Thread: Some help with my FXT

You know that might explain the horrible highway gas mileage. It is a 2.5L motor with a turbo about the T25 size, so of course it will be in boost often. I think I'll start looking for an STI turbo as my first upgrade. Does it really need a retune after that? I mean on SR20's you can go from T25 to T28 with no issues at all.

I need to stop being lazy and actually use my Tactrix cable, it's just nice having one super reliable car... Even though I am starting to have AC issue

Yes it totally needs a retune. Our Nissans are one of the few that don't require a tune for basic mods. Technically I should have a reflash for my STi up-pipe, catback, and snorkle-ectomy.

When we got the Foz 3 years ago the AC was good but not great. I hit it with a recharge, and it was great. Then this year I topped it off with the rest of the can (also did my last G20 with same can) and its throwing good freeze.

So I'm about to eat my words. Its actually been challenging finding a suitable TD-04

• How much should a used VF39 cost?
• Do I need to have a tune for it to run?
• What other mods are needed? (car has a few)
• Can I have some help getting a tune on it?
  

Getting a tune should be relatively easy, depending on the turbo you choose.

Keep in mind that with larger turbos, you'll almost definitely need a larger TMIC, injectors, and fuel pump.

XPT Tuning has base maps for reasonable prices, I would consider calling/e-mailing them to ask them if they have a suitable map for your particular setup.

The largest thing I would consider at this point would be replacing the pickup tube. I am not personally sure if there are many issues with the FXT, but I know with the STi most replace the pickup with a Killer B as the stock oil pickup suffers from cracking at the base which can starve the engine from sufficient oil.

Second I would check the filters as others suggest.

I thought these cars were MAF's thus it's more friendly to bolt on mods. Though the ECU does seem have its hands in everything (where replacing the exhaust makes you loose power...)

When I first did the VF39, it was without a tune, but it was at a shop with a dyno. We put it on the rollers and it made 232whp at stock boost levels, and very safe A/F. We drove it that way for a few weeks until I could get it tuned and the power had dropped since the ECU was trying to get within it's known limits. With the VF39, you can use the same injectors and pump since the STi comes with the exact same parts stock. Depending on the miles, I would get a Walbro since it's cheap, but it's not required.

My car was going through a quart of oil an oil change using conventional Mobil. I recently switched with Rotella T6, so I'll see if that goes away. With Mobil 1, it was almost 2 quarts every 3,000 miles.

Cool thanks. I've read the STi had different pump/injectors but I'll know for sure soon. Got a used VF-39 off of forester.org so we'll see. Now looking into tactrix cable. Will replace the rest of the package (IC etc) piece-meal.

Today the oil was low but it was on a tilted surface. I had a long drive so I got some oil and it ran fine. On the way home it threw CEL. After it cooled off I pulled the union bolts and those AVCS screens were still in. Looked at the turbo and there was no screen. Is the screen on the oil return?

I pulled off the intercooler and the whole assembly was coated in oil but the oil was clean so I'm confident its just the turbo seals at this point. Although the cat can go bad from oil so I need an aftermarket dp right guys?

ok so now I'm hoping for another 40-60k out of this car....

Sounds like you need to just do one solid upgrade with a downpipe, turbo, intercooler and a tune at least. That should make this vehicle reliable and much more fun and you may end up keeping it longer than you expect

The injectors and pump are the same as the STi. Both use the yellow 550cc. The screen will be in the oil feed side. It might have fallen out of the banjo bolt and might be in the hole. I've never removed that one on mine, but did the AVCS filters a long time ago. It was supposed to help with the rough idle, but that's just how Subarus idle I guess.


Edit: I just looked and the pump is a little smaller than the STi, but it will be fine for the mods you have. Depending on the miles on the car, you might as well get a Walbro anyway.

Both of the injectors are the same, they are sidefed yellow 520cc's. I now run them on all of my cars, this way it's easier to trouble shoot/replace!

My idle got a little rougher after I removed the stupid little oil filters. But I'm glad I did the mesh was starting to cave in on them.

Here is a TSB and steps for the little oil filters in the oil feed lines. This is only for 04-05's.
http://www.scoobymods.com/showthread.php/tsb-02-97-05-rough-5782.html?t=5782