Currently I am running 04STI struts with Prodrive springs and Group-N Tophats...

I really like the latter two of the three...wouldn't mind getting a slightly stiffer strut though...

Any thoughts and ideas for upgrading my struts? Brand?

I would rather not have to rip apart the struts to replace the cartridge...something I can unpack, throw the prodrive springs and Group-N tophats on and mount it back on the car...

Cost is also an issue...Ohlins would be great, but are scarce and cost an arm and a leg...I just need something for an occasional spirited run...

Your input is appreciated.

 

Brent what is your price range?

 

Brent, FEAL suspension is what you are looking for. They will refresh and revalve a set of Sti struts to the exact requirements of the prodrive springs. Best thing is they will do a core exchange so you don't have to send in your struts. They are a nabisco vendor, I was quoted $850 for the revalve, core charge, and shipping to Hawaii.

 

There's always tokico d spec struts.

 

Too bad cost is an issue...the RCE Tarmac 2's are great, but they aren't cheap either...

 

+1. I run tokico dspecs and love 'em (so far). have Epic Engineering progressive rates on them. loving it.

 

Eh...not sure at this point. My focus right now is to install the FPGreen, get a tune, and ensure all is well drive train wise.

If all is good, then I can begin focusing on the suspension and body/exterior.

I really want to stay away from adjustable coilovers as I never seem satisfied for long before trying a new setup. Struts/Prodrive/Group-N...I really can't adjust or mess with it much (I know I could, but it just requires too much of my time, which I don't have...so I don't tend to).

Like I said, my resources are all pointing towards this tune in March...I just thought I could get some ideas from you guys so I can begin my research...

I would like to go with my current setup (struts/springs/group-n) but with a stiffer strut and simple install...under $600? Is this possible?

 

A little on the heavy side for me...especially for the STI struts again...I'm sure it is a different animal...just the though of paying $850 for the same struts...

I read a little about these...this is where they also install a zerk fitting right so you can regrease your struts?

 

Elway...are you running these on your car? What springs?

 

Ya...these fall in the same line as the Ohlins...very nice, but too steep for me, at least for now.

 

I want to eventually get those struts. But Ive read good things about the tokico and rce springs combo.

 

iirc, blake(bpang1) is running a spring and strut combo from TiC. Also Brandon too. They chime in on this. I would recommend Napa or Monroe Struts. SERIOUSLY brent, NAPA or Monroe Struts. LOL

 

^^^LOL you posted that as I was researching for my post and it would present a great comparison from two guys with (I assume) different car tastes (not trying to pigeonhole brandon just going off of what I've seen his car(s) setup as). My typical car use is as a DD which does side-work in Auto-X...which means I setup for performance but not to the extremes of guys like Ty, Chris, Barry, Larry, Mo, Curly, etc. So basically, if Ty's STi is a 8 (you still have a back seat and no fuel cell...you wussy), TiC's racecar is a 10, mine is a 5 and a stock WRX is a 2.

I have KYB AGX - JDM STi Pinks - Group N...I like them for Auto-X and DD. However, I tend to leave the rears at softest setting and the fronts are usually at 4 during the Summer for some controllable oversteer. Usually keep the tires at 38F/34R and Sways at 26F/24R. This combination is really nice for a DD because it isn't too aggresive and works very well at Auto-X for someone at my limited skill level

However, if I had it all to do over again I would go with the Tokico D-Specs instead of the KYBs. You get more adjustment levels (16 vs. 4). The warranties are similar "limited lifetime". You MAY ALSO want to just consider a stiffer non-adjustable shock such as the KYB GR2...they are basically as stiff as the KYB AGX set at 1.2 (can't really do that but basically between 1 and 2) which is what I did to replace my blown rear AGXs since I usually leave them at 1 anyways. The savings would be significant and you might just end up being happy if you search your heart & soul on what you really want/need/would make use of...which is what most of us on our second subies usually do versus the bling-ness of getting stuff for our first subies.

http://turninconcepts.com/index.php?...6_498_515_1065
^^^All 3 of those are what you want as well as contact Clint and Tony for advise (I think you may have already ordered from them). Plus, since you already have Group N tophats you don't need the strut spacers!

Oh and here's the actual manual for those shocks...kind of neat to read. http://www.hitachi-hap-la.com/Tokico..._Manual_09.pdf

 

You've given me some ideas to research...I'm looking for something very similar to yours...DD, Spirited driving...and I know I've said this many times, but possibly some auto-X...when that will happen...who knows.

Alright, time to do some researching.

Thanks again guys,

Brent

 

I'll just reiterate that you may just want those KYB GR2s or the similar Tokico pieces if you really don't do much settings changes and especially if no auto-sports are in your future. Hell, even if you do become a hardcore racer its not like you couldn't sell them and buy adjustables later on once you got some experience in how the adjustables would be beneficial for you.

I am willing to bet that most people right here in HIIC with adjustable dampers don't actually adjust the dampening or have the knowledge of what to set them at for performance...I know that my settings now are TOTALLY different from what I had thought was a good setup just from doing some Auto-X and getting some advice from the experienced guys.