Ok...
So I've been wanting to improve the suspension on my 03 WRX for a while now (and remove that nasty wheel gap). A lot of people have recommended MJP Performance, so I emailed them. They gave me an estimate of $150 to install some springs. So $220 for the springs, $150 for the install, $70 for an alignment.... $440 total... not too bad.

Today, I called Speed Merchant. They do some great work over there so I thought that I would see what they would have to say.

For WRX's the guy said that I would definately need new front adjustable camber plates. He said that they do the job "right" and that the camber would definately need to be adjusted. For the rear he said that I would just need new camber bolts. So now were talking $220 for the springs, $375 for the adjustable camber plate, $80 for the bolts, and $450 for the install.... that's $1125 (including an alignment). After telling him what MJP Performance quoted me, the guy's response was "well there must be a lot of WRX's out there with messed up tires."

So my question to you all is: IS THIS ALL NECESSARY?? Do I really need all that Speed Merchant says? Is it really worth the money? I know they do quality work over there, but do I really need all of that?

 

What you need would depend on what you plan to do with the suspension parts. The $450 to install everything seems to be a bit high (compared to what MPJ would charge) and I'm a little hesitant they would recommend camber plates and bolts if you're only getting springs (instead of persay, coilovers). Ask around about other people's setup, see if you can sit and enjoy it for yourself, and then make your opinion since that is a quite a few bucks to be throwing around.

 

What are your goals with the car?

If you are going to track the car, then the camber plates would be good in order to get more camber than you can with the stock bolts.

If you're just lowering it for street driving and looks, the stock front camber bolts will give you more than enough camber adjustment to keep it in spec.

As for the back, aftermarket camber bolts are the only way to adjust the camber. However, the WRX comes with a lot of negative camber as it is, and lowering springs may not change the stock angles that much to matter. That being said, I would suggest getting rear camber bolts anyway. They only cost $45 and there should be no installation cost since your struts have to come out anyway.

Finally, I would trust MPJ over Speed Merchant any day of the week. They know our cars very well and do excellent work.

 

Thanks for the help. I really just want to improve the handling (slightly) and the looks. I'm not looking to do any serious Auto-Xing any time soon... but I definately don't want a setup that's gonna ruin my tires... they are not cheap for 17x8" rotas...

 

For what you want to do, you won't need camber plates, although the rear camber bolts are a good idea while you've got everything apart anyway. Good luck. Be sure and post some before and after pics for us.

 

Who the heck is "Speed Merchant"? I have never even heard of them.

Anyway, you dont need camber plates to get a proper alignment, just rear camber bolts. The front camber bolts work just fine to keep your car aligned even with a drop via springs. You just need to aim for alignment settings of ~-1 camber and 0 toe all around in order to have even tire wear, and that is possible with just rear camber bolts in addition to what is already on the car. I would have to say that "Speed Merchant" doesnt know what the heck they are talking about.

If money is an issue, ask around with some of the San Jose club members to see if they could give you a hand with the spring install. Then just take it over to Auto Innovations for an alignment on their alignment machine and you will be good to go.

 

Speed Merchant is just an auto shop in San Jose... they do a lot of custom work... and they are very good. I just think what they are quoting me is a bit overkill for what I need. I'm sure if I paid them to do what they said, they would do a kick-*** job and the car would handle amazing... but again... from what I've heard so far... I really don't need what they say.

 

Ditto to what Egan and Kostamojen said for the most part.

MPJ won't steer you in the wrong direction. They have been working on Subies for a while now and they know what works. If you're going to track the car as egan stated then the front camber plates are a good idea to get as much neg camber as possible. But if you plan on just street driving like you say then you will be just fine based on what MPJ quoted you. If you really get serious and want to track, you can always add camber plates later, but even so you will be fine without them. Just get a good alignment with 0 toe like Kostamojen said and I'm sure you'll be very happy.

LB

 

ScoobaruCA- What a coincidence, I just finished responding to your e-mail when I came upon this thread. IMHO, front camber plates are a bit overkill for your needs. The front factory camber bolts will be more than adequate. We can provide you with rear camber bolts for much less than $80. Feel free to shoot us another e-mail or give us a call at the shop if you have any other concerns.

-Soren

 

I agree that it is overkill as well. That's why I will be calling you soon to set up an appointment. Thanks for your help everybody.