After deciding that my first mods should be of the suspension type, I went over to Nasioc and did some reading. Now that I'm sufficiently confused, I'm coming here! First car info and intentions: -07 WRX TR (stock) -As of now, only spirited driving but I want to get into autox in the new future k...not that that's out of the way, onto what I think I know. Right now, I see my options being: -Swifts -Prodrives -Mach V's -STi Pinks From what I understand, each of these provides a stiffer rate while still being daily drivable. Also, they don't drop the car too the point where the handling is worse. Now, I know that some of these springs say they were created to be matched with the stock struts, but obviously with a stiffer spring rate the struts life will be comprimised. So...I'll most likely be replacing those too (unless I'm wrong about all of this). Here are my options: -KYB AGX -Tokico D-Specs -Koni Inserts To wrap this up...what it's my understanding that any of these springs will work well with any of these struts. Nasioc seems to hate the AGX's, but that's probably just because they are cheap and Nasioc likes to spend money! Would I be okay mixing and matching with the list that I have? Is there a holy grail of suspension that I'm blind too? *I'll be adding front and rear swaybars and stickier tires as well...but I'm not as confused about these *Also, when I do make the decision/get the money...I'm gonna need some (alot) of help with the install. Who wants to be my friend!?!?!
i really really liked my bc racing coilovers (good street ride for coilovers and excellent handling on pavement) i also really really like my current set-up (for rallyx and daily driving, it's not terrible on pavement either) - dspecs with stock usdm sti springs
I have Prodrive's on stock struts on a wagon. Drop is perfect. Great for daily driving, never autocrossed them, so I can't tell ya there. Sways should be very high on your list as well. Both front and rear. *edit* I see your edit concerning sways. *edit #2* I have heard very good things about Anti-Lift kits too. Anybody have opinions for the OP on these?
If you're just DD'ing/light autox'ing the car, I think struts are overkill. I would tackle it in this order: 1) Wheels and tires 2) Springs 3) Sways + endlinks As for brands for all of that; take a look through the recent tire threads on here, and you'll get a good idea of what you should be looking at for your application. For springs, you may also want to add Crucial Racing springs. They're very similar to Prodrive springs, with almost the same drop, and a progressive spring rate. For sways and endlinks, I think most people consider Whiteline to be one of the best. Kartboy endlinks are also of a good strong design, and relatively modest in price. /my 2 cents
So maybe I'll leave out the struts as of now and worry about that when stockers are on their way out. As far as installing...what's the going rate for someone to help/teach me? *I guess I just assumed that alignment was implied...but ya obviously I will be needing them. Also, why the rear camber bolts?
I got AGX w/SPT springs(similar to Prodrive) on my 02 Wrx. Daily driving is very good but I do not recommand this set-up for Autos. Still got body rolls a lot. I got stock sways though. I'm gonna upgrade to coilovers maybe, even for daily driving. Maybe sways too.
Rear camber is not adjustable stock. When you lower the car you can expect anywhere from -1.5 to -2.5 degrees camber in the rear. You'll want the bolts to bring the rear camber more positive since your stock front bolts are limited to -1 to maybe -1.5ish front with most drops... I'll do your springs/sways/etc for food and parts... you'll have to help... I'm cheap and easy:biggrin:
Sweet...sounds good. I'll shoot you a PM whenever I decide to dive into this. I should be fine doing the sways myself, but it's the springs that get me. Never done them before...so I'd like to help as much as I can so I'll know how to do it next time!
Yup. What's even worse is that on both of my wagons I've put springs on, the cross camber gets all out of whack. Definitely pick up a set of camber bolts for the rear!
I am running STi springs with stock wrx struts. Ride is great. Springs are definitely stiffer than the wrx ones. And I would definitely ride your stock struts into the ground first. Once they're shot replace em. I've heard nothing bad said about the AGX's(for when you do replace struts). Seems like everyone that has them here love them and for the price you really can't go wrong. \/This combo seems to be "most used" by MnSubaru folk.\/ Prodrive springs+Agx struts. I think that both can be had for around $600 shipped.
Since prodrive US shut down...where can I get some Prodrive springs? I heard something about Cosworth carrying them, but their website seems to be down...
Just to add, you can get camber bolts for the fronts as well (you'd be using the stock and the new ones you get) if you want to adjust it a bit farther. I view this as a preference though, but the rears are a must.
For a daily driver, I personally wouldn't feel comfortable running camber bolts on all 4 (2 each side) of the lower mounting points... if anything I would slot the struts first or just save up for camber plates. I've also heard about people loosely installing the front struts then using an alignment bag to push them towards negative camber before tightening them down... seems to gain a few tenths but the possible added stress is a point of contention.
Yea, the ideal solution would be what you mentioned. I just know people who do that to their DD's and they don't have any issues. As you said though, it's about feeling comfortable with it. Btw, what camber plates did you install in your STi?
