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Brakes & Suspension Forum sponsored by The Tire Rack |
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05-09-2013, 10:29 PM | #1 |
Scooby Newbie
Member#: 281606
Join Date: May 2011
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RMIC
Vehicle:2011 WRX WRB |
2011 WRX : Suspension mod checklist
Hi All,
I'm planning to upgrade the suspension in my 2011 WRX sedan in a couple of months, and I've put together a parts list that hopefully gives me a pretty rounded upgrade to the car. I'm aiming for an "aggressive" street setup that'll feel at home at an AutoX and the occasional trackday but not a racing special that'll rattle my teeth out over expansion joints and small bumps. Please let me know if I've missed any obvious (and cheap) upgrades or if any of the parts I've listed below are incompatible. Vendors - please feel free to reply with advice and suggestions (and offers ). UPDATE : All the parts are in! WOOHOO !! Racecomp fulfilled my order for the GTWORX kit, and RallySportDirect took care of the rest of the parts in this list (with free shipping _/\_ ) .Now, 7 days until the install ...... 1) GTWORX RCE Yellow spring & Bilstein damper kit - DONE ! 2) Eibach 25mm/22mm adjustable sway bar kit - DONE ! 3) Kartboy front and rear sway bar end links - DONE ! 4) Cusco strut tower bar - DONE ! 6) Whiteline bushing inserts : rear subframe and differential, Kartboy engine pitch stop dogbone - DONE ! 5) Camber plates / adjustable tophats compatible with GTWORX kit - Canceled/Postponed Thank you all for your help and suggestions - next, pictures of the parts and the install! Last edited by vikramaditya1986; 06-08-2013 at 07:05 PM. |
05-10-2013, 07:34 AM | #2 | |
Scooby Specialist
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MAIC
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Vehicle:2010 Forester XT |
Quote:
2. Another good choice. 3. Another good one. 4. Dont waste your money. You likely won see much of a difference. 5. There arent too many options for the 11+ guys... I think RCE makes a set, but its pretty pricy. 6. Steering rack bushings, WALK, front and rear shifter bushings, rear diff inserts...etc |
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05-10-2013, 08:33 AM | #3 |
Scooby Newbie
Member#: 281606
Join Date: May 2011
Chapter/Region:
RMIC
Vehicle:2011 WRX WRB |
Thanks for the input. I was wondering:
1) How do the Konis compare with the Bilsteins in damping rates (bound, rebound etc.) and in build quality? 5) Yea I've seen Vorschlag camber plates for ~ $430 :O , man that is expensive, and the Cuscos seemingly work only with coilovers. I hear the GTWORX kit actually adds a little negative camber to the 2011+ WRX anyway because they were originally designed for the 08-10 cars? 6) From what I've read some bushings look like they're often painful to replace - any suggestions as to the easy suspension and steering ones to change out or bushing inserts that I can simply add in? |
05-10-2013, 09:06 AM | #4 |
Scooby Newbie
Member#: 276634
Join Date: Mar 2011
Chapter/Region:
SWIC
Location: Surprise
Vehicle:2011 4dr WRX SSM Whale Tail |
1) The Konis have adjustable damping. Going with the Konis though, you will have to cut up your existing front struts as they are just inserts. I have the GTWORX but I have the ones valved for black springs and they are amazing and lower the car just right(3/4"). Never had the yellows but I could imagine they would be a little stiff for poorly maintained roads as the blacks can kinda be.
5) Whiteline has new top hats that adjust caster and camber(for the front) 08+ and they are relatively inexpensive. I'd be more worried about the camber in the rear though, as it is not adjustable stock, and when I had my alignment done the guy was able to get -1.5 like I wanted up front with the stock bolts but couldnt do much to correct the rear. 6) the kinds of bushings that require you press out the stock ones are probably a pain but I wouldnt know because I opted to go with inserts for all the ones I upgraded and they were simple. Just my 0.02 |
05-10-2013, 09:14 AM | #5 |
Scooby Specialist
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Join Date: Sep 2012
Chapter/Region:
Tri-State
Location: Orange County, NY
Vehicle:2012 WRX stage 2+ DGM (sedan) |
Call TiC and see what they have to say about all of those mods. I did and they recommended a 24f/22r whiteline setup for me, which i freaking LOVE. I'm in the process of finishing my setup and it should be very similar to yours
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05-12-2013, 08:16 AM | #6 |
Scooby Newbie
Member#: 281606
Join Date: May 2011
Chapter/Region:
RMIC
Vehicle:2011 WRX WRB |
Thanks for the input everyone. I'll research the Konis more, though I'd prefer to keep my stock dampers in one piece if that's possible. The fact that they are adjustable and that they can be made stiffer than even the Bilsteins makes them all the more interesting for a street car with occasional AutoX duties. Seems like the Eiback sways are the way to go given their price, quality and stiffness overall.
Regarding camber plates, does anybody have any experience with these made by MSI sold by TiC? http://turninconcepts.com/product_in...oducts_id=1216 |
05-12-2013, 09:09 AM | #7 | |
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Join Date: Feb 2007
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NESIC
Location: Voluntucky y'all !
Vehicle:2015 STi, 01 Fozzy Blue n Gold |
Quote:
1) I have one of the original sets of Bilstiens and yellow springs. Fabulous at speed and driven hard, but no so good as a DD if the area you frequent is rough. If I had to do it again I'd go with Bils or Koni's and RCE Blacks (more drop). Camber is -1.7 in the front and the back is -2.1 non - adjustable. (no excessive tread wear) 2 & 3) I have Ralliteck Track Sway-bar 25mm front , Ralliteck Track Sway-bar 22mm rear, Rallitek end links. Made the car much flatter . A "must do" 4) Never had a need for this 5) I don't have one, but more adjust ability is always good. 6) Group N motor and Trans mounts, Whiteline rear sway bar brace, Perrin subframe lock down kit, Whiteline Diff Bushings, Whiteline ALK, Whiteline front A arm bushings, Whiteline Steering Rack Bushings. These all tighten up the car and make it more responsive. Have fun modding ! PS best suspension mod one can do is better tires. |
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05-17-2013, 09:40 PM | #8 |
Scooby Newbie
Member#: 281606
Join Date: May 2011
Chapter/Region:
RMIC
Vehicle:2011 WRX WRB |
Hey all, just wanted to let you know that I grabbed the last GTWORX Yellow/Bilstein kit that RCE had in stock - the next batch is supposed to be coming in the Fall! Thank you all for your help! I'm still aiming for Eibach sways, Kartboy endlinks, some assorted bushings and inserts, and maybe the Cusco tower bar and Whiteline adjustable tophats. I'll post my purchases and hopefully eventually some pictures of the install.....
Hey 2subiesinyard thanks for cross-checking my list. I'm currently using the OEM Dunlops on Rota 17x9s, but in a year or so I plan on something more serious like Pilot Sports or the sporty Potenzas. Regarding suspension, I previously owned a Nissan Sentra Spec V and I was pleased with the stiff-ish suspension. I've also driven a friend's E46 M3 and I enjoyed the feedback the suspension provided. I've never been a fan of the stock WRX's floaty soft setup, and I figure that I want a car at least as stiff as the STi (295/250 lb/in) since I've driven one and I figured that it's pretty stiff but I'll eventually get used to it. The Yellows are 320/320 lb/in, and with matched Bilsteins my appetite for a good aggressive setup should be more than satisfied Last edited by vikramaditya1986; 05-17-2013 at 10:02 PM. |
05-17-2013, 09:56 PM | #9 |
Scooby Newbie
Member#: 281606
Join Date: May 2011
Chapter/Region:
RMIC
Vehicle:2011 WRX WRB |
BTW does anybody recommend getting aftermarket camber bolts for the GTWORX Bilstein Yellow setup ? Are there any drawbacks to using the OEM camber bolts?
And what about bumpstops with the Yellows ? |
05-18-2013, 05:23 PM | #10 |
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Tri-State
Location: new york
Vehicle:19 Sti Crystal white |
if i remember correct, mine came with new bumpstops. i just installed the lowering camber plates today too. im usind stock camber bolts. for the fronts i used the stock dust shields. for some reason the kit doesnt come with new fronts,only rears. any more questions, pm me.
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05-25-2013, 12:09 AM | #11 |
Scooby Newbie
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Join Date: May 2011
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RMIC
Vehicle:2011 WRX WRB |
Will do, thanks 424wrx
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05-30-2013, 02:45 PM | #12 |
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Join Date: May 2013
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SCIC
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Vehicle:2016 WRX ISM |
Quick question - Did you re-use your stock top hats and other hardware for your GTWORX/RCE kit?
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05-31-2013, 07:53 PM | #13 |
Scooby Specialist
Member#: 139562
Join Date: Feb 2007
Chapter/Region:
NESIC
Location: Voluntucky y'all !
Vehicle:2015 STi, 01 Fozzy Blue n Gold |
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06-08-2013, 07:02 PM | #14 |
Scooby Newbie
Member#: 281606
Join Date: May 2011
Chapter/Region:
RMIC
Vehicle:2011 WRX WRB |
Fitment of the Eibach Sways with the Kartboy Endlinks?
I've been reading about how to install the sways and endlinks, and I came across this thread on ClubWRX:
http://www.clubwrx.net/forums/suspen...lots-pics.html The person claims that the Kartboy endlinks take on a pretty inclined position when used with the Eibach sways and the provided spacers and washers. He went on to use additional washers as spacers to reduce the inclination of the endlinks. My question is : is the endlink inclination a problem? Here is a thread stating that Eibach says that the "extreme" inclination of stock endlinks when used with the Eibach sways is OK : http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/show....php?t=2170254 Also can somebody tell me what the torque specs are on the endlink bolts? I've got the rest covered from SubieTV's Whiteline sway bar install video: Last edited by vikramaditya1986; 06-08-2013 at 07:14 PM. |
06-08-2013, 07:10 PM | #15 |
Scooby Newbie
Member#: 281606
Join Date: May 2011
Chapter/Region:
RMIC
Vehicle:2011 WRX WRB |
Shock/Spring install video
FYI for anybody interested I found this informative SubieTV video on how to install RCE Black springs on an 08+ WRX - it looks like it basically covers replacing the shocks as well, since they almost completely take apart the shock-and-spring assemblies. Regarding bump-stops, I don't believe the RCE Yellow springs come with replacements since the ride height is not reduced all that much by them (less than 1 inch front and rear). The RCE Blacks lower the car more AFAIK, and therefore include shorter replacement bumpstops.
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06-24-2013, 07:05 PM | #16 | |
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Join Date: Feb 2007
Chapter/Region:
NESIC
Location: Voluntucky y'all !
Vehicle:2015 STi, 01 Fozzy Blue n Gold |
Quote:
In the rear the manual calls for the same 33.2 for the link, and a higher torque of 29.5 for the clamp. |
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06-24-2013, 07:12 PM | #17 | |
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MWSOC
Location: NW Ohio
Vehicle:2022 WRX WRB |
Quote:
For the Kartboy Endlinks if I recall it is around 35-40 ft/lbs for any bolts that came in their kits. This is one of the better threads for the data. http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/show....php?t=2143935 Also do a quick search of youtube. There is a pretty good video with details for the install where they actually give a target torque value. |
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06-09-2013, 12:13 PM | #18 |
Scooby Newbie
Member#: 281606
Join Date: May 2011
Chapter/Region:
RMIC
Vehicle:2011 WRX WRB |
This is what happens when I have all these parts sitting around and I have to wait to put 'em on
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06-16-2013, 12:47 AM | #19 |
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Tri-State
Location: somewhere in nj
Vehicle:2006 STI SGM |
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06-22-2013, 10:20 PM | #20 |
Scooby Newbie
Member#: 281606
Join Date: May 2011
Chapter/Region:
RMIC
Vehicle:2011 WRX WRB |
I bought a full brake upgrade package from KNS Brakes; check out my brake upgrade thread:
http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/show....php?t=2503692 |
06-24-2013, 09:24 PM | #21 |
Scooby Specialist
Member#: 259184
Join Date: Sep 2010
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MWSOC
Location: Kansas
Vehicle:2008 Subaru WRX Silver |
Dude, thats baller stuff right there! I have a set of eibach sways too! amazing stuff! Though I got some perrin endlinks front and back. The ones in front clank a bit.
Do the kartboy make any noises? |
06-26-2013, 07:09 AM | #22 |
Scooby Specialist
Member#: 316517
Join Date: Apr 2012
Chapter/Region:
NESIC
Location: Portland, ME
Vehicle:2012 WRB WRX Hatch TP Stage III & ELH |
Just passing through here, drooling mostly...
I went Stage III in April (TMIC,EBCS,DP,CAI,FP,etc), already had 22mm sways, full bushings/mounts/inserts, just bought a carbon fiber driveshaft last month aaaaaaaaaaaaaand now I'm seriously wanting upgraded suspension. And maybe an ELH.*sigh* This car is a money pit!! Sounds like GTWORX/Bilstein & RCE Blacks are the ticket for me. Maybe next spring, with some new Pilot Super Sports and 18x9s.. Last edited by blehhh; 06-26-2013 at 07:33 AM. |
06-28-2013, 08:45 AM | #23 |
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MWSOC
Location: La Crosse, WI
Vehicle:2012 WRX 5-Door WRB |
Did you get the GTWORX with RCE Yellow springs installed? How do they ride compared to stock? I'm interested if they are the right choice for a sporty daily driver with autocross and maybe future track time. I currently have 22mm front/rear sways with kartboy endlinks and a lot of the suspension bushing upgrades.
My biggest issue with the stock suspension right now is that it feels bouncy, especially cornering over rougher terrain. I can't say the stock suspension is comfortable over bumpy terrain, and I am not looking for more comfort from a sportier suspension. I am hoping that it will be smoother over the bumps, not bouncing me and down on a bumpy highway. How does car ride now? How much stiffer than stock is it? How does it feel over bumps? |
06-28-2013, 08:51 AM | #24 | |
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06-28-2013, 08:05 PM | #25 |
Scooby Specialist
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Join Date: Feb 2007
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Location: Voluntucky y'all !
Vehicle:2015 STi, 01 Fozzy Blue n Gold |
The yellows can be a little rugged over bad roads, making you plan your coffee sips. Blacks would probably be a better choice for daily use. I have close to 65k on my Bils and Yellows now, and to be honest I wouldn't trade them for the world. An empty car with an empty tank of gas and she's tough, but fuel her up and add 400 pounds of people and it rides real smooth.
I just got back from taking the wife and kid out for dinner and ice cream. On the way home we had to slow from 50 to 20 behind some schleep on a gravel road who thought 20 was ok. The wife said "Idiots, don't they know that gravel gets smooth when you drive fast?" The point I'd like to make is that the Yellows work better driven at speed, or loaded. The same road at 20 that beats you up will seem smooth when at 50 with these springs. |
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