So I've been around for a few years on here and recently decided to upgrade my suspension via springs/struts wise. I've read a bunch of responses n' stuff and used the search but couldn't come up with a clear cut explanation of top hats and it's purpose besides stability and rebound effect?

Can anyone clarify with an example of driving and how I would be able to feel an upgrade on top hats? What are people looking for when upgrading them?

 

Well it depends on which top hats you mean. There are the upgraded subaru versions which are simply stiffer. Stiffer means less deflection which means better repsonse from the suspension and less alignment changes with load. This means increased consistency and just a better all around suspension/handling response. Its not as easy as saying it does one specific thing like make the car turn in better. In just a general enhancement.

Now if you go to adjustable top hats with pillowballs, you get more specific advantages. These cars love lots of camber, and by using camber plate top hats, you can add quite a bit to improve the amount of grip front and rear and improve turn in. They are also one step stiffer offering zero deflection. This however comes with increases noise and vibration ad *can* be a negative on a strictly street car. For track however, it is almost a must.