Need advice on suspension choices

[qstarin]

I think you can buy just the adjustable sleeves from GC. Then you could pick up any 2.5" inner diameter spring you want. I'm looking into some Hypercoil's (made by Hyperco) myself. It would cost more than the sleeve/spring package from GC, but not too much more.

[240kat]

Originally Posted by mkowske

I just called again and they told me they can only get what is made, and since the 9" is not a common spring length they can only get that one rate 315/280



you're saying that 325/250 is quite soft? man, i don't know.. the RS I was in with the STi "pinks" shocks and springs was pretty bumpy/bouncy to me, although I suppose it's possible that I was feeling a stiff dampening of the shock and the spring wasn't that bad. anyone know how those STi pink shocks compare to others (stock, AGX settings, etc) ?

no no, the OTS (off the shelf) eibachs are just over 200 iirc, those springs rates are the ones I have from GC.

[renegadewrx]

Originally Posted by qstarin

I think you can buy just the adjustable sleeves from GC. Then you could pick up any 2.5" inner diameter spring you want. I'm looking into some Hypercoil's (made by Hyperco) myself. It would cost more than the sleeve/spring package from GC, but not too much more.

Yes they sell the sleeves by themselves. This means if one gets cracked or broken and I need a replacement then I can just buy the sleeve only. I love the way my AGX/G-C setup feels for DD/Auto X/Rally X. I actually only have a 225 spring rate front and 200 rear. They still work very well for Rally Xing and the off road driving I like to do.

[mkowske]

Originally Posted by renegadewrx

Yes they sell the sleeves by themselves. This means if one gets cracked or broken and I need a replacement then I can just buy the sleeve only. I love the way my AGX/G-C setup feels for DD/Auto X/Rally X. I actually only have a 225 spring rate front and 200 rear. They still work very well for Rally Xing and the off road driving I like to do.

when I called earlier I asked if I could just get the sleeves with no springs and they said no, it only comes as a package. hmm... maybe i was talking to the wrong person.

renegadewrx -- how do those springs rates feel in tight cornering (pavement) ? that's about the range i was thinking i would get.. but if you say it's good for off road, maybe it's too soft for what i want

[renegadewrx]

Originally Posted by mkowske

when I called earlier I asked if I could just get the sleeves with no springs and they said no, it only comes as a package. hmm... maybe i was talking to the wrong person.

renegadewrx -- how do those springs rates feel in tight cornering (pavement) ? that's about the range i was thinking i would get.. but if you say it's good for off road, maybe it's too soft for what i want

I could of sworn they had the adjustable perchs for sale seperate when I bought my setup back in Feb. Maybe I was mistaken.

I like the feel of them when I DD and auto x. With all the suspension mods I have it feels very stable cornering fast and tight. I would like a little bit larger front anti sway like 22mm to balance it out a little more. I have the AGX mainly set to 2/4 and it does not feel too soft but smooth enough for everyday driving. I bump them up to 3 front/6 rear for auto x. I have the 10" springs though so I sit higher than most RSs. When I auto x the stiffness is awesome mostly from the struts though. I wish I could give you a ride to show you how they feel. I take On and off ramps (round abouts) at around 40-45 mph comfortably with room to go a bit faster. Not exactly tight cornering but close enough.

[mkowske]

damn it! i hate this. i didn't think finding a suspension option would be so difficult.

GC - out; the won't sell me just the sleeves and only offer one spring rate for the 9" spring which is too stiff
P1s or Swift - out; not manufactured anymore
SPT/STi lowering springs - out; not manufactured anymore -- I could get a STi "pink" strut/spring combo from subargenuineparts.com for $850 but I'd like the adjustability that those don't offer (plus it seems bouncy to me, not dampened well)
Eibach Pro Kit - out; too soft and has a retarded drop (1" front 1.2" rear)
Eibach other - i called and it doesn't seem like they can just make you whatever spring you want. I've heard people have done this but can't figure out how.
H&R/Tanabe/etc - out; too low

Ok, so I've concluded that I can't upgrade my suspension.

[qstarin]

crazy. I still can't believe GC won't sell just the sleeves or special order any different 9" rates. wtf. sounds like the customer service is declining over there.

Their adjustable perch setup is certainly nothing fancy. I'm surprised there aren't more like it being sold, too.

[el' Vagabond]

I may have missed it but did you contact any vendors for Swift springs? A friend of mine said she bought some for her GC not too long ago. I can't remember from where though...

Also, I saw a link to Rally Sport Direct posted already. Have you tried them?

[240kat]

Originally Posted by mkowske

damn it! i hate this. i didn't think finding a suspension option would be so difficult.

GC - out; the won't sell me just the sleeves and only offer one spring rate for the 9" spring which is too stiff
P1s or Swift - out; not manufactured anymore
SPT/STi lowering springs - out; not manufactured anymore -- I could get a STi "pink" strut/spring combo from subargenuineparts.com for $850 but I'd like the adjustability that those don't offer (plus it seems bouncy to me, not dampened well)
Eibach Pro Kit - out; too soft and has a retarded drop (1" front 1.2" rear)
Eibach other - i called and it doesn't seem like they can just make you whatever spring you want. I've heard people have done this but can't figure out how.
H&R/Tanabe/etc - out; too low

Ok, so I've concluded that I can't upgrade my suspension.

in order for eibach to sell you custom rate springs, you have to order multiple sets.
you can also contact ralli sport direct and get some gymkhana springs, but they take a month to get. if you just ordered them to begin with, you'd almost have them by now (i say that, because i say it too myself as well).
if you arent okay with the available GC options, you can retrofit some 02-05 suspension. i cant cosign on buying used suspension parts, but they can be had for really really cheap. it seems like, if you want a decent suspension for a GC and don't have $2000 for a bilstein setup, you have to get creative.

[mkowske]

first off, i really appreicate everyone's input so far.. it's been really helpful.

question: what is the spring rate of the gymkhanas? Are these the Tarmac ones referred to in the NorhtUrsalia.com chart?

[FONT=VERDANA]STi Version 6 Tarmac/Gymkhana (Autocross)[/FONT] [FONT=VERDANA]286[/FONT] [FONT=VERDANA]274[/FONT]
2nd.. 02-05 springs on a GC. done some searching and I can't figure out exactly what works and what doesn't. Seems like JDM v7 STi springs will match up no problem (with GC tophats), but USDM v7/v8 will not? I have like 15 browers windows open right now and am totally confused now. When do you need to use the Legacy top hats? Which springs are tapered and which aren't?

According to this: NASIOC - View Single Post - The "Will this suspension part fit my car?" thread. you can use any 93-03 "Impreza" spring.. but I'm not so confident of that. It also states it is best to use a 93-01 spring.. but why?

What are the issues with using 02-03 springs? Ride height?

hitting a wall here.