can anyone suggest any aftermarket struts that are made for the wrx? it seems as though the only ones available are the STI ones or full coilover kits.

 

i thought the agx struts were for the pre 2002 imprezas?

 

They are. At present, there are Koni inserts and STi, then it's coilover city. Leda also made (possibly still available) a strut for the WRX. Check with the folks at RallyPerformance.

Kevin

 

i would really like to have the sti setup, but its just so expensive. so i'm trying to look for some knid of alternative.

 

Nope, no AGX, though there is a guy in the Midwest forum on NASIOC who has been contacted by KYB to evaluate their setup for the WRX, so presumably one is in the works.

I would find it difficult to believe that anything KYB comes up with would better the factory kit. AGXs rode like crap, IMHO, when I had them on my Legacy GT. No way would I put them on my WRX.

Now, KYB makes the STi V7 struts that come in the factory suspension kit, but they don't have that same harsh, unrefined ride that the AGXs have.

It all depends upon what you want. There are lots of suspension setups out there already for the WRX, and just as many people saying that they're the greatest thing since sliced bread. But if you've only had stock, then whatever aftermarket suspension you're running, of COURSE that setup is going to be the best that you've tried. But where's the context?

I tried the factory kit, presuming that Subaru, in all that testing of handling in real world and at the Nurburgring, probably knew better than I what the car likes. They do, and did. It really is a well sorted-out package that combines real-world comfort with off-roadability, ride control and exceptional handling. It's a bargain for what you get.

Here's what I would suggest, if you want your car to handle better for less than $1000. Leave the stock struts/springs on the car. If you have a sedan, leave the sway bar alone, too. Get the STi pink bits (trailing/lateral/swaybar links) and front control arm bushings (that come with the aluminum control arms).

AV Sport would be the best source for all of that stuff, which should cost around $800 or so. Your car would corner noticeably flatter, turn-in exceedingly well, and have first-rate mid-corner stability. For most driving situations, the stock struts/springs really aren't that bad. When you improve turn-in and stability, they get a lot better.

Kevin

 

You can actually make AGXs work on the WRX, as long as you don't mind camber bolts, and rather excessive rear camber, along the order of more than -2.0. But the fronts fit fine. There's also the weight and weight transfer difference, dependent upon how heavily engineered specifically for the GC8 you believe the AGXs to be.

Kevin