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Old 03-31-2013, 04:48 PM   #1
tygoerlitz
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Default 02 WRX wagon suspension

Hey guys I have done some searching around and just wanted to get some opinions and confirm some of my findings. I recently got an 02 wrx wagon and want to do some upgrades. I would like to do suspension but am on a budget. Also I do not plan to autocross or track the car just spirited drives and I want get rid of some wheel gap and have some better handling. Based on what I've found USDM pink springs seem to be a pretty good option for me. These specifically, http://www.subarugenuineparts.com/pr...roducts_id=627

Just to make sure I would need group n top hats on the rear for an 04 correct? Also if I continue to use my stock struts do I need a camber kit? Is anyone running this setup and what do you guys think? I am open to opinions about other setups to consider and am considering myself just doing sti suspension. What do you guys think?

Thanks!
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Old 03-31-2013, 05:56 PM   #2
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Springs nor any suspension component will not magically make your car handle better. Embrace this...make love to it....as you seem woefully informed on suspension.

If cheap is your mantra, your best bets are:

1. Get STI springs.
2. Get KONI inserts as your stock suspension is likely very tired at this stage.
3. Forget top hats.
4. Forget camber bolts.
5. Get a PERFORMANCE alignment.
6. Spend more on performance tires as you likely have shopping cart hard tires on there now.

If you want a more thorough attempt at an explanation, then visit www.turninconcepts.com and call them on the phone. Above is terrific advice, but TiC can likely explain it and slightly modify it in a better tone and they can source all the parts you need so it is one stop shopping.
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Old 03-31-2013, 06:04 PM   #3
tygoerlitz
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Great thanks for your help. Yes I know suspension isn't going to make it magically better. Suspension is a science within its self that is for sure. Ya tires are on the list to, I did not think about getting an alignment that is great idea! I do appreciate your reply and your help! As a side note. You said STI springs and forget top hats. Does that mean I can run STI springs without doing top hats?

Last edited by tygoerlitz; 03-31-2013 at 06:35 PM. Reason: Wanted to add things
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Old 03-31-2013, 07:17 PM   #4
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I am, so the answer is yes. Call TiC and develop a relationship with them. Those asshats actually talked me out of both camber bolts and Group N top hats. I said:

Me: On N0Es!!!!! I want some camber bolts and Group N top hats, do you have them in stock?
TiC: We have them in stock, but you aren't buying them as you don't need them.

Now who does that when they are in business to make money? Sometimes I'm not sure if the boys at Turn in Concepts are brilliant business men or dumbasses.
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Old 03-31-2013, 07:45 PM   #5
tygoerlitz
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Haha thats great! Ok I will do that for sure. Thanks for your help!
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Old 03-31-2013, 08:30 PM   #6
jm02466
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Quote:
Originally Posted by tygoerlitz View Post
Hey guys I have done some searching around and just wanted to get some opinions and confirm some of my findings. I recently got an 02 wrx wagon and want to do some upgrades. I would like to do suspension but am on a budget. Also I do not plan to autocross or track the car just spirited drives and I want get rid of some wheel gap and have some better handling. Based on what I've found USDM pink springs seem to be a pretty good option for me. These specifically, http://www.subarugenuineparts.com/pr...roducts_id=627

Just to make sure I would need group n top hats on the rear for an 04 correct? Also if I continue to use my stock struts do I need a camber kit? Is anyone running this setup and what do you guys think? I am open to opinions about other setups to consider and am considering myself just doing sti suspension. What do you guys think?

Thanks!
Okay here's my $.02:
1. Pinks are good springs, with the stock struts they are just slightly stiffer than stock, but still a nice ride. They will not lower your car very much, a half inch or so. If you want the lowered look, these are not the springs for you. If you just want a little performance boost, this is what you want.
2. You don't need group N top hats, you can use stock top hats*, but they are a nice upgrade. I do think they are a little pricey for something I didn't get a noticable improvement from.
*For the 04-07 springs you linked you do need at least at least stock 04-07 top hats. With your Bugeye struts, you will also need a spacer to use the new top hats. Turn in Concepts sells the spacers. Make sure you ASK them for the spacers if you order from TiC. When we ordered struts (Tokico Blues which are 02-03 fitment) from a TiC over the phone, they forgot to mention we would need the spacers with my buddies Hawkeye and it really screwed us during the install.
3. No, you don't need camber bolts.
4. Yes, my friends car I do work on was running pinks on stock struts for 2 years. When his struts needed replacement we did Tokico Blues with the same pink springs and group N top hats. I have driven his car quite a bit both before and after. The old setup was okay and the new is pretty solid, though he has whiteline sway bars as well. (you should look into sway bars instead of the group n top hats maybe, they will give you a much more noticeable improvement than the top hats.
5. Look into RCE springs as well. Many people like them, though I have not driven a car with them.

Hope that helps!
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Old 03-31-2013, 09:12 PM   #7
greenplates
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A few months ago, I was in the same situation as you.

Me at night: "My 03 wrx wagon looks so dope, but its a monster truck and handles like a Buick... what can I do to eliminate these factors?"

I went ahead and did the impossible. I pulled the trigger on a set of Raceland coilovers. the set cost around $500 brand new, comes with warranties and great customer service. I have been very impressed. FEEDBACK: not the performance of a more expensive set BUT solid ride, very adjustable, tophats/camber adustable, great quality, kick ass customer service.


New tires are great too
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Old 03-31-2013, 10:28 PM   #8
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The next person that recommends $500 coilovers is getting permanently banned.
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Old 03-31-2013, 10:41 PM   #9
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Dude. The only difference between Racelands and $5000 coilovers is that Racelands dont have a middle-man retailer to mark up the cost.

Everyone knows this.
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Old 03-31-2013, 10:50 PM   #10
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Quote:
Originally Posted by vision.dynamix View Post
Dude. The only difference between Racelands and $5000 coilovers is that Racelands dont have a middle-man retailer to mark up the cost.

Everyone knows this.
I will drive up there and make Mushroom Risotto with your blood and the bag of rice at your house.

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Old 03-31-2013, 10:57 PM   #11
jm02466
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Quote:
Originally Posted by greenplates View Post
Raceland coilovers $500 brand new
This is horrible advice.

Quote:
Originally Posted by greenplates View Post
New tires are great too
This is good advice.
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Old 03-31-2013, 11:00 PM   #12
Heedlessone
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Unabomber View Post
The next person that recommends $500 coilovers is getting permanently banned.
O rly?
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Old 04-01-2013, 12:28 PM   #13
tygoerlitz
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I will never put those on my car. EVER. I know better than that
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Old 04-01-2013, 02:44 PM   #14
greenplates
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Want to hear facts and/or supporting evidence proving the negative opinions. Until then, I'm loving my cheap coilovers.


I do not track. I daily drive through VT mountains. They have yet to fail my expectations.
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Old 04-01-2013, 06:45 PM   #15
jm02466
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Quote:
Originally Posted by greenplates View Post
Want to hear facts and/or supporting evidence proving the negative opinions. Until then, I'm loving my cheap coilovers.

I do not track. I daily drive through VT mountains. They have yet to fail my expectations.
Let us know in a year how they're working for you after they've seized up after one New England winter.
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Old 04-01-2013, 09:29 PM   #16
greenplates
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Quote:
Originally Posted by jm02466 View Post
Let us know in a year how they're working for you after they've seized up after one New England winter.
It's been 8 months. I just swapped summer tires on. While the winter wheels were off, I hosed everything in steering/suspension. They look brand new and ride like brand new.


So... I'm not sure what you are insinuating with your remark
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Old 04-02-2013, 12:03 AM   #17
jm02466
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Quote:
Originally Posted by greenplates View Post

It's been 8 months. I just swapped summer tires on. While the winter wheels were off, I hosed everything in steering/suspension. They look brand new and ride like brand new.

So... I'm not sure what you are insinuating with your remark
Ummmm.... 4 months to go?
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