I don't want to be accused of shaken baby syndrome so I'm looking to swap out my current set-up (04 STi on stock dampers + Prodrive springs). This is pretty much just a daily driver with some occasional spirited mountain driving. Mostly looking to improve everyday crappy Bay Area roads/potholes without sacrificing performance. I've actually been thinking of upgrading for a while so I've been doing my homework and I had it narrowed it down to Cusco Zero 2E with Econ. I REALLY like the in cabin adjustability but keep getting different opinions on how soft they can actually get (don't know anyone with these in town). Plus these probably have to be rebuilt pretty often. So with that in mind, I've been keeping an eye on the Ohlin fixed perches/springs or the KW's.

I guess the most important thing to me is daily driveability followed by rebuild interval, noise (I'm sick of the clunking/stiction of my current setup), basic adjustability. Any wise words of wisdom? Other suggestions? Any good baby friendly set-ups ? Thanks guys!

 

It doesn't get any better then Ohlins with stock springs. Prodrive STi springs too. Simple as that. They have saved marriages....not kidding.

No noise, no bounciness, smooth, great handling. Trade a little bit of harshness (not much) and get STi Pinks, RCE Yellows, or RCE Black springs. I cannot stress enough how much smoother this will be then the Cuscos. I like Cuscos, but it's a different kind of deal there. Plus, you can't rebuild them stateside, so you're kind of stuck.

A less expensive option since you have an 04 STi would be Konis in standard WRX struts with RCE Black springs or your stock springs. It's a pain to install and you have to source your own WRX struts, so it's not exactly plug and play.

I would highly recommend the Ohlins with stock springs or RCE Black springs. Get front group Ns and call it a day.


- Andrew

 

I think Andrew pretty much as stated it. I would personally stay away from Japanese coilovers if you are looking for something comfortable. Maybe a good German shock? KW maybe?

 

Thanks guys.
So the Prodrives are a pretty good match with the Ohlin's huh? Are you saying the Prodrive's are less harsh than the STi Pinks? Do I use the Prodrive bumpstops or the ones that come with the Ohlin's? How often would I have to rebuild the Ohlin's considering I won't be beating it up on a regular basis? Sorry for all the questions but I'll make it worth your time

 

tein s feels soft, my brother has them on his 04 and they feel really good

 

You can use the Ohlins bumpstops with the Prodrives or our RCE springs.

Just know that the Prodrives barely lower the car.....maybe 5-10mm up front and nothing in back. And the spring rates are just barely stiffer then stock. If you're looking for more of a noticeable handling improvement, the RCE Blacks are the way to go. The drop is 15mm front and 10mm rear with our RCE Blacks.

We've had sets of Ohlins out there for at least 2 years now without a rebuild. If it's mostly a DD you will get 3 years easy.

No worries on the questions.

- Andrew

 

Will the drop/stance of the Prodrives be any different than what I have right now (Prodrives on OEM STi struts)? I actually like the downslanted drop on them now. Performance-wise, the Prodrives are perfect for me when I'm driving hard. It's just the other 95% of the time when I'm daily driving that is starting to get old. Not to mention all the noise/clunking/stiction coming from the rear when I go over tiny bumps. Thanks

 

Same drop when using Ohlins struts.


- Andrew