I formerly had a 02 WRX with the following suspension mods: Cusco F/R sway bars and strut bars, Whiteline anti-lift kit, H&R springs, Kart boy rear end links, 18" Konig Tantrums wheels and Kumho Ecsta 712 tires. I kept the stock struts and never opted for coilovers since I felt the handling to be very adequate without the harshness commonly found with firmer dampers.

As for looks , my WRX had a better profile than my STI since the springs lowered the car 1.5" from stock (compared to only .5" to the STI) and the 18" wheels looked more aggressive (compared to only 17" wheels on the STI).

As for handling, I love the way how the quicker steering ratio and the LSDs on the STI make the car turn much quicker and with more confidence than with my WRX. There is still some roll on the STI however that I'm sure that could be improved if given similar suspension mods to my WRX. One thing I noticed about the STI is that the plastic rear end links on the WRX have been replaced with metal ones. I also noticed less dive and squat during braking and acceleration on the STI. It appears that Subaru did some homework on anti-lift.

When it comes to regular freeway driving, the ride on my WRX was much more bareable and absorbed the frequent bumps encountered with bad concrete freeways when going around 50 to 60mph. At these slow speeds, the STI jumps up and down and shakes like crazy as if it is having some form of seizure! I'm sure it is not the tire balance causing the problem since it disappears at higher speeds! The STI is literally begging to be driven faster!

Has anyone encountered the same thing and has changed the STI suspension to be more accommodating at all speeds?
Thanks.

 

RLaureano,

I have to agree with DS...the suspension for its intended mission is perfect.

I'd get lightweight 18" rims or taller 17" tires if I wanted an appearance of less space in my wheel wells (i.e. lowered).

I plan to pop for more power (Torque rules!) when reputable and confirmed options become available.
Yeah, I know about the TurboXS package...but I like the stock exhaust sound. Any louder and I'd have to cut my engine prior to entering my street so as not to wake my 6mo. old from her slumber.

- Janq

 

Going up to 18" wheels surely isn't going to help an already rough ride.

 

I think a couple of good improvements are front and read strut tower braces and a tranny brace. That is if you opt not to go with newer struts. STI makes a carbon fiber front strut tower brace that retails at around $395. It's effective and looks really good. Of course this isn't going to improve your freeway ride at all. As for the bouncing, I guess I don't mind because I really don't notice. Might be because I drove low riders up until I got into imports a couple years ago.

 

I think the STI dampers and/or coils have a lot to do with the bounciness. Although they do a great job of handling the cornering g forces, I think the dampers and springs could have been designed and tuned much better. I don't even think the STI springs are progressive rate like H&R or Eibach makes. When I had replaced the springs on my former WRX with H&R, I was shocked to find out how the stock springs were so much more inferior in comparison.

If anyone has experience with the best coilover (TEIN, DMS, JIC, H&R, etc) or strut/spring setup for the WRX, please post your reply. From my research, it appears the Australian-made DMS brand seems to have the best design. However, I would rather lean towards German-made suspension parts due to the standards that car manufacturers (like Porsche, Audi, BMW) demands.

 

The one area I think the STi need improvement in the handling department is the body roll experienced during cornering. It just doesn't inspire ne confidence in me while taking the corners. Granted I've only had the car for 2 weeks and have come no where near the car limits yet, but I just can't shake how floaty the car feels in corners. Maybe some aftermarket sway bars might help.