06 wrx strut/spring on BD

[Lone_legacy]

I came across 06 wrx struts with s-tech springs with wrx tophats. I was wondering whether this setup will fit my bd5 without issue. According to the suspension swap post I should be in the clear, but I wan't to know for sure. Any info you could provide on this setup? How is the ride height affected? I know the gc struts are longer, so the car rides slightly higher. With regards to the GD struts I am not sure.

[chuckthefuk]

You have to rotate the front top hats to fit the bolt pattern.

S-Techs are pure garbage read the reviews. A set of H&R's or Ground Control's would provide a better ride.

WRX struts feel very good when cornering. You will still have saggy butt in the rear so spacers would help but not as bad as a BG/BK.

Ride height in the front will not be spectacular.

You should get some camber bolts in the rear since GD lateral links are a bit longer and your BD/GC lateral link are a tad shorter. Best option here are adjustable later links but this isn't necessary.

Good luck
- Chuck

[Lone_legacy]

Thanks. Thats very informative. I will pass on those then. I am looking for an affordable way to change out my suspension setup for something stiffer/lower. Lotsa guys are selling their springs and struts for cheap. Is there a setup that you recommend?

[chuckthefuk]

Stiff and stock:
04' STi struts, springs, top hats

02-07 wrx struts springs, top hats

JDM STi Ver. 8+ struts, springs, top hats (A friend of mine has this setup, nothing spectacular but a major improvement none the less)

Stiff and low:
02-07 WRX struts
H&R or Ground control, Tein H-Techs
Group N (STi) top hats.

02-07 WRX struts w/ koni inserts
Group N (STi) top hats


You should run camber bolts in the rear to correct the camber when adding GD suspension.

Anyways your BD top hats are old and worn out. Replacing these will help the stiffness.

-Chuck

[Lone_legacy]

Just out of curiosity, what is wrong with the tein s-techs? I read some reviews on subarureview.com and most people like them. Their only complaint was that they are a bit too low.

[Huffer]

STechs are COSMETIC lowering only. They're not progressively wound appropriately to retain a semi-stock feel. They look awesome because they drop the car so low - but the only performance improvement is simply a lower center of gravity.

[Lone_legacy]

I see. Reading through the tein product descriptions, it sounds like the h-techs are a cosmetic drop as well. They emphasize luxury and ride quality. Where can I find ground control springs online?

[chuckthefuk]

Huffer's correct. But to sum it up S-Tech's are not balanced from factory. You get an un-even ride that feels like cut springs.

Sorry about that I didn't mean to say Ground Control I ment Eibach.
http://www.rallysportdirect.com/shop/ei ... p-459.html (http://www.rallysportdirect.com/shop/eibach-wrx-pro-kit-lower-springs-p-459.html)


-Chuck

[Lone_legacy]

Hey Chuck, you live in Toronto. What do you think is the best way to locate a suspension setup without paying out the ass for shipping? Are there any shops you know in the area?

[chuckthefuk]

Hey Chuck, you live in Toronto. What do you think is the best way to locate a suspension setup without paying out the ass for shipping? Are there any shops you know in the area?

There are many JDM importers (TorontoJDM.com, Eagle Japan Motors, etc) in Toronto who will gladly sell you a complete set of JDM Version.** or Coilovers or you can scavenge http://www.toronto-subaru-club.com for some WRX take off's or STI 04' take off's. TSC is my main parts bin :-D so many parts you just have to patient.

There are a few places that carry brand new items like Battle Endless / BC Auto & Design / shit even BUDDS Subaru @ Oakville can order you whatever setup you wish.

Ottawa Subaru Club and Montreal Subaru Club are both good sources for parts if you willing to search and wait.

Good luck
-Chuck