http://www.msmracing.com/images/KW_STI_V3_FRONT.jpg

Highlights:
INOX stainless steel construction.
Different high-speed/low-speed compression rates.
Limited lifetime warranty.

We will be stocking two versions for the WRX:
Variant 1: Height adjustable (lowers 20-50mm front/rear)
Variant 3: Height adjustable (lowers 20-50mm front/rear), infinitely adjustable rebound, 14 level adjustable compression

For the STi, the Variant 3 lowers 30-55mm front and 25-50mm rear.

Spring rates:
~350lb front (WRX) (http://www.msmracing.com/pdfs/60110020_KW60_170_hochfest.pdf)
~450lb front (STI) (http://www.msmracing.com/pdfs/60110047_KW80_170_hochfest.pdf)
Progressive rate rear (WRX/STI) (http://www.msmracing.com/pdfs/60210053_KW4501.pdf)

Pricing:
WRX V1 $1475 shipped (MSRP $1640)
WRX V3 $1995 shipped (MSRP $2225)
STi V3 $2150 shipped (MSRP $2390)

We can have Variant 3 kits built with custom spring rates for $150 extra. We can also have KW's race shop build the their two-way race kits per your specifications.

Mike
sales@msmracing.com

Any feedback from customers who have installed this kit?

Recently we've been working with a customer on a Variant 3 setup designed to his specifications (custom springs/valving). He should have the kit installed soon, and will hopefully post his opinions here.

There are a couple threads in the Brakes & Suspension forum with feedback from people with KW setups.

We have V3 kits on both our STi and our WRX. We're biased though. :)

Mike

Glad to see someone is carrying these for the Imprezas. I've been seriously considering the V3 for my STi. Do you have links to the threads in the suspension forum - can't search for 'KW' due to the the 3 letter minimum.

not many good links, i've been searching around =\

I know the KW is big in the VW world, but it would be nice to find some Suby owners who have used it as well.

There hasn't been much said about these on this board, but you will find a number of very good reviews over on www.scoobynet.co.uk I got some good information on these over there when I was looking at them about a year ago. The Variant 3s would probably be my choice if I were to get coilovers but I just can't justify the expense currently.

I couldn't find very many good reviews, I only managed to find I think 2, and the threads weren't very long =\. So I posted for myself on there.

Here's the link to Deft's thread on Scoobynet: KW Variant 3 anyone? (http://bbs.scoobynet.co.uk/showthread.php?t=321020)

This is a very streetable kit that really soaks up the bumps. We'll be able to comment more on track performance after we take our cars to Mid-Ohio next month.

Heh, very thorough of ya.

What kind of top mounts do these KW's come with?
Pillow mount type or just replacing the factory mounts?

Can you get front camber adjustable pillow mounts for
these?

Kenchan,

The KWs do not come with top mounts. They've been designed to work with the factory top mounts (both '02 and '04 rears as well).

We're working with a manufacturer to test camber/caster plates with the KW kits. We should have the results in a week or two, and will then be able to offer a package solution.

Thanks.

Any piston noises or spring noises (clunks, squeeks, etc) from
these v1 and v3's?

Is the v3's rebound externally adjustable without disassembling
the strut assembly? Not sure how that slider at the bottom
works... :confused:

No clunks or squeeks. I have the rear seats out of my sedan, so I can hear a "gush-gush" noise when the piston compresses. This isn't noticeable when the seats are installed.

The rebound is adjusted at the top of the piston rod with an allen key. Front access is no problem, for the rears in a sedan you would need to remove the seats.

Compression (bump) is adjusted with a valve at the bottom of the damper.

thanks for the info. :)

Would it be possible to fashion a little adjustment knob, so you don't have to take out the rear seats to adjust the rebound?

Deft,

On the rears, there is a metal cap that I leave off so you can access the top of the piston rod (alternatively you could drill a small hole in it). Normally most of the adjustments happen after the initial installation. At this time, some people leave the top of the seatback unhooked, so that it can be pulled forward to access the rebound adjustment. Removing the seats entirely isn't too bad, only takes a few minutes (just 5 bolts).

Wagon guys don't have this issue, as the strut tops are easily accessible.

Any word on the package solution?

Egan,

Were still waiting on the camber plates, as there was a slight manufacturing delay. Current ETA is another week and a half.

Keep us informed. This coilover kit is on my short list.

Your week and a half is up! :D

Free bump.

Egan,

The good news is that I received the camber plates today.

The bad news is that the spring perch on the plates isn't the right size. Going to try and get this resolved as soon as possible.

Thanks for your patience.

wow.. only if i wouldve known kw made suspension for subarus. huge thumbs up, kw is one of the best brands for vw/audi's and now expanding to subarus, excellent company, excellent products. :D

The camber/caster plates, courtesy of Ground Control, were installed on the STi tonight. The plates themselves are quite nice, and went on without a hitch.

I took some quick measurements and was able to adjust from 0 to -3.7 degrees of camber. This was with the caster setting of the plates and the stock camber bolt both adjusted to try and maximize negative camber.

I haven't had a chance to test drive it yet. We're going to Mid-Ohio in a few days, so the whole setup will get a workout.

Did you get the over strut tower camber plates or the under strut tower type?

We used the under tower variant.

Did that reduce your suspension travel or limit the amount of lowering?

Just to chime in, I drove a guy's car today who had the V3s today. Went over some bumpy roads, it wasn't cushy thats for sure, but not what I would consider unlivable at all. And this was at a track-biased setting, so I'm sure that it could be softened up even more for daily use.