97GT wagon suspension options

eVoMotion · 10-01-2003, 03:00 PM

G'day,

I have a wagon with 130K on it; had it since 45K. Love it. Definitely time for new shocks and springs.

I have looked around and am not finding a lot of talk on this subject.

I am thinking:

new shocks - KYB GR-2?
new springs?
new rear swaybar - SPO?

Suggestions?

Cheers!

* Registered users of the site do not see these ads.

monovich · 10-01-2003, 04:37 PM

Your ideas all look good to me. KYB shocks are good. Whiteline and Eibach make lowering springs. H&R might, too.

Rear swaybar will make your handling more snappy.

I suggest doing a search, there are many many suspension upgrade threads in this forum.

-steve

SubeGURU · 10-01-2003, 09:11 PM

My 97 GT Sedan has the H&R springs and it could have not looked any better I think with any other springs. It looks perfectly even front and back. I still have my stock shocks but they are quickly wearing out because of the springs.

I'd suggest the KYB AGX shocks, 4-way adjustable on the front and 8-way adjustable in the rear....yes it's more $$$ but you get the convinience of choosing a softer or harder ride. That's what I'll be getting for mine next year.
My brother had the KYB GR2 on his 95 Legacy sedan and with the H&R springs it was ridding stiff and he11

He also had a replica front strut tower brace (which I inherited) and the SYMS rear strut tower brace. I tell you one thing...his car could corner amazing.

And yes...SPO currently has awesome deal on the SYMS rear strut tower brace...c'mon who can beat that $129.00....the unfortunate thing....I don't think it fits sedans otherwise I'd have it already!

Of course....as monovich said....there many other routes you can go!

eVoMotion · 10-02-2003, 12:13 AM

Thanks for the suggestion to search to forum more. New to this forum and did not immediately see other options.

eVoMotion · 10-02-2003, 12:17 AM

SubeGURU,

Thanks for the suggestions of the H&Rs.

SPO has there own rear sway bar. I wonder how it compares.

GR2 too stiff? I have had them on other cars as well. I might go with the AGX for the options.

Rear strut brace sounds like a good option as well.

I am getting a full 120K service done very soon along with the suspension install; it will be a really big check.

Cheers!

BusHonk · 10-02-2003, 09:43 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by SubeGURU
And yes...SPO currently has awesome deal on the SYMS rear strut tower brace...c'mon who can beat that $129.00....the unfortunate thing....I don't think it fits sedans otherwise I'd have it already!

They do actually have one for the sedan... it's only 20 bucks more... you should get it

SubeGURU · 10-02-2003, 09:49 PM

Thanks for letting me know. I didn't see it on their website...have you checked with SPO over the phone?! And...we are talking about the SYMS one right...not a replica?!

BusHonk · 10-02-2003, 09:53 PM

Here's the page that I saw it on. I haven't called them to verify inventory or anything, especially since I've got a wagon... it's listed right above the bar for the wagon

eVoMotion · 10-03-2003, 03:35 AM

Good luck getting SPO/Scott to answer his phone...I always use to get his voice mail.

The sway bars are great quality; made locally by IPD - the volvo performance company.

How much difference will the rear strut brace make in a wagon with a sway bar?

whtlegacy · 10-03-2003, 05:39 PM

I don't think you will find KYB GR2's to be too stiff. I have my Legacy on GR2's and Eibach's and if anything I feel like the struts are underdamped.

eVoMotion · 10-03-2003, 05:54 PM

I think I just need to get the prices lined out and decide. Lotsof good options out there.

Thanks for the info.

Benjamin Tang · 10-04-2003, 10:15 AM

there was someone here selling good used tein coilovers for your wagon. i couldn't find the thread when i searched though... can ne1 else help?

eVoMotion · 10-04-2003, 10:54 PM

Found the thread from late Aug and sent the person and email, but no response if they are available. I might try another method. The Teins would be ideal!

Charlie-III · 10-11-2003, 11:02 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by eVoMotion
How much difference will the rear strut brace make in a wagon with a sway bar?

I did a Cusco aluminum front STB and a Cusco CF rear STB in my car while using the stock anti sway bars.
Big difference in handling, a lot less understeer. I now run almost no tire pressure differential front to rear and have a close to neutral car.
With Dunlop SP Sport 5000's, the car corners very well, but is still lacking a bit for autoX.
I am getting MY00 RS rims to run a better autoX tire, and KYB AGX's (for an Impreza) with Whiteline control springs.
The AGX's give adjustability and raise the car ~1/2" while the springs drop the car ~ 1.2".
The net effect is a slightly lowered car, but still useful for driving in the snow.

Radio Flyer · 10-12-2003, 12:19 AM

A cheap upgrade to the rear swaybar is to get the rear swaybar off of an Outback. The Outback's bar is 18mm compared to our 15mm.

Ground Control springs would add an adjustability to the height. They make 'em (likely have 'em listed for the GC8 Impreza). I'm just no longer sure about spring rates. I seem to remember thinking that 220f/190r would be a 10% bump in rates, but I'm completely not sure.

Good luck!
  - Eric
    Lil' Red '98 2.5 GT Wagon - Pics

eVoMotion · 10-12-2003, 11:31 AM

RF,

Interesting idea. Does the Outback bolt up the same as the Legacy? I imagine I need larger bushings at the least.

Cheers!

Patrick Olsen · 10-12-2003, 03:11 PM

Yeah, the Outback bar will bolt right up, just make sure (as you guessed) to get the bushings along with the bar.

Another option (a better option, IMHO) for struts is to go with Koni inserts. I've ridden in Imprezas with the KYB AGX's and find the damping to be quite harsh, even on soft settings. Konis, on the other hand, have a more refined damping curve that allows them to handle well you not jar your kidneys.

The big downside is that you have to cut apart your stock struts, pull out the innards, and then put in the Koni inserts. Not a mod for the faint of heart.

Pat Olsen
'97 Legacy 2.5GT sedan

eVoMotion · 10-13-2003, 12:17 PM

CUT open the STRUTS?

Is there a DIY "How to" posted anywhere online?

I have liked Konis is the past. I wonder what setting the AGXs were set at that you rode in.

The PDM deal on AGX and Whiteline springs looks good; if I can get a Legacy wagon set up.

eVoMotion · 10-17-2003, 12:44 PM

GT

eVoMotion · 11-20-2003, 01:13 AM

Well...I found out what NOT to do...

If you want to drop your car to the ground, then put Perrin (Impreza) springs on your GT. Rear fenders had a hair between the tire and the fender and under car tranny clearance was about 2".

Went back to the stock springs with the AGXs with the IPD rear adj bar. Now it looks like the AGXs have raised the car.

Here are some pics http://www.nowroc.com/Personal/Soob/index.htm

Out $200 in labor for my stupidity. Live and learn in the end.

bjsid · 11-20-2003, 01:33 AM

DAMN!

now that is low. you could win any limbo contest.

eVoMotion · 11-20-2003, 02:06 AM

Looked great, but was Track height.

fastenova · 11-20-2003, 04:21 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by SubeGURU
I'd suggest the KYB AGX shocks, 4-way adjustable on the front and 8-way adjustable in the rear....yes it's more $$$ but you get the convinience of choosing a softer or harder ride. That's what I'll be getting for mine next year. My brother had the KYB GR2 on his 95 Legacy sedan and with the H&R springs it was ridding stiff and he11

If I remember correctly, the softest setting on the AGXs is approximately the same as the dampening on GR-2s... It only gets stiffer from there...

My GR-2s are nice, although I'm not AutoXing at all, but for the crappy county roads that I drive on a lot,

, they're soft enough and still give me a lot of grins thru corners

subysouth · 11-20-2003, 10:47 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by eVoMotion
Well...I found out what NOT to do...

If you want to drop your car to the ground, then put Perrin (Impreza) springs on your GT. Rear fenders had a hair between the tire and the fender and under car tranny clearance was about 2".

Went back to the stock springs with the AGXs with the IPD rear adj bar. Now it looks like the AGXs have raised the car.

Here are some pics http://www.nowroc.com/Personal/Soob/index.htm

Out $200 in labor for my stupidity. Live and learn in the end.

LOL. Dude thats kinda like what my wagon looked like on the STi Ver8 setup. Maybe not quite thatlow, but close.

Hey if nobody tries, nothing new every gets done.

ss

subysouth · 11-20-2003, 10:50 AM

I also have my next attempt on the way. This time a Ver5 STi complete setup. The spring rates on these are higher than the current STis so I am curious to see how they handle the wagons weight. Of course I am gonna take measurements before and after disassembly to see whats up.

ss

10-01-2003, 03:00 PM	#1
eVoMotion Scooby Newbie Member#: 44524 Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Portland, OR Vehicle: 2005 OBXT Wagon Black	97GT wagon suspension options G'day, I have a wagon with 130K on it; had it since 45K. Love it. Definitely time for new shocks and springs. I have looked around and am not finding a lot of talk on this subject. I am thinking: new shocks - KYB GR-2? new springs? new rear swaybar - SPO? Suggestions? Cheers! * Registered users of the site do not see these ads.

10-12-2003, 12:19 AM	#15
Radio Flyer Scooby Specialist Member#: 374 Join Date: Oct 1999 Chapter/Region: SWIC Location: Albuquerque, NM Vehicle: '98 2.5 GT Wagon Rio Red	Or you could upgrade the rear cheap... A cheap upgrade to the rear swaybar is to get the rear swaybar off of an Outback. The Outback's bar is 18mm compared to our 15mm. Ground Control springs would add an adjustability to the height. They make 'em (likely have 'em listed for the GC8 Impreza). I'm just no longer sure about spring rates. I seem to remember thinking that 220f/190r would be a 10% bump in rates, but I'm completely not sure. Good luck!   - Eric     Lil' Red '98 2.5 GT Wagon - Pics

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10-01-2003, 04:37 PM	#2
monovich Scooby Specialist Member#: 8124 Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Denver, Colorado Vehicle: 1998 Old Grey Mule Regacy Rype R	Your ideas all look good to me. KYB shocks are good. Whiteline and Eibach make lowering springs. H&R might, too. Rear swaybar will make your handling more snappy. I suggest doing a search, there are many many suspension upgrade threads in this forum. -steve

10-01-2003, 09:11 PM	#3
SubeGURU Scooby Newbie Member#: 14836 Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: PDX, Or Vehicle: 1997 Subaru Legacy White	My 97 GT Sedan has the H&R springs and it could have not looked any better I think with any other springs. It looks perfectly even front and back. I still have my stock shocks but they are quickly wearing out because of the springs. I'd suggest the KYB AGX shocks, 4-way adjustable on the front and 8-way adjustable in the rear....yes it's more $$$ but you get the convinience of choosing a softer or harder ride. That's what I'll be getting for mine next year. My brother had the KYB GR2 on his 95 Legacy sedan and with the H&R springs it was ridding stiff and he11 He also had a replica front strut tower brace (which I inherited) and the SYMS rear strut tower brace. I tell you one thing...his car could corner amazing. And yes...SPO currently has awesome deal on the SYMS rear strut tower brace...c'mon who can beat that $129.00....the unfortunate thing....I don't think it fits sedans otherwise I'd have it already! Of course....as monovich said....there many other routes you can go!

10-02-2003, 12:13 AM	#4
eVoMotion Scooby Newbie Member#: 44524 Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Portland, OR Vehicle: 2005 OBXT Wagon Black	Thanks for the suggestion to search to forum more. New to this forum and did not immediately see other options.

10-02-2003, 12:17 AM	#5
eVoMotion Scooby Newbie Member#: 44524 Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Portland, OR Vehicle: 2005 OBXT Wagon Black	SubeGURU, Thanks for the suggestions of the H&Rs. SPO has there own rear sway bar. I wonder how it compares. GR2 too stiff? I have had them on other cars as well. I might go with the AGX for the options. Rear strut brace sounds like a good option as well. I am getting a full 120K service done very soon along with the suspension install; it will be a really big check. Cheers!

10-02-2003, 09:49 PM	#7
SubeGURU Scooby Newbie Member#: 14836 Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: PDX, Or Vehicle: 1997 Subaru Legacy White	Thanks for letting me know. I didn't see it on their website...have you checked with SPO over the phone?! And...we are talking about the SYMS one right...not a replica?!

10-02-2003, 09:53 PM	#8
BusHonk Scooby Newbie Member#: 31720 Join Date: Jan 2003 Chapter/Region: NWIC Location: Portland, OR Vehicle: 2003 Ootback Silver	Here's the page that I saw it on. I haven't called them to verify inventory or anything, especially since I've got a wagon... it's listed right above the bar for the wagon

10-03-2003, 03:35 AM	#9
eVoMotion Scooby Newbie Member#: 44524 Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Portland, OR Vehicle: 2005 OBXT Wagon Black	Good luck getting SPO/Scott to answer his phone...I always use to get his voice mail. The sway bars are great quality; made locally by IPD - the volvo performance company. How much difference will the rear strut brace make in a wagon with a sway bar?

10-03-2003, 05:39 PM	#10
whtlegacy Scooby Specialist Member#: 38400 Join Date: Jun 2003 Chapter/Region: MWSOC Location: Cleveland Vehicle: 2004 WRX Wagon DRZ400SM	I don't think you will find KYB GR2's to be too stiff. I have my Legacy on GR2's and Eibach's and if anything I feel like the struts are underdamped.

10-03-2003, 05:54 PM	#11
eVoMotion Scooby Newbie Member#: 44524 Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Portland, OR Vehicle: 2005 OBXT Wagon Black	I think I just need to get the prices lined out and decide. Lotsof good options out there. Thanks for the info.

10-04-2003, 10:15 AM	#12
Benjamin Tang Scooby Guru Member#: 4496 Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: British Columbia Canada Vehicle: 2009 Forester red	there was someone here selling good used tein coilovers for your wagon. i couldn't find the thread when i searched though... can ne1 else help?

10-04-2003, 10:54 PM	#13
eVoMotion Scooby Newbie Member#: 44524 Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Portland, OR Vehicle: 2005 OBXT Wagon Black	Found the thread from late Aug and sent the person and email, but no response if they are available. I might try another method. The Teins would be ideal!

10-12-2003, 11:31 AM	#16
eVoMotion Scooby Newbie Member#: 44524 Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Portland, OR Vehicle: 2005 OBXT Wagon Black	RF, Interesting idea. Does the Outback bolt up the same as the Legacy? I imagine I need larger bushings at the least. Cheers!

10-12-2003, 03:11 PM	#17
Patrick Olsen NASIOC Supporter Member#: 120 Join Date: Jul 1999 Chapter/Region: AKIC Location: Where the Navy sends me... Vehicle: 1997 Legacy 2.5GT QuickSilver Metallic	Yeah, the Outback bar will bolt right up, just make sure (as you guessed) to get the bushings along with the bar. Another option (a better option, IMHO) for struts is to go with Koni inserts. I've ridden in Imprezas with the KYB AGX's and find the damping to be quite harsh, even on soft settings. Konis, on the other hand, have a more refined damping curve that allows them to handle well you not jar your kidneys. The big downside is that you have to cut apart your stock struts, pull out the innards, and then put in the Koni inserts. Not a mod for the faint of heart. Pat Olsen '97 Legacy 2.5GT sedan

10-13-2003, 12:17 PM	#18
eVoMotion Scooby Newbie Member#: 44524 Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Portland, OR Vehicle: 2005 OBXT Wagon Black	CUT open the STRUTS? Is there a DIY "How to" posted anywhere online? I have liked Konis is the past. I wonder what setting the AGXs were set at that you rode in. The PDM deal on AGX and Whiteline springs looks good; if I can get a Legacy wagon set up.

10-17-2003, 12:44 PM	#19
eVoMotion Scooby Newbie Member#: 44524 Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Portland, OR Vehicle: 2005 OBXT Wagon Black	GT

11-20-2003, 01:13 AM	#20
eVoMotion Scooby Newbie Member#: 44524 Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Portland, OR Vehicle: 2005 OBXT Wagon Black	Well...I found out what NOT to do... If you want to drop your car to the ground, then put Perrin (Impreza) springs on your GT. Rear fenders had a hair between the tire and the fender and under car tranny clearance was about 2". Went back to the stock springs with the AGXs with the IPD rear adj bar. Now it looks like the AGXs have raised the car. Here are some pics http://www.nowroc.com/Personal/Soob/index.htm Out $200 in labor for my stupidity. Live and learn in the end.

11-20-2003, 01:33 AM	#21
bjsid Scooby Newbie Member#: 11707 Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: Portland, OR Vehicle: 1998 Legacy GT Wagon The Silver Pancake 5MT	DAMN! now that is low. you could win any limbo contest.

11-20-2003, 02:06 AM	#22
eVoMotion Scooby Newbie Member#: 44524 Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Portland, OR Vehicle: 2005 OBXT Wagon Black	Looked great, but was Track height.

11-20-2003, 10:50 AM	#25
subysouth Scooby Guru Member#: 5039 Join Date: Mar 2001 Chapter/Region: South East Location: Ocean Springs, MS Vehicle: 2007 Outback XT Grey 5-speed	I also have my next attempt on the way. This time a Ver5 STi complete setup. The spring rates on these are higher than the current STis so I am curious to see how they handle the wagons weight. Of course I am gonna take measurements before and after disassembly to see whats up. ss