I have an 04 Sti with just over 100k miles. I've been driving on the stock suspension for 35k miles or so, ever sense I purchased it 4 years ago. The clunking has gotten worse and now (with aftermarket Enkei NT03+m 17x8's) I'm getting rubbing on the calipers (I think I may have barrings going out also) so I should get those replaced. (should I do all of them or just the suspect ones) So the main question, I've looked into a variety of suspension set-up's and I'm thinking I want to go with coilovers seeing as I plan on doing some road racing/auto crossing. So, does anyone have coilovers on and keep them on year round? And what kind ov milage could I expect if I do? Price is a factor and I've been looking at the Megan Racing coilovers mostly because you can get them for about $850 shipped. Any thoughts or questions?
Personally, I would not get Megan Racing coilovers. There are other good options for you, might be little more expencive but it will be worth it. Talk to Josh at Importiimage and he could give you a good deal on BC coilovers they are better than MR. You should be ok in the winter just clean them at least once a week.
I tried that one year with my BC's on my WRX. Maybe adjusting them in the spring a huge pita with all the grit lodged in the threads. You could bag them I suppose. For the money, I would recommend a strut/spring combo. Maybe something like dspecs and rce springs. I really liked the rce's on my STI as year round dual duty springs.
I'm in a similar boat with the OP, don't mean to hijack. I've got an 06 STI well into clunk territory. I picked up some RCE blacks this summer (figured I'd get some springs while taking out my struts for a tear down and re-greasing). After settling, I'm very happy with the feel and drop of the springs (very tasteful, imho). However, my clunk has returned. I'm debating weather to get some BC Racing coil overs (not tied to the brand) or find some struts that will mate nicely with my springs. To those with coil overs... 1) Do you find any practical benefit to adjustability, or do you just leave the settings alone once you find your sweet spot? 2) Do you have any longevity concerns (as it relates to winter)? *NOTE: Just say yes if your answer involves an abnormal amount of overhead/preventative care 3) Do you have any longevity concerns (compared to traditional struts/springs)? To anyone with aftermarket struts... 1) What brand do you have and how do you like them? 2) Did you have to hack anything up for installation? Did it turn out as "clean" as you would have liked in the end? *NOTE: As it relates to an 06 STI (or interchangeable yr, 05?)
I'm pretty sure it's lack of lubrication on the piston and it's getting hung up (maybe I'm using the wrong term to describe the issue). It's most prominent when I'm easing off the brake as I complete a stop (the back drops slightly). This effect is clearly visible when I'm changing my oil, the rear drops in "increments" as I jack up the front of the car.
http://www.lpslabs.com/product_pg/corrosion_pg/LPS3.html i'm going to use this over the winter on my Miata's coil overs this winter. Yes, miata and winter. I said it.
lack of lubrication due to design. DIY fix/maintenance: http://mnsubaru.com/forums/showthread.php/25057-How-to-Repack-STi-struts.?highlight=
