Hi all
For anyone interested, Timax Impreza 2L exhaust silencer ref. SU62C is a perfect fit on a 1998 2L GLS (non-turbo) UK Forester. The actual silencer box part of it is slightly smaller apprx, 30 mm less diameter and 60 mm shorter. This part costs £42+ VAT as oppossed to the Subaru (d)stealership parts dept. price of £ 169 + VAT for a genuine Subaru one.
I would recommend the use of a Subaru genuine gasket as a bit more meaty than the Timax part FDG27.
Took an hour to cut/chisel/file old joint bolts off and then about 20 mins to fit new part.
OK the Subaru original part has lasted 6 years and Timax exhausts parts have only a 2 yr warranty so will probably last three to four years but pound for pound no contest !.
Also, the Timax centre section ref. SU64A also cross references to the Subaru part no. for the Forester Centre section as well as the 2L Impreza Non Turbo, did not need to replace centre section so can't swear on my life that it will fit perfectly.