[excel]

I have the pink springs should I get the STi hardened strut tops..Do they make a big difference...? Thanks

[stiparts@adelphia.net]

Not substantial. We took the hardened strut tops out of my car today and compared them to a regular STI. I think they are a bit harder, but for those like me that want to squeeze out additional stiffness for increased feedback and response, we go with the hardened ones.

With that said however, I have heard that the STI pink springs do much better with the hardened strut tops. If you have the money get them because it will not cost you any more to install them.

[olappa]

Very substantial. Its one thing to feel the strut tops in your hand, and another to feel their effect on the car.

[Xman]

I went all the way with the Noltec camber plates, only metal between the strut top and the strut towers Makes a big difference IMO

[mindchatter]

I actually did the pink springs 1st and went back and did the stiffened strut tops a week or two later. I was quite surprised at the difference a simple change in rubber stiffness could make in the handling and feel of the car. My .02 - a definite "must do" while you have the struts out for the springs.

[STIml8n]

cannot comment on what difference they make because i got all my suspension done at once, but the STi with the pinks and tops and f/r say bars is incredible! a defeinite upgrade for those wanting better handling...

[olappa]

I actually did the pink springs 1st and went back and did the stiffened strut tops a week or two later. I was quite surprised at the difference a simple change in rubber stiffness could make in the handling and feel of the car. My .02 - a definite "must do" while you have the struts out for the springs.

Ditto....

You feel a BIG difference when you install them in terms of "before-and-after." Much better after. :wink:

[Mr._Tarmac]

Can you comment further on the difference? What specifically improved over just springs alone? And how much do they increase noise and ride harshness?

[olappa]

First, the Pink springs make a HUGE difference from stock - enough that I personally think that it was poor judgement on the part of SOA to release them as OEM for North America at all....they just "belong" on this car and mate exactly to the struts.

Now for the Group N tops...their extra firmness results in isolating upward force (bumps) more, making the spring/struts work harder (and better).....To better visualise this, picture trying to drive a nail into a piece of wood laying on top of a mattress vs trying to do the same thing with the piece of wood lying on the floor (not that you would do such a thing, but its a good comparison.)...The hammer will be much more effective on the latter, just like the springs would work better when braced against a harder base (Group N top).

As somebody on Nasioc said, the hardened tops actually result in a SMOOTHER ride over small bumps, like reflective lane dividers on the highway. I like to compare the ride to a street-bike type handling, myself. Obviously, launching off the LARGER bumps, and compressions, will also be more powerful as well - but it is a good thing in that the vehicle is very involved in the driving and doing exactly what it should be doing.

This will be a "different" handling and ride on the STi - improved or worsened depending on your preference for performance or comfort.

Olappa

PS while Im on the subject, front and rear strut bars will tie struts and tops as a rock solid unit, particularly with this setup. Save yourself time and money and trouble and install all three at once.

[ValvetrainEngineer]

Just a quick question, only slightly off topic: when I installed the rear strut bar I noticed two steel 'caps' bolted on top of the rear struts. What's their purpose? I didn't see any point so I took them out - and now I have the rear strut clunking problem. Likely not related, but anyway what are those caps for?

Also I went with the Tanabe GF 210's - almost the same rate as the pinks bu half the cost. I will do the hardened strut mounts at the same time, once the strut issue is fixed ...

[olappa]

What's their purpose? I didn't see any point so I took them out - and now I have the rear strut clunking problem. Likely not related, but anyway what are those caps for?

Yeah...mine are lying in my basement somewhere - they had to go when I installed my strut bar. I believe my mechanic said that they have something to do with reducing noise, and I felt no difference on my car either way.....Im sorry I cant be of more help.

[Snax]

Originally Posted by olappa

Now for the Group N tops...their extra firmness results in isolating upward force (bumps) more, making the spring/struts work harder (and better).....To better visualise this, picture trying to drive a nail into a piece of wood laying on top of a mattress vs trying to do the same thing with the piece of wood lying on the floor (not that you would do such a thing, but its a good comparison.)...The hammer will be much more effective on the latter, just like the springs would work better when braced against a harder base (Group N top).

Nice analogy. Likewise, the effect on ride is like to going +1 on tire fitment, although I'm guessing not as drastic.

Both reduce the amount of undampened suspension movement. (Where suspension is everything between the chassis and the road.)

[bekster43]

how long does it usually take to install hardened top mounts/springs for a professional? for a novice?

[STIml8n]

I went to my local guy in town and in about 6 hours they installed front and rear swaybars, new brake pads, new brake fluid, stainless steel brake lines, hardened strut tops and STi pinks and the STi short shifter. I'd have to assume that just the springs and tops would be 3 or 4 hours maybe?