[SubaruUberAlles]

Has anyone used the Praxis Air Suspension or Prodrive Suspension systems?

Hopefully the new designed 2006 STi Impreza will have this option.

Thanks

[capaSTi]

i opted to springs now because i am waiting on prodrive's upcoming "active suspension" which will own all other coilover type kits... including the praxis

check it - http://www.prodrive-usa.com/product_...d=10&pid=76&s=

[crashsti]

but will the Prodrive works in "off road" situations. i know the Praxis is a street only item, but i am looking into something that will perform better in the dirt and gravel without sacrificing too much of the STi's road manners.

[ss3homer]

I really like the Praxis system. That is the one on tire rack correct? If they weren't 3K plus it might be my first choice for coilovers, but the thing is that when I can afford the TEIN's, I can just afford about anything else, lol

[Black&Gold]

I'm sorry but as great as a lot of people say that Praxis system is I would personally never touch that thing. It would not be able to deal with the problems it has. For example if you park on an uneven surface for about an hour you will most likely return to a car with one of it's wheels off the ground, which can only be rectified by smooth, easy driving for a few minutes. I also can't imagine that thing lasting very long, I'm sure it comes with some sort of warranty but sorry it's not for me. I would much rather have the real thing (coilovers) that I know are reliable.

[capaSTi]

Originally Posted by crashsti

but will the Prodrive works in "off road" situations. i know the Praxis is a street only item, but i am looking into something that will perform better in the dirt and gravel without sacrificing too much of the STi's road manners.

prodrive is partnered with sti in building the wrc rally car therefore this system's main focus is for off-road use, but they are also including settings for autox,track, and road race use as well as a street mode for a smooth ride without sacrificing handling...

Originally Posted by Black&Gold

... It would not be able to deal with the problems it has. For example if you park on an uneven surface for about an hour you will most likely return to a car with one of it's wheels off the ground, which can only be rectified by smooth, easy driving for a few minutes. ...

you must have read the SCC project car review for this month
they have mixed feelings about it and say that it is not the best for the money, but if the price was half and they could work out the minor glitches it would be the best system available...

[Slowride]

Originally Posted by Black&Gold

I'm sorry but as great as a lot of people say that Praxis system is I would personally never touch that thing. It would not be able to deal with the problems it has.

That's fine. Nobody's saying it's for everyone.

For example if you park on an uneven surface for about an hour you will most likely return to a car with one of it's wheels off the ground, which can only be rectified by smooth, easy driving for a few minutes.

According to Sport Compact Car, it takes less than a minute to level. Being aware of this phenomenon, one could easily be more careful to park levelly.

I also can't imagine that thing lasting very long, I'm sure it comes with some sort of warranty but sorry it's not for me.

Two years on the springs, one year on everything else, sanctioned competition is covered.

I would much rather have the real thing (coilovers) that I know are reliable.

Yeah, I "get" that you don't want a Praxis suspension. However, for others more open minded, the reliability of air springs has been proven in the trucking industry, which has used them for decades.

Are you as concerned about other unproven technology that came stock in the STi?

[Slowride]

Originally Posted by capaSTi

you must have read the SCC project car review for this month
they have mixed feelings about it and say that it is not the best for the money, but if the price was half and they could work out the minor glitches it would be the best system available...

Gee, my copy of the article doesn't say that.

It says:

These problems are fixed now and the car rides and handles great.

Their "lessons learned" were quite interesting, though, and I was surprised that they declared the Track mode useless due to insufficient travel. Since Praxis was developed first for the WRX, I'd have expected such a problem to show up in testing. Maybe SCC was trying to use Track mode on the street.

I still think the ultimate set-up would be Praxis springs with the Prodrive active dampers...

[crashsti]

the Praxis system is a very complex technology, its not as simple as just "air bag" suspension. there are actually scales built in at all four corners that weigh the car. even the domestic magazine guys are lusting over this system. its an all in one system-minus a setting for the drags-but having said that, nothing is perfect.

[Slowride]

There are level sensors on each corner, not scales.

No, of course it's not perfect. Like any engineered solution to a complex problem, it's a compromise. But it is innovative, and the technologies it's introducing are going to be refined and be more widely deployed.

[capaSTi]

i never meant to "talk down" about the praxis system - its technologies are state-of-the-art and the efficiency is there, but as you already stated it was developed with the wrx not the STi - we will see what happens with an updated version

the money is absolutely ridiculous - they have to knock AT LEAST $500-700 of the msrp IMHO... when prodrive's system comes out it will be the end all - mark my words if you will... :wink:

[Egan]

How does the Praxxis system deal with changes in the alignment geometry from switching between the 3 settings?

[Boxer]

Originally Posted by capaSTi

... when prodrive's system comes out it will be the end all - mark my words if you will... :wink:

I'm in agreement here. I'm just drooling over the capabilities of this system(at least on paper). If it turns out to be as good in the flesh, so to speak, I'm getting one, definitely.

Cheers

[Slowride]

Originally Posted by capaSTi

the money is absolutely ridiculous - they have to knock AT LEAST $500-700 of the msrp IMHO...

There are conventional-spring coilovers that cost more and don't provide any of the Praxis' unique capabilities. I don't think it's unreasonable.

when prodrive's system comes out it will be the end all - mark my words if you will... :wink:

If it does half of what they promise for anywhere near the price they're targetting, it'll be awesome. I just don't know if they can deliver. And, yes, I know we're talking about Prodrive, but their record on consumer products is less spectacular than their World Rally accomplishments.

[Slowride]

Originally Posted by Egan

How does the Praxxis system deal with changes in the alignment geometry from switching between the 3 settings?

They recommend a single alignment that is a reasonable compromise. That's definitely a weakness of the system.