Suspension options for '02 WRX suspension-swapped BD

[mattwalters]

All-

I'm currently running '02 WRX OEM struts and springs with Group N topmounts on all four corners of my GT. I have two problems with this set-up:

(1) The ride quality is terrible. Harsh, jouncy - fails the wife test miserably, and
(2) The rear wheels have about 20mm of fender gap, but the front wheels have about 50mm. I don't care too, too much about this, but it does look funny.

Here's what the gaps look like:




Not very attractive. Combined with the wife-test failure, this has me in the market for inexpensive suspension.

I've been eyeing up the threads on the BC Racing coilovers - the description of very comfortable ride at soft settings makes me think of a happy wife - the ability to adjust the ride height will allow me to set a comfortable wheel gap at all four corners, which makes me happy. No, I won't be putting 18s on it. No, I don't want to tuck all four wheels into the wells. I want good handling with a comfortable ride and the adjustability so that I can set up for AX. I already have camber adjustability in the rear thanks to Whiteline lateral links, so rear camber plates aren't required.

The problem is that almost nobody lists the BD as a platform into which their coilovers will bolt. I *know*, however, that '02 WRX OEM bits work - they're in there now! This leads me to believe that coilovers designed for an '02 WRX will also bolt in. I know my car is slightly lighter than an '02 WRX and that the F/R weight distribution is slightly different. I imagine that I should be able to adjust out these differences with preload, damping and ride height.

Additional PS-style-note: I have Whiteline endlinks front and rear and am running their adjustable (22-24-26mm) rear bar at max soft.

My questions: what am I missing? Is anyone here already running '02 WRX coilovers in a BD? Any issues? Do you have another suggestion that I might be happier with?

Thanks in advance,

-Matt

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[mattwalters]

Bump for the Sunday crew. Anyone?

-Matt

[Russell Rogers]

OK i will tackle this for you.

First of all why are you running wrx suspension on that car when there are spring companies make a set of springs that work with stock Legacy GT Struts?
What are you uses for the car?
here are some companies...

H&R part number 29868
B+G suspensions (no part number)

As for coilovers you can go with a set of Higher end WRX fitment coilovers or you can go with some of the cheaper Chinese made setups.
Any way you go on the coilovers you will need to swap the top hats on the coilovers (left to right) and vise versa. This will allow the camber adjustments to be more correct.

Although I do not think you need coilovers. I think a spring strut combo would be a better choice for you. Going back to the stock struts will ensure proper geometry and also allow you to use a matched set of springs. And while you will spend just as much on this setup as coilovers I believe you and your wife will be much happier with the outcome.

I have been through 4 different setup on my 99 wagon. This is something that I have perfected on my own car. I am now working on my 5th setup with coilovers, racing spring rates, adjustable lateral links, aluminum front control arms, and every bushings is getting changed out for race hard bushings.

If you have any more questions let me know....

[mattwalters]

I'm using the WRX suspension, frankly, because it was free and my stock struts were rusted / blown.

Uses? As stated, I'd like to be able to use it for AX , but also for DD around the city and highway cruising. I had KYBs + Eibachs on my '91 and found the combo to be great for handling but bad for kidneys.

I know, I'm not asking much - just asking for the perfect suspension system. Obviously I don't need to be running first in AX, but I'd love to be competitive.

-Matt

[mattwalters]

*bump* for the during-the-week types. Anyone else care to weigh in?

TIA,

-Matt

[Jard]

Koni inserts in those struts + whatever spring rate you decide on...the options are pretty much limitless for WRX stuff.

I am liking the RCE "regular guy" springs right now with uprated dampers.

[tom@kartboy]

how soon do you need to switch? you might check out TIC's new coilovers that are coming to market shortly. not 100% sure on the fitup. you will need to contact them. From what i've been hearing they are a great setup.

Tom

[mattwalters]

Hmm, those *do* sound promising. Thanks!

-Matt

[JDMG3]

I have installed V7 complete struts on my BG and other than the fact that its a bit lower in the back I love the ride quality and handling. I will eventually change the coil for some wrx wagon Tein one. I got to make sure the top hats will fit tho!

[remowgn]

Since you find the OEM wrx springs to be harsh, I truly doubt that any full coilover solution is going to give you a BETTER ride. The stock wrx springs are pretty darn soft as it is, and you're going to be looking at more than double the spring rate with something like the BC racing coilovers.

I'm not sure there are really many options for you out there, if something as soft as the wrx suspension is too harsh.

[mattwalters]

I don't think that the suspension is able to work properly right now, because I drove the car that this suspension came out of when it was brand-new and it didn't feel like this. The springs feel like they're doing their job, and the struts are definitely damping the rebound on the springs, but... there's something overall just not quite right. I suspect that an earlier post re: geometry contains the answer: there's something different in the suspension layout between the two vehicles that is causing the problem.

I had a brainwave this morning though: if I put WRX wagon springs in the rear, I should end up with matching gaps, at least. Doesn't help the ride quality issues, but solves the cosmetics, I think. *sigh*

Thanks for any additional feedback, all.

-Matt