New 07 STI with Powerstation AST Stage 3 setup or Japanese STI suspension
 

I'm struggling big time to select a new car and my current issue is suspension.

After asking about the tyres (https://www.scoobynet.com/wheels-tyr...ent-tyres.html) the response seems positive but I have since considered replacing the stock STI suspension for the Stage 3 AST by Powerstation. For those of you who have had this done, does it result in a more comfortable albeit firm ride suitable for everyday and family use?

Second part of the question is that I have been told that the Japanese imports have much better suspension so same question as above is it suitable for everyday and family use?

I've got an 03 JDM STi and changed to the type 25 AST kit. The difference was massive and have no regrets about it at all. The ride is no firmer but when cornering it's leagues apart:thumb:

Me too and agree with Gav. I'm most impressed with how they perform in the wet:)

No hesitation from me: AST's.

Run mine for 18 months now on road and track, just great.

http://i13.tinypic.com/2vj8qs5.jpg

Thanks Guys, I'm not looking for ultimate handling, just a comfortable ride with "Impreza" handling. I'm now pretty convinced that if I go the STI route it will be ASTs.

Anyone with comments re the Japanese Imports and suitable suspension for family use?

I picked up my 6 month old JDM Sti last weekend. It has had the stage 3 AST set up fitted which I think is great..... I can't compare it to the stock set up as it was already done, but I think it is fine for everyday use & certainly tons better than the standard UK suspension........

Mine is a Spec C on standard suspension. Feels fine to me. Fairly stiff yet I drive 45 miles every day on it & no probs. I've got auto DCCD which is supposed to help the suspension out I believe ie minimal if any understeer? I'd say fine then for everyday use.

TX.

My baby girl gets on just fine with the ride of my car - remember you can soften or harden the rebound with the AST's.

If you want a proper 'family ride' buy a mondeo!

Same here!

The AST's are much better than the standard JDM/STI springs and dampers, both on the road and the track.

BUT, if you do hit a large uneven manhole cover, you get more of a 'jolt' than you did before. I know where two are in my local area and just avoid them.

The same can be said with those plastic speedbumps, I am just a bit slower over them (Not that I was fast before).

I have a 06 shape JDM sti on standard set up I find them fine for everyday use, much better than the same year UK car I tested. the RE070`s are a great tyre but are a bit stiff, if you change tyres you will notice the difference as I have... Michelin's PS2. But will be going back to the RE070 on next change I think. Awsum dry grip:notworthy .





Darren

i'm on F1's now - considerably better than my old Toyo's

I went with AST'S THEY ARE THE DOGS DANGLIES!!!:lol1:

how do they compare to tein coilovers??

any1?

After thinking I was heading down the JDM route, it now seems I'm going for a UK STi.

Whilst I appreciate the above comments, I get the impression that all the positive feedback is based on ultimate handling which is not what I am after.

I would really appreciate comments from those who have changed to the ASTs from 06/07 standard STi suspension with regard to improvement of ride quality for family use.

Well .. I have to say I love the suspension ... creaming powerful bikes on the outside of tight motorway feeds being one of the benefits ... but I have to say my wife hates it as it is so unforgiving relative to a 'normal' car - I have mine on 7 clicks front and 5 on the rear .... I did have them softer but found I was under braking, especially when very soft.

I had original JDM suspension on before the ASTs and I have to say there is only a small difference in the 'give' ... with the JDM suspension my teeth really did rattle !!

Seems Gdavey is looking for a bit more comfort rather than tight handling.

How adjustable would the AST's be for him..?

What's their softest setting like, still harder than the standard UK STi..?
I'm pleasantly surprised by my standard spec d, not as firm as I thought at all....

Softest setting is still going to be much firmer than a 'normal' car. I can't compare to a UK STi as i've never been in one, but ASTs can be adjusted all round in under a minute.

I have read somewhere that ASTs can come with different spring rates and I suspect mine are the firmest. Gdavey ... talk with Powerstation about your concerns and I am sure they will have a solution.

As above. Simply call Power Station and click through to Curtis, their AST specialist.
Curtis has installed both my AST systems to fantastic effect.
Graham

Thanks guys, that's more like it.

I have already spoken with Powerstation but I thought some independent advice from users would be best.

Having had a JDM Classic for 7 years, I'm not looking for a normal car suspension, just something which is not insane and slightly more suitable for family use than the STi (or Spec D).

I have a 06 JDM STi and a small baby and an 11 year old son, and we use it as our family car with no problems at all with ride quality, its firm but positive, and much better and less jittery than the 06 UK car I tested before driving the JDM, different feel totally. Having said that I am about to change my suspension to KW coil-overs but that's not because of the ride more track orientated that I am now looking at....

Hope that helps :thumb:


Darren

Thanks Darren but that just makes me feel worse because I was lined up with an 07JDM but had to back out in favour of a UK car!

Why not come over and take a test drive in something new with the AST's on.
It's the only way you'll know for sure whether it's to your taste or not.

If you ever read my thread regarding my MY06 Spec C, you’ll notice than I basically ran out of cash and decided to improve the outright performance of the car first instead of concentrating on the suspension set up. I am however, the first to admit that I did things the wrong way round.

Some six months after owning the car and living with the standard JDM suspension set up, I finally upgraded to the T20/T25 AST setup. Sure the turn is now electric and really is super sharp compared to standard, but with the advent of the adjustable AST’s, the car took on a new persona in as far as ride quality goes.

Motorway driving with the standard setup was a pain. Travelling over the compression joints (or whatever they’re called), resulted in aftershock that you felt at the bottom of your spine. Don’t get me wrong, I never expected it too be velvety smooth considering the type of car, but there was room for improvement in my opinion.

I travel mostly on fast ‘B’ roads mainly to avoid traffic and the unwanted presence of Office Dibble in the back of his nigh on unmarked camera van. The trade off for this is that road surfaces can be far from their best. With the AST’s fitted and with relatively conservative settings compared to most, progress on these roads is now much more enjoyable experience. The ride is firm without being “crashy” and has almost become German like in its quality, more composed and will allow you find an extra degree of confidence whilst travelling point to point.

Off course in around one minute flat I can change my settings as required, but to be honest I generally leave them where they are and enjoy the compromise.

There’s certainly no Emperors new clothes analogy when fitting AST’s; you will notice a positive difference I can assure you.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v2...r/IMG_1327.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v2...IMG_1329-1.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v2...r/IMG_1334.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v2...IMG_1335-1.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v2...IMG_1336-1.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v2...r/IMG_1337.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v2...IMG_1338-1.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v2...r/IMG_1339.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v2...r/IMG_1340.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v2...r/IMG_1342.jpg

Aint my hair short in that pic. :D

Yeah, it's really grown now hasn't it? :lol1:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v2...age5Chippy.jpg

PMSL. It's actually at that scary in between stage of sticking out before it's long enough to hang naturally.
Looks more like this at the mo..

http://www.smallworldmedia.co.uk/pic...s/big_hair.jpg


:D
Andy

Hmmm like this http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v2.../leosayer3.jpg

tut tut!
Are those Whiteline parts used to keep the front ARB centralised?
Graham

Thanks Robocop - that's now put my mind to rest. Judging by the photos, you still have the Potenzas on as well so if the one who must be obeyed still finds it too hard I can resort to F1s.

That picture was taken several months ago before I changed to 18" alloys shod with P Zero Corsa Asimmetrico's 235/40-18. (The top picture here Pirelli PZero Corsa System at The Tire Rack.)

Again an improvement in ride although they are noisier than the RE070s they replaced. There may well be ultimately more grip in the Bridgestone, but I'm not good enough to find out. In my opinion the Pirelli/18" change was very worthwhile for the reasons listed above.

I still kept the original wheels/RE070s as they're for other uses. :)