Compatible: (2.0L)
2014 - 2018 Subaru Forester XT
This intake requires an aftermarket tune.INSTALLATION TORQUE SPECS 22 in-lbs (2.5N*M) recommended for all worm-gear clamps. These clamps have an operating range of 18-27 in-lbs 2-3N*M. Do not exceed the maximum torque rating of 27 in-lbs (3N*M).
FA20 engines love air, so why not give it to them? The Mishimoto 2014–2018 Forester XT intake will give your Subaru that extra amount of power that it needs. Your Subaru’s twin-scroll turbo will quickly draw massive amounts of air through the 3” mandrel-bent pipe and high-flow filter. A tune is required to run this intake because of the large-diameter piping, but the results are well worth it. The included black powder-coated airbox defends your air filter from the dreaded heat-soak by isolating it from the rest of the engine bay. This Forester XT intake changes the positioning of the MAF housing slightly, but don’t worry, this kit includes a MAF extension harness to keep installation simple. With a Mishimoto Forester XT intake, you’ll have no issues getting anywhere on time, and you’ll sound good doing it.
- Direct fit for the 2014–2018 Subaru Forester XT
- Extremely aggressive intake tone under acceleration and boost
- Powder-coated black airbox keeps unwanted hot air from entering the air filter
- Functions with the stock intake duct which supplies cold air to intake filter
- High-flow oiled air filter provides increased filtration surface area
- Easy installation can be completed in one hour
- Available with a polished, wrinkle black or wrinkle red pipe finish
- Requires a tune
- Designed in Delaware, USA and filter made in USA
- Mishimoto Lifetime Warranty
VEHICLE SPECS
| ENGINE CODES | FA20DIT |
| CHASSIS CODES | SJ |
| FITS | 2014–2018 Subaru Forester XT |
PRODUCT SPECS
| PIPE DIAMETER | 3" (76mm) I/D |
| OILED FILTER | 38 g of oil on filter |
| PIPE MATERIAL | Mandrel-Bent Aluminum |
| OIL COLOR | Red |
| HEAT SHIELD MATERIAL | Steel |
| AIR FILTER PART NUMBER | MMAF-3006 |
PURCHASE INCLUDES
(1) Aluminum Intake Pipe
(1) Silicone Turbo Inlet Hose
(1) High-Flow, Oiled Filter
(1) Airbox
(1) MAF extension harness
Hardware
Mishimoto Lifetime Warranty
STOCK SYSTEM EVALUATION – THE FXT INTAKE, PART 1
Exciting things are happening in the induction world here at Mishimoto. We have a 2014 Subaru Forester XT in for intake R&D. This AWD turbo Subaru comes with a 2.0L power-plant, giving an output of 253 hp from factory. It shares the same FA20 heart with its 2015+ WRX counterpart, so there are some similarities between the two.
Stock System Review
The stock Forester XT intake system is somewhat similar to the stock WRX intake system, yet featured some differences in shape and size. With both systems, the airbox is tucked away in the engine bay. To an untrained eye, it can be easy to miss upon first glance.
The airbox mounting points on the vehicle are also quite different from the WRX, which is an important reason why these systems will not be interchangeable. The routing design is necessary because the turbo is located underneath the motor. Check out some more shots below!
An interesting feature Subaru incorporated into the design is a clear resonator box to the system. One purpose of resonators in today’s automotive technology is for sound reduction. It allows for a quieter engine sound mainly experienced from inside of the car. It acts as something called a Helmoholtz resonator, which baffles sound at certain RPM’s to prevent unwanted drone and sound vibration. You can see more of it below.
On to the final piece of this FXT intake puzzle: the tube routing of the intake to the turbo. The length of the tubing requires the use of multiple accordion tubes with the goal of absorbing vibration and movement coming from the engine. Take a look below.
PROTOTYPE FABRICATION AND FITMENT – THE FXT INTAKE, PART 2
The progress on our intake system is coming along nicely for this Forester XT. We have created a pipe that will fit well with our airbox design and filter selection. Remember, our pipe is within the acceptable pipe diameter to run this system with a stock tune.
The Fabricated Prototype
Below are some shots of the system we plan to put on an FXT for testing. The routing for this tube will follow a more direct path from filter to turbo. This is especially helpful for when the car is sitting at idle with ambient air around the box. With a shorter pipe distance, it will take less time for fresher, cooler air to get to the engine upon acceleration over stock. Check out images of the initial design below!
We adapted the WRX airbox specifically for FXT fitment. The WRX airbox is close in terms of design, but we wanted to make sure FXT brethren wouldn’t have to modify a single thing, so we changed things like mounting points and brackets to make it a perfect fit for the FXT. The two boxes will not interchangeable.
After some quick paint, we’re ready to mock it up for fitment.
Fitment
Just like the stock intake box, this change will be a subtle touch to the aesthetics of the engine bay. Regardless, we intend on it packing a pretty decent punch with performance. See below how the prototype Subaru Forester cold-air intake box fits.
Here are some under-car shots showing how the intake tube is attached to the turbo!
TESTING RESULTS – THE FXT INTAKE, PART 3
Last time we posted about this Forester XT intake project, we left you off with prototype fitment. Testing is now complete and we have some information to share.
Our initial goal for this project was to design a performance intake system that would deliver dyno proven power gains and while being safe to run on the stock tune. We designed a very similar system for the 2015+ WRX and achieved terrific results.
The Forester XT has changes in the ECU, head design and cams, so the testing has yet to give us the results we want to see. We’ve tested numerous different designs over the past few months and we haven’t seen results that we’re happy with yet. We’ve designed prototypes that make power on the stock tune, but the AFRs are too lean for our liking. We would never release an unsafe product, so for the time being, we are sending this system back to the drawing board so our engineering department can brainstorm new ideas to tackle the challenge.
While we’re still working on an intake that works with the stock tune, we were able to engineer a promising prototype that will allow you to get the most out of your FXT. While it requires a tune, it will also unlock the most power. We removed as many restrictions as possible, giving airflow the easiest and straightest path into the system. Final power numbers will vary depending on your modifications and tune.
Check out this image of our finished production prototype Subaru Forester XT performance parts!
We are almost ready to begin our presale! During this period, you can get this Subaru Forester cold air intake at a discounted price before it officially hits the market. It will last a few weeks, so be sure you keep an eye on this thread for when it goes live!
Install Guide:
Warranty:
