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2015 STi 13.1 steering rack into GC??

30K views 31 replies 21 participants last post by  Bansheeboy11  
#1 ·
So, I've been keeping up with the 2015 STi steering rack swap thread on nabisco, and apparently someone has just completed this swap into a GD STi. So, I'm assuming it could be swapped into an RS using a GD front subframe. Thoughts? Has anyone even thought about attempting it?
 
#32 ·
The sway bar needs to match the crossmember, so 02-07 and 08+ are the major two differences. You'll obviously need the appropriate bushings and brackets too. Personally, ive found larger front bars really help the car with roll with also helps with bump steer in corners, 08+ front bars usually start at 22-24mm for OEM bars, 24+ aftermarket i personally would run a stock front bar from the crossmember you use. Stock plastic endlinks are too wide to fit, links with spherical ends like perrin or something are the best bet you'll get an easier fit. As long as nothing binds you'll be fine.
 
#31 ·
Thanks @Bansheeboy11 - super helpful as I skipped the confirmatory research and ordered a crossmember.

Now, apparently I've "watched" a few sway bars on ebay and a certain Ohio based subaru dismantler is sending me almost irresistable offers for sway bars... but I don't know the length i'd need. My knowledge base falls off a cliff after MY2007...

If you happen to know which year(s) WRX or STI would fit for my (planned to use) GC control arms, that would be helpful. I'd assume it would be the WRX models prior to their STI/stock wide-body but I'm not sure. And yes, would certainly stick with/want something in the stock sizing for my application.
 
#30 ·
08-22 STI front crossmembers will bolt to the car, but youll have to use those sway bars as well which isnt a bad thing even the stock bar is a big upgrade. They also use the smaller GC size front control arm forward bushing so you dont need to swap arms, if you have GD arms you'll need to press the bushings. Obviously the steering racks will bolt to whatever matching crossmember you choose.
 
#29 ·
I currently have a 2015+ steering rack on the way, so this will be a project for me in the somewhat distant, near future. Hopefully before/early spring. What I'm currently trying to figure out:

Yes, the 2015 rack will fit into a 04-07 / GD front cross member (engine cradle), with some obstacles. I agree with Unabomber (link again) to certain extent (I'd be okay trimming the GD cross member), and I don't want to stack washers or make/buy spacers to get the rack to sit well/tight. I believe somewhere in the thread is a note of this causing the bolts to start to chew through the subframe. Which brings me to the question at hand:

Has anyone put a 08-14 WRX / STI front subframe in a 92-01?
- If Unabomber can put it in a 04 WRX (same width as GC's), why can't we? What else would need to be changed? Or more importantly, what will it completely goof up (suspension wise)?
1. (Good / bad / to irreversible amounts of) Camber, caster, etc.. (e.g. stuff that will make the car not do car-like things right)
2. Engine mounts to fit new subframe? Good thing I have brand new group-N's sitting in my "stock room" that won't fit
3. Lower control arms? no mention of this/drama in Ron's post
4. (drama from Ron's post) Sway bar mounts that won't bolt up - will 08-14 mounts be the "fix" for this?
5. What else?

I'm somewhat in the position where I may attempt this. But I'm moreso hoping i'm not the first?
 
#27 ·
theres an entire thread on nasioc abou this.....

the basics are to get the newer and "correct" crossmember to mount the rack vs cutting up a gd crossmember. enlarge the holes slightly so it will bolt up into your rs and you get inserts to get the rs tie rods and be on your way. the inserts allow the smaller tie rods to fit into the larger va inner tie rods that way you do not have to cut down the inner tie rods. i think the thread is by unibomber
 
#13 ·
Many of your do not seem to have your facts straight. Out cars are 16.1 and the STi in this country until 20015 was a 15.1. If I need to swap or purchase inner tie rods to make it work that's not a big deal and it's about the same price as the L&E column. If I have to be the first so be it but it will not be till tax season possibly.