I'm sure it's been asked/debated before but here goes.
I'm currently running a std set up with only additions being Prodrive uprated brakes and 18" boots...question; I still find the ride too soft, has anyone uprated the springs etc to give a firmer ride ? suggestion and thoughts anyone ?

 

I've just gone the other way on my Sti and changed to springs to P1! The improvement is incredible so be careful before you stiffen the springing!

Rus

 

Hi there,
RussP, where did you get your springs from, as I am considering doing the same on my STiV. Is yours a 2 or 4 door??

Thanks

 

It may be that the 18`s are highlighting the shortfalls in the suspension.
Prodrive recommend changing the suspension before fitting 18`s.

A

Wif 18`s, Bilsteins, Eibachs..........

 

Mellow

Are you saying the ride is not bad enough on 18" wheels and tyres or that the car is undersprung/underdamped?

If you have the right spring and damper rates to match the wheel and tyre package, the car should still have some compliance. Do not mistake this for the car feeling soft.

Most people who have driven recent Lotus products will know what I mean, great body cotrol with a good ride.

Mike

 

Mike,
thanks for your interest.
I have your Prodrive 18's on.
Taking my car on Castle Coombe 3 weeks ago I felt it was leaning and too soft a ride in and out of cornering.
At a local Subaru meet last week (SEE DALES 2 IN THE NORTHERN SECTION)I was "giving it some" down some very nice B roads and felt the handling was softer than I would have prefered (could've been my driving though !)
Which has led me to this post.
Your thoughts would be appreciated Mike.

[This message has been edited by Mellow Yellow ! (edited 08 June 2001).]

 

Mellow
The symptons you describe are the exact same as I experienced when I changed to 18`s.
I am now using Bilsteins with Eibach`s which are a great improvement but due to my driving style, I feel the springs are still not hard enough for my purpose but more than happy with the Bilsteins.
Like yourself I wasn`t confident with the cars handling on std suspension with 18`s.

Cheers

A

 

Interesting note re. different suspension set up for use with 18" wheels.

When I was recently ordering my P1 enquiries to dealer and Prodrive did not highlight this issue ?

What`s the reality ???

Cheers

As an aside - save the money spent on mods. and buy a cheap ( safe ) GTI - compete in sprints / hillclimbs / trackdays - good fun matching cars with >100bhp more than you !

 

James

The reference to uprated suspension relates to normal Turbo, NOT P1.

Mellow

We have a revised specification Bilstein/ Eibach kit, actually developed for the 99MY Turbo, which works really well on a P1 if you are prepared to put up with a slight loss of ride comfort. I have tried this several times up through the Dales and it's rather good. The only problem is that you will struggle to keep your speed down to that acceptable to plod

We refer to this kit as the 'Professional' kit to distinguish it from the original Bilstein/Eibach kit. Your dealer will be able to order this from Subaru.

Regards

Mike

 

mike,

Would you say then that this 'Professional Kit', is better than the P1 original suspension set up? Ignoring the 'slight' lack of comfort. I prefer my cars to ride slightly harder anyhow.

 

Mike,

Thanks for the clarification.

Regards

 

Paul

I'm not saying it's 'better', merely that it may give the feel that Mellow is after.

Mike

 

Thanks Mike.

 

Thanks Mike, I'll look into your suggestion.
Confidence is the important factor in my search for a solution, I drive the car hard without being reckless and have had a few intances were I have thought oops....and not felt overjoyed with the cars performance on the handling side.

 

Hi Mellow
The set up on mine maybe that as described by Mike Wood, I'll give you a call later to confirm - looks like I'll have to borrow your 18's on Friday tho' to get any kind of comparison