So I finally got a set of Bilstein struts and RCE Black (regular guy) springs. Here is a quick summary of the assembly (not the install yet, maybe I'll do that later). I am using some STi strut tops for this project. All the parts on the floor ready for assembly. I noticed right away that the oem front dust boots are a loose fit. I decided to try the rears, but they needed to be modified. Tops needed to be nipped to allow it to slip over the collar. I also took 4 bumps off the bottom to get it closer to the length of the front, but a little longer. (modified rear on left, stock front in middle, stock rear on right) View of the holes on each boot. (rear on top and front is below) Here is the fit of the rear boot on the front Bilstein strut. I used a side cutters to 'nip' 4 little slits into the boot. You can see the cuts in the photo. Also something to note, no bump stops are needed. The ones in the box can be disregarded. Here is a shot showing the clearance on the bottom of the boot after being installed. Completed strut with rear boot. Rears are self explaining. They come with a dust boot and bump stops. Springs don't even need to be compressed with tools. I did notice the slotted holes on the stock struts don't exist on the Bilsteins. (yes the one on the right is upside down) I did reuse the OEM strut nuts. For some reason, I just feel better with the stock flared nuts versus the self locking ones that come with the struts. Call me crazy. I will also grease the pivot points on the front struts before installation. Maybe wipe them down a bit too. Who knows...
this is on my list of mods!!! nice to see a write up on this. Need to know more on ride quality for a daily driver.
I'm sure it will be different. I originally had STi Pink Springs on 08 struts which went bad quickly. Then I put the Pink Springs on a set of 2010 WRX struts which lasted about 50k or so. I've replaced the fronts with some 09 WRX struts. The Pinks are not a bad ride, but they are soft. They almost need STi struts to make them worth it. I've wanted the Bilsteins for a couple years now. They are expensive, but from what I read, they will be the last struts/springs I buy for this car. I'm hoping they level it off a bit more than the Pinks did. Front always sat about 1/4 inch higher than I wanted. I'm keeping the OEM struts and Pink springs to swap back in if I ever sell the car.
Just buy a set! This set up is hands down the best suspension you can buy at this price. There are used sets popping up all the time and can be had in the $1000-$1500 range. I was in the original group buy and set mine up with the Yellow springs and the RCE lowering tophats to gain camber. (autocross) I daily drove mine all the time. (swapped to stock set up for winter) Our suspension is travel limited, it really doesn't like to be lowered very far. This set up will give you the optimum ride height out of the box, no dials to set up. Just install and enjoy. Seriously, if you are thinking of making a suspension change, this is by far your best option.
Got them installed today. First impression, without driving it, the stance is about the same as the STi pinks. Will see how it sits after a few more miles. But immediately, I noticed two things while driving it. One: it's much smoother over little bumps as if they are absorbed much better. And two: under heavy acceleration, there is less 'ass drop'. There is still lift in the front, but much less drop in the rear. In addition to the aftermarket control arm bushings, I do get more road noise. But that's to be expected. They are not cheap struts, so we'll see how they last long term. I've read there is less nose dip in turns, but I have upgraded sway bars so I may not notice that as much.
