Mazaru
New Member
- Joined
- Mar 12, 2025
- Messages
- 1
- Vehicle(s)
- Subaru Levorg 1.6 GT Premium; Mazda MX-5 NBFL
When I was looking to replace my failing BMW 320i wagon, the Levorg 1.6GT seemed like an ideal candidate – similar size, same power output, more economical. I even found one in the same colour! However I soon came to realise that Subaru had missed an opportunity with this model, so for the first time in my long driving history, I am resorting to mods in an effort to turn it into the car Subaru should have given us in the first place.
The vehicle in question is a 2018 1.6GT Premium in Steel Blue with 116,000kms on it. Current enhancements include:
Pioneer head unit (fitted by previous owner)
Cusco front tower brace
MCA Pro Comfort coilovers
Auto folding mirrors & window closing
Blanked-off intercooler air duct side vents
Future upgrades being considered, but not limited to:
ECU/TCU remap
Upgraded radiator or an engine oil cooler
The car is my daily drive and is never going to see a track day during my ownership, but I would like a bit more grunt for everyday driving. Like many members of this forum, I am cautious about tuning the engine and what impact it may have on the CVT. My indie Subaru mechanic is dead against the idea of any performance upgrades for my model of car! I’m only considering a remap (roughly +15kW & +50Nm) & no bolt-on performance goodies.
It occurred to me that, because both the engine oil and the CVT fluid are ‘conditioned’ (heated/cooled) by the engine cooling system, then a more efficient radiator would be the way to go to address potential increases in engine oil and CVT fluid temps post tuning. Has anyone else considered or gone down this path?
For the TR580 transmission, regular or high-torque fluid after tuning?
And those of you who have fitted aftermarket engine oil coolers – did you go with thermostatic or non-thermostatic?
Any input from those of you who are more experienced at this stuff than me will be welcomed. And apologies for the slightly wordy first post!
The vehicle in question is a 2018 1.6GT Premium in Steel Blue with 116,000kms on it. Current enhancements include:
Pioneer head unit (fitted by previous owner)
Cusco front tower brace
MCA Pro Comfort coilovers
Auto folding mirrors & window closing
Blanked-off intercooler air duct side vents
Future upgrades being considered, but not limited to:
ECU/TCU remap
Upgraded radiator or an engine oil cooler
The car is my daily drive and is never going to see a track day during my ownership, but I would like a bit more grunt for everyday driving. Like many members of this forum, I am cautious about tuning the engine and what impact it may have on the CVT. My indie Subaru mechanic is dead against the idea of any performance upgrades for my model of car! I’m only considering a remap (roughly +15kW & +50Nm) & no bolt-on performance goodies.
It occurred to me that, because both the engine oil and the CVT fluid are ‘conditioned’ (heated/cooled) by the engine cooling system, then a more efficient radiator would be the way to go to address potential increases in engine oil and CVT fluid temps post tuning. Has anyone else considered or gone down this path?
For the TR580 transmission, regular or high-torque fluid after tuning?
And those of you who have fitted aftermarket engine oil coolers – did you go with thermostatic or non-thermostatic?
Any input from those of you who are more experienced at this stuff than me will be welcomed. And apologies for the slightly wordy first post!