Zack.’s Subaru Crosstrek

[Zack.]

Username: Zack.
Make: Subaru
Year: 2022
Model: Crosstrek (cross = x, so close?)
Trim: Premium
Color: Cool Grey Khaki
Code Name: tbd
Drivetrain: 6MT awd


Legend
Current
Future
Removed

Mods:
-AEM Dryflow drop in filter
-Philips Ultinon LED bulbs
-Street Rays Pitch Stop Mount
-Takeoff LED projector headlight assemblies from Limited trim, when I can find a set
-Ironman4x4 2” lift struts (acquired, pending install)



Since the X is rwd, I wanted to get something with 4x4 or AWD. With the crazy used market it made more sense to go new. I landed on the Crosstrek since it comes in a manual trans. Haven’t owned Subaru before, but have family members who have had them for years. Bonus, better mpg, and uses the cheap(er) gas. Not getting rid of the X (ever if I can manage), but have been enjoying switching off for the last month and a half or so. Also will be good not to have to rely on borrowing the wife’s car anytime I have the X torn down for repairs or upgrades.

 

[Zack.]

I will tell you (or you may already know), there are no car forums like Nissan forums. Okay, maybe Toyota, but even some of those I’ve looked at seem to have only maybe 2 posts a week. FB Subaru groups seem to be more active than the forums, but way less organized. Really been spoiled the past couple decades only owning Nissans.

 

[outback97]

Nice choice... I'm a bit biased since we own 2 Subarus and 2 Xterras. I had a 2017 Crosstrek as a dealer loaner for a few weeks, back when our '08 Outback was getting the head gaskets replaced. Not sure how much they've changed in the past 5 years, but I really liked it and would definitely consider buying one.

FB sucks as a platform for "forums" IMO. There's no deep reservoir of knowledge, it's just a shallow quickly passing stream. For Imprezas, NASIOC used to be a great resource, and subaruoutback.org was pretty good for Outbacks, but I honestly don't visit them much unless I need to look up something.

ETA: It looks like there's a pretty active Crosstrek forum here, unfortunately it's yet another VerticalScope thing:

Subaru Crosstrek and XV Forums

The world's largest online community of Subaru Crosstrek and XV owners, prospective owners, and enthusiasts. Join us!

www.subaruxvforum.com

The Xterra world is more niche and definitely has devoted enthusiasts. Subaru used to be more that way 20 years ago, but their increasing market share has diluted that IMO.

 

[Zack.]

Didn’t like how long it was taking to fire up, so I took a look at the OE battery. Turns out it is rated for something silly like 380 CCAs. So that won’t do. I stopped by Costco and picked up a group 35 AGM to remedy the situation. Was going to try shoehorn in a 24f but figured 650 CCAs should be good enough.

 

[outback97]

Mine aren't AGM's but both of our Subarus have Group 35's from Costco. Hard to beat their pricing and warranty.

 

[Zack.]

Baja Rack - I opted for the flat platform over a basket in attempt to limit the added wind resistance.

 

[Zack.]

Decided to add a couple sticks of strut channel that (I think) are extra from my rack in progress on the X.

‘But what about the X?’ you might ask. I promise I still love it, and have projects upcoming. I just deferred a couple of them so long that I now have added projects with overlapping things to tear apart, which I am waiting on parts for.

While the Subaru feels that it drives sportier the X has more raw power, due to twice the engine displacement.

 

[Zack.]

Replaced the stock plastic and rubber based pitch stop mount with a billet and poly one. This connects the engine tot he firewall, to limit side to side motion of the horizontally opposed engine. Would have been a 15 minute job, but the aftermarket one was a bit thicker so I put it in the freezer overnight and then still had to persuade it in with a rubber mallet. Initial impressions:
- a little more engine noise at low speeds, the noise from the baja rack on top takes care of that on the freeway
- feels like a bit less slop in the drivetrain, acceleration feels a tiny bit faster

 

[Zack.]

Outback wilderness lower arms added to the queue for when I install the Ironman stuff. Direct bolt up per octurbojoe on IG. 2 things:

1. @Subaru - why would this not just be the default on the Crosstrek?

2: @Nissan- take a lesson here, these things are solid, light, and beautiful. Manufacturing costs can’t be that much more than stamped steel arms.

 

[Prime]

Outback wilderness lower arms added to the queue for when I install the Ironman stuff. Direct bolt up per octurbojoe on IG. 2 things:

1. @Subaru - why would this not just be the default on the Crosstrek?

2: @Nissan- take a lesson here, these things are solid, light, and beautiful. Manufacturing costs can’t be that much more than stamped steel arms.

View attachment 25587

What do they do for you other than look pretty?

 

[Zack.]

What do they do for you other than look pretty?

Lighter, stronger, improved angle for lifted applications. But damn do they look good too.

 

[Zack.]

Hood struts, ~$24 from AliExpress. Pretty strong, and the hood is so light compared to the X it almost feels like it’s going to bend before it comes down when closing.

 

[Zack.]

Took a hit from road debris the car in front of me kicked up the week before Christmas. My side of the road quick visual missed the cockeyed fog light, then around Christmas I wondered why my lights were hitting the neighbors second floor window. Swapped both fogs out for the Morimotos I ran in the X before the Nismo bumper.

cockeyed fog:


most of the remnants:

 

[Zack.]

Mail day - rear diff skid and 10mm bottle opener from Anderson Design Fab

 

[Zack.]

Pulled the trigger on new Pirelli AT+ tires with a slightly higher aspect ratio. Tbh the all seasons that came with it weren’t bad and I was going run them longer, but with the price of tires these days I jumped on having Americas Tire price match Amazons price to save ~$200.

stock: 225/60r17 = 27.6”
New: 225/65r17 = 28.5”

 

[Zack.]

SLO (play on STI) badges, and 6mt decal added for 1hp each

 

[Brunnie]

SLO (play on STI) badges, and 6mt decal added for 1hp each



View attachment 28371

Anti-theft decal.

 

[Prime]

I have a Manual Gearbox Preservation Society sticker on the X. Much love.

 

[Zack.]

Not what you want to happen while waiting for the light to change to turn into Target



Lady seemed to feel really bad for hitting me, so hopefully insurance will be go smooth/fast/easy.

 

[TerryD]

Dude, that sucks!

 

[Zack.]

Another decal to complete the look while waiting for body shop to get parts. Got one for the X as well but haven’t put it on yet.

If it was the X I got hit in I’d be taking the $ and finding body parts myself, but too much of a hassle to try to get an exact match in good condition for the Subaru’s plastic bumper cover.

 

[Zack.]

Dropped the Crosstrek off at the body shop. Enterprise was all out of mid-size SUVs so they gave me a 4Runner. It’s nice but kind of a boat to drive.