[Alex]

For the first mod, suspension seems to be the most optimal, and of course that means a set of STi pinks. Am I correct or should money be spent else where. The way I looked at it, improving the handling slightly and spending a couple hours under some instruction things could improve exponentially for me.

TIA
Alex

[RiX]

For the same amount of money, you could also consider Eibachs Pro Kit (springs) for STi and add a rear sway bar, too. This set up makes a big positive difference. Hardened strut tops would be the next...

[choonzAWR]

what are hardened strut tops? can you use the stock ones if you do get the STi pink springs? whats the difference between the stock and the hardened ones?

im n00bz0r at this =[

[Boxer]

From what I've read, a matched set of A/R bars(Cobb, Cusco) are the way to go for first suspension mods. The pinks, alone, won't necessarily make the same improvement as a good set of A/R bars.

[Alex]

I see, I see, those were my other thoughts.

[RiX]

Originally Posted by choonzAWR

what are hardened strut tops? can you use the stock ones if you do get the STi pink springs? whats the difference between the stock and the hardened ones?

im n00bz0r at this =[

You know the rubbery black thingies on top of your strut towers? Those ones. You can continue to use the stock ones with the pinks, but the tops will improve things further. The hardened ones have less give/flex and make things tighter / less bouncy.

You might want to reach out to or read the postings by FT (FT@SGP) or Myles (944turboguy) for more info as they are the suspension gurus of the forum.

[STIml8n]

ascelon, use the search function, this topic has been discussed a lot.

[STiLLWILL]

ascelon,

if you have AIM, just message "RACECOMPENGINEERING" and he(Myles) will be sure to answer all your questions about the Pinks/strut top combo. You can also PM him: "944turboguy"



-Matt

[Alex]

Thanks, STIml8n, I did that already, as well as only a few posts down is another handling topic which mentions these, I just wanted some affirmation.

[ValvetrainEngineer]

I had the same questions. After watching all the posts for a while, I've also decided to go with STi Pinks and the hardened strut tops. Coilovers are too expensive and only seem to provide that last 2% improvement - in other words keeping the stock struts and upgrading springs and mounts is probably good for 98% of us who will only do occasional auto-x. Other springs may also be good (Eibach, etc.) but I could be reading reviews for 2 yrs....time to just do it!

[Snax]

The Eibach Pro-kit springs are probably the least expensive option for a noticeably large improvement in overall cornering grip and handling balance. I watched all of the other STis at the first local autocross plow their way around the course on the stock springs, while I trail braked and power oversteered at will with just the Eibachs. At this point, I don't see any need for the swaybars as balance correction, though more roll resistance would still help.

Keep in mind however that if you intend to do any autocrosses, you can only upgrade the front A/S bar and stay in the stock class. Springs or a rear swaybar will put the car into street prepared which is a whole other can of worms.

For simple canyon carving, I don't think you will be disappointed with any one option alone. I can't help thinking that the pinks alone still keep the balance biased slightly toward understeer however - which is perfectly fine if surprises in corners are something you like to avoid. Of course with swaybars and springs together, you probably won't stop grinning with whichever ones you choose.

[Transporter_STi]

Originally Posted by Snax

The Eibach Pro-kit springs are probably the least expensive option for a noticeably large improvement in overall cornering grip and handling balance. I watched all of the other STis at the first local autocross plow their way around the course on the stock springs, while I trail braked and power oversteered at will with just the Eibachs. At this point, I don't see any need for the swaybars as balance correction, though more roll resistance would still help.

Keep in mind however that if you intend to do any autocrosses, you can only upgrade the front A/S bar and stay in the stock class. Springs or a rear swaybar will put the car into street prepared which is a whole other can of worms.

For simple canyon carving, I don't think you will be disappointed with any one option alone. I can't help thinking that the pinks alone still keep the balance biased slightly toward understeer however - which is perfectly fine if surprises in corners are something you like to avoid. Of course with swaybars and springs together, you probably won't stop grinning with whichever ones you choose.

Can some list the best springs for the STi form 1-5???

[timb]

Top five? In order?
Good luck--you'll not get a true consensus.
STi Pinks, Eibach Pro-kits, H&R Sport, Tanabe, Tein... Take your pick!
You can judge based on popularity if you want to; Pinks seem to be the most widely used thus far.
Check the Ravensblade rate chart--

Tim

http://www.ravensblade-impreza.com/t...ng/spring.html

[Transporter_STi]

Originally Posted by timb

Top five? In order?
Good luck--you'll not get a true consensus.
STi Pinks, Eibach Pro-kits, H&R Sport, Tanabe, Tein... Take your pick!
You can judge based on popularity if you want to; Pinks seem to be the most widely used thus far.
Check the Ravensblade rate chart--

Tim

http://www.ravensblade-impreza.com/t...ng/spring.html

Thank You.

[944turboguy]

Originally Posted by rjhang

You know the rubbery black thingies on top of your strut towers? Those ones. You can continue to use the stock ones with the pinks, but the tops will improve things further. The hardened ones have less give/flex and make things tighter / less bouncy.

You might want to reach out to or read the postings by FT (FT@SGP) or Myles (944turboguy) for more info as they are the suspension gurus of the forum.

Thanks for the kind words,....

I think the Pinks are very "matched" compared to the Eibach Pro kits,...
we are in the process of testing the Sti pinks, the Prodrive bump stop version springs, and the Eibach Pro kit springs.

Yes the hardened trut tops provide a much more "connected" feeling in the front suspension, I have found the stock upper strut mounts loose alot of the initial feeling and stiffness from when the car is new, esp when adding the pink lowering springs.

For your autocrossing needs, yes pay close attention to your class rules, there are some things that will throw you to the wolves if you not careful.

As far as coilovers,..I think the # mistake people make is buying cheap coilovers, and selling the oem STi strut for dirt cheap. The more expensive coilovers offer a range of adjustment that goes beyond that of the stock strut,.but for all the 1k-1.5k coilovers, they leak, they're bouncy, rust, and just arent impressive, maybe an improvment over a regular 'wrx. but not the OEM strut.

The STI rear trailing, and lateral arms and links provide a "solid" in touch feeling from the rear suspension, while the front hardened strut tops work well , esp with -1.5 degrees camber. Cusco bars, front and rear , with the rear maxed once you install the front bar, this offers a very flat handling car with turn-in response being almost cerebral like !!

Yet all of this without rattling your teeth and skipping your cd player, as well later on down the road if you decide to upgrade to some good coilovers for track day events, you can always sell the pink springs and strut tops, because they are that good.

.....just my .02 cents worth.

944 turboguy