Ok cheers, yeh also read something on ozfoz about it. I'm about to fit an 03-05 bullbar on my 07. Why did you have to move the air intake and how far?
Cheers
Hi Hunter,
I did the same thing - fitted an 03-05 bullbar on my 07 Foz (it's much better than the moulded one Subaxtreme make for our model, in my humble opinion). The 03-05 bullbar is not designed for it, so (as with all modifications) you inevitably run into some issues and further modification requirements. There are positives and negatives to every modification one makes to their car
.
You can see my bullbar installation
here (just scroll down).
There are actually two issues you will run into when you install the bullbar:
- Requirement to modify the air intake bottle (monstrosity left hanging down on the drivers side), and
- Requirement to replace and relocate the washer bottle (also a monstrosity, left hanging even further down on the passenger side).
These two items are usually protected by the stock plastic bumper bar.
I had my bullbar installed only around 3 months ago and have completed just one of these two jobs (although, the second one is scheduled to occur in the next two weeks - can't wait for that). I should mention that they are not hard jobs - quite easy actually (I've just been putting them off) - and NOT expensive at all! It's also worth mentioning that they are not critical. They just impact on your front and side approach angles. It depends on the level of off roading you're going to do. With what I have done, and plan to do, I would be likely to damage them in some way, so I've decided to put the effort in (plus, it's more aesthetically pleasing and more of a complete look if done).
So, without turning this post into a book, essentially what I have done (and will do in the next week or two) is:
- Removed the air intake bottle and cut it neatly in half with a hacksaw. I then sealed it up with silastic and a small aluminium plate (thin and light). Be sure to drill a small hole in the aluminium plate. Then replaced. Job done.
- Purchased a washer bottle from an earlier model Impreza or Outback (a mate of mine just bought an Outback wreck, but a good Subaru wreckers should be able to sell you one cheaply). In these cars, the washer bottle is located under the bonnet, behind the battery (rather than in front of the passenger side front wheel). Remove the old bottle, including wiring, pump motors, etc. and install the new washer bottle in the cavity behind the battery. I should mention that this is the plan. I foresee no major issues, but I will try to detail on here when I have completed this job.
I hope this helps you decide what you might need to do. I'd be very keen to see some pics of your car and the installation of the bullbar if you're able to upload them
Cheers
