Long time since i've been on here. Definitely miss my wrx. So I might be picking up 99 GF Wagon with a 2.2l auto. It's black and has under 80k miles. Can't really complain with that as a good utility daily driver, assuming all is in good working order.

Luckily I have some leftover parts from my wrx. Was thinking about leaving the motor stock, maybe an sti catback/axleback whatever fits and an intake for stupid noise. ha

But I will be looking for some wrx struts and lowering springs as well as sway bars for sure. Then i'm going to put a nicer stereo and my cobra seat in. I think my yakima rack will work on it to. Of course i'll have to find some nice wheels and tires to. I would also want to find a way to add my hella lights to the bumper. Possibly a tint job to?

Sounds like a fun daily driver. I'm really excited thinking about it. Thoughts?

 

you stiil go to the mountains? if so then you can't go wrong with one of those 2.2 subaru engines!

 

Those things rip for snow driving.

 

You can do it!!

 

Welcome back Dan! Still in LA most of the time, or you back in Twain Harte? And yes, of course the Suby, no other way to go.

 

Sounds like a solid daily driver.

These 2.2 L will pretty much last forever. They don't have that 2.5L head gasket issue either.

One note is that you should look for some 93-01 Impreza specific struts. You can get away with running WRX struts and springs and using the stock tophats, but the car might sit and handle sorta weird due to different valving, spring stiffness, etc.

 

Welcome back bro!
dooo eeet!

 

Thanks guys. I miss this place for sure! I'm still down in L.A. but come back often. There's a cool car scene here and they just started the automotive club at my campus which has a nice big subie scene. I'm gonna miss the turbo, but it's gonna at least be fun in the corners and snow and a clean stealthy black look. Hope I get it. It's in fremont, so I need to make a trip out and take a look at it.

Gonna have to learn a little about the gf body now. hehe
Crazy to think that this may become my third subie of my lifetime.

 

Thanks for the heads up, but why would I want the same struts replacing the struts that are already on it? lol I'm looking at adding wrx or possibly sti (maybe even tokico if price is right?) struts to increase stiffness and be able to handle some stiffer springs as well. I figure the standard impreza struts might be too soft for the setup and springs i'm after. Also looking into some sway bars. Just want to tighten up the handling for those canyon runs I take to the beach or mtns.

 

Whiteline for sways if you want flatness

I have a GF and if you want to go low budget, just get a 02-03 WRX 20mm sedan rear sway setup. I put the 17mm from my 04 WRX onto the GF and it helped a lot, since they come with a 13mm, but a buddy of mine has the 20mm on his and it feels even better. All factory parts and bolts right on.

 

my 2.2 was a straight beast. It did so much better than suvs like pathfinder etc.. on Omo ranch rd, which is unplowed. It was a sav and only cost 3k.

 

Like I said, you can use WRX/STi struts, but the valving on them and the spring stiffness will affect the handling and ride since those cars are heavier than the GC/GF platform. Plenty of companies make GC/GF specific struts and springs such as KYB, etc.

You're right that the standard struts are soft (I'm running stock right now), but using ones specific to your chassis will be better.

Feel free to check out the rs25.com forums. Tons of info over there.

 

Yep, that was what I was going to post too. RS25 is pretty active for GFs. I have KYB GR2s on mine since it is a DD.

 

I feel ya, but budget comes into play. I don't really want to be dropping 500+ just for struts and springs in a car that's only 4k or less. This makes used take-offs the best bet. I'll keep an eye out on there but I don't need race quality product. Just a little improvement. How are the RS struts compared to a gf?

If I did get wrx ones I would be using aftermarket springs and probably use something specific to a gc/gf

Whiteline makes good product. Most companies are good. I used to have the ralliteks on my gd. No complaints. Really it comes down to getting a decent gain at the lowest price. 20 vs 13mm is huge for a little wagon so I would just do that probably and some solid endlinks.

Is the front sway worth it on this car?

 

I think it depends on what you are after. Just for a DD that won't see track time, I would say no, the front is probably fine as is. With Kartboy, Whiteline or other similar endlinks, it should be plenty.