Just bought new alloys (17") and a set of Toyo Proxes T1-R (225/45) and though it would be a good idea to get laser alignment done to maximise tyre life and improve handling.

It would probably be sensible to get some other stuff done at the same time (ie before alignment) - what I want is to reduce body roll and lower slightly (not much ~25mm would be fine - there just seems to be a huge gap between tyre and arches!)

so what is recommended without breaking the bank? I was thinking drop links and eibach's - ARB probably not required on the stiffer new age?

The car is an 02 JDM Wagon.

I normally use the 'Clinic' but do you reckon a specialist such as Powerstation would be a better bet - I'm in the midlands so either is easy to get to.

Thanks for any advice,

Rob.

 

I'm amazed no one could offer any advice.

I'll call Powerstation tomorrow - I just hate asking people who are taking my money what they think I should do.......conflict of interest somewhere there

 

Can't go wrong with Prodrive springs (Eibachs with Prodrive settings)

 

Sorry to jump on this thread, but does anyone know if the prodrive springs make the rid a lot more stiff, or is it subtle?
I'm thinking of getting some, but I don't want to turn my WRX into a bone shaker for every day driving...

 

Hi, I've got a track day at the Prodrive Test facility at the end of June and I want to sort out a few of the problems on MY03WRX before hand:

1. Sort out the terrible breaking - I've upgraded to Brembo STi and Mintex F4 Compound pads
2. Get rid of the understeer - I've spoken to both Subaru main dealer and Powerstation and both are offering conflicting answers. Has any body remedied the same problem I have without spending too much money as new tyres discs pads etc. has already cost me a £££,s.

Thanks

 

This is on my MY03 WRX:- Eibach springs, powerflex rear drop links, front top strut brace, TSL laser geometry setup, work done by TSL too.
One of the best investments i made on my car, and i include all the power mods in that statement too.
The difference in ride and cornering and even overtaking is fantastic.
Car is now rock solid and not only feels better, but looks a lot better for the slight drop you get from the springs.
Everyday ride is different to standard, but i would not say it is too harsh.
I do not like harsh suspension, which imho is why i bought Scooby and not Evo.
(apart from looks and other things! lol) Just mho.

 

A stiffer rear ARB and rear drop links together with the prodrive geometry settings should sort out the understeer on the 03WRX. Demontweeks and Powerstation should both stock suitable whiteline parts - phone either of them for part numbers. If you fit an uprated front ARB which is too stiff it will actually cancel-out some of the positive effects of the rear bar and bring you back to understeer again. That's why you should uprate the rear bits only and see how you like it.

 

Also - fitting the ARB does not have any effect on geometry, so you can fiddle about with them after getting the geometry done if that suits you better. Fitting ARB and droplinks on the rear should be quite an easy DIY job.

 

Quite right, you need to change geometry to sort this out. I've got an 03 STi with 22mm ARBs, solid drop links and Whiteline ALK. The car feels better to drive (more feel through the steering wheel) but that's about as far as it goes - still feels like you have to hold back the whole time so as not to push the front end too much. Pretty disappointing front end grip.

From what I understand, the only way to make any significant different to this is to add a few degrees of caster at the front.

(For those anyone unfamiliar with this, more caster means more camber as the wheels turn - take a look at something like a BMW with the front wheels turned - the wheels appear to 'lean over').

And the only way to increase the caster angle is to move the front wheels forward by changing the suspension (control) arms.

So, some questions for anyone who knows (I'm having a hard time finding this stuff out):

1) The '05 STi has 4.5 degrees of caster and the wheelbase is 15mm greater than previous years. Have they simply moved the front wheels forward 15mm to increase caster?

2) Can the '05 STi control arms be fitted to a '03 STi? As these are nearly 200 quid each, I'd like to confirm this before I buy some. I've heard the suspension mountings have changed slightly on the '05 car.

3) Did the '03 Spec C have the 4.5 degrees of caster? I've heard it did have but haven't been able to confirm this. If it did, presumably it would have had a longer wheelbase? The same 15mm longer wheelbase as the '05 car?

4) If the answer to 3) is yes, this presumably means the '03 Spec C control arms *could* be bolted straight on to a '03 UK STi?

5) Any other comments/ advice such as lowering the car etc.

Any help on this appreciated . . .

 

What I know is that the Spec C comes from the same factory and building line as normal WRX and STI's, so I expect they have the samefloorpan. It's only by those control arms that they altered the castor.

 

Thanks for the reply, sorry for not replying sooner; been away on business. I looked in demon tweeks for the ARB and rear drop links. The drop links apear to come in different sizes, can you please help, Thanks

 

I called Powerstation and that's pretty much what they recommended - so booked in for 20th for eibachs and rear drop links & ARB and geometry setup. Sounds like a massive improvement for a reasonable amount of money!

They did mention front ARB/drop links to, but from what you said I think I'll leave that for now and see how it feels, but TBH I'm not looking for track performance, just an improvement over standard for road use.

Thanks to all that replied, can't wait to get it done now

p.s. tried to post this a few days ago but SN kept timing out.....

 

Their Anti Lift Kit is also a very good mod.

 

V5-APS has just had this or summat similar done at Powerstation - might be worth PM'ing him

 

just to add my penny's worth (MY02 WRX).
I've added:

+Eibach springs
+Powerflex rear solid droplinks
+Whiteline rear 24mm ARB
+Whiteline anti-lift kit
+18' wheels (ie. wider tyres)
+Front upper strut brace
+STI Spec C quick steering rack (this was the best mod of all IMO)

The car handles very sweetly indeed now, the only hint of understeer is on wet greasy days but even that is gradual

Now I just need to get some 6 pots......

DaveR

 

Where was the quick steering rack from and fitted?

That is one of the remaining things that pisses me off with my WRX. LOL.
I need tighter steering.

 

sorry for super-late reply.

I bought the quickrack new from Grade-A breakers, and had it fitted up at TSL in Nottingham

 

Thanks for that info DaveR too, now that appeals to me as i use TSL for all my mods and stuff so far.