so ive searched around and havent really seen what i am looking for. im getting ready to buy some coilovers in the near future and Im not really sure what spring rates to get. Im not really concerned with comfort so much as performance. I am very willing to give up the ride comfort for a better handling car since i do plan on hitting the track more often next year.

for you suspension guru's, what spring rates would you guys think would work best for me? I have a 04 STi BTW

 

oh and forgot to mention this car is my daily driver, if that matters at all about the longevity of the coilovers.

 

It really depends. Haha. Check out my spectrum. Since you already have an STi, you already have a pretty decent set-up already.

https://www.i-club.com/forums/suspension-handling-brakes-195/darkonions-coilover-spectrum-169076/

I think the only real way for you to know is to actually test them out. 8k/6k seems to be the typical starting place. You might consider going a set down to 7k/5k, but once again, it really depends on the set-up. Things like pillowball mounts and tire size will affect your ride.

 

I am a huge fan of equal or heavier rear linear springs on a WRX or STI. I ran a 7k front/8k rear combo and the car was great at the track. Really improve rotation and was not unstable at all. The downside was that on the KW Clubsports with this setup, the back was pretty harsh over sudden dip or bumps on the street.

 

I think you might be happy with the BC's, the HSD's, or the Helix. I think they'll be stiffer than your stock STi, but not to the point where it is incredibly uncomfortable, not to mention you'll be get access to camber plates or pillowball mounts. I don't have an STi, so I can't really speak from experience. I think charlesj could make a more appropriate recommendation.

 

It's good that you're doing research on spring rates instead of expecting a company to tell you what's the best for you. I can't really tell you what works with an STi, but with so many auto-xers and track guys in BAIC, I'm sure you can go to an auto-x and ride along with some fellow BAIC members. Even though I can only tell you that it's really whatever you feel is best, with ride alongs etc, I agree with charlesj and try and stick with a linear or rear bias spring rate.

 

I actually had someone tell me 12k fronts and 8k rears for the best performance, but this Ive been researching and this seems kinda off balanced.

charlesj: thanks for the info ill have too look into KW and see what they offer.


I'm actually leaning towards the BC coilovers at the moment since it is a pretty good budget Coilover suspension, but I might just save up and get something that i am more confident with. you get what you pay for right?