Okay so I need some advice with suspension mods. I made the mistake of moving to Illinois after growing up and buying a WRX Wagon in Colorado. I'm stuck here until I get myself into a PhD program (yeah, I'm a nerd). I want to reduce the body roll on all these flat and boring roads with 90deg corners throughout them. I need some advice on components to do this. Car is stock (I've gotten tagged twice in six months so the engine isn't getting modded) and I want to keep the prices relatively low (grad school's EXPENSIVE). I want sporty but still comfortable driving to deter myself from entering racing events. Can you all please explain to me whether I should go for swaybars, endlinks, strut tower braces, etc? I'm a mechanical engineer so explanations of the physics will make me happier and further encourage my nerdiness. Thanks for the help!

 

Front and rear sway bars + endlinks.

 

I've had my wagon for 2+ years now and have done a series of gradual suspension upgrades.

Best bang for the buck if you're totally stock is the rear sway bar. Something adjustable 22-24mm or so is sufficient if you're not autocrossing all the time.

Next (IMO) would be springs. Everyone has their own opinion on what type - I recommend Swift. If you can pull together the cash to get some upgraded shocks at the same time (Tokico D-spec or Koni Yellow), then go for it. Lower center of mass is a boon to reducing body roll, on top of the stiffened rates.

Then, front sway (Whiteline wagon specific goes in easy) and endlinks if you're up for it. Just my opinion, but going in that order has worked well for me, letting me adapt to the car before making another change, etc.

Don't forget that upgrading your wheels/rubber is really high on the list if you're still running on stockers. Keep the stock set for winter.

 

I just went with springs from Crucial they seem to have the least amount of lowering with a progressive spring rate. Also you do not get the Saggy bottom like you do with alot of other springs. Also they are fairly cheap compared to Swaybars and endlinks. BUt they are more time intensive to install.
I've got a 06 wagon, and many people said that if you plan on longterm mods then Sway bars are a good short term fix but as you change your set-up then you may need to get different sways to adjust to the amount of force needed.

 

From subarugenuineparts(.)com, $60 shipped Tribeca 25mm front sway bar.
Classifieds, $80 used STI rear endlinks or $30 something stockers shipped from subarugenuineparts(.)com
Around $50, stock 20mm rear sway bar.
Rear endlinks used $50
STI take off springs $50
I also suggest upgrading your driveline bushings
STI group N transmission mount
Group N motor mounts
You can install all of this relatively easy as long as you have a basic set of wrenches, jack stands, and a jack.
Just be sure to get an alignment after installing springs.
I haven't tried strut bars yet. Someone else chime in.

 

Thanks for the help. I can't wait for next payday so I can start modding this beautiful machine!