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Does 03WRX + Prodrive springs = harsh ride???

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Old 14 June 2004, 09:55 AM
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blip
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Question Does 03WRX + Prodrive springs = harsh ride???

Mine's a wagon which I believe are a bit softer and understeer and roll a bit more than the saloon anyway. Basically I want less body roll, less understeer and a sharper turn-in - hence considering the Prodrive springs

BUT I do love the way that the standard car sucks up rough B-roads without breaking a sweat, and where I live there are lots of sh*tty rough B-roads.

So would the Prodrive springs be a good move for me? Or would I be losing fillings at higher speeds?

I don't want to feel beaten up after a spirited thrash Sometimes I like to get from A to B quickly but with minimum fuss and drama.

Anyone fitted them to a WRX and regretted it?
Old 14 June 2004, 09:58 AM
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RRH
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I have them fitted to my WRX wagon (03) and its improved it no end- and the ride isn't harsh!
Old 14 June 2004, 10:04 AM
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DJ140
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No problems with mine either. Not too harsh and improves the handling significantly.

IMO they are not stiff enough, but a reasonable compromise for most people.

Dan
Old 14 June 2004, 11:37 AM
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Chris L
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Eibachs + 18" wheels on my MY01 for 50K+ miles. That answer the question? It's a vast improvement. Of course it is slightly firmer, but not uncomfortable and very controlled.

Chris
Old 14 June 2004, 01:36 PM
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T5NYW
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I have the Prodrive spings on MY02STi and totaly agree with RRH and DJ improve looks, handling and ride comfort

I had the Eibachs removed and Prodrive's fitted I found them a little too hard for the very Cr4p "B" type "A" roads in the sticks

Tony
Old 14 June 2004, 03:15 PM
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corradoboy
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Originally Posted by RRH
I have them fitted to my WRX wagon (03) and its improved it no end- and the ride isn't harsh!
Saw your wagon at NBO yesterday. Looked very Looks like you ticked all the boxes marked Prodrive on the options list . There's something about the subtlety of wagons which is drawing me in now. Struggle to get the bikes in the back of the WRX saloon so I either get a roof rack or a wagon
Old 14 June 2004, 08:18 PM
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GaryCat
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Agree with the above. Ride is better than standard. Go for it.

G
Old 14 June 2004, 10:54 PM
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JIM THEO
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No problem even in our Greek roads mate (in my WRX03 with 18" wheels), don't worry about ride quality at all.
But they don't make the car more prone to oversteer or less prone to understeer as many guys say, IMO it is more neutral and the shocks at high cornering speeds with potholes can't "control" springs movements as they should do!
Bear in mind that after some testing I use 1mm per wheel toe out rear instead of 1mm toe in that Prodrive suggests and higher tire pressures front (35 instead of 33) to help it oversteer, personal liking though!
JIM
Old 15 June 2004, 09:38 AM
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blip
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Thanks Jim - I think a neutral handling balance would be fine for me. I would also get the geometry setup properly by a specialist firm if I had the Prodrive springs fitted. I'm not sure I can afford to upgrade to 18" wheels though

So when hitting bumps on high-speed corners does the car bounce??? Is that what you mean by not being able to 'control' the movement?
Old 17 June 2004, 12:33 PM
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JIM THEO
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No, not at all, the higher the speed the less bouncing you have, just my feeling is that at these cornering speeds the shocks should be little bit harder.
Personal opinion, don't have it as a guide, others may not agree!
JIM

Edited to add that the success of these springs is they help you drive faster without loose confidence on handling, personaly I prefer a easier to drive car for the average driver rather the best suspension that needs high driving skills, it's not for us!

Last edited by JIM THEO; 17 June 2004 at 12:42 PM.
Old 17 June 2004, 02:50 PM
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DJ140
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I'd say that at lower speed it still understeers, but much less roll in corners.

Higher speed and an eneven surface and all is not well, think it needs harder shocks to cure that.

Still worth upgrading though, just don't expect miracles with the standard suspension.

I've just lowered the front tyre pressues to 32PSI. Had them at 34 and the steering was too light, just need to keep an eye on tyre wear now.

Dan
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