muffled Axle Back with both the stylish Carbon Cover and Double Wall Polished Tip for an affordable price of $412.50. Of course, these are just baseline samples from exhaust companies who represent themselves with quality products within the Subimods catalog. When looking to upgrade your exhaust, no matter what year or edition Subaru Forester you own and drive, please do the research to ensure you are making the proper choice for your desired performance, sound, and overall result. The premiere companies we have featured offer just some of the options which could serve the needs of the Forester lover. Always feel free to reach out to our team at Subimods, to ask questions, and use these examples as a foundation to start a conversation and determine what you want and need before choosing something that will give you disappointing results. There are so many options in all the categories we have mentioned so far, but now entering the options of available braking system upgrades for the Forester we begin aligning with great solutions to ensure safe stopping power from a few of the industries most innovative manufacturers.
Even though an investment in a new braking system is not the most exciting of talking points between enthusiasts, the ability to stop while engaging in any level of performance or extreme situation should always be looked at as a priority step in the modification or upgrade process. Like with the previous categories, we can align the Subaru Forester owner who wishes to up their game in stopping performance and safety with a few manufacturers who have literally defined innovation within the auto industry. One consideration for Forester XT owners may be some of the available braking products from DBA which include their Street Series model Drilled Slotted Rear Rotors for the 2009-2013 XT priced at $143.00, and Front Rotors for the years 2014 to 2016 for $145.86. In addition, DBA's 4000 Series Slotted Rear Rotors for the 2009 to 2013 XT are available for $169.95, while the Slotted Front Rotor for the 2014 to 2016 Forester XT will run the driver $196.35. The innovative team at StopTech has a plethora of braking systems and pad configurations for the 2009 to 2013 Forester owner ranging from around $70.00 to right under $200.00. Laying out the options on the table, we first see their Premium Blank Rear Rotor for these Forester years starting at $71.21, with the Front Rotor priced at $97.57. Their Cryo-Stop series Blank Rear Rotor is available for $94.53, and the Front Rotor comes in at $116.93. Finally, their popular SportStop Drilled Rear Left Rotor for the Forester could be an option along with the companion Rear Right Rotor, both priced at $174.98. DBA, StopTech, and the braking icon Hawk also provide matching brake pads for many of these systems for a price range between $56.65 and $121.00 depending, of course, on the model and performance level expectations of the driver. Sliding away from the more mechanical modifications leads us to a number of products that both provide some protection to the underside of the vehicle in challenging situations, offers some additional aspects of safety along with style to the overall exterior, while maintaining that proper Subaru charm that the community craves no matter what platform or year they cherish.
Touching on the subject of exterior protect and keeping the critical functions of engine parts and suspension components intact throughout the vehicle's performance, we need to outline some products from both RalliTEK and LP Aventure who have worked hard to develop some quality offerings which will extend the life of the overland enthusiast's off-road chariot. Looking at the RalliTEK line card we immediately see three products that would be great investments for the Forester owner, the RalliTEK Front Skid Plate specifically designed for the 2004 to 2008 Forester affordable priced at $329.00, the Transmission Skid Plate for both 2019 to 2024 and 2020-2025 Foresters for $339.00, and for the Non Turbo 2014 to 2018 Forester for only $303.45. As an alternative protection option for Foresters within the 2014 to 2021 time frame, LP Aventure offers a number of products that may line up with this Subaru lover's modification plans. First, their CVT Skid Plate for use with the LP Engine Skid Plate which protects the 2017 and 2018 Forester 2.5 comes into the picture at $324.50, while their Skid Plate for use with the LP Bumper Guard on a 2014 to 2018 Forester XT and 2.5 is available for $489.50. They also offer their Front Skid Plate for use with the LP Bumper Guard fitted for a 2019 to 2021 Forester also priced at $489.50. Not to be overshadowed by rigid steel and heavy shielding, the products from Rally Armor can add some subtle but important protection that may be taken for granted inside most modification plans. They provide several mud flap options for a wide range of years and Forester editions including their UR Mudflaps in Black Urethane for the 1998 to 2002 Forester, for the 2003 to 2008 Forester, the 2004 to 2008 XT, and the 2009 to 2013 Forester and 2009 to 2013 XT for the affordable price of $159.50. For the newer Foresters, they offer their products for the 2014 to 2021 models for $169.50, while also providing a solution for both the 2022 to 2024 Forester and Forester Wilderness for only $225.00. These companies have the Forester owner a number of products to choose from which can both enhance and protect with a small and large footprint on the overall personality of the platform and vehicle's style.
Lastly, one of the most important areas which is often taken for granted (until it is desperately needed) is vehicle lighting. We see this category featured often when we speak of road and track upgrades or modifications, but the conversation tends to become muted in favor of lift kits, suspension overhauls, or the addition of big tires. Trail exploring, traveling in bad weather, and outdoor expeditions do not only take place in the brightest sun at mid-day. Where would we be if caught on the trail on a foggy, rainy night with either weak, low quality, or faulty lighting sources to guide the way to safety or just navigate properly. We thought of two companies who are equipped to outfit the Subaru Forester with quality fog lighting and bring another choice to those who want to raise their level of safety and style. Morimoto brings multiple offerings within this category to the table and two specific solutions that would be great choices for the next steps in the Forester's exterior upgrade project. Simply put, this manufacturer provides high quality, LED powered fog lights that are well-constructed, robust for outdoor life, and stylish enough to turn heads quickly. The XB LED projector fog lights are a long-lasting, dependable safety solution and smart investment for anyone heading out on the trail or roadway who may meet challenges to their visual capabilities. First, one affordable option is the Morimoto Type S XB LED Fog Light Kit with 5500k White LEDs for the 2014 to 2018 Forester priced at $199.28, or for an additional investment, the Type S XB LED Fog Light Kit with 3000k of Yellow light for $221.54. The second option we decided to feature is from our friends at Baja Designs who also offer a couple of lighting kits that feature 3,150 lumens of light output while utilizing a series of 4 LEDs with over 49,000 hours of life expectancy. Also designed specifically for the 2014 to 2018 Forester, Baja Designs provides their Amber Sport Fog Light Kit for $352.95 and the Pro Fog Light Kit for $568.95. The additional investment for this upgrade allows the Forester driver to mount this fog light kit in the vehicle's stock fog light pocket keeping the original lines intact and not forcing the installation of clumsy brackets or braces to add performance lighting to the exterior.
It doesn’t matter what route you choose or what category you decide to research first, but always remember to make informed choices along the way. Take a glance at the assorted upgrades and modification components mentioned in this article which are included in the product rotator below or explore our catalog for parts and accessories available for the Subaru Forester you wish to modify.. We hope this article will prove to be helpful in your Subaru modification journey.
Whether we discuss the road, track, or overland enthusiast and their vehicle, it is the goal of Subimods to continue providing aftermarket ideas, choices, and quality products to help our customers and followers take their Subaru platform to new, exciting heights. We would be very interested in your thoughts regarding this article and would encourage your feedback and comments regarding the upgrade or modification plans you have for your Subaru Forester.
Write your comments below and continue this conversation. We are always thrilled to hear your opinions. THANK YOU!
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Bryon Turcotte - Marketing Writer/Analyst
Turcotte has worked as a writer, journalist, and digital content developer for 30 years. He began his career in music journalism in 1995 then worked for several years as both a staff writer, managing editor, and a freelancer for both regional and national music publications. Over the next three decades his contributions extended beyond the music industry as he served within the realms of higher education, science and technology, manufacturing, and finance. He has been serving as a content developer and writer on the Subimods Marketing team since August 2023.
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