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Old 07-27-2008, 10:01 AM   #1
MidLifeRally
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Default Suspension Suggestions

I'm swapping my 01 RS, with a 05 STI donor. The STI was a rollover car,
so a new suspension is needed. The RS is mostly gutted with a 4 point cage,
Racetech seats and 5 point harnesses. The car will be used as a HPDE car,
and time trials. I'm looking at coilovers but am new to track driving so I
would appreciate some advice. Budget is not the first priority, as I appreciate
quality and understand the benefits of a good handling car, as I place more emphasis on handling than to power. VIR will be my home track. Thanks to
all who take time to respond!
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Last edited by MidLifeRally; 07-27-2008 at 06:54 PM.
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Old 07-27-2008, 10:09 AM   #2
nhat
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since you're in the area, kind of, give myles @ rce a call and see what he recommends. a lot of members in the maic who are track whores love their rce tarmac 2 coilovers.

there's a set of sti coilovers with tosh arai springs for sale in the maic as well! 05+ sti fitment.

Quote:
Originally Posted by kts262 View Post
Spec-C Type-RA/S203/S204 suspension (Tarmac/Arai springs, 4 way adjustable struts, tophats) - $1100

These came off a 2006 JDM Spec-C Type-RA. They will fit the 05-07 STi.

I got these from jdmpartstx.com a long time ago. They only had 1500 miles or so on them when I got them and I put about 35k miles on them. The springs are stiffer then the pinks, in the 350f/286r range IIRC. The struts are 4 way adjustable, I will try to find the chart for the damping levels, stock STi is between 2 and 3. I had them set on 3 which was stiffer then stock and a good balance for autox and daily driving. The tophats are the same as the USDM tophats from the paint marks on them. The springs lowered the car around 20mm IIRC.

This is a stiff suspension setup. For daily driving I didn't find it too bad but potholes can becoming annoying. For autox it's great. I'm a terrible driver but people who were better than me liked this setup along w/ the 29mm whiteline front bar and a 22mm rear bar.

No strut clunk! Once I thought the passenger side rear was clunking so I tried to lube it, but in the end it turned out to be the rear sway bar mount on that side needed to be regreased.

Sorry, no parting these out, they come strut + spring + tophat, I don't want to sell them piece by piece.





More pics:
http://solberg.umd.edu/STi/forsale/struts3.jpg

http://solberg.umd.edu/STi/forsale/struts2.jpg
thread is here: http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/show....php?t=1552657

Last edited by nhat; 07-27-2008 at 10:30 AM.
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Old 07-27-2008, 12:41 PM   #3
MidLifeRally
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Default Other Ideas?

I was looking for more adjustibility, height wise than sti struts. What do
other Time Attack/ trial cars run? I know of some Ohlins for sale, but
might be a little steep $$ wise at this point in my car/driver development.
Any ideas? (Thanks nhat.)
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Old 07-27-2008, 02:51 PM   #4
Frank A
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Quote:
Originally Posted by MidLifeRally View Post
I appreciate
quality and understand the benefits of a god handling car!
buy a GT-R if you want god-like handling!

but seriously, as nhat mentioned the RCE KW's are popular and a good price for what you get. Ohlins can be quite a bit more. RCE's suspension page covers several of the products out there. There are also the JIC FLA-something or others, along with certain Tein's and Cusco's which I don't see as often. I have the DMS 40mm's, which while great when new, are notorius for needing a pricy rebuild every year. I have at least one shock right now that is blown and am in need of a rebuild but have been stretching them until I buy something better (read- lasts longer).

Frank
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Old 07-27-2008, 07:12 PM   #5
MidLifeRally
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Default Thanks Frank!

I'm familiar with the DMS's somewhat as I have some dirt background and they are popular with the rally crowd. Kind of ruled them out. I just have
no experience with other brands. I had kyb adj. struts on my RS when it
was a stock motor. Time for an upgrade. Any more suggestions?
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Old 07-27-2008, 07:26 PM   #6
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Your search ends here... http://www.zzyzxmotorsports.com

Personally, I wouldn't buy DMSs as their specialty is rally and the "tarmac" shocks I bought in 2003 are sitting, rotting away, in my basement after one year of use and their failure to honor the warranty just for auto-x use. $1600 pos shocks.

--kC
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Old 07-27-2008, 07:54 PM   #7
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I wouldn't buy DMS for rally either. Better options abound.
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Old 07-27-2008, 08:10 PM   #8
Frank A
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Quote:
Originally Posted by bjorn240 View Post
I wouldn't buy DMS for rally either. Better options abound.
ditto - for the money they want for 50's, the RS&SP's are considered a much better buy and I was not surprised to hear required fewer rebuilds. Now maybe if DMS supported allowing their customers to rebuild their shocks themselves...

Frank
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Old 07-28-2008, 09:55 AM   #9
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the most recommended coilovers i see on here are (in no particular order):

1. rce t2
2. kw v3
3. tic ast
4. zzyzx

the rce t2, kw v2, and tic ast are all in the $2200 price range, while the zzyzx are pricier i believe. if, and when, i choose to go with a set of coilovers, it would be a toss up between the rce t2 and tic ast.
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Old 07-28-2008, 09:43 PM   #10
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One question and one suggestion:

I assume since youre doing a swap, youre going to the 5x114 hubs, correct? If so, the fitment is different than the 5x100 that you currently have in the front (and you probably already knew this).

Second, suggestion time (and I havent seen this mentioned yet). I would seriously consider a set of these:
http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/show...light=koni+sti
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Old 07-28-2008, 10:28 PM   #11
MidLifeRally
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Default Thanks!

Yes I knew the fitment would be diff. Anyone know what Phil at Element
and the Harmon Motive car driven by JC, use for coilovers?
Thanks for all comments!!
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Old 07-28-2008, 10:53 PM   #12
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JRZ is about to release a 2 way that is going to be priced under 3g's... so I would wait. I have run just about every type of coilover there is, and none compare to a properly setup JRZ
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Old 07-28-2008, 11:02 PM   #13
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Quote:
Originally Posted by cucamelsmd15 View Post
Second, suggestion time (and I havent seen this mentioned yet). I would seriously consider a set of these:
http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/show...light=koni+sti
There are many many motorsports coilovers out there. While I love my Koni DA/GC setup, it can get better. If the OP has the money for it I'd take Doug's suggestion and look into the JRZ's. If not those, see when Turn in Concepts might have the double adjustable AST's available. Or you can look at the Ohlins Flag with custom valving from Works, or a set of Moton 2-way or 3-way dampers from Racecomp.

If the budget isn't really and issue, then we can start talking about the suspension setups I dream about
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Old 07-28-2008, 11:53 PM   #14
Frank A
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Scooby921 View Post
or a set of Moton 2-way or 3-way dampers from Racecomp.

If the budget isn't really an issue, then we can start talking about the suspension setups I dream about
I thought Moton's were the system everyone dreams about?

But seriously, I've heard a little complaining about the amount of maintenance required to run them. I guess they are not appropriate for a DD car?
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Old 07-29-2008, 12:34 PM   #15
MidLifeRally
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Default Budget and Adjustibility

Budget is not the real issue here although it is an issue. So give me what
your thinking. Also, I noticed no one has said anything about any edfc
controls (what TEIN calls their controller). How important is the ability
to adjust with such a system? While car is down I'm thinking if such a setup
has merit, why not do it now? Comments? Thanks to all, you guys are great!
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Old 07-29-2008, 12:56 PM   #16
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Quote:
Originally Posted by MidLifeRally View Post
Budget is not the real issue here although it is an issue. So give me what
your thinking. Also, I noticed no one has said anything about any edfc
controls (what TEIN calls their controller). How important is the ability
to adjust with such a system? While car is down I'm thinking if such a setup
has merit, why not do it now? Comments? Thanks to all, you guys are great!
For auto-x, it's not legal to have the controller in the car while the car is running. I know some people that have them, and they have to remove the control unit before they run. Then plug it in to make changes after the run... then un-plug it again (or mount it in the glove-box where you can't get to it while running).

There's a rule that says there can be no adjustability while the car is on course.

For track days, depends if you're doing HPDE or time trials. Time trials may also have rules regarding the adjustability.

--kC
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Old 07-29-2008, 06:10 PM   #17
MidLifeRally
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Default Adjustability

The time trials my club runs are based on SCCA classing.
Hadn't thought about the "legality" of such a system. Thanks
very much!My long term goal is wheel to wheel competition, as I just finished Skippy School (3 day race).I need to dive into the SCCA rule book to see how mods will effect my classing.(I'm guessing a swapped RS might be difficult to class.) Anyone know where I can get info on JRZ "race" 2 way coilovers?(Any vendors good to deal with who could keep me updated on avail?)
P.M. if needed. Thanks! R.G.
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Old 07-29-2008, 10:13 PM   #18
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edited

Last edited by RaceComp Engineering; 07-29-2008 at 11:42 PM.
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Old 07-29-2008, 10:23 PM   #19
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Quote:
Originally Posted by MidLifeRally View Post
The time trials my club runs are based on SCCA classing.
Hadn't thought about the "legality" of such a system. Thanks
very much!My long term goal is wheel to wheel competition, as I just finished Skippy School (3 day race).I need to dive into the SCCA rule book to see how mods will effect my classing.(I'm guessing a swapped RS might be difficult to class.) Anyone know where I can get info on JRZ "race" 2 way coilovers?(Any vendors good to deal with who could keep me updated on avail?)
P.M. if needed. Thanks! R.G.
A swap is pretty easy to class if you mean SCCA solo classes. It's Street Modified. Or, if you add an ALK, X Prepared.
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Old 07-29-2008, 10:46 PM   #20
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Quote:
Originally Posted by nhat View Post
the most recommended coilovers i see on here are (in no particular order):

1. rce t2
2. kw v3
3. tic ast
4. zzyzx

the rce t2, kw v2, and tic ast are all in the $2200 price range, while the zzyzx are pricier i believe. if, and when, i choose to go with a set of coilovers, it would be a toss up between the rce t2 and tic ast.
The Zzyzx EMSports were about the same price, but there are some options that can make them more expensive (You can get SA or DA, or DA fronts and SA rears, Spring brands vary in price, with or without helper/tenders)

They might be more expensive when Steve brings them back to market.

The all aluminum Zzyzx Competition are 3k-ish IIRC.
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Old 07-29-2008, 11:39 PM   #21
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Quote:
Originally Posted by MidLifeRally View Post
The time trials my club runs are based on SCCA classing.
Hadn't thought about the "legality" of such a system. Thanks
very much!My long term goal is wheel to wheel competition, as I just finished Skippy School (3 day race).I need to dive into the SCCA rule book to see how mods will effect my classing.(I'm guessing a swapped RS might be difficult to class.) Anyone know where I can get info on JRZ "race" 2 way coilovers?(Any vendors good to deal with who could keep me updated on avail?)
P.M. if needed. Thanks! R.G.
What is your track experience so far other than the school?

IMHO if you want to do wheel to wheel you probably don't want a fancy swapped Subaru. It probably runs in some insane class where you have to spend a billion dollars to be competitive.
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Old 07-30-2008, 09:40 AM   #22
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Quote:
Originally Posted by MidLifeRally View Post
Yes I knew the fitment would be diff. Anyone know what Phil at Element
and the Harmon Motive car driven by JC, use for coilovers?
Thanks for all comments!!
We use JICs with custom dampers and springs rates. Since this is going to be primarily a track car it would be best for you to go with a custom setup as it will be superior to what you can get off the shelf (non track specific) and only cost slightly more. Jon K at JIC knows his stuff and worked with JGTC teams and can deliver a product with the optimal dampers, spring rates, stroke, and preload.

There are many $$$ true race setups but honestly the service intervals and the fact that you have to setup the valving and stroke I would rather buy 5 sets of custom JICs If you're a professional, have the expertise, time, and money then the really high end setups will have some advantages in performance, durability, and serviceability.

JIC has broken a number of track records and the custom sets are hard to beat price/performance wise. If you need help with a custom setup just let me know.

Thanks,
Phil
www.elementtuning.com
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Old 07-30-2008, 03:11 PM   #23
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And if you would like to know about my completely opposite JIC experience, drop me a PM

john
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Old 07-30-2008, 04:15 PM   #24
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ButtDyno View Post
And if you would like to know about my completely opposite JIC experience, drop me a PM

john
:shudder:

--kC
(I can't recommend JICs to anyone either...)
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Old 07-30-2008, 05:43 PM   #25
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Do you know what class you're planning on running in for time trials? What size/kind tires?

It's tempting to throw the biggest hoosiers on the car with a trick 2 or 3 way suspension, but if you're new at driving on the track i think you might want to take it slow. I might run an interim option for one season to get more track time under your belt before dumping a lot of money, and you'll learn more about driving too. You'll come out a faster driver in the end when you do eventually get on wide tires and a fancy suspension.

Just something to think about. A good 2 way with some range to the valving would be a good option. Then next season you could just step up to wider tires and stiffer spring rates without needing to spend for a whole new suspension. I'd look at RCE T2's, AST 2 ways if they're out, zzyzx EM sport if you can find them, and JRZ 2 ways when they come out.

All the really nice double adjustable coilovers are going to require a little help to set-up correctly. Keep that in mind when choosing a place to buy them since you will be calling them for help.

Turn In Concepts, Racecomp, zzyzx, and i'd imagine JRZ would be able to help you out in that regard.


- andrew
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