Welcome to the North American Subaru Impreza Owners Club Thursday March 28, 2024
Home Forums Images WikiNASIOC Products Store Modifications Upgrade Garage
Click here to visit TireRack
Brakes & Suspension Forum sponsored by The Tire Rack

Losing traction? Need new tires?
Click here to visit the NASIOC Upgrade Garage...
Go Back   NASIOC > NASIOC Technical > Brakes, Steering & Suspension

Welcome to NASIOC - The world's largest online community for Subaru enthusiasts!
Welcome to the NASIOC.com Subaru forum.

You are currently viewing our forum as a guest, which gives you limited access to view most discussions and access our other features. By joining our community, free of charge, you will have access to post topics, communicate privately with other members (PM), respond to polls, upload content and access many other special features. Registration is free, fast and simple, so please join our community today!

If you have any problems with the registration process or your account login, please contact us.







* As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. 
* Registered users of the site do not see these ads. 
Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
Old 01-01-2006, 12:47 AM   #1
natoli4
Scooby Newbie
 
Member#: 66668
Join Date: Jul 2004
Chapter/Region: SCIC
Location: Culver City, CA
Vehicle:
2002 wrx wagon
blk

Default I need help with my 02 Wagon Suspension! Hate my Teins

Well, I've had Tein Basics on my wagon a while now and I'm not very happy...noisey, especially in the rear! I think one of the fronts is blown and I'm just looking for a change. I was thinking the Koni/Ground Control set up with 280 9" up front and 250 8" in the rear but....too much work. I'd really rather just have a really nice quality, ADJUSTABLE, Coilovers that will turn my wagon into a great handling and RIDING car. I know this has been discussed before but I can't find anyone who changed from the teins to the Koni/GC set up. Anyway, I need some advice from anyone who's running something that really rides nice and looks good too. I'm willing to pay for a nice set up. It's either this or go back to stock and buy a new car...I'm just tired of it at this point...PLEASE HELP! Who make a good set for the Wagon? Or should I just rebuild the Teins? Thanks in advance!
* Registered users of the site do not see these ads.
natoli4 is offline   Reply With Quote
Sponsored Links
* Registered users of the site do not see these ads.
Old 01-01-2006, 12:33 PM   #2
RaceComp Engineering
NASIOC Vendor
 
Member#: 54202
Join Date: Feb 2004
Chapter/Region: MAIC
Location: Elkridge, Maryland
Vehicle:
ASK ABOUT NEW RCE
SWAY BARS FOR STI

Default

well at least now you know. There are some options on the market, but not all work well. Most "look" good but lack real world performance. Having a wagon makes it that much tougher. Whitleline Group-4 coilovers work well. Mavic has the sister version on his car and loves them. He also has a wagon. Even though he gets a STI soon, he tracked that car ALOT in the last 5 years or so.

IF you need any help let us know.

Myles Williams

GTWORX.com
Racecomp Engineering.com

410-730-7223
RaceComp Engineering is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-01-2006, 12:52 PM   #3
natoli4
Scooby Newbie
 
Member#: 66668
Join Date: Jul 2004
Chapter/Region: SCIC
Location: Culver City, CA
Vehicle:
2002 wrx wagon
blk

Default

do they have a wagon specific set?
natoli4 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-01-2006, 02:46 PM   #4
BIGSKYWRX
Scooby Guru
 
Member#: 7958
Join Date: Jul 2001
Location: Plains of Eastern Montana
Vehicle:
09 GH B+

Default

If your looking for wagon specific and adj- you have a very short list to look at.

I think the Koni insert/GC coilover on oe wagon struts would be a good option. If you don't need height adj, Koni insert and a "regular" spring.
BIGSKYWRX is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-01-2006, 07:38 PM   #5
RaceComp Engineering
NASIOC Vendor
 
Member#: 54202
Join Date: Feb 2004
Chapter/Region: MAIC
Location: Elkridge, Maryland
Vehicle:
ASK ABOUT NEW RCE
SWAY BARS FOR STI

Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by natoli4
do they have a wagon specific set?
MANY people with WAGONS wre using them. You will see that your options are limited. Most wagon owners are not in a position to be picky either, so if something "works", and doesnt rub, or cause rubbing, its a good thing.

mw
RaceComp Engineering is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-01-2006, 08:15 PM   #6
makofoto
Scooby Guru
 
Member#: 25243
Join Date: Sep 2002
Chapter/Region: SCIC
Location: South Pasadena, CA
Vehicle:
2006 Legacy Outback
Blue

Default

The Whitelines have offset'ed flange stud openings so that wagon's can get decent camber with them. PM Arnie about them.
makofoto is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-01-2006, 10:01 PM   #7
natoli4
Scooby Newbie
 
Member#: 66668
Join Date: Jul 2004
Chapter/Region: SCIC
Location: Culver City, CA
Vehicle:
2002 wrx wagon
blk

Default

thanks Mako. Long time no talk...been too busy unfortunately. Are you still running the Tein Flex? How's your Wagon holding up? Who's Arnie BTW?
natoli4 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-01-2006, 10:23 PM   #8
makofoto
Scooby Guru
 
Member#: 25243
Join Date: Sep 2002
Chapter/Region: SCIC
Location: South Pasadena, CA
Vehicle:
2006 Legacy Outback
Blue

Default

Arnie is a friend and Guru who lives here: http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/member.php?userid=1725

... and is using the Whitelines on his Wagon. Ask him about them.

I'm on rebuilt Flex's ... custom valved copying the dyno output of some Koni Yellow's used by a STX AX driver that I respect. 650/550 springs. Wagon is being de-mod'ed to run in STX. On Tuesday the gearbox is being rebuilt with cryo'ed bits.
makofoto is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-01-2006, 10:52 PM   #9
RaceComp Engineering
NASIOC Vendor
 
Member#: 54202
Join Date: Feb 2004
Chapter/Region: MAIC
Location: Elkridge, Maryland
Vehicle:
ASK ABOUT NEW RCE
SWAY BARS FOR STI

Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by natoli4
Who's Arnie BTW?
WHO IS ARNIE?....LOFL..that oughta be a thread...

Arnie is a guy who walks with his own hi pressure system with him. ( brings 75degrees and sunny skies where ever he goes) lol..he is a suspension GOD on the forums and very respected.

Ask Arnie.

Mavic also runs the sister set up on his wagon and loves them.

Myles

Take a look in this thread.


http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/showthread.php?t=909761

we used EVERYTHING WHITELINE HAS TO OFFER ON OUR PROJECT CAR !!
RaceComp Engineering is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-01-2006, 10:53 PM   #10
RaceComp Engineering
NASIOC Vendor
 
Member#: 54202
Join Date: Feb 2004
Chapter/Region: MAIC
Location: Elkridge, Maryland
Vehicle:
ASK ABOUT NEW RCE
SWAY BARS FOR STI

Default





RaceComp Engineering is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-01-2006, 11:10 PM   #11
natoli4
Scooby Newbie
 
Member#: 66668
Join Date: Jul 2004
Chapter/Region: SCIC
Location: Culver City, CA
Vehicle:
2002 wrx wagon
blk

Default

ok, so I've been busy. A personal business, 2 kids and a lovely wife keep my attention sometimes...my bad. I guess I'll look to Arnie for some advice. Mako glad to hear the trans is getting done...mine, I believe is getting ready to go. Racecomp, please PM me a price for the 4's and a ALK. Does anyone know what the spring rates are for those coilovers?
natoli4 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-02-2006, 11:47 AM   #12
Arnie
Scooby Guru
 
Member#: 1725
Join Date: Jun 2000
Chapter/Region: International
Location: Germany
Vehicle:
2002 Subaru Forester
SG silver

Default

Hi Natoli

i'm in germany at the moment so I'm a little slow at answering PM's, etc.

There are two basic Group 4 setups that most people use, the Street/Circuit with 5/4k ring rates and valving or the Race spec with 9/8k spring and valving rates. I use the 5/4k rates but I#m currently using 6/5k rates on the the same valving. It's definitely the upper end of what is recommended on these struts without changing the valving, which I'll be doing in a couple of months.

Like mako said the Group 4's use a specially designed lower bracket that allows normal camber adjustment ranges ca. -1.5 degrees camber when used on a wagon and ca. -2.5 degrees when used on a sedan. So, a really ice setup for us wagon users. Some feel they could use more low speed rebound damping but that's not really a performance issue as far as getting better lap times, its primarily a driver feel issue. But that is a huge debate unto itself.

I'm very satisfied with mine and find them a great compromise of street and track worthy suspension.

I can let you drive my car when I am back in town.

Myles - nice bag of toys there for the grocery getter.

Last edited by Arnie; 01-02-2006 at 12:35 PM.
Arnie is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-02-2006, 12:14 PM   #13
natoli4
Scooby Newbie
 
Member#: 66668
Join Date: Jul 2004
Chapter/Region: SCIC
Location: Culver City, CA
Vehicle:
2002 wrx wagon
blk

Default

Arnie thanks for the info. I'd love to take the car for a spin when you get back but it seems like I've been sold. the 5/4 set up is going to be what I put in. I think I'll do the ALK and camber bolt at the same time...any other suggestions?

Mako, feel like doing a alignment? or should I just take it to west end alignment? What will one of your alignments set me back?

Myles, sent you a PM about a set of the coilovers!
natoli4 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-02-2006, 12:32 PM   #14
Arnie
Scooby Guru
 
Member#: 1725
Join Date: Jun 2000
Chapter/Region: International
Location: Germany
Vehicle:
2002 Subaru Forester
SG silver

Default

Feel free to contact me about installation when you get them in. I can install them for you for a nominal donation to the tool fund at Slvrwgn's house. I've installed a few sets and can get you setup pretty well. Mako says my eyeball alignments are only off by about a tenth of degree per side! I'd recommend Mako for your basic alignment, if you are corner wieghting, head on over to west end for the whole deal.

You should be fine with stock camber bolts up front and an additional rear camber bolt. Depending on your needs, either Group N tophats or camber plates. You will need front and rear swaybars for this setup. Whiteline is a firm believer in using swaybars to control roll, not spring rate, so the setup will be best if you pick up their front 22mm swaybar and their rear 22-24mm adjustable swaybar and alu endlinks or pillowball endlinks. Myles can set you up. I prefer the Comfort ALk as I like a bit of refinement in my ride where possible but many can tolerate the Sport ALK.
Arnie is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-02-2006, 12:59 PM   #15
natoli4
Scooby Newbie
 
Member#: 66668
Join Date: Jul 2004
Chapter/Region: SCIC
Location: Culver City, CA
Vehicle:
2002 wrx wagon
blk

Default

I have a the sway bars in already. 22 up front and 22 in the rear. installing perrin link today with the reinforced boxes that hold the bar in place too. broke a mount last month and had to weld it up for the time being. Arnie, where is Silverwgn's house? I have most everything needed to do the install here including air tools except for the torque wrench that tightens the bolts that hold the struts in place...I have STI front top mounts currently and reg's in the rear. the rear STI's would not work for some reason. I rather use these instead of camber plates because I like to run the car pretty low. as soon as I get everything I'll PM you. thanks!
natoli4 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-02-2006, 01:00 PM   #16
natoli4
Scooby Newbie
 
Member#: 66668
Join Date: Jul 2004
Chapter/Region: SCIC
Location: Culver City, CA
Vehicle:
2002 wrx wagon
blk

Default

ohh, and I'll make sure to order the comfort ALK. thanks!
natoli4 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-02-2006, 08:59 PM   #17
poison
Scooby Specialist
 
Member#: 37678
Join Date: May 2003
Chapter/Region: SCIC
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by RaceComp Engineering
WHO IS ARNIE?....LOFL..that oughta be a thread...

Arnie is a guy who walks with his own hi pressure system with him. ( brings 75degrees and sunny skies where ever he goes) lol..he is a suspension GOD on the forums and very respected.

Ask Arnie.

Mavic also runs the sister set up on his wagon and loves them.

Myles

Take a look in this thread.


http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/showthread.php?t=909761

we used EVERYTHING WHITELINE HAS TO OFFER ON OUR PROJECT CAR !!
Quoted for posterity!
poison is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-02-2006, 09:58 PM   #18
RaceComp Engineering
NASIOC Vendor
 
Member#: 54202
Join Date: Feb 2004
Chapter/Region: MAIC
Location: Elkridge, Maryland
Vehicle:
ASK ABOUT NEW RCE
SWAY BARS FOR STI

Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by natoli4
Arnie thanks for the info. I'd love to take the car for a spin when you get back but it seems like I've been sold. the 5/4 set up is going to be what I put in. I think I'll do the ALK and camber bolt at the same time...any other suggestions?

Mako, feel like doing a alignment? or should I just take it to west end alignment? What will one of your alignments set me back?

Myles, sent you a PM about a set of the coilovers!
You have mail. I sent you PM this morning , or mid day east coast time.

No worries, my assistant has your info and knows " the deal"..

Myles
RaceComp Engineering is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-02-2006, 10:43 PM   #19
natoli4
Scooby Newbie
 
Member#: 66668
Join Date: Jul 2004
Chapter/Region: SCIC
Location: Culver City, CA
Vehicle:
2002 wrx wagon
blk

Default

Thanks Miles you Rock! and a deal it is! Just got done putting in the new Perrin rear links and the mounts! no more sqeaking!
natoli4 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-03-2006, 12:08 AM   #20
RaceComp Engineering
NASIOC Vendor
 
Member#: 54202
Join Date: Feb 2004
Chapter/Region: MAIC
Location: Elkridge, Maryland
Vehicle:
ASK ABOUT NEW RCE
SWAY BARS FOR STI

Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by natoli4
Thanks Miles you Rock! and a deal it is! Just got done putting in the new Perrin rear links and the mounts! no more sqeaking!
No worries. IF you have any questions , most people will tell you, we forward our calls after we leave and someone will answer the phone until about midnight east coast time and answer questions on installation and sales.Because the wife is a car freak and Subaru owner and employee, its not uncommon to get calls on weekends, so feel free to call. I know for a fact no other vendor does that , as I spent the first year we were in business calling shops after hours just to see. Actually most dont answer a PHONE during the day....... Truth.

Myles
RaceComp Engineering is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-03-2006, 01:09 AM   #21
natoli4
Scooby Newbie
 
Member#: 66668
Join Date: Jul 2004
Chapter/Region: SCIC
Location: Culver City, CA
Vehicle:
2002 wrx wagon
blk

Default

know what you mean. Service is dead. When's your Birthday BTW? I'll note it on my calender to call you around...say 4:30 a.m. about a bushing issue! He He.ThanKs!
natoli4 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-03-2006, 01:44 AM   #22
makofoto
Scooby Guru
 
Member#: 25243
Join Date: Sep 2002
Chapter/Region: SCIC
Location: South Pasadena, CA
Vehicle:
2006 Legacy Outback
Blue

Default

Sorry Nat ... got to save alignments for my Team Blew AX buddies ... so many, so little time.

Turning a (the boss's) Super Stock Z-06 into a A Stock Prepared car. Relocating a battery from front to rear is a Bitcxh ... even with a $300 everything included kit! Bushings, camber spacers, titanium exhaust, long headers, intake, throttle body, Sparco Evo seat, quick release Momo, Hardbar shift knob, 315/335 Kuhmo 710's on 12" & 13" CCW racing wheels, HD Stiffening Tie-In plate, 3 Way Penske struts, stiffer springs, sway bars, stainless steel brake lines, ECU programing, brake pads. Whew ... but cool to work on a car that is really designed as a race car ... and it's nice to have a REALLY nice place to work on it! Yup, that's a refrigerator full of Samuel Adams back there!

makofoto is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-03-2006, 02:29 AM   #23
wm07
Scooby Newbie
 
Member#: 26529
Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: STU
Vehicle:
04 STi
White

Default

wow! nice shop!
wm07 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-03-2006, 02:51 AM   #24
makofoto
Scooby Guru
 
Member#: 25243
Join Date: Sep 2002
Chapter/Region: SCIC
Location: South Pasadena, CA
Vehicle:
2006 Legacy Outback
Blue

Default

Yeah ... exact opposite of my garage.
makofoto is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-03-2006, 04:18 AM   #25
Arnie
Scooby Guru
 
Member#: 1725
Join Date: Jun 2000
Chapter/Region: International
Location: Germany
Vehicle:
2002 Subaru Forester
SG silver

Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by natoli4
I have a the sway bars in already. 22 up front and 22 in the rear. installing perrin link today with the reinforced boxes that hold the bar in place too. broke a mount last month and had to weld it up for the time being. Arnie, where is Silverwgn's house? I have most everything needed to do the install here including air tools except for the torque wrench that tightens the bolts that hold the struts in place...I have STI front top mounts currently and reg's in the rear. the rear STI's would not work for some reason. I rather use these instead of camber plates because I like to run the car pretty low. as soon as I get everything I'll PM you. thanks!
Install at your place is also an option. Airtools make things quick. Slvrwgns place is in chatsworth.

Setting ride height "pretty low" is a no no if you care about performance [for numerous reasons(search)]. though these struts have the most bump travel of anything out there at lowered ride heights, its still not recommended to lower more than 14" F/13.5" R ride heights (center of hub to fender). What are you planning to do with your car? City cruising, canyon runs, track?

Don't see why rear STi mounts wouldn't work. The G4's are compatible with either or rear mounts.
Arnie is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Forum Jump

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Need help with front 02 sensor (A/F) wiring shawnsubaru Factory 2.0L Turbo Powertrain (EJ Series Factory 2.0L Turbo) 6 03-19-2009 09:42 AM
Need help with 'clunk' sound in suspension Mustafa02 Rocky Mountains Impreza Club Forum -- RMIC 13 07-13-2008 06:13 PM
Need help with the correct heat shield for my TurboXS DP on a '06 wrx SubbieAndCoop Factory 2.5L Turbo Powertrain (EJ Series Factory 2.5L Turbo) 12 06-17-2007 02:38 PM
Need help with 86 GL Wagon Clutch Info totally_clueless 'Old School' Subaru Forum 7 11-11-2005 12:49 AM
need help with the fuel pump controler on my swap simprezl25 Subaru Conversions 1 09-01-2005 01:29 PM

All times are GMT -4. The time now is 02:05 PM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.7.0
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.
Powered by Searchlight © 2024 Axivo Inc.
Copyright ©1999 - 2019, North American Subaru Impreza Owners Club, Inc.

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission
Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.