[Rev]

I plan on doing my suspension mods (STi pinks, GroupN tops, Cusco rsb, STi trailing arms and lateral links) in the next 1-2 months, so a bit of research never hurts.

So I am collecting information and tips:

RSB install:
http://www.scoobymods.com/forums/sho...hp?threadid=23

The swaybar install looks pretty straight forward, looks like the car should preferably have the suspension loaded (wheels on the ground, w/ ramps).

Any other suggestions?

Interesting thread about lateral links getting broken (with pics) which includes good information:

http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/show...+links+install

About the lateral links and trailing arms install;

How much of a PITA it is?
Should I go with the full-pillowball (6 piece lateral links), or just the regular 4-piece set?

I want my car to be as hardcore as it can be, being my daily driver, no plan to race or take it to the track.

(Waiting for STill_Will and Myles, as they installed theirs already) 8)

[stiparts@adelphia.net]

Yes, when you finsh installing all the parts do not install the endlinks until the car is sitting on the ground.

There is a running debate about whether the STI really benefits from the 6 pc kit on the theory that it already has pillowball joints in those pieces replaced by the additional two pieces you would get in the 6 pc kit v. the 4 pc kit. If you select the 6 pc kit, you need to go with an upgraded swaybar designed for the 03 WRX swaybar because that was the swaybar that the 6 pc kit was designed to fit. The 4 pc kit was designed to fit the STI swaybar so all that would be required is some upgraded swaybar designed for the STI. (obviously the original swaybars off those applications would also do, but IMHO sway bars on the STI should be upgraded first.

You say you want to be hardcore but do not plan on any race track driving. I think you would be fine with the 4 pc set since I cannot tell you that the 6 pc kit is definitely better. THe truth is I have not had the opportunity to drive in a car installed with a 4 pc kit and then hop in one with a 6 pc kit. I also do not think you would be able to benefit from any potential improvement that the 6 pc kit offers because it is not likely you will be pushing your car hard enough on public roads to get that benefit. If anything, make sure you have a good aftermarket swaybar, some like Cusco, while others like Cobb or Whiteline or Hotchkiss. I would suggest doing some research into those so you know you are getting a quality product.

As for the the lateral links getting broken, I think the consensus is that was a freak incident; some even believe it might be due to installation.

I have an STI and am currently running the 6 pc kit with an adjustable rear Cusco swaybar designed for the 03 WRX and I have had no problems. Everything is still in one piece and I have driven the car over 5000 miles like this, including some canyon driving. I have a track day in about a month, so if something changes I will post it.

This is something you can do in your driveway, but I would recommend a lift because a lift will make it much easier.

[Rev]

Thanks Kevin. That's some good advice regarding the 6piece or 4 piece.

I'll be doing the Cusco RSB and the 4 piece links.

What about doing those 2 upgrades _before_ doing the STi pinks and Group-N mounts?

[stiparts@adelphia.net]

I would recommend, if your finances can support, doing everything at once. I know, I know, people want to feel the incremental differences. The reason why I recommend doing it this way is that it will save you some labor and make the job easier. However, you can do it in any order you choose. When you do choose to upgrade the springs and the group-N mounts, be extremely careful when loosening and tightening the strut top nuts on the strut top bolts. I have removed them successfully once and when I did it a second time and went to tighten the bolt, I set my torque wrench to 13 lbs and it still broke--I am not positive that I did it correctly. The required torque is 14.5 lbs.

Back to the topic I just got off, you could install things in stages and experience the incremental performance. But if you can afford it, I would did it all at once because you want to spend time enjoying the car not working on it. In any case, it is all about final performance, not about all the incremental performance enhancements that you felt. Moreover, if you feel a change from doing everything at once, chances are it will be significant and you will be happier psychologically because you will feel like it is money well spent. Whereas, if you only feel the incremental performance at each stage, you will evaluate it accordingly and will compare the amount of money you spent against the amount of performance you were able to gain from that stage, and probably wonder if it was the best choice. So you can see there are several reasons why it might be better to install it at one time if you can afford to do so.

I am saying this not because I necessarily will be the one to sell you the parts, but because I want you to get the most satisfaction about the money you are spending for performance enhancements. Whether you buy from me, Myles, rallispec, or joe blow, it does not matter. What matters is that you are happy with your purchase and the performance you get out of the parts you purchase.

See if you can find someone in your area that has the same or similar modifications that you are seeking to do. Go for a ride. At least, you will have objective expectations whereas reading the forums and getting subjective and in some cases biased opinions from STI owners can give you the wrong expectations.

Usually, what I have noticed is that most people will not tell you about how bad an install went or that they were a disapointed about the gains or lack of gains because they do not want to admit that their decision was not informed or that it was a stupid purchase. I have also noticed that a lot of people will exaggerate the benefits or improvements that one can expect to feel by doing some particular modification. However, most of the guys that speak frequently about their modifications on this board, unlike Nabisco, are giving great feedback. In fact, I have relied on their feedback in a few instances when I could not find someone locally with those modification that I was contemplating. For example, I had no idea what to expect from those same modifications you were discussing. After reading up on the feedback from what seemed like the wiser STI owners, I did not wait to ride in a car. I felt like they were being honest through their word choice, descriptions, and ultimately their recommendations.

I think the STI is a racecar when we get them from the factory. Obviously, nothing is perfect so it is easy to fault the car for its not so strong points, such as steering. However, if the EVO were not around, we probably would not notice it as much. If you are one to drive a lot of canyons and really push your car hard on public road, whether in the canyons, in the suburbs, or the streets of Chicago, you will enjoy the increased responsiveness that the sway bars, the STI 4 pc links, the STI pinks, and the Group N mounts provide.

What is bizarre is that the group N mount is stiff, the STI pink is stiffer than the OEM STI spring, the CUsco sway bar is stiffer than stock, and the 4 pc links are less compliant than the OEM ones, yet the car feels like it is not as stiff but more firm. I will give you an example. Before I installed my Cusco sway bars, 6 pc links, pink springs, and group N hats, along with the STI rear diff mount and bushings, I had this touring seat as my passenger car. It was old and the reclining mechanism chattered especially when driving over bumps. It was enjoying and always over powered the sound of the radio. I tried all kinds of fixes but ultimately gave up and realized I would have to live with it until I could get some new ones. But before I bought new ones, I had all of that suspension gear installed. Guess what? The chattering was virtually non existent after I pulled out of the shop. It was wierd. The chattering was noticeably reduced because the suspension reacted differently to the forces on the car which transmitted less forces, I imagine, through the cabin, which resulted in less chattering. Only rarely, like when I would roll over significant potholes or dips in the freeway would it make noise. NOw, I have since gotten rid of the seat for better looking ones, but that gives you an example of the car not being as stiff. The increased firmness that I mentioned is noticed most when accelerating or getting on the gas hard out of a sharp turn. Before the STI would pivot, grip the road, and go, but with those modifications it just plants and goes.

Whatever, I am rambling now...

[944turboguy]

Mam I think Fatih ( SEL )needs to get in on this one,.I know he has a couple of 3000 worders to contribute to this thread,..as he always has good response for people in need.

944 turbo guy.

ps . Yeah I agree !!