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Subaru Crew - Modifications II

5351 messages,  Last post on Jan 03, 2012 at 1:47 PM

You are in the Subaru Crew Forum.

What is this discussion about? Subaru Impreza, Subaru Outback, Subaru, Subaru Legacy, Subaru Baja, Subaru Forester

Your Community Leaders are ateixeira and rsholland.

Messages Page 524 of 536

#5227 of 5351 Impreza speakers/sound system? Does rear spoiler keep rear window cleaner? by jim235

Mar 27, 2006 (2:33 am)

I'm planning to factory order an Impreza 2.5i Sport Wagon and I'm trying to decide on options. The regular sound system is about the worst I've heard in any car and I was trying to decide whether to order the 'Upgraded Speakers, Tweeters and Subwoofer/Amplifier' or get the stock speakers and have an after market system installed later. The upgraded Subaru sound package would cost $377 factory installed. I've heard the upgraded sound package in an Outback Sport SE and while the sound wasn't bad it wasn't great either. How does Subaru's upgraded system compare to a really good after market system in the Impreza? Can anyone recommend a much better aftermarket setup that would fit relatively unobtrusively in an Impreza?
 
I also have a 2001 Outback that I ordered with a spoiler because forum members complained about dirt accumulating on the rear window. The dust deflector was not found to prevent this effectively but the spoiler was found to greatly reduce the problem. I also found it worked very well and was glad I opted for it. Now that I'm getting an Impreza Sport Wagon I was wondering if the same circumstances apply. Is there a problem with dirt accumulating on the rear window? If so, is the spoiler more effective than the dust deflector at reducing the problem? I have no interest in adding a spoiler unless it is useful in helping keep the rear window clear. Any input would be much appreciated.

#5228 of 5351 Stereo by ateixeira

Mar 27, 2006 (8:07 am)

In your case, I would go aftermarket. The premium sound package is only a slight improvement. You have many more options in the aftermarket, and to top it off it'll probably cost less.
 
(I've had both sets of speakers in my Forester, BTW)
 
I would get the spoiler, the dust happens to all wagons, including our Forester and our Legacy.
 
-juice

#5229 of 5351 Tires by luck11

Mar 27, 2006 (8:41 am)

Want to upgrade my tires on my 05 OBXTL. (225/55/17) Looking for a summer tire or all-season with good dry and wet traction, but without breaking the bank. I have a set of tires for winter.
 
Any suggestions?
 
Cheers

#5230 of 5351 Re: Impreza speakers/sound system? Does rear spoiler keep rear window cleaner? [jim235] by hondafriek

Mar 27, 2006 (10:54 am)

Replying to: jim235 (Mar 27, 2006 2:33 am)
I agree here with juice, go aftermarket for stereo equipment. The upgraded speakers from Subaru are still a joke as far as speakers go, the Subaru amp isn't bad but again you can do better afermarket, the Bazooka tube amp comes to mind, not bad for not a lot of money, and streets ahead of the subaru one.
 
  Cheers Pat.

#5231 of 5351 Re: Stereo [ateixeira] & Spoiler by jim235

Mar 28, 2006 (7:55 pm)

Replying to: ateixeira (Mar 27, 2006 8:07 am)
Thanks for the reply. Do you have any suggestions for aftermarket systems? I wasn't sure how much interior modifications/labor would be required to fit aftermarket speakers in tight fitting body panels throughout the car.
 
Is the Spoiler still a more effective way to reduce dust accumulation on the rear wagon window than the dust deflector that Subaru sells as an option? Regards, Jim

#5232 of 5351 2007 modifications from 2006 2.5i Impreza by jim235

Mar 28, 2006 (8:14 pm)

I'm planning on ordering a 2006 2.5i Impreza Sport Wagon shortly but have been trying to find out what, if any, modifications Subaru has planned for the 2007 model. If there were any significant improvememts planned (like a better transmission, H6 engine, side curtain airbags) I'd put off the order until the 2007's were available. Is there any information anywhere on what is planned for the 2007's?

#5233 of 5351 Re: Stereo [ateixeira] & Spoiler [jim235] by hypov

Mar 28, 2006 (9:16 pm)

Replying to: jim235 (Mar 28, 2006 7:55 pm)
I have no experience to offer on the dust deflector, but I can tell you that other than looking good, the spoiler probably would disappoint you where dust is concern.
 
The most effective is the rear wiper that comes standard
 
Aftermarket system. Interior modifications/labor is minimal, if not none.
You may need spacers for the speakers.
Do a search over at nabisco or scoobymod. You should be able to find helpful how-tos
 
-Dave

#5234 of 5351 2007 Models by ateixeira

Mar 29, 2006 (8:29 am)

They're supposed to add an aux input for the stereo. We don't know much more than that. It just got a new engine this year, so I don't expect anything major.
 
Stereo - if I were going to swap out the entire head unit, I think I'd go for something with integrated Navigation. Panasonic makes a few for $1600 or so. But I want NAV so that would be two birds with one stone.
 
The speakers aren't hard to get to. I've changed all four speakers on my Forester.
 
-juice

#5235 of 5351 Re: Stereo [ateixeira] & Spoiler [jim235] by rob_m

Mar 29, 2006 (10:10 am)

Replying to: jim235 (Mar 28, 2006 7:55 pm)
I've used Crutchfield for all my aftermarket stereo upgrades. They know what fits in just about every vehicle, and have all the wiring harnesses and installation kits. Rob M.

#5236 of 5351 Re: Stereo, Spoiler, Fog lights, Splash Guards, Cargo Tray by jim235

Mar 30, 2006 (6:35 pm)

Replying to: hypov (Mar 28, 2006 9:16 pm)
Thanks guys for all the info.
 
On this factory order I'm doing all options are at factory invoice. Eliminating Subaru's upgraded speakers, tweeter and subwoofer saves $377. Eliminating the Spoiler saves $237. I'm still debating on the Fog Lamps ($257); they seem pretty small and I'm not sure how much benefit they would provide. The large ones on my 01 Outback seem to only make a marginal improvement in fog, rain, snow. Any input?
 
Also are there better aftermarket cargo tray ($46) alternatives or is the Subaru one the way to go to protect the cargo area? I was also planning on ordering the Rear Bumper Cover ($39).
 
I was planning on getting factory Splash Guards ($90) to help protect the paint from rock/gravel chipping. Are they effective as other alternatives? Would they hinder clearance in deep snow?
 
I called local stereo shops and was told that replacing the stock system with a quality (but not top quality) system would run about $1000-$1500. Are any of the stock components worth keeping and incorporating into a new system?
 
Regards, Jim

Messages Page 524 of 536

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