Good Suspension for a WRX Wagon
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great information in this thread, i have an 03 wagon so now i have narrowed down to tein ss and the sti spt kit. the tein is about $250 more but adjustable, is that worth it? id like to hear what people think about both. the only other suspension mod is a cusco adjustable rear sb. thanks.
carlos
carlos
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Which suspension of Tein you are looking at? FLEX?? SUPER STREET? or STECH??? or WAGON Damper? The flex will be the one work with EDFC. However, Wagon Damper is the one that designed specifically for the Wagon. I will probably get TEIN, because they provide good service, and they have US office in California, USA.
Both the SS and the Flex are EDFC compatible.
The Type Wagon fits into the "Style" portion of Tein's lineup - its primary function is better looks as well as improved handling in a complete package. We like to think of it as a REALLY well matched set of springs and struts, that have the added benefit of height adjustment.
The SPT kit is a very well sorted option as well. It features very heavy duty struts and a matched spring. The only downside we see with it (which is really a matter of personal preference) is that it really does not lower the car significantly - only about .25 inch all around. However, it is very nice handling package, and the only readily available complete bolt on strut currently offered for the WRX (some have used the KYB's designed for the GC8 - they fit, but the valving just makes them feel "wrong" in our opinion - we much prefer the handling and ride of the stock WRX struts with Eibachs).
The SS, Flex, RA etc. are all in a different class, as they all include upper pillowball mounts (camber adjustable in the front), adjustable dampening, as well as adjustable ride height (with the RA and Flex taking it one step further by incorporating an adjustable lower bracket, which allows you to lower the car without compromising suspension travel.
Adam
The Type Wagon fits into the "Style" portion of Tein's lineup - its primary function is better looks as well as improved handling in a complete package. We like to think of it as a REALLY well matched set of springs and struts, that have the added benefit of height adjustment.
The SPT kit is a very well sorted option as well. It features very heavy duty struts and a matched spring. The only downside we see with it (which is really a matter of personal preference) is that it really does not lower the car significantly - only about .25 inch all around. However, it is very nice handling package, and the only readily available complete bolt on strut currently offered for the WRX (some have used the KYB's designed for the GC8 - they fit, but the valving just makes them feel "wrong" in our opinion - we much prefer the handling and ride of the stock WRX struts with Eibachs).
The SS, Flex, RA etc. are all in a different class, as they all include upper pillowball mounts (camber adjustable in the front), adjustable dampening, as well as adjustable ride height (with the RA and Flex taking it one step further by incorporating an adjustable lower bracket, which allows you to lower the car without compromising suspension travel.
Adam
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I thought I would jump in with what I have noticed...
We have installed many sets of the Prodrive springs on the WRX wagon and retained the stock struts. Also we replace the rear swaybar with a Whiteline 22mm adj piece. The ride height drops about 1.5 inches with no adverse changes in ride comfort. Handling is dramatically improved and the understeer can changed by simple adjustment to the endlink positioning. Of course the next (or first) upgrade is tires.
Troy Fankell
Flatirons Subaru
We have installed many sets of the Prodrive springs on the WRX wagon and retained the stock struts. Also we replace the rear swaybar with a Whiteline 22mm adj piece. The ride height drops about 1.5 inches with no adverse changes in ride comfort. Handling is dramatically improved and the understeer can changed by simple adjustment to the endlink positioning. Of course the next (or first) upgrade is tires.
Troy Fankell
Flatirons Subaru
Originally posted by teiva-boy
There is only a 140lb difference between the wagon. Thats like one extra passenger. But the wagon does have better weight distribution...
There is only a 140lb difference between the wagon. Thats like one extra passenger. But the wagon does have better weight distribution...
sedan = 3085 lbs wagon = 3165 lbs
difference being 80lbs. Just thought I would throw that in there since the difference is substantial; comparing 80lbs to 140lbs that is. You are correct about the weight distrubtion from front to rear though. Sedan having 47/53 wagon having 48/52
Aside from my own nit picking: Here's my impressions of the TEIN Wagon Coilovers.
Ride Quality: (noise, harshness) Stock-like. Properly installed these don't make a creak, rattle, buzz or clunk. Of course I have the stock top mounts so that might be part of it compared with Pillow ball mounts and such. The ride is as I said stock-like, very comfortable and quiet. Until you hit something harsh like a really bumpy road or something less than perfect and then the increased damping and springs rates make themselves apparent. This is not bad though, it's just that your car speaks to you more now. Handling is MUCH improved being that I was able to lower my car and the spring rates seem to work nice. It still remains composed over harsh and I mean really harsh bumps. Just like stock. I was able to go through my favorite mountain road at 5-7mph faster than average with them on. With my 17inchs I can go even faster without squeeling. You WILL NEED a bigger sway bar. The stiffer springs up front (mine being 300ft lbs) necessitate this. Don't play around, don't think you can get away with it. You need a bigger bar period. I'm running a 20mm stock wrx sedan bar. $50.00 ... sold my stock wagon bar for $50... = $0
I don't have my car slammed either though when I did I worked just fine... albeit I had some wheel well splash gaurd rubbing during full opposite lock going up a clover leaf... had to raise that baby up around 3/4 inch to fix it. Haven't had a issue since. Been running those things for over a year now.
If you need a hook up on anything suspension or well... WRX my boy Kayn can hook you up will incredible prices. Drop him a line.
salez@kaynzengineering.com or give him a call. 408.464.3916 He can get parts for any car.
Last edited by Silky; May 5, 2003 at 02:34 PM.
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From: West Marin
Car Info: 02 wrx wgn (sold); '12 sti hatch; '08 Outback wgn
Any new feedback from those who have Tein RA or JIC FLT2A on a wagon would be appreciated. I'm thinking of upgrading my Ground Control KYB/Eibach setup and have pretty much narrowed it down to those two - Cusco 02R only drawback being no domestic support.
Thanks and Happy Motoring
Thanks and Happy Motoring
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