So I just bought this car. In great shape and dealer maintained for the last 6 years. I plan to use this car for my commute (29 miles each way) for the rest of this year. Job will be moving closer in Q4 (6 mile commute) and I want to use it for both commuting and autox (to replace my current VW Scirocco).

So my question is, what can I do with the suspension on this car to lower and stiffen it? And I mean stiffen - with such a short commute, I am not concerned with ride quality. I want to stay in STS for autox, so I won't be doing any real engine mods, just suspension and wheels/tires.

Thanks.

Any GC8 suspension fits. How much do you want to spend?
Whiteline coilovers run about $1900. RS take-off run about $100. Motons run about $5,000.
Definitely get sway bars 22mm front 24mm rear.
Just a thought, but you will be more competitive if you stay in H-stock.
Lots of good info in the suspension forum once the search function is back up.

Thanks, linsavy. I don't know how much I want to spend or when I'll do it. I'm trtying to find out what others have done and how successful it's been.

Whether or not to stay in HS or move to STS will be dependent on cost of acceptable/successful suspension mods.

One more question: are there 14" wheels that will fit on my car? I have some Azenis that I'd like to keep and they're smaller diameter than stock, too, so they'd be nice. Otherwise, some of the upgrade money will have to go toward new tires (oh, darn!).

Thanks.

One more question: are there 14" wheels that will fit on my car? I have some Azenis that I'd like to keep and they're smaller diameter than stock, too, so they'd be nice. Otherwise, some of the upgrade money will have to go toward new tires (oh, darn!).

Thanks.
Sure! Get some Legacy L/LS alloys. Should be cheap and easy to find.

I may be selling my suspension, BUT only thing is I would need your stock suspension to put on....so shipping payments would suck. Let me know if interested at all. Here is what I have:
KYB AGX's, SPT/Eibach springs, Cusco camber plates front and rear. Pretty damn stiff setup w/ up to -3 degrees of camber!
-Joe

You have PM.

But I'm thinking Konis with really stiff springs are what I'll need to quench my thirst (and hurt my kidneys).

take this:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=7970103465&category=33590

plus this
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=7970408948&category=33582

= lots of fun and cheep

I think I'm over the KYBs at this point. Konis for not much more and potentially better quality/satisfaction. And more adjustability with the capability of higher spring rates, too.

Anyone know anything about D2 racing coilovers? One vendor was selling them last month for $1100 and they even came with camber adjustment mounts (F and R). That's Koni + GC territory moneywise and they are 36-way adjustable, for both damping and rebound. And you can specify what spring rates, too. Once I get serious about a purchase, I think those may enter into the equation...

So I just bought this car. In great shape and dealer maintained for the last 6 years. I plan to use this car for my commute (29 miles each way) for the rest of this year. Job will be moving closer in Q4 (6 mile commute) and I want to use it for both commuting and autox (to replace my current VW Scirocco).

So my question is, what can I do with the suspension on this car to lower and stiffen it? And I mean stiffen - with such a short commute, I am not concerned with ride quality. I want to stay in STS for autox, so I won't be doing any real engine mods, just suspension and wheels/tires.

Thanks.

I had a MY96 Impreza L 2.2- throw in a set of KYB/AGX shocks & struts with a 2" lowering spring front and rear (Eibach Pro-kit). Increase the size of the sway bars, and put some strut bars on too if you want. Oh, I also put STi top mounts into mine. That's what I remember, but what I remember most is that it was incredible handling, looked good, felt good- basically looked mean and handled like it was "on rails." Treat that car like gold, I loved mine and still do even though she's gone :( .

no offense to Jaxx either, but be careful of ebay- I got shafted on it once and haven't trusted it since...

I used a Ground Control KYB AGX coilover system on my L, and it was great. Inexpensive compared to others out there too.