OBS Impreza okay for autoX?

dugrant153 · 11-01-2003, 03:36 AM

Was looking at Impreza Brightons for a while when I noticed that even OBS Imprezas can look nice and as 2-tone wagons

I was wondering... what the differences were? And if the OBS isn't "too high" for autoX? Thanks.

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Matt · 11-01-2003, 06:30 PM

No...its fine for autocrossing. Sometimes it also comes to your advantage. For instance, my RS with the 2.5 motor is considered G stock or STS with the few items I currently have. However, our bugeye OBS is classified as H stock even though it has the same engine/drivetrain.

Often this allows us to run the car in a class with little competition or other cars that have less power. Also, if you're looking at a pre-2002 model, many of the parts from the RS are interchangeable across the Impreza model line.

I'd recommend a second set of wheels with some Azenis or Kumhos and maybe a set of KYB-AGX struts and go nuts. You'd be suprised how well the car will do.

OhBe1 · 11-03-2003, 06:08 AM

If Rangers & Tacomas can AX, an Outback (any flavor) can AX.

dugrant153 · 11-11-2003, 12:25 AM

Is the ride height really THAT high??

OhBe1 · 11-14-2003, 05:17 AM

Our old Ranger was definitely taller than our LOB - and with a much inferior suspension (twin I-beam front), and I know of one that was AX'd ( few issues back in GRM); we never did ours. And our new Tacoma is taller, but from the customtacos forum, I know of a couple that are ax'd.
Our late & much lamented Mazda b2200, OTOH, was actually lower than the Outback - even before we lowered it.

dugrant153 · 11-18-2003, 11:39 PM

What IS the difference between the OBS and the 2.5RS (in terms of ride height)...

and is it the springs that cause the increased ride height? or the shocks? or both?

Rally Medic · 12-02-2003, 08:58 AM

both .

dugrant153 · 12-04-2003, 01:54 AM

What are the specs for the springs and the shocks?

Like, are the springs WAY WAY softer than the 2.5RS springs?
Are they bigger?

Could I just change the shocks and make the ride a lot better?

dugrant153 · 12-07-2003, 01:50 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by matt in fl
I'd recommend a second set of wheels with some Azenis or Kumhos and maybe a set of KYB-AGX struts and go nuts. You'd be suprised how well the car will do.

Are the springs really soft?
Cuz was wondering what kind of affect the KYB-AGX struts would do to a car with that kind of ride height?

1 Lucky Texan · 12-07-2003, 10:59 AM

The OBS has taller springs, I think, and is it easy to get the correct , higher rate, springs in the after market? Sure lowering by a little would be OK but too much and I think drivetrain wear can accelerate.

My concern is, for a future purchase of an OBS, if I want Konis or KYBs with new springs anout 15%-20% stiffer than stock, can I find some that DO NOT lower by more than -say- 3/4" or so? I plan to do a little lowering with smaller diam. tires. Sedan or coupe aftermarket springs may be WAY lower and I wouldn't want that.

Carl
1 Lucky Texan

Streetman · 12-10-2003, 11:58 AM

Carl-

As soon as you buy that new suspension setup, email me about buying your old shocks and struts. I've been looking for some outback suspension, and an excuse to visit TX again

1 Lucky Texan · 12-10-2003, 01:51 PM

I'll probably be all over the boards when that happens, looking for STI/WRX takeoffs, recommendations d\for parts , etc.

I'm hoping I can get a vehicle firts 2-3 months next year. Just can't do anything sooner.

I'll probably have some stuff to sell too - so, no problem!

Carl
1 Lucky Texan

Streetman · 12-10-2003, 02:13 PM

Carl-

I PM'd you on that.

Paisan · 12-16-2003, 12:55 AM

Springs are the same as the L or 2.5RS not sure which, it's not the springs that are higher, it's the spot on the strut where the lower mounting bracket is located. That is what gives it it's raised stance IIRC.

I've successfully auto-x an OBS Automatic

-mike

Streetman · 12-16-2003, 01:45 AM

No shi.....kidding? Is there anywhere I can confirm that? What about the struts? I thought they were beefier. No?

dugrant153 · 12-16-2003, 01:56 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Paisan
Springs are the same as the L or 2.5RS not sure which, it's not the springs that are higher, it's the spot on the strut where the lower mounting bracket is located. That is what gives it it's raised stance IIRC.

A higher lower mounting bracket?! really?? I thought it was the springs or different struts.

Sooooo... if I were to get KYB AGX struts (or even just 2.5RS struts), which probably has a lower mounting bracket, I could go back to 2.5RS or Impreza L ride height (lower)?

Quote:

I've successfully auto-x an OBS Automatic

Show me the monkey!! hehehehe

sweet

Paisan · 12-16-2003, 09:21 AM

Yes, the struts basically have the lower mounting further down the strut, so if you got yourself a set of 2.5RS AGXs or 2.5RS stockers, it would drop you down to 2.5RS height. Personally? I'd get a set of eibach Prokit springs and AGX struts. That's what I run on my '96 Impreza L for Track and Auto-x. Good fun.

The OBS we ran was a '99 when both my buddy and I couldn't get a car for auto-x we took his mom's, threw on some R compounds and were good to go. I'll look for the pic I have online somewhere of it!

-mike

Streetman · 12-16-2003, 12:41 PM

So the spring is the same, what about the strut?

Paisan · 12-16-2003, 03:58 PM

The spring may have a different spring rate, but the length is the same. Strut is different (lower mounting bracket is different) and valving may be different from RS to L to OBS. Physically they are the same dimensions however.

-mike

dugrant153 · 12-17-2003, 12:38 AM

So if we were to add 2.5RS struts to the OBS, we'd get a softer ride because of the less stiffer springs, right?

Paisan · 12-18-2003, 09:57 AM

I'm pretty sure the OBS and the RS have the same spring rates, if anything the RS would be stiffer than the OBS.

-mike

Rally Medic · 01-15-2004, 06:47 AM

stick to Rally X.. i love mine

11-01-2003, 03:36 AM	#1
dugrant153 Scooby Newbie Member#: 22505 Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Canada Vehicle: 1985 Old Rusty	OBS Impreza okay for autoX? Was looking at Impreza Brightons for a while when I noticed that even OBS Imprezas can look nice and as 2-tone wagons I was wondering... what the differences were? And if the OBS isn't "too high" for autoX? Thanks. * Registered users of the site do not see these ads.

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11-01-2003, 06:30 PM	#2
Matt Allergic to turbos Moderator Member#: 181 Join Date: Aug 1999 Chapter/Region: MAIC Location: MAIC & Southeast Vehicle: Two Subarus and a truck	No...its fine for autocrossing. Sometimes it also comes to your advantage. For instance, my RS with the 2.5 motor is considered G stock or STS with the few items I currently have. However, our bugeye OBS is classified as H stock even though it has the same engine/drivetrain. Often this allows us to run the car in a class with little competition or other cars that have less power. Also, if you're looking at a pre-2002 model, many of the parts from the RS are interchangeable across the Impreza model line. I'd recommend a second set of wheels with some Azenis or Kumhos and maybe a set of KYB-AGX struts and go nuts. You'd be suprised how well the car will do.

11-03-2003, 06:08 AM	#3
OhBe1 Scooby Newbie Member#: 45760 Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Edgewater, AA, MD Vehicle: 06 LOB5MT,LGTbits OB	If Rangers & Tacomas can AX, an Outback (any flavor) can AX.

11-11-2003, 12:25 AM	#4
dugrant153 Scooby Newbie Member#: 22505 Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Canada Vehicle: 1985 Old Rusty	Is the ride height really THAT high??

11-14-2003, 05:17 AM	#5
OhBe1 Scooby Newbie Member#: 45760 Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Edgewater, AA, MD Vehicle: 06 LOB5MT,LGTbits OB	Our old Ranger was definitely taller than our LOB - and with a much inferior suspension (twin I-beam front), and I know of one that was AX'd ( few issues back in GRM); we never did ours. And our new Tacoma is taller, but from the customtacos forum, I know of a couple that are ax'd. Our late & much lamented Mazda b2200, OTOH, was actually lower than the Outback - even before we lowered it.

11-18-2003, 11:39 PM	#6
dugrant153 Scooby Newbie Member#: 22505 Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Canada Vehicle: 1985 Old Rusty	What IS the difference between the OBS and the 2.5RS (in terms of ride height)... and is it the springs that cause the increased ride height? or the shocks? or both?

12-02-2003, 08:58 AM	#7
Rally Medic Scooby Specialist Member#: 28249 Join Date: Oct 2002 Chapter/Region: BAIC Location: Gravel Crew HQ Medic Vehicle: 1998 Outback Sport Dirty with some mud flaps	both .

12-04-2003, 01:54 AM	#8
dugrant153 Scooby Newbie Member#: 22505 Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Canada Vehicle: 1985 Old Rusty	What are the specs for the springs and the shocks? Like, are the springs WAY WAY softer than the 2.5RS springs? Are they bigger? Could I just change the shocks and make the ride a lot better?

12-07-2003, 10:59 AM	#10
1 Lucky Texan Scooby Specialist Member#: 46320 Join Date: Oct 2003 Chapter/Region: TXIC Location: Outoftheblue&intotheblack Vehicle: 06 WRX Sportwagon Aspen White	The OBS has taller springs, I think, and is it easy to get the correct , higher rate, springs in the after market? Sure lowering by a little would be OK but too much and I think drivetrain wear can accelerate. My concern is, for a future purchase of an OBS, if I want Konis or KYBs with new springs anout 15%-20% stiffer than stock, can I find some that DO NOT lower by more than -say- 3/4" or so? I plan to do a little lowering with smaller diam. tires. Sedan or coupe aftermarket springs may be WAY lower and I wouldn't want that. Carl 1 Lucky Texan

12-10-2003, 11:58 AM	#11
Streetman Scooby Specialist Member#: 8243 Join Date: Jul 2001 Chapter/Region: MWSOC Location: Saint Petersburg, FL Vehicle: 97 Brighton 2.5! the REAL red	Carl- As soon as you buy that new suspension setup, email me about buying your old shocks and struts. I've been looking for some outback suspension, and an excuse to visit TX again

12-10-2003, 01:51 PM	#12
1 Lucky Texan Scooby Specialist Member#: 46320 Join Date: Oct 2003 Chapter/Region: TXIC Location: Outoftheblue&intotheblack Vehicle: 06 WRX Sportwagon Aspen White	I'll probably be all over the boards when that happens, looking for STI/WRX takeoffs, recommendations d\for parts , etc. I'm hoping I can get a vehicle firts 2-3 months next year. Just can't do anything sooner. I'll probably have some stuff to sell too - so, no problem! Carl 1 Lucky Texan

12-10-2003, 02:13 PM	#13
Streetman Scooby Specialist Member#: 8243 Join Date: Jul 2001 Chapter/Region: MWSOC Location: Saint Petersburg, FL Vehicle: 97 Brighton 2.5! the REAL red	Carl- I PM'd you on that.

12-16-2003, 12:55 AM	#14
Paisan Tri-State Track Instructor Moderator Member#: 197 Join Date: Aug 1999 Chapter/Region: Tri-State Location: Edgewater, NJ & Caroga Lk, NY Vehicle: 335i Charity Liason Jag XJ http://48hrs.info	Springs are the same as the L or 2.5RS not sure which, it's not the springs that are higher, it's the spot on the strut where the lower mounting bracket is located. That is what gives it it's raised stance IIRC. I've successfully auto-x an OBS Automatic -mike

12-16-2003, 01:45 AM	#15
Streetman Scooby Specialist Member#: 8243 Join Date: Jul 2001 Chapter/Region: MWSOC Location: Saint Petersburg, FL Vehicle: 97 Brighton 2.5! the REAL red	No shi.....kidding? Is there anywhere I can confirm that? What about the struts? I thought they were beefier. No?

12-16-2003, 09:21 AM	#17
Paisan Tri-State Track Instructor Moderator Member#: 197 Join Date: Aug 1999 Chapter/Region: Tri-State Location: Edgewater, NJ & Caroga Lk, NY Vehicle: 335i Charity Liason Jag XJ http://48hrs.info	Yes, the struts basically have the lower mounting further down the strut, so if you got yourself a set of 2.5RS AGXs or 2.5RS stockers, it would drop you down to 2.5RS height. Personally? I'd get a set of eibach Prokit springs and AGX struts. That's what I run on my '96 Impreza L for Track and Auto-x. Good fun. The OBS we ran was a '99 when both my buddy and I couldn't get a car for auto-x we took his mom's, threw on some R compounds and were good to go. I'll look for the pic I have online somewhere of it! -mike

12-16-2003, 12:41 PM	#18
Streetman Scooby Specialist Member#: 8243 Join Date: Jul 2001 Chapter/Region: MWSOC Location: Saint Petersburg, FL Vehicle: 97 Brighton 2.5! the REAL red	So the spring is the same, what about the strut?

12-16-2003, 03:58 PM	#19
Paisan Tri-State Track Instructor Moderator Member#: 197 Join Date: Aug 1999 Chapter/Region: Tri-State Location: Edgewater, NJ & Caroga Lk, NY Vehicle: 335i Charity Liason Jag XJ http://48hrs.info	The spring may have a different spring rate, but the length is the same. Strut is different (lower mounting bracket is different) and valving may be different from RS to L to OBS. Physically they are the same dimensions however. -mike

12-17-2003, 12:38 AM	#20
dugrant153 Scooby Newbie Member#: 22505 Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Canada Vehicle: 1985 Old Rusty	So if we were to add 2.5RS struts to the OBS, we'd get a softer ride because of the less stiffer springs, right?

12-18-2003, 09:57 AM	#21
Paisan Tri-State Track Instructor Moderator Member#: 197 Join Date: Aug 1999 Chapter/Region: Tri-State Location: Edgewater, NJ & Caroga Lk, NY Vehicle: 335i Charity Liason Jag XJ http://48hrs.info	I'm pretty sure the OBS and the RS have the same spring rates, if anything the RS would be stiffer than the OBS. -mike

01-15-2004, 06:47 AM	#22
Rally Medic Scooby Specialist Member#: 28249 Join Date: Oct 2002 Chapter/Region: BAIC Location: Gravel Crew HQ Medic Vehicle: 1998 Outback Sport Dirty with some mud flaps	stick to Rally X.. i love mine