Gauging interest for 08 STI parts......( lowering spring update page 2) - Page 2

***mossie4*** · 05-12-2008, 12:24 PM

I am looking to stay in A-Stock for the foreseeable future and that obviously limits what I can do. I think that a good FSB in the 27-29MM range will be perfect but the one's that I have seen out there don't seem to fit very well.....just as the stock FSB. It seems to me that something can be designed that puts a bit less stress on the front endlinks.

Are the non-lowering camber plates allowable in A-stock?

waktasz · 05-12-2008, 12:28 PM

Negative ghostrider. If camber plates were allowed that would be my first mod in this car.

***mossie4*** · 05-12-2008, 12:49 PM

That is what I assumed. It looks as though the FSB will be it for me. I want to see just how these Dunlops hold up as there is really not much info on them at this point. I know that running them near 38PSI produced no roll although they do tend to "scream" a bit around the track. I will keep messing with pressure as I am able to participate in more events.

***kris*** · 05-12-2008, 12:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DrPhyzx

This is more from the perspective of a hard-driven DD, which I think describes a lot of STIs:

The front end needs more grip. Even running everything else in the suspension stock, the first thing I would add would be front camber plates to allow a more neutral setup. Driving fast on my daily commute really shows this: tight, twisty uphill followed by tight, twisty downhill. On the uphill side, it's not hard to neutralize the understeer by changing the balance with the throttle. On the downhill side, this is a lot harder do... the speed gets out of hand before you exit long turns and you end up pushing the front no matter how you play it.

I think some options in streetable anti-roll bars would be next: front and rear. I'm thinking in the 22-24 range. Since there are no rears now, that is especially needed.

Finally, something needs to be done about the steering. Very vague and overboosted feeling just off center. I think different rubber is likely to help, and I'm willing to try some harder bushings too, but I'm not sure the root problem is that simple. Understanding and solving this problem would make the car a much better drive.

Steering - I couldn't agree more. I am adding steering rack bushings and lower control arm bushings this weekend to help deal with the dull turn-in on the steering and vague on-center feel (plus a good alignment - so lowered camber plates would be a plus).

In terms of suspension, I am looking to lower the car (for looks and performance) and add moderate sized sways. I think there are lots of us out here who want to control the body roll for spirited driving, but don't need the super stiffness penalty of the big bars the auto-x guys want.

Bushings - the shifter is in desperate need of less "rubberiness", so some bushings are in my future.

I am standing by to see what you come up with.

***mossie4*** · 05-12-2008, 01:15 PM

I don't know about the shifter bushings.....I come from a 2002 WRX Wagon and most recently a 99 2.5RS. I had upgraded to Kartboy SS and bushings on both and loved the feel.

With that said, the STI actually feels more accurate and solid than the 5-speed's I have had before with those upgrades.

Of course, I am a new owner and I have trouble finding any faults with my new toy!

DrPhyzx · 05-12-2008, 01:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kris

Steering - I couldn't agree more. I am adding steering rack bushings and lower control arm bushings this weekend to help deal with the dull turn-in on the steering and vague on-center feel (plus a good alignment - so lowered camber plates would be a plus).

Hey, make sure you post a new thread with the results on your steering. This is one of a few things I really have to fix soon...

**Digitalfiend** · 05-12-2008, 06:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DrPhyzx

Hey, make sure you post a new thread with the results on your steering. This is one of a few things I really have to fix soon...

Yeah, I'm waiting on this as well.

maron10 · 05-12-2008, 07:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mossie4

That is what I assumed. It looks as though the FSB will be it for me. I want to see just how these Dunlops hold up as there is really not much info on them at this point. I know that running them near 38PSI produced no roll although they do tend to "scream" a bit around the track. I will keep messing with pressure as I am able to participate in more events.

errr, the dunlops suck pretty much everywhere but the streets. I would not even attempt to auto-x on them. Since they came on the car, and I don't foresee myself doing 9 tenth driving on the street, they are fine, but as soon as I wear them out, a set of dunlop Z1s are in my future for the street, since they are so cheap.

Cadence · 05-12-2008, 08:01 PM

Myles,

Re your lowering springs, how much of a drop do you have planned? Have you measured the bump and droop travel of the '08 struts vs those in the '05> cars? How will your spring rates compare to the factory spring rates?

The rear geometry and motion ratio is all new on the '08 so we pretty much need to forget most of the stuff that we knew about the previous car.

Do you have any plans to add sealed bearings or boots to your camber plates?

More questions to follow but it sounds like your new parts are heading in the right direction.

**RaceComp Engineering** · 05-19-2008, 07:32 PM

Well we have been working on some things for the 08 STI for a while now. I have logged alot of time in dealer 08 STI's and customers etc. gathering a feel for the car and how to make it better. Today " GW" dropped off his white 08 STI to allow us to test fit our first set of prototype "SPORT LOWERING SPRINGS". The next test will be with the new FUNCTIONAL LOWERING SPRINGS". Whats the difference?...

Well the 08 STI is SUPER travel challenged. Meaning doesnt have much travel to begin with, as in LESS than the 04-07 STI !!..which was horrible also. So the FLS's will only lower about 5-10mm TOPS.....and the SLS's will lower 20mm. The SLS's purpose will be for people who want an increased rate and a lower stance while the FLS will be pure function. Increased rate ANDretain as much travel as possible.

We are going to include bump stops with all the kits and while the REARS now use a super long bump stop, we are working on a solution for the rear OTHER than cutting the existing one as we did in this test. ( 15mm we cut off in the rear) . In the front we used a shorter( 9mm) firmer bump stop. We used the corner weights from a Legacy and compared them to the 08 STI and compared the front Bilstein Sport internal stops from Japan with the ones from our existing 04-07 STI kits and are still testing these. So nothing final, but I know we are on the right track. The objective with the FLS will be to retain the stock travel ( as much of it as possible) while increasing spring rates.

Anyway, so we will have pics tomorrow of the SPORT LOWERING SPRINGS( SLS) on stock wheels etc. Driving impressions to follow.

Just wanted to keep you guys in the loop as to what we were working on.

FUNCTIONAL LOWERING SPRINGS( FLS) will follow shortly.

New thread in suspension and brakes. ALOT OF INFO TO FOLLOW and questions answered shortly.

Myles

midnit · 05-19-2008, 11:21 PM

Nice update Myles, you guys got that apart quickly.

**RaceComp Engineering** · 05-20-2008, 02:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by midnit

Nice update Myles, you guys got that apart quickly.

thanks,...but not really....we've had a extra set of 08 STI struts since Nov 07'..so its been in the making, just other things were going on. .....

Myles

**Digitalfiend** · 05-20-2008, 07:16 AM

Thanks for the update Myles. The lack of available travel is insane, I wonder why they keep reducing it? Is it safe to assume that the front spring rates are insufficient to keep the car off the bumpstops during hard cornering?

I can't wait to get my hands on your parts...um, you know what I mean.

**RaceComp Engineering** · 05-20-2008, 01:19 PM

Just took a ride to the powder coater and I have to say these springs really do a nice job of making the 08 STI less floaty yet its NOT bouncy at all. One really has to forget the old car to examine the new car accurately. It helps if you spend some time in a Legacy to gather what you need to look for. I know I am not explaining this well, but give me some time. All in all this car has alot of potential. Its wet out today and so there is no grip exploring, merely comfort impressions. Like its big brother even with limited travel there doesnt seem to be any real signs of it unless you look for LARGE , HUGE bumps to hit on purpose in which yes you can find the bump stops, or what seems like the bump stops. ...., BUT that happens on any lowered car if the bump is large enough.

Some of us are aware of those things in the road and many of us are not. Cell phones and other nice cars make sure of that !! After bending a set of nice wheels I learned to pay attention to the road. I say all this because part of the reality of the newer car will be who hits the big stuff in the road and who does not, and thats if you have a lowered car or not.

With that said...the sun it out now and maybe we can get a dry line.

Here are some pics of the SPORT LOWERING SPRINGS. This is a 20mm drop.

**RaceComp Engineering** · 05-20-2008, 01:29 PM

05-12-2008, 12:24 PM	#16
*mossie4* Platinum Member Car: 08 STI AW Fav Mod: Coming Soon Posts: 76 Join Date: May 2008 Trader Rating: (0)	Re: Gauging interest for 08 STI parts...... I am looking to stay in A-Stock for the foreseeable future and that obviously limits what I can do. I think that a good FSB in the 27-29MM range will be perfect but the one's that I have seen out there don't seem to fit very well.....just as the stock FSB. It seems to me that something can be designed that puts a bit less stress on the front endlinks. Are the non-lowering camber plates allowable in A-stock? This ad is not endorsed by this member. Please register or login to hide this ad.

05-12-2008, 12:28 PM	#17
waktasz Professional STI Racer Car: 02 Penis Extender Fav Mod: Autotrader.com Location: Philly Posts: 813 Join Date: Jan 2006 Trader Rating: (1)	Re: Gauging interest for 08 STI parts...... Negative ghostrider. If camber plates were allowed that would be my first mod in this car.

05-12-2008, 12:49 PM	#18
*mossie4* Platinum Member Car: 08 STI AW Fav Mod: Coming Soon Posts: 76 Join Date: May 2008 Trader Rating: (0)	Re: Gauging interest for 08 STI parts...... That is what I assumed. It looks as though the FSB will be it for me. I want to see just how these Dunlops hold up as there is really not much info on them at this point. I know that running them near 38PSI produced no roll although they do tend to "scream" a bit around the track. I will keep messing with pressure as I am able to participate in more events.

05-12-2008, 01:15 PM	#20
*mossie4* Platinum Member Car: 08 STI AW Fav Mod: Coming Soon Posts: 76 Join Date: May 2008 Trader Rating: (0)	Re: Gauging interest for 08 STI parts...... I don't know about the shifter bushings.....I come from a 2002 WRX Wagon and most recently a 99 2.5RS. I had upgraded to Kartboy SS and bushings on both and loved the feel. With that said, the STI actually feels more accurate and solid than the 5-speed's I have had before with those upgrades. Of course, I am a new owner and I have trouble finding any faults with my new toy!

05-12-2008, 08:01 PM	#24
Cadence Junior STI Driver Posts: 74 Join Date: May 2005 Trader Rating: (0)	Re: Gauging interest for 08 STI parts...... Myles, Re your lowering springs, how much of a drop do you have planned? Have you measured the bump and droop travel of the '08 struts vs those in the '05> cars? How will your spring rates compare to the factory spring rates? The rear geometry and motion ratio is all new on the '08 so we pretty much need to forget most of the stuff that we knew about the previous car. Do you have any plans to add sealed bearings or boots to your camber plates? More questions to follow but it sounds like your new parts are heading in the right direction.

05-19-2008, 07:32 PM	#25
RaceComp Engineering Authorized Vendor Car: 2008 Pinarello FP5 Fav Mod: New Underwear after a 147mph slide into turn 17 at Sebring in the rain....still got 3rd.. Location: Columbia, Maryland Posts: 3,057 Join Date: Apr 2005 Trader Rating: (10)	Re: Gauging interest for 08 STI parts...... Well we have been working on some things for the 08 STI for a while now. I have logged alot of time in dealer 08 STI's and customers etc. gathering a feel for the car and how to make it better. Today " GW" dropped off his white 08 STI to allow us to test fit our first set of prototype "SPORT LOWERING SPRINGS". The next test will be with the new FUNCTIONAL LOWERING SPRINGS". Whats the difference?... Well the 08 STI is SUPER travel challenged. Meaning doesnt have much travel to begin with, as in LESS than the 04-07 STI !!..which was horrible also. So the FLS's will only lower about 5-10mm TOPS.....and the SLS's will lower 20mm. The SLS's purpose will be for people who want an increased rate and a lower stance while the FLS will be pure function. Increased rate ANDretain as much travel as possible. We are going to include bump stops with all the kits and while the REARS now use a super long bump stop, we are working on a solution for the rear OTHER than cutting the existing one as we did in this test. ( 15mm we cut off in the rear) . In the front we used a shorter( 9mm) firmer bump stop. We used the corner weights from a Legacy and compared them to the 08 STI and compared the front Bilstein Sport internal stops from Japan with the ones from our existing 04-07 STI kits and are still testing these. So nothing final, but I know we are on the right track. The objective with the FLS will be to retain the stock travel ( as much of it as possible) while increasing spring rates. Anyway, so we will have pics tomorrow of the SPORT LOWERING SPRINGS( SLS) on stock wheels etc. Driving impressions to follow. Just wanted to keep you guys in the loop as to what we were working on. FUNCTIONAL LOWERING SPRINGS( FLS) will follow shortly. New thread in suspension and brakes. ALOT OF INFO TO FOLLOW and questions answered shortly. Myles

05-19-2008, 11:21 PM	#26
midnit Silver Member Car: 08 Aspen White STI Location: Northern, VA Posts: 594 Join Date: Feb 2007 Trader Rating: (0)	Re: Gauging interest for 08 STI parts...... Nice update Myles, you guys got that apart quickly.

05-20-2008, 07:16 AM	#28
Digitalfiend Super Moderator Car: 08 DGM STI Fav Mod: My wife :) Location: Brooklin, Ontario Posts: 5,391 Join Date: Oct 2003 Trader Rating: (0)	Re: Gauging interest for 08 STI parts......( lowering spring update page 2) Thanks for the update Myles. The lack of available travel is insane, I wonder why they keep reducing it? Is it safe to assume that the front spring rates are insufficient to keep the car off the bumpstops during hard cornering? I can't wait to get my hands on your parts...um, you know what I mean.

05-20-2008, 01:19 PM	#29
RaceComp Engineering Authorized Vendor Car: 2008 Pinarello FP5 Fav Mod: New Underwear after a 147mph slide into turn 17 at Sebring in the rain....still got 3rd.. Location: Columbia, Maryland Posts: 3,057 Join Date: Apr 2005 Trader Rating: (10)	Re: Gauging interest for 08 STI parts......( lowering spring update page 2) Just took a ride to the powder coater and I have to say these springs really do a nice job of making the 08 STI less floaty yet its NOT bouncy at all. One really has to forget the old car to examine the new car accurately. It helps if you spend some time in a Legacy to gather what you need to look for. I know I am not explaining this well, but give me some time. All in all this car has alot of potential. Its wet out today and so there is no grip exploring, merely comfort impressions. Like its big brother even with limited travel there doesnt seem to be any real signs of it unless you look for LARGE , HUGE bumps to hit on purpose in which yes you can find the bump stops, or what seems like the bump stops. ...., BUT that happens on any lowered car if the bump is large enough. Some of us are aware of those things in the road and many of us are not. Cell phones and other nice cars make sure of that !! After bending a set of nice wheels I learned to pay attention to the road. I say all this because part of the reality of the newer car will be who hits the big stuff in the road and who does not, and thats if you have a lowered car or not. With that said...the sun it out now and maybe we can get a dry line. Here are some pics of the SPORT LOWERING SPRINGS. This is a 20mm drop.

05-20-2008, 01:29 PM	#30
RaceComp Engineering Authorized Vendor Car: 2008 Pinarello FP5 Fav Mod: New Underwear after a 147mph slide into turn 17 at Sebring in the rain....still got 3rd.. Location: Columbia, Maryland Posts: 3,057 Join Date: Apr 2005 Trader Rating: (10)	Re: Gauging interest for 08 STI parts......( lowering spring update page 2) This ad is not endorsed by this member. Please register or login to hide this ad.