I'm in the process of making my car over and am in bit of a bind. Currently on the car i have sti v5 shocks/springs w/ about 60k on them. These are no doubt a great setup but I feel the tophats are pretty week.

I'm think of going with the Group N tophats. I've heard nothing but good things about them and it would let me keep this setup (and save some cash). On the other hand, I also want to get a complete coilover system (like cusco or jic).

This car is going to be daily driven, and I know the harshness of the coilovers compared to the STi suspension. I do plan on driving the car in some auto-x events, and many spirited runs in the backroads, but I just need some input from fellow I-clubbers. What would you do in this situation? Just get the tophats or go all out and get the coilovers? tia

 

If you plan on getting into auto-x a lot more, and you have the cash, throw down for the coilovers now. As far as the harshness of the ride goes... soon it will become normal to you, but it will **** off anybody who rides with you and isn't used to the tight suspension.

 

I would just get the Group N tophats. On backroads, you'll be much happier with the more compliant STi suspension than semi-track coilovers like Teins, Cuscos, or JICs. Plus, you'll get tired of the harsh ride with them. Unless you're really serious about winning your autocross class, you're better off with the road suspension. FWIW, I'm on Prodrive World Rally Sport struts and springs with STi tophats. For a regularly driven car, I wouldn't trade it, even though it's disadvantaged at the track (slightly) and at autocrosses (significantly).

 

thanks for the input

 

Bump for an update.