I just run over those dang potholes It's a dang street legal rally car ain't it?

 

And the beauty of the STi is that the steering wheel doesn't move a mm when doing so!

Go for it, we only pass this way once!

 

You might want to look into getting higher profile tires...most of those potholes would get absorbed better. You will lose a bit of the feel for the road, but if you're worried it that much, you might be better off.

I am worried about pot holes too, but more because of bending the rim. Maybe extra creaking noises in the car, but I worry more about the rims. Hell even the manual says not to offroad with the stock tires/rims.

 

Take a close look at the hub of your rims.
You'll note the words "FORGED" there in.

Next take a look at the commentary on forged one piece rims as provided by TireRack.com; http://www.tirerack.com/wheels/tech/construc.htm

The least of your worries regarding pot holes and such are the stock STi 'forged' construction BBS rims.

- Janq

 

The rim itself is strong I'm sure. It's not the rims that are to blame. Low profile tires do not absorb the abuse as well. This can cause gouges in your rim from a pothole and you will feel bump in your *** when you drive. Hence he feels like he's beating on his car when he thrashes over some 2' long, 1' deep hole in the road.

Hehe, I've seen M3's that have their rims all scuffed around edges not because they hit curbs, but because they went around a turn too fast and the lowprofile tires roll enough to put the rim on the pavement.

I'm just saying those tires are not what you would use to go slam down a dirt trail at 100+ like you are in a WRC championship.

Personally I love they way they ride, but I cringe when I hit a harsh speedbump too fast.

 

Oh, then thats a different story entirely.

Yes an investment in taller tires might be in order.
Or better yet not driving off road and avioding potholes.

- Janq

 

I have to disagree here, I don't think what you mention is physically possible, unless the tire came off the rim. As long as the tire is still mounted on the rim, the rim would never touch the pavement.

 

I agree it makes no sense, but wasn't going to spend anymore energy on this item.

- Janq

 

hey guys... I'm an Evo owner, but I am also a subie fan, so don;t curse me or anything justwant to throw my $0.02 in as an outsider: I can see what you're saying... the WRX seems a little more rough and tumble than the STI... but it isn't. Just "seems" that the STi can't handle the same roads .. maybe cuz it is fancier and costs more. But you can drive the hell out of it. Getting that first scratch or ding will help ya. Other Evo owners think I am crazy, but hell, I drive that thing HARD. I bought it to have fun, I didn;t pay 30k for a garage queen or blvd cruising.. sounds like you didn't either. I take my evo up on fire roads, weekly drive to Yosemite and on some dirt roads, I have caught air in that thing, gone sideways through a mud pit and ended up in some nice scrub brush at 8,000FT... and it is damn fun and the car takes it just fine. Yeah, there are lots of rock chips, a scratch or two from the brush and I've always got lots of dirt and mud , but damn it, that's what I bought it for.... FUN!!! Every Sunday I drive to Yosemite as fast as I safely can on the road, and then go adventuring around on backroads.... So, if my POS Evo can take the punishment (its not really a POS, but I know you guys all think they are) then your STI surely can handle the fun as well. That guy who said the Evo suspension is too stiff.. whatever.. get a Lincoln town car then ya sissy!!. Evo suspension is fine, takes potholes and bumps and dirt roads great... and I think the STI is probably the same. Have fun with it man.... make it worth the $$. Its expensive cuz it is a badass car (my Evo too!!), not because it is delicate and fragile. Have fun and drive hard and safe!

 

That's what I'm talkin' about! ^^^^
A guy with ***** and defiant too.

I've been drving my Legacy the same way for 10 years and like the good girl she is sh'e always ready for more action.

My STi will see only tarmac use as she's leased.
The EVO isn't a POS and welcome!

- Janq

 

Quick addition: I thought the suspension setup on both the Evo and Sti, while designed for tarmac, also has A LOT of travel.. isn't that true.? My understanding was that it is very firm, with good travel and damping, meaning that while you definitely FEEL every hole, rut, twig and bump, your car shouldn't lose its composure at all, and will remain glued to the road(abosorbing it all as it comes) That is my experience. I definitely feel everything, but no skipping or bouncing even on the worst roads. You will feel everything more than in the WRX, but that doesn;t mean the STI is bouncing... its handlng it all just fine, but with more feedback than the regular WRX. Isn;t that correct ?? (to you guys who know more about this).

 

I am in full agreement. Most car drivers use their autos to go from point A to point B. They have little or no enjoyment in doing so. The EVO and the STi were meant to be DRIVEN!

As to hard driving over rough roads, I am continually amazed at how large pot holes do not affect the steering on my STi.

 

The EVO is not a POS, people just prefer to drive different car for their own reason.