[dlheman]

Re: Complete S206 chassis enhancement parts + Rigid Collar review

I always love bloody detailed suspension upgrade mod posts. Everyone seems to want >>>400whp, everyone wants a turbo so big they need to locate it in the trunk as it won't fit under the hood. That's all well and good, but my personal preference is the handling department which is what sets up the better performing STi's on track days, autocross, or back roads.

You can play and pass 100k big boys armed with Hoosier's and a well sorted suspension (well done coilovers, bushings, aggressive alignment, properly selected swaybars etc). These type of chassis mods don't really increase the limit (much), they tend to matter only at higher speeds if they increase any performance, and even then mostly with slicks.

However, what they do help at all levels is increase the feedback to tell you exactly where the limit is and with some experience to instantly "snap" into the proper reaction to regain control the instant you reach the limit instead of snap oversteer out of control or worse. If properly done, these chassis mods can be so good that you will know exactly when approaching the limit and this benefit holds at all speeds and all driving modes, 2/10, 5/10, 8/10 or up to 10/10. You might even possibly spend an entire autocross almost never hitting a cone and always staying within the course without spinning out etc.

Precisely.

A long time ago there was an add by Pirelli with the slogan of 'Power is nothing without control', and the picture shown is tires in the shape of fist on a very wet road. That slogan is the first thing that should come to everybody's mind to remember.

And it is true, the S206 parts together with the Spoon's rigid collar parts connects me as the driver to ultimately the tires. This allows me to be aware and know what the car can and can't do - all due to the information translated from the tires through the chassis, then to the steering and seat. It helps my STI comes with Recaro too, which I also upgrade the seat base+rails with HKS Kansai's which comes with extra bracing for rigid base, while slightly lowers the seating position for better driving position.

Maybe S206 parts and rigid collars are not for everyone as they probably defy the logics of what's been known so far. But they do work and works very well. I have stop thinking about what shock/spring/coilover to get for now because of how just nicely balanced the car is at the moment. Only the STI lateral links is coming next, and that I'm sure will improve the handling further and closer to what the S206 NBR Challenge is all about.

And I'm sure upgraded shocks/spring/coilover would further improve the ride, but is no longer becoming something I wanted urgently anymore. Unless I can find a brand new sets of Bilstein NBR Challenge damper kit!

 

[SammyG]

Re: Complete S206 chassis enhancement parts + Rigid Collar review

Unless I can find a brand new sets of Bilstein NBR Challenge damper kit!

I found my set of Bilstein yellows with pink springs from S206 setup at Japan Yahoo auctions. Completely new set you obviously can't find cause they don't sell them separately. So my set had 8000km on them. They where like new :tup:

Before this set I had done
1. H-brace
2. 2011 lower control arm retrofit (uniball)
3. Perrin swaybar set
After these modification car made biggest difference into handling. I think these parts are mostly doing same than STI-branded thingies but with better price.

4. Then came S206 Bilsteins along Whiteline C-com upper strut mounts. Now I think swaybars are little bit too stiff.

5. Then I installed rear subframe inserts. And voila, they made some magic also. I think these cheap babys are doing same what rigid collars are trying. Can't say what rigid collars are really doing.

6. New STI branded uniball lateral links to back are waiting for install. Just waiting for summer here.

 

[dlheman]

Re: Complete S206 chassis enhancement parts + Rigid Collar review

Sexy!

They used to sell the NBR Challenge damper kit, but is discontinued now.

DAMN!

 

[jaboyd]

Re: Complete S206 chassis enhancement parts + Rigid Collar review

Those are a great find!

I think the point on the collars is that they do a couple of things: 1) they will realign the subframes closer to the ideal location so suspension will be at nominal. 2) collars will act as a preventitive for the potential of shifting, 3) like all bracing/bushings they'll provide some localized stiffening. On several forums, including this one, many opinions and even concerns have been raised about the true benefit/problems with collars. Nearly all of the negative comments have come from those that haven't tried them but support their concerns with engineering/technical examples. On the other side, positive responses from users seem consistant with "better feel, lower NVH, and tighter more solid chassis".

The 206 type bracing is interesting in that it is a tension based resistance (one direction) and offers no rotational or deflection support. Traditional bars offer both types of resistance but that means a very rigid chassis.....not always the optimal setup, especially with OEM suspension, IMO.

Enjoy the new setup!

I found my set of Bilstein yellows with pink springs from S206 setup at Japan Yahoo auctions. Completely new set you obviously can't find cause they don't sell them separately. So my set had 8000km on them. They where like new :tup:

Before this set I had done
1. H-brace
2. 2011 lower control arm retrofit (uniball)
3. Perrin swaybar set
After these modification car made biggest difference into handling. I think these parts are mostly doing same than STI-branded thingies but with better price.

4. Then came S206 Bilsteins along Whiteline C-com upper strut mounts. Now I think swaybars are little bit too stiff.

5. Then I installed rear subframe inserts. And voila, they made some magic also. I think these cheap babys are doing same what rigid collars are trying. Can't say what rigid collars are really doing.

6. New STI branded uniball lateral links to back are waiting for install. Just waiting for summer here.

Image Link

 

[KManZ]

Re: Complete S206 chassis enhancement parts + Rigid Collar review

Basically, those front draw stiffeners would replace the "H-Brace". I wonder what kind of change in handling to expect. The H-Brace definitely tightens up the front end of the car.

I like the idea of a suspension that's stiff when performing, chill when cruising. The STi engineers figured out how apply stiffness where needed and more compliance when not needed.

These suspension bits have me intrigued... Not sure if I am $1500 intrigued though :rofl:

 

[dlheman]

Re: Complete S206 chassis enhancement parts + Rigid Collar review

I admit it is pretty expensive and it did hurt to pay that much for something I solely relying my hope for positive results based on STI concept and promise of comfort and performance. It took me a long time to be brave enough and proceed with the purchase.

The thing is, the following paragraphs from EVO UK keeps hinting me that it is worth trying the S206 chassis parts, and it really sums up what the S206 chassis parts did to my car:

"...It almost defies logic. How can you make an Impreza WRX corner with so little roll, maintain so much lateral grip and yet retain such comfortable ride quality? It can’t just come from the specially fitted Bilstein inverted dampers, coil springs and tower bar."

And the answer by STI’s motorsport director, former chief test driver and Nurburgring meister, Hideharu Tatsumi:

"...‘It’s not just the flexible tower brace and Bilsteins that create this ride,’ he says, ‘I have brought over a flexible draw stiffener, several other nifty support braces and special lateral links with pillow ball bushe.... "

Plus the Hot Version video review of the S206 NBR Challenge STI is in-line to the Evo's article. And the fact that the car handles extremely well with the 15:1 steering rack made me really curious. Everyone wants to go for 13:1 steering rack including myself to improve the handling, but the STI engineers dial back the steering rack from 13:1 to 15:1:

"The combination of the suspension upgrades and the high grip Michelin tires also meant that his team was able to dial back the steering gear ratio from 13:1 to 15:1, which makes the S206 turn in at speed as predictably as the actual race car, with logarithmic loads of grip and more steering feel and feedback than any STI before it."

We got to remember this is S206, the crown jewel of STI line up at that time. The STI engineers surely don't mess about when it comes to their 'S' line up, and they must have a really good reason to go back to 15:1 steering ratio. And if the combination of suspension upgrades allowed them to do this, then I think we can agree the S206 chassis enhancement parts are something special to them.

But apart from the Evo UK article and Hot Version video, there are a couple of members here who have fitted the STI Performance Package and the results seems positive to me. Plus there is an STI enthusiasts from Japan who have installed the entire S206 chassis parts and his Minkara blog really help me a lot through his review and list of part numbers.

That's why the 'IS IT REALLY?' question keeps popping in, and the curiosity keeps growing.

When I'm on that stage, it really isn't about money anymore (to me at least) but it is more about going ahead to try something new and test it for myself. And that is why I do not want to tell everyone to do the same, and I am only here to share my extremely satisfied experience of using STI S206 chassis enhancement parts on my car. The results of using the S206 chassis enhancement parts are as unique as the parts are unique to STI only.

And now that I know what the STI parts can do, if I have GT86 or BRZ, I would go with STI flexible chassis enhancement parts than TRD's solid bar chassis parts. My deep respect for the STI engineers!

 

[jaboyd]

Re: Complete S206 chassis enhancement parts + Rigid Collar review

Those 206 parts are kind of interesting now that I've had a little more time to think them thru. It appear that their concept with the "rod" links is to prevent the front and rear sub frames from rotating around the center of subframe mount but allowing for the left and right sides of the chassis to have some up and down deflection. In essence allowing torsional rotation up and down but preventing the front and rear subframes from altering the wheel position relative to the chassis. I can see how this retains good cornering control (alignment) yet more compliant ride (less harsh).....interesting approach!

The one thing that I haven't figured out is the flexible rear link w/pivot. The only thing that comes to mind is that they want some compliance in the bushing so allowing it to pivot which might provide a blend of improved ride while retaining good control...only guessing at this one.

 

[Harlequin_Forest]

Re: Complete S206 chassis enhancement parts + Rigid Collar review

:naughty: Dat JDM redline dohhh

 

[dlheman]

Re: Complete S206 chassis enhancement parts + Rigid Collar review

Those 206 parts are kind of interesting now that I've had a little more time to think them thru. It appear that their concept with the "rod" links is to prevent the front and rear sub frames from rotating around the center of subframe mount but allowing for the left and right sides of the chassis to have some up and down deflection. In essence allowing torsional rotation up and down but preventing the front and rear subframes from altering the wheel position relative to the chassis. I can see how this retains good cornering control (alignment) yet more compliant ride (less harsh).....interesting approach!

The one thing that I haven't figured out is the flexible rear link w/pivot. The only thing that comes to mind is that they want some compliance in the bushing so allowing it to pivot which might provide a blend of improved ride while retaining good control...only guessing at this one.

The FDS method is definitely interesting to learn and study. I don't really know how it works, except I can think of it as some kind of suspensions for the chassis.

And I may aswell post the STI Performance Packages for the WRX STI and Forester, and you guys can see how specific STI is and see what made up the complete S206 chassis enhancement parts, and from which model did the parts came from.

Here we go:

2008-2010 WRX STI (type A/B)

STI - SPORT PARTS - WRX STI

And for 2011+ specific (type C)

STI - SPORT PARTS - WRX STI

And the following link we can find a brief explanation of the two:
STI - SPORT PARTS - WRX STI

And according to google translation the Japanese characters inside the field next to the A/B parts pictures says:

"A · B type GRB because the C-type and chassis characteristic is slightly different, the combination of flexible tower bar / flexible lower arm bar / support front kit is the best."


Well not really an explanation, but at least they are specific about it and as I mentioned on the first page of this thread, the manual for front FDS specify 2 pre-tension values;

• 3.0mm for type C, and

• 4.5mm for type A/B.

Again, very specific. Perhaps STI felt some 2008-2010 may want to try the kit for 2011+ STI on their car and specified the value to suit the 2008-2010 chassis tune from factory.

And for the Forester SH series, STI also offers two kits for type A/B and type C (now we know this just means pre-facelift and facelift respectively).

The STI Performance Package for type C Forester SH series includes the remaining parts to complete the S206 chassis parts;

STI - SPORT PARTS - FORESTER

Obviously the WRX STI do not need the strut bar from the kit. But it is also worth knowing STI mentioned even though you can buy the rear FDS on its own the rear FDS is to work together as a kit. If I think about it, then that's why the S206 also use the front support from the Forester's STI Performance Package.

So the S206 chassis package really is a hybrid between the STI Performance Package for 2011 WRX STI and the Forester SH series.

 

[Toivonen]

Re: Complete S206 chassis enhancement parts + Rigid Collar review

One thing I have to say is that stock the STi is better at high speed than some, if not more than a few cars, but when you start to corner or brake the stability is not the best. Suspension and alignment mods can help increase or decrease the stability, and actually if you have adjustable dampers a few clicks here or there can greatly help that as well. But these chassis mods definitely have an impact as chassis that tends to flex more also tends to cause unpredictable oscillations that can destabilize you, so I can believe even just a little bracing helps, this and the full "driveline bolt down" before even starting to touch the springs, dampers or sways.

 

[dlheman]

Re: Complete S206 chassis enhancement parts + Rigid Collar review

The damper is definitely really good at high speed, and I think I mentioned this somewhere as I was wondering if the GTWorx Bilstein can work with the OEM 2011+ spring in hope it helps smooth out the low speed ride control.

But now with the S206 parts on the damper/spring works well at low speed also, and even more so at high speed. Quite the sorcery!

 

[KManZ]

Re: Complete S206 chassis enhancement parts + Rigid Collar review

Here's the shopping list (from Japanparts.com) for the S206 suspension mods:

STI Performance Package contains:
- Front flexible strut bar (SG517FG101)
- Front draw fastener (ST20118ZR000)
- Rear flexible support (ST20156ZR000)

- Rear draw fastener (ST20168ZR000)


Can we get these pieces anywhere besides Japan Parts?

Updated, thanks for dlheman! :tup:

 

[dlheman]

Re: Complete S206 chassis enhancement parts + Rigid Collar review

Here's the shopping list (from Japanparts.com) for the S206 suspension mods:

STI Performance Package ($859)
- Front flexible strut bar (SG517FG101)
- Front draw fastener (ST20118ZR000)
- Rear flexible support (ST20156ZR000)

Front Support Kit ($245)
- Front support kit 20107C (ST20106ZR000)

Shipping (to VA/MD, at least): ($135)
TOTAL: ($1239)

The Front Support Kit is a support for the front crossmember brace... a "brace for a brace". It's required to install the Front Draw Fasteners.

You can't purchase the Front Draw Fasteners separately, at least on Japan Parts. They make you buy the whole kit. I don't want the Front Strut Bar, don't see the need for it.

I can't find the Rear Draw Fasteners on Japan Parts, which is annoying because that Rear Flxible Support has the fittings for them, and I'd want to complete the kit if performing these mods. But, maybe we don't need it? "A · B type GRB because the C-type and chassis characteristic is slightly different, the combination of flexible tower bar / flexible lower arm bar / support front kit is the best."

Can we get these pieces anywhere besides Japan Parts?

The Front Support kit is not required to install the front FDS.

But, if we trust STI then you need the front support kit when installing the rear FDS, which is available under Subaru Forester SH series parts, as the rear FDS is meant to work as complete tuning package together with the rest of the STI Performance Parts.

https://www.japanparts.com/parts/detail/39960


And you can buy just the front FDS if you want:

https://www.japanparts.com/parts/detail/39117

I am not so sure where else sells the STI Performance Package parts, maybe RHDjapan.com?


"A · B type GRB because the C-type and chassis characteristic is slightly different, the combination of flexible tower bar / flexible lower arm bar / support front kit is the best."
That is for 2008-2010 WRX STI, and STI's code for that model is A/B type. If you have 2008-2010 model, STI recommends a different kit to suit the chassis.

 

[dlheman]

Re: Complete S206 chassis enhancement parts + Rigid Collar review

Click the below link for complete list of STI parts, and you can buy each parts separately if you want:

https://www.japanparts.com/parts/list.php?adt=1&dl=1&cm=162&md_sm=3&pm=4&skwd1=


And about the front support required for front flexible fastener, maybe they are referring to the following support:

https://www.japanparts.com/parts/detail/24566

The reason is the Front Support and the Flexible Lower Arms Bar are part of STI Performance Package to suit 2008-2010 (type A/B), together with the flexible strut bar. STI always recommends to install the entire kit as a whole complete tuning system.

 

[KManZ]

Re: Complete S206 chassis enhancement parts + Rigid Collar review

Click the below link for complete list of STI parts, and you can buy each parts separately if you want:

https://www.japanparts.com/parts/list.php?adt=1&dl=1&cm=162&md_sm=3&pm=4&skwd1=


And about the front support required for front flexible fastener, maybe they are referring to the following support:
Image Link

https://www.japanparts.com/parts/detail/24566

The reason is the Front Support and the Flexible Lower Arms Bar are part of STI Performance Package to suit 2008-2010 (type A/B), together with the flexible strut bar. STI always recommends to install the entire kit as a whole complete tuning system.

Very strange, as I can't find some of the parts on japanparts that you linked to. Couldn't find the rear fasteners anywhere on the site, and the front fasteners disappeared on me yesterday. Weird.

I swear I saw a photo somewhere that showed the front flexible fastener connecting to that front support.

I'm updating my post above with your info, thanks a lot! I'm still on the fence about these, as I would need to remove my Cusco H-Brace in order to install the front draw fasteners... not sure I'd want to give that up. But then again, I could always just sell one or the other if it doesn't work out.

 

[dlheman]

Re: Complete S206 chassis enhancement parts + Rigid Collar review

I cannot say which you'll like better, the STI package or what you have right now, as the STI package feels different to using solid brace.

And I do not know what will happen if you exclude one the combining parts. So that is one thing you really have to consider as these kits (S206 combines STI parts for WRX STI and Forester SH) are meant to work as a complete tuning package of S206 NBR Challenge.

To be use as complete S206 NBR Challenge chassis enhancement parts for total complete tuning package:

STI Performance Package parts for WRX STI which are to be used together as a complete kit:
STI FLEXIBLE STRUT TOWER BAR(SG517FG101)
STI FLEXIBLE SUPPORT REAR(ST20156ZR000)
STI Flexible low stiffer RH/ LH(ST20118ZR000)

STI Performance Package parts for Forester SH which are to be used together as a complete kit:
STI 20107C SUPPORT FRONT KIT(ST20106ZR000)
STI FLEXIBLE DRAW STIFFENER, REAR(ST20168ZR000)
(WRX STI flexible strut bar replaces the Forester SH flexible strut bar)


Please think carefully before making the purchase~!

 

[dlheman]

Re: Complete S206 chassis enhancement parts + Rigid Collar review

And just to give more in depth information for the people who are interested in doing the entire S206 chassis parts, the following information is important especially if you have Cusco steering rack brace.

What I describe below will refer to the two images above:

The pink circle will use the longest bolt supplied with the kit and use the 10mm spacer. The kit also supplied two 6mm spacer for car which has extra bracket on where the bolt would go into.

The yellow circle is where the thinnest spacer is. The reason for the thin spacer is to level the right and left bars, because where the red circle is there is a steering rack brace (Blue oval). So I assume for LHD the thin spacer would go on the red circle as the steering rack brace would be on the opposite side.

And as a reminder, if you have Cusco steering rack brace you will immediately notice the bar will not line up right due to Cusco's thicker bracing and slightly different shape of bracing. What I did was simply force in the bolt by gently threading in the bolt and the bar will just ever so slightly bend to level against the cusco's steering rack brace (Some may not agree with what I did, but god damn it I was desperate mmm kay!? ).

So far so good and no problems whatsoever, although maybe it is too early to for problem to happen. I have no idea what the LHD steering rack brace looks like so there may be other issues due to shape and size.

I hope that helps!

 

[jaboyd]

Re: Complete S206 chassis enhancement parts + Rigid Collar review

I ordered front collars from Japan (SPOON SPORTS RIGID COLLAR KIT, FRONT -45230SN0100) and installed them. What I found when I inspected my front subframe was that it was misaligned by 1-2mm, so it is obvious that at some point the subframe shifted. I realigned the subframe using the reference hole (between the 2 bolts) that the factory uses when installing the engine/subframe during mfrg. I used a .750" tapered pin to align the subframe/chassis and then inserted the collars and bolted everything together....next step is a wheel alignment.

I drove the car a short distance and noticed an improved "solid" feel to the front end. It was a quick and easy bolt-in, and glad I inspected and corrected the subframe alignment.

I ordered 2 sets of collars (one for a friend) but he's since decided to sell his car, so if anyone wants a set I have one available...just PM me if interested.

 

[dlheman]

Re: Complete S206 chassis enhancement parts + Rigid Collar review

As the car aged and faced many miles of roads, race, spirited driving, the subframe will definitely shift. But aligning it back to spec won't give you that 'solid' feel like using rigid collar would, and that is one of the benefits of having a rigid collar.

Let us know what's your thought after having the car aligned and give it some nice piece of driving :tup:

 

[rontruong]

Re: Complete S206 chassis enhancement parts + Rigid Collar review

I ordered front collars from Japan (SPOON SPORTS RIGID COLLAR KIT, FRONT -45230SN0100) and installed them. What I found when I inspected my front subframe was that it was misaligned by 1-2mm, so it is obvious that at some point the subframe shifted. I realigned the subframe using the reference hole (between the 2 bolts) that the factory uses when installing the engine/subframe during mfrg. I used a .750" tapered pin to align the subframe/chassis and then inserted the collars and bolted everything together....next step is a wheel alignment.

I drove the car a short distance and noticed an improved "solid" feel to the front end. It was a quick and easy bolt-in, and glad I inspected and corrected the subframe alignment.

I ordered 2 sets of collars (one for a friend) but he's since decided to sell his car, so if anyone wants a set I have one available...just PM me if interested.

What's your opinion on the NVH after you installed the rigid collars? I've read around and concluded that there are mixed reviews from the people who tried it versus people claiming that it doesn't do anything theoretically.