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Old 10-21-2017, 06:16 PM   #1
nyc13sti
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Member#: 476435
Join Date: Oct 2017
Location: NYC
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2013 STI

Default New Member and Suspension Opinions!

Hello Gents,

I've recently purchased a 2013 STI completely stock. I'm not totally new to this forum since I used to be on this couple of years ago when my older brother had his bugeyes back in the day. But, I've had some concerns with the STI stock suspension. My main goal is to keep this car stock for now, continue to get to know it and maintain with regaular maintenance.

My question is, does the stock suspension on the STI always very stiff? My cars has about 40XXX miles. I drive in NY and the roads aren't too friendly over here. I'm looking for different suspension alternatives like maybe buying KYB agx, Koni struts with the STI springs or maybe a different kind of spring setup. Please do not suggest coilovers since I'm not a huge fan of them. Also, I plan on changing my tires to some all-season continental on my 18" wheels. Maybe the change in tires may help with the suspension comfort a little bit. Please let me know what do you guys suggest or are running on your cars right now. Thanks
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Old 10-22-2017, 06:14 PM   #2
nyc13sti
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Bump. Anybody?
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Old 10-22-2017, 07:01 PM   #3
Homeless Junkie
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I'm not the best person to answer but I'm happy to pass on the information given to me.

Yes the STi rides rough because it's built to handle like a sports car.

You're right to pass on coilovers. Salt will corrode them to the point you can't adjust them any longer. The salt will at the very least eat at the coilovers. I know guys who will take them off in Autumn and install them back on in the spring. Two alignments a year.. crazy!

I've heard a good way to modify the suspension for better handling and better ride is to keep stock STi struts and buy Swift R springs.
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Old 10-22-2017, 09:01 PM   #4
nyc13sti
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Thanks for the response. Yea the car does ride pretty rough that's unfortunate. I was almost thinking that all of the struts were possibly blown but what's the chance of that happening at 40k miles on the car. So you suggest maybe going with swift R springs. I've just looked them up and the fronts spring rate are 335lbs/inch and rears are 402lbs/inch vs I believe the stock springs in the front are 250 and rear are 224 for this year and model. So the Swift R springs are more stiffer than stock but goes well with the stock shock valving based on the research I've just did.
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Old 10-25-2017, 07:50 AM   #5
nyc13sti
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Bump. Any other suggestions? I would appreciate it. I read maybe regreasing the struts could help. Or getting some KW or Feals coils can help with achieving a comfort daily suspension setup.
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Old 10-25-2017, 12:41 PM   #6
Gallo2011
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Your stock suspension is the least stiff you're going to find, OP. I assume you don't want to raise your car from it's current stance, correct? Any "out-of-the-box" aftermarket solutions are designed to either lower the car or stiffen the ride, or both. Higher spring rates and uprated struts/shocks will make the ride stiffer. When people tell you aftermarket springs/shocks/coilovers will give you "better handling", that usually means you'll be giving up suspension travel/compliance, which means a stiffer, choppier ride.

One thing you can do is call Turn-In Concepts. They know Subaru suspension tuning better than anyone. If anyone can help give you the ride you desire, it's them.
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Old 10-25-2017, 04:59 PM   #7
Vancouver98STi
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1998 JDM Impreza STi
V4 GF8 White

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Quote:
Originally Posted by nyc13sti View Post

My question is, does the stock suspension on the STI always very stiff?
You might wish to re-word that question.

If I'm understanding what you're asking, the answer is NO. My STi has suspension that is IMO way too soft even as a daily-driver, and no way stiff enough for something like autocross.
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Old 10-25-2017, 05:07 PM   #8
Gallo2011
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Vancouver98STi View Post
You might wish to re-word that question.

If I'm understanding what you're asking, the answer is NO. My STi has suspension that is IMO way too soft even as a daily-driver, and no way stiff enough for something like autocross.
I agree, in some situations. My car with it's stock suspension is fine for daily, city driving in stop-and-go traffic. Compliance over pot holes, train tracks, etc is great. Where my stock suspension is lacking is on a freeway onramp/offramp that is something other than glass smooth. Any undulation in the road as I'm turning at speed causes the suspension to compress and rebound excessively. Which then affects the steering. My car is in desperate need of a good sway bar and end link combination. That will be my next modification, along with some chassis bracing.
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Old 10-25-2017, 05:40 PM   #9
Vancouver98STi
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1998 JDM Impreza STi
V4 GF8 White

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Originally Posted by Gallo2011 View Post

Any undulation in the road as I'm turning at speed causes the suspension to compress and rebound excessively.
Yes, that's exactly what I experience as well. It feels like being in a small boat in rough water. Of course, I don't know how much of that is inherent due to the design of the GF8, and how much is wear and tear on suspension components due to age and mileage. Anyway, before next autocross season, it will be addressed.
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Old 10-25-2017, 10:10 PM   #10
nyc13sti
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Yeah I definitely don't want to raise the car or install coilovers. However, I did read that some people installed coilovers and the comfort was better than stock due to being able to adjust the dampers. It's possible that the stock struts I have may need to be replaced. I've noticed clunking sound when I hit small bumps made me think the struts are done or may need to be re-greased. Then it can also be the type of tires that came with the car. But, overall the stock handling is surprisingly good for the street IMO.
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Old 10-26-2017, 03:46 PM   #11
Gallo2011
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In my experience driving and/or sitting in the passenger seat of approximately a dozen cars with coilovers installed, the ride was not more "comfortable" than stock. Coilovers are almost always designed to lower the car and provide a stiffer, more responsive car compared to stock. Less shock and spring compliance/travel will make the ride more bumpy and stiff. Higher spring rates will do the same. Coilovers almost always include both. Notice I say almost always. A good tuning shop *cough* Turn-In Concepts *cough* may be able to work some magic and get you what you want. Only one way to find out.
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Old 10-26-2017, 09:32 PM   #12
nyc13sti
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Haha okay thanks for the advice. I will give those guys a call and see what they have to say.
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