I'm up in Canada and bought a 2nd gen 2008 forester with the auto. I was a little sad cause I've always owned manual cars, but I found this for such a good deal I couldn't say no. Thanks for this video, it definitely made me feel better about this! Nice car by the way!
That's awesome! Welcome to the SG club brother. I'm actually in the same boat as you. I've always owned 5 and 6 speed manual cars. This was the first vehicle that I intentionally purchased with an automatic transmission. I only did that because I washed my friend walk up the exact same trails as my 5-speed Forester struggled to climb them. It's nice to be able to let the torque converter do all the heavy lifting and avoid burning up the clutch. Thanks! Would love to see your Forester!
2:10 What you're talking about here is called "Moment of Inertia". And MOI scales as R^2. Meaning you increase your MOI as your wheels take on a larger radius. But, as stated, that increase is quadratic, not linear. So if your engine can't provide the Torque required.... your wheels... they don't turn. For an automatic... consider a turbo. For a manual..... also consider a turbo. LOL Btw, if there is anyone out there who has had experience turbocharging the H6's... I'd definitely like to talk to you. Great videos dude.... thank you.
I had the WORST physics professor so that stuff is barely hanging on somewhere in my brain from years ago lol! Thanks for the explanation. What're you driving? 3.0 Outback? Appreciate the kind words!
Interesting. In Europe, all early Forester Manuals have an additional low gear box (except turbo), 5 speed. My 2001 SF Turbo, is a 5speed Auto. Prefer this over manual for offroading, too. Nice video, cheers!
Yes! You guys got the dual range! We never got those in the US market unfortunately. We didn't even get turbo foresters until 2004 :( I'd love to have an 01 turbo like yours! But I agree. The autos are where it's at for offroading even over the dual range usually. The Subaru dual ranges don't go very low. You have any photos or videos of your car?
Great video. Good to know that the 4EAT is the right transmission for the job. Too bad to hear the new CVT's just does not have the same push up the inclines. Great scenery BTW.
The cvt's are still great but they definitely aren't designed to be hammered on unfortunately. They don't handle steep terrain well. For most other things they're just fine! It's a great place to live. I love the scenery. What kind of Subaru do you have?
@@clappedoutsubieshoopties2216 2011 Forester with a first gen FB25 engine and a 4EAT. Had the usual first gen engine issues like leaking oil from seals, head gasket and worn or stuck piston ring, the last of which I still need to get to next time I take it apart. Or, maybe I’ll just get the latest short block and have a spare.
@@hyojoonus I actually really like the SH Foresters. Great platform! Always a few kinks to sort out with the first iteration of a new engine. But still solid💪 I don't run an external cooler on it yet. But I definitely need to put one in it. I run one in my Jeep and suggest most Subaru offroaders do. I don't push the Forester hard these days but it's a good way to prolong the life of the transmission. I want to install an oil temp gauge to watch what those numbers look like. If it gets really hot, I may consider doing an oil cooler. But the car seems to run great as is. So we'll see! Is yours lifted?
@@clappedoutsubieshoopties2216 Still on the original suspension, but I am considering Bilstein B6 dampers for a refresh and possibly Rallitek springs with just 1/2” lift for touring load and minor off-roading. I do have the oil and trans coolers on my old VW 1.8t and they solved the heat and the related performance degradation issues. I’m hoping they’d do the same on the Forester especially on the long drives in the hot climates. The only things is the Subaru lacks the telemetry on the oil or trans temps. I may just need to carry around an infrared thermometer and point at the parts. Hehe.
We do have the dual range available in Romania and everywhere in Europe. We got almost everything that japan got, although there are a lot of stuff that are japan exclusive, like forester sti and the higher power engines because they had to reduce them due to emission restrictions in Europe. For the pre-facelift SG and the SF versions the DR has a 1.447 reduction gear and for the SG facelift and probably also SH, a 1.196 reduction gear. The DR transmissions came exclusive with the 2.0 and in some cases 2.5 NA engines, the XTs got the 5MT transmission. My 2004 XT has a 5MT but i wish it had an auto or that it would be easy to swap an auto into it.
i have both a 4eat sf forester (na 2.5) and a 5mt sg forester (na 2.5). I love both. my first clutch only lasted 10k miles of abuse so I decided to put a 6 puck ceramic clutch on it and it helps a lot because it puts the power down even while slipping it to keep the rpm up climbing steep hills. the new clutch has already survived much more abuse than a brand new stock one. i installed a switch to lock the 4eat center diff. my 4eat is much better for actually enjoying the scenery off road because you can go slower. the 5mt is better for beating on and pushing the limits of what a subaru can do.
Agreed! It's a lot harder for us USA folks to get a dual range. The 4EAT was a GAME CHANGER for me. No more dangerous full send runs up technical obstacles. Do you have a lifted subie?
I have to whole heartily agree that automatics are better offroad. We have two nearly identical 03 Bajas both with 4 in lift, 30 inch tires, and H6 swapped. One is 4EAT, with a rear locker and selectable center lock mod. The other is 5mt wit a 1.59:1 dual range mod and also triple locked with rear, front and center lunchbox style autolockers. Because of the front locker, the 5mt has slightly better traction. The 4EAT is still much better as an off roader because it won't stall and can start on a steep incline without burning the clutch which is still an issue even with the lowest dual range possible in the 5mt. Most dual range boxes are only 1.2:1 (which will be of very little help), mine was as well prior to modifying it to 1.59:1. I am in the process of swapping a 4EAT into the current 5mt setup, even though that particular manual tranny is a work of art. I will also be installing autolockers into the fronts of both automatic trannies as well. For those wondering, a custom set of stub axles have to be made up to accomplish the front locker mod, and then the new Torq master Subaru VA2 lockers will drop right in. The front lockers should only be added to off road vehicles as the handling on road will be a bit wonky without a few additional mods to the lockers.
Dude that's sick!! I'd love to see more of your Subarus😳 I considered going higher with my Forester and doing a dual range, but I kept seeing that they really weren't that low. I kept the Forester at 2 inches and bought a 4x4 to add to the collection for REALLY stupid trails😅 But the 4EAT is a pretty solid transmission all things considered. I love driving the Forester without worrying about the clutch and being able to take on steep trails. It's been much more enjoyable than my last 5mt foz. Did you use the sjr front locker?
No, the front locker is a torq masters the same as described for the automatic trannies. In fact, that VA2 model will fit into all of the trannies... manual, automatic and even cvt that Subaru has made since the mid 80s. The challenge is mating it to the front half axles...
I looked up the sjr locker and it permanently locks the center of the 4EAT. I simply add a switch that energizes the solenoid for the center clutch pack of the 4EAT... effectively locking it only while the switch is on. It is a simple mod that there are various videos for on RUclips. I do very much recommend that mod
How about the difference in awd performance between the 4EAT’s clutch based system and the 5MT 50:50 c-diff? I’ve only got experience with the 5MT and I think that works pretty well.
For me, it was just a matter of driving both, and hitting the same trails with other cars that outperformed my 5 speed despite being equipped almost identically. I can climb steeper things more easily and I don't have to worry about roasting the clutch. My other Subaru is a 5 speed though. Absolutely love it and I like the 50/50 split. Manuals will work on trails, but I've had a lot of fun after switching to an auto. As far as detailed knowledge about the center diffs and how they compare, I'm not a mechanic and don't have a technical background with any of it. Always more to learn! There is a guy on here that talks about doing the center diff mod on the 4EAT and I can't remember his name right off, but he gives a pretty good explanation of how the clutches and the basket work. I want to say his channel is called "power of your brains" or something. Definitely a knowledgeable dude!
@@clappedoutsubieshoopties2216 Yeah, daily (and light trail duty) an ‘03 Outback. Pretty much stock (Geolandar A/Ts and a Primitive Racing skid plate), but I’ve been going back and forth about getting a small lift. If you don’t mind me asking, what sort of lift did you do on the Fozzy? The other Legacy wagon is a ‘95 base spec beater that I’ve just been tinkering with and hitting up local races.
@@clappedoutsubieshoopties2216 I can definitely see where the auto is better on techy/steep parts of a trail. The 4.44 diffs compared to the 4.11 in the manuals probably make a noticeable impact as well as being able to load the torque converter. I also want to say that the 4EAT had a lower first gear with just bigger gaps between the ratios, but I’m not 100% sure on that.
@@nickodell just now seeing your comment. Missed it somehow! I'm running the OEM suspension but with an Anderson Design and fabrication spacer lift. I absolutely love it!
I'm up in Canada and bought a 2nd gen 2008 forester with the auto. I was a little sad cause I've always owned manual cars, but I found this for such a good deal I couldn't say no. Thanks for this video, it definitely made me feel better about this!
Nice car by the way!
That's awesome! Welcome to the SG club brother. I'm actually in the same boat as you. I've always owned 5 and 6 speed manual cars. This was the first vehicle that I intentionally purchased with an automatic transmission. I only did that because I washed my friend walk up the exact same trails as my 5-speed Forester struggled to climb them. It's nice to be able to let the torque converter do all the heavy lifting and avoid burning up the clutch.
Thanks! Would love to see your Forester!
2:10 What you're talking about here is called "Moment of Inertia". And MOI scales as R^2. Meaning you increase your MOI as your wheels take on a larger radius. But, as stated, that increase is quadratic, not linear. So if your engine can't provide the Torque required.... your wheels... they don't turn. For an automatic... consider a turbo. For a manual..... also consider a turbo. LOL Btw, if there is anyone out there who has had experience turbocharging the H6's... I'd definitely like to talk to you. Great videos dude.... thank you.
I had the WORST physics professor so that stuff is barely hanging on somewhere in my brain from years ago lol! Thanks for the explanation. What're you driving? 3.0 Outback?
Appreciate the kind words!
Interesting.
In Europe, all early Forester Manuals have an additional low gear box (except turbo), 5 speed. My 2001 SF Turbo, is a 5speed Auto. Prefer this over manual for offroading, too.
Nice video, cheers!
Yes! You guys got the dual range! We never got those in the US market unfortunately. We didn't even get turbo foresters until 2004 :( I'd love to have an 01 turbo like yours! But I agree. The autos are where it's at for offroading even over the dual range usually. The Subaru dual ranges don't go very low. You have any photos or videos of your car?
Great video. Good to know that the 4EAT is the right transmission for the job. Too bad to hear the new CVT's just does not have the same push up the inclines. Great scenery BTW.
The cvt's are still great but they definitely aren't designed to be hammered on unfortunately. They don't handle steep terrain well. For most other things they're just fine!
It's a great place to live. I love the scenery.
What kind of Subaru do you have?
@@clappedoutsubieshoopties2216 2011 Forester with a first gen FB25 engine and a 4EAT. Had the usual first gen engine issues like leaking oil from seals, head gasket and worn or stuck piston ring, the last of which I still need to get to next time I take it apart. Or, maybe I’ll just get the latest short block and have a spare.
@@clappedoutsubieshoopties2216 Do you run an external trans or oil cooler with your subie?
@@hyojoonus I actually really like the SH Foresters. Great platform!
Always a few kinks to sort out with the first iteration of a new engine. But still solid💪
I don't run an external cooler on it yet. But I definitely need to put one in it. I run one in my Jeep and suggest most Subaru offroaders do. I don't push the Forester hard these days but it's a good way to prolong the life of the transmission.
I want to install an oil temp gauge to watch what those numbers look like. If it gets really hot, I may consider doing an oil cooler. But the car seems to run great as is. So we'll see!
Is yours lifted?
@@clappedoutsubieshoopties2216 Still on the original suspension, but I am considering Bilstein B6 dampers for a refresh and possibly Rallitek springs with just 1/2” lift for touring load and minor off-roading. I do have the oil and trans coolers on my old VW 1.8t and they solved the heat and the related performance degradation issues. I’m hoping they’d do the same on the Forester especially on the long drives in the hot climates. The only things is the Subaru lacks the telemetry on the oil or trans temps. I may just need to carry around an infrared thermometer and point at the parts. Hehe.
We do have the dual range available in Romania and everywhere in Europe. We got almost everything that japan got, although there are a lot of stuff that are japan exclusive, like forester sti and the higher power engines because they had to reduce them due to emission restrictions in Europe. For the pre-facelift SG and the SF versions the DR has a 1.447 reduction gear and for the SG facelift and probably also SH, a 1.196 reduction gear. The DR transmissions came exclusive with the 2.0 and in some cases 2.5 NA engines, the XTs got the 5MT transmission. My 2004 XT has a 5MT but i wish it had an auto or that it would be easy to swap an auto into it.
It’s been a while in Australia since Subaru’s came with Duel Range, now only available with a CVT
i have both a 4eat sf forester (na 2.5) and a 5mt sg forester (na 2.5).
I love both.
my first clutch only lasted 10k miles of abuse so I decided to put a 6 puck ceramic clutch on it and it helps a lot because it puts the power down even while slipping it to keep the rpm up climbing steep hills. the new clutch has already survived much more abuse than a brand new stock one.
i installed a switch to lock the 4eat center diff.
my 4eat is much better for actually enjoying the scenery off road because you can go slower.
the 5mt is better for beating on and pushing the limits of what a subaru can do.
If not dual range manual, ill take the 4eat, especially with vtd 👍
Agreed! It's a lot harder for us USA folks to get a dual range. The 4EAT was a GAME CHANGER for me. No more dangerous full send runs up technical obstacles.
Do you have a lifted subie?
I have to whole heartily agree that automatics are better offroad. We have two nearly identical 03 Bajas both with 4 in lift, 30 inch tires, and H6 swapped. One is 4EAT, with a rear locker and selectable center lock mod. The other is 5mt wit a 1.59:1 dual range mod and also triple locked with rear, front and center lunchbox style autolockers. Because of the front locker, the 5mt has slightly better traction. The 4EAT is still much better as an off roader because it won't stall and can start on a steep incline without burning the clutch which is still an issue even with the lowest dual range possible in the 5mt. Most dual range boxes are only 1.2:1 (which will be of very little help), mine was as well prior to modifying it to 1.59:1.
I am in the process of swapping a 4EAT into the current 5mt setup, even though that particular manual tranny is a work of art. I will also be installing autolockers into the fronts of both automatic trannies as well. For those wondering, a custom set of stub axles have to be made up to accomplish the front locker mod, and then the new Torq master Subaru VA2 lockers will drop right in. The front lockers should only be added to off road vehicles as the handling on road will be a bit wonky without a few additional mods to the lockers.
Dude that's sick!! I'd love to see more of your Subarus😳
I considered going higher with my Forester and doing a dual range, but I kept seeing that they really weren't that low. I kept the Forester at 2 inches and bought a 4x4 to add to the collection for REALLY stupid trails😅
But the 4EAT is a pretty solid transmission all things considered. I love driving the Forester without worrying about the clutch and being able to take on steep trails. It's been much more enjoyable than my last 5mt foz.
Did you use the sjr front locker?
No, the front locker is a torq masters the same as described for the automatic trannies. In fact, that VA2 model will fit into all of the trannies... manual, automatic and even cvt that Subaru has made since the mid 80s. The challenge is mating it to the front half axles...
I looked up the sjr locker and it permanently locks the center of the 4EAT. I simply add a switch that energizes the solenoid for the center clutch pack of the 4EAT... effectively locking it only while the switch is on. It is a simple mod that there are various videos for on RUclips. I do very much recommend that mod
love it
Appreciate it brotha!
How about the difference in awd performance between the 4EAT’s clutch based system and the 5MT 50:50 c-diff? I’ve only got experience with the 5MT and I think that works pretty well.
For me, it was just a matter of driving both, and hitting the same trails with other cars that outperformed my 5 speed despite being equipped almost identically. I can climb steeper things more easily and I don't have to worry about roasting the clutch.
My other Subaru is a 5 speed though. Absolutely love it and I like the 50/50 split. Manuals will work on trails, but I've had a lot of fun after switching to an auto.
As far as detailed knowledge about the center diffs and how they compare, I'm not a mechanic and don't have a technical background with any of it. Always more to learn! There is a guy on here that talks about doing the center diff mod on the 4EAT and I can't remember his name right off, but he gives a pretty good explanation of how the clutches and the basket work. I want to say his channel is called "power of your brains" or something. Definitely a knowledgeable dude!
Also, what's your setup? You got an Outback?
@@clappedoutsubieshoopties2216
Yeah, daily (and light trail duty) an ‘03 Outback. Pretty much stock (Geolandar A/Ts and a Primitive Racing skid plate), but I’ve been going back and forth about getting a small lift. If you don’t mind me asking, what sort of lift did you do on the Fozzy?
The other Legacy wagon is a ‘95 base spec beater that I’ve just been tinkering with and hitting up local races.
@@clappedoutsubieshoopties2216
I can definitely see where the auto is better on techy/steep parts of a trail. The 4.44 diffs compared to the 4.11 in the manuals probably make a noticeable impact as well as being able to load the torque converter. I also want to say that the 4EAT had a lower first gear with just bigger gaps between the ratios, but I’m not 100% sure on that.
that's why I finally decided on running the 5eat with its lower 1st gear
@@bcyr-CO
I’m also from România and looking to get a 2.0XT and considering between auto or manual
Wheels size budy?
15's! Running black rhino boxers and 235/75 mud terrains. Loving the setup so far.
Thanks for the info, what suspension are you running?
@@nickodell just now seeing your comment. Missed it somehow! I'm running the OEM suspension but with an Anderson Design and fabrication spacer lift. I absolutely love it!