Horn Upgrade - FIAMM Highway Blasters (03' - 04')

Peaty · 06-27-2003, 02:48 PM

As usual I change out the horns as soon as possible when I get a new Scooby. This time I chose to install FIAMM "Highway Blasters" they are pretty loud at a claimed 132dB. They sound more like a traditional American than the OEM ones. The horns can be found at most local auto stores. Mine came from AutoZone at 16 USD each. Make sure you get a high and a low note. Not two of the same. The install was pretty easy, it took me about 30 minutes total.

What you'll need:

Small Phillips - To remove plastic fastener in fender

Small Flat blade screw driver - To help remove Fastener (fingernails work too)

12mm wrench - To remove and replace the horns one bolt per horn.

10mm wrench - To tighten the stud on the horn to the mounting bracket

No need to raise the vehicle, I was able to do it no problem where it sits. First remove the one fastener shown below from the drivers side splash guard. Next pull down the flap so you can see up to the horns. Unplug the harness from each horn. You'll have to squeeze the clip on each harness to pull it off. Now with the box end of an open end (not sure a socket will fit in there) remove 2 - 12mm bolts, one holding each horn.

Prepare the new horns buy putting the ground lead under the stud that holds the horn on the bracket. Put the lead on the stud then put the horn in the bracket (smaller of the two holes). Snug the 10mm nut but make sure you can still rotate the horn. Next clip in the small wire receptacle bracket that comes w/ each horn. Plug in the ground wire to one of the sides. It dosen't matter which side. I was just consistent between the horns. Next mount the horns using the OEM bolts. Looking at the pic you can get an idea how I got mine situated in there. I eye balled each one, took it back out and then tightened down the nut that holds the horn on the bracket. It's easier to do with the horn out. After both are in use the existing harness plug and plug that into the free spade on the horn. The fit of the harness on the horns spade wasn't all that tight. I think it will hold. I may go back in there and put a new end on but for now I want to see how it holds up. Test the horns to see if they work. Then put the flap back and install the fastener.

Done - gone are the girly man horns

Peaty 6/27/03

Peaty · 06-27-2003, 02:50 PM

Remove the one fastener on the drivers side (LHD)

Peaty · 06-27-2003, 02:50 PM

Pull down the flap to expose the horns:

Peaty · 06-27-2003, 02:51 PM

Here are the OEM horns. I removed the harness from the one to get a better pic:

Peaty · 06-27-2003, 02:52 PM

Here they are:

Peaty · 06-27-2003, 02:53 PM

Next to the FIAMM

Peaty · 06-27-2003, 02:54 PM

Here is one in place:

Peaty · 06-27-2003, 02:54 PM

Both installed

Peaty · 06-27-2003, 02:55 PM

A slightly different angle:

Peaty · 06-27-2003, 02:56 PM

Oops forgot to post this above and I'm too lazy to move all the other ones down. Here is a shot of the fastener after it's been removed:

Peaty · 06-27-2003, 03:24 PM

Horn sound bite here:

http://www.scoobymods.com/mods/impreza/images/FIAMM.wav

jdwhite · 07-31-2003, 06:36 PM

Just a note to add regarding Peaty's horn upgrade (http://www.scoobymods.com/forums/sho...&threadid=1996)

I found replacement FIAMM horns like the ones Peaty used for $9.99 apiece at O'Reilly Auto Parts. The packaging is slightly different, but the horns look and sound identical.

Peaty · 07-31-2003, 07:15 PM

Thanks for the info, I'll move this. It seems FIAMM uses a lot of different vendors to make their horns. I've installed about 5 sets and almost all are slightly different in either packaging or something about the horn. all have worked well though.

Philby · 03-13-2005, 08:59 AM

I used Peaty's installation guide (which was great!) and came up with a couple of additions :

1. Upon removal, it is easier to access the horn to chassis bolts if you bend the old horns backward.
2. If you have large hands (like me!), before you bend the splash panel backwards, if you remove the front splash 'lip" and ALL the plastic attachment buttons you can actually move the fender splash panel out from behind the fender and THEN move it back, giving you much more working room.
3. I used a 3/8 12MM ratchet to remove and attach the 12mm bolts...much easier.
4. I installed the new horns with the electrical connections facing forward and the horns facing downward. It makes access to the bolts and wiring MUCH easier.
5. Put dieelectric grease on all the connections/ground strap locations.

07-31-2003, 06:36 PM	#12
jdwhite Registered User Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Ames, Iowa Posts: 1 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts Groans: 0 Groaned at 0 Times in 0 Posts	Additional info on replacement horns Just a note to add regarding Peaty's horn upgrade (http://www.scoobymods.com/forums/sho...&threadid=1996) I found replacement FIAMM horns like the ones Peaty used for $9.99 apiece at O'Reilly Auto Parts. The packaging is slightly different, but the horns look and sound identical. Last edited by jdwhite; 07-31-2003 at 06:41 PM..

03-13-2005, 08:59 AM	#14
Philby Registered User Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Kerrville, TX Posts: 2 Threads: 2 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts Groans: 0 Groaned at 0 Times in 0 Posts	Forester Horn Upgrade - install additions. I used Peaty's installation guide (which was great!) and came up with a couple of additions : 1. Upon removal, it is easier to access the horn to chassis bolts if you bend the old horns backward. 2. If you have large hands (like me!), before you bend the splash panel backwards, if you remove the front splash 'lip" and ALL the plastic attachment buttons you can actually move the fender splash panel out from behind the fender and THEN move it back, giving you much more working room. 3. I used a 3/8 12MM ratchet to remove and attach the 12mm bolts...much easier. 4. I installed the new horns with the electrical connections facing forward and the horns facing downward. It makes access to the bolts and wiring MUCH easier. 5. Put dieelectric grease on all the connections/ground strap locations.

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