omahasubaru

I'm curious as to being from the states as to what the overall differences are between these two suspensions.

I've got a chance to pick up a 'take off' unit from a Version VI WRX Type RA and just wanted to make sure. I know how and what the stock WRX suspension consists of but how does the Type RA differ?

It obviously handles better, but is it livable as a daily driver on say semi rough Midwest (probablly comparable to UK) roads?

All the help you can give me is greatly appreciated as I plan/hope to order it tomorrow or next Monday.

Cheers,

Jon

RussP

I'd definitely take a drive in a Type RA before you spend the time and money.

I've got a V5 Type RA and i'm scouting round to find what alternatives are. The Leda B seems to have recieved good reiviews but i got a ride in a WR Sport equiped UK car last weekend and reckon its spot on.

The RA is defintiely too hard for UK roads, as even with 28/29psi on 18" wheels it skips a lot over pot holes, esp in the wet.

If you find the dream set-up let me know

Good Luck

Russ

omahasubaru

So your saying the WRX Type RA is stiffer than the plain (stock) WRX suspension? So there is a difference?

I hear DMS is a good choice, but heck, you guys have more options over there than I do here.

Anyone else with info about the differences please let me know.

Jon

[This message has been edited by omahasubaru (edited 16 April 2001).]

omahasubaru

ttt

omahasubaru

Well I found out it is an STi Type RA, not just a WRX Type RA so I ordered it as he said it is different and better than the plain WRX suspension. I hope he's right, I guess I won't know until I see them and can compare. Hope it is better. Couldn't get any info from anyone out there about it. No one seems to know (except the seller) here in the US and well you guys were my only hope.. but I couldn't wait any longer for a reply.

Thanks,

Jon

RussP

Good luck!

I'm tearing my springs off and installing something a little more compliant.

But then our roads are Cr@p!

Rus

omahasubaru

Well it should be here tomorrow.

Should would have been nice to have gotten some help from you guys to help confirm or deny the differences (if any). Oh well I guess this board just isn't much of a tunning place, just items for sale or look at my car. (I'm not flamming anyone, just my observations).

I'll still come back, I was just hoping for a little help.

Jon

Aero

Russ, I take it by P1 you mean Bilstein...
Demon Tweeks run it at 517GBP for shocks and springs, considerably cheaper then Leda at over a grand.

I have a MY94 WRX RA standard susp and 17's. the ride doesn't seem any much firmer to me than other WRX's I've been in. It will tramline, and perhaps more worryingly pull slightly to the left when the front is under very heavy load.

The suspension is really past the end of it's useful life anyway, and I should have bilstein on within the next 6 weeks. I'll let you know how it goes.

As far as every day driving goes, what are a few bumps and rattles between friends?

Dave!

I'm running a non STi WRX RA V6 LTD on 16 inch wheels and the ride is totally acceptable on uk roads...go for it!

RussP

Dave

Don't you find it "skittish" in the wet on bumpy roads?

I've just bought P1 suspension for my RA (V5) as it can get away from you big time on less than brilliant roads.

Russ

Willo

I also have a non STi v6 RA and agree that it can be a bit of a runaway on handling, it seems to be VERY camber sensitive - Just tracking down some secondhand P1 suspension until I can afford the Leda's or maybe DMS so I'll keep you posted. They such a hybrid as well (aluminium suspension arms and 2 pot brakes!!) - I know they are supposed to be the base for a rally car and will be stripped but some things are just strange!!
Great car and fantastic value though

omahasubaru

Well, better late than never.

But I guess my question still isn't getting answered.

I want to know what the differences are, if any between the two suspensions.

And it is an STi WRX Type RA afterall

So I ask you this.. again.

Are the struts valved differently or are the springs different between the STi WRX version 6 and STi WRX Type RA of the same version?

Thanks again. They should get here today or tomorrow and I hope to install them this week.

I'm also going up from a 18mm bar to 20mm.

Cheers,

Jon

ownly

on my Sti 6 the original suspension rock-hard. especially at the height it is. I'm going for a set of Tein HA so i can adjust them. wayyyy too hard for every day use.

O/...

omahasubaru

Finally got my info I needed..
The springs are different 10-20% stiffer and they've got different part numbers.

Jon

RussP

Apparently, having searched back thru some old threads on here, the Sti and P1 have the same shocks, but different spring rates.

But the RA is definitely harder than the "Regular" Sti and i find it too skittish for UK roads.

I'va managed to get my grubby mits on a set of P1 shocks and springs, which i'm having fitted tuesday week.

Hope this does it, the cars got 18's on it, so i'm a bit worried on ride height - but othe than that i reckon this could be the "perfect" set up for our lousy roads!

Russ

Willo

Russ,

I've got a WRX v-ltd RA (Non STi) and am looking at doing the same thing since I can't afford a Leda set-up just yet - Please keep us posted as to how good this set-up is