engine swap on a 2003 forester?

Asked by carsonward1 Oct 17, 2013 at 04:08 PM about the 2003 Subaru Forester XS

Question type: Car Customization

I have a 2003 Subaru forester 2.5 xs and I would like to upgrade my engine for an XT model or something that will get me going faster. I want to do it but I don't have a clue where to start. I know I would need a new engine but I am not sure which is best, also would I need to change the transmission and anything else?

4 Answers

10,545

you'd need the engine and the ECU, possibly the wiring harness, if the engine didn't come with a turbo, intercooler, and piping, which a lot wont, then you're gonna have to get all of that as well. Honestly you'd have a better time buying an XT model because you'll pay way too much if having a shop do it and it's more time and money than it's worth to do the swap yourself vs buying an XT.

4 people found this helpful.
7,015

Nick's right, you would need the wiring harness as well as the keys for the immobilizer, the engine cross member, and a few other odds and ends. The only reason I would contemplate doing that is if I found a cheap rear-ended and wrecked out Forester XT that I could get all the parts on and do it myself. Otherwise, I would sell the XS and purchase an XT.

2 people found this helpful.
30

these guys dont want you having a car cooler than theirs, there is no immobilizer if you get the right ecu, its way easier than these guys make it out to be

3 people found this helpful.

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