I know there are at least a few of you out there. I have such a setup myself. Let me say from the outset, I've read some of the threads on this topic but haven't found a clear post on impressions w/ aftermarket lowering springs.
What this post is for is to inquire specifically about that: For you who have installed the later STi (04+) struts on your earlier Impreza, have you put lowering springs on your car, what type, your impressions?
First, here's my config:
Second, my goal: Primarily & honestly, a more lowered look. I'm not looking for a "slammed" look, just one that's more tasteful than the lifted (read, "mini-monster truck"; see pic in next post) stance now. For those of you w/ this setup, you know it raises the car, esp. in the back (along w/ losing some camber). With the stock STi struts & springs, the car's pretty stiff already given its lighter weight so I don't necessarily need a better performing spring setup, just something that looks better.
Third, my comments:
Some springs I'm considering:
So, GC/GF owners: If you have the later model STi struts installed, have you ventured out in terms of lowering springs (I assume, GD STi springs; maybe something else)? If so, which ones? What has your experience been like? Any words of advice?
What this post is for is to inquire specifically about that: For you who have installed the later STi (04+) struts on your earlier Impreza, have you put lowering springs on your car, what type, your impressions?
First, here's my config:
- 93 Impreza L w/ full v7 STi swap
- 04 STi struts
- 05 STi springs (w/ 90-94 Legacy rear tophats)
- 22mm Perrin sway bars, front & rear (solid, not tubular)
- stock front endlinks; (soon) Kartboy rear endlinks (thanks, Tom!)
- Perrin stout mount in rear
- Rota Tarmac II wheels (17x7.5, +48)
- Michelin Pilot A/S tires, 235/45/17
Second, my goal: Primarily & honestly, a more lowered look. I'm not looking for a "slammed" look, just one that's more tasteful than the lifted (read, "mini-monster truck"; see pic in next post) stance now. For those of you w/ this setup, you know it raises the car, esp. in the back (along w/ losing some camber). With the stock STi struts & springs, the car's pretty stiff already given its lighter weight so I don't necessarily need a better performing spring setup, just something that looks better.
Third, my comments:
- I understand, due to the lighter weight of my car, no matter what springs I get, it won't lower the car as much as it would a later model car.
- Major concern: Cost. Unfortunately, I've basically run out of funds except for a few dollars left in my paypal acct. Thus, I'm reverting to buying springs to lower the car instead of a full suspension setup more suited to it.
- Secondary concern: Tire rubbing. As you can see, my tires are pretty wide (235's; no rubbing at this point :clap
.
Some springs I'm considering:
- Perrin: Seem ideal in terms of amount of lowering as well as being progressive rated. But this post seems to say these will be bouncey (see post #8).
- Cobb
- Swift
- Tein S-Tech: Seem to be cheapest in the classifieds on NASIOC.
- (Out of my price range but would be cool): Ground Control coilovers.
- Any others I should consider???
So, GC/GF owners: If you have the later model STi struts installed, have you ventured out in terms of lowering springs (I assume, GD STi springs; maybe something else)? If so, which ones? What has your experience been like? Any words of advice?
