True dual-purpose suspension- Rally and race- 2016 WRX

McCarthy · 05-28-2016, 12:04 AM

Hey guys,

Recently picked up a 2016 WRX. To paint you a picture, I live in a fairly remote part of Canada. We see a lot of snow in the winter, and a fair bit of bumpy washboard gravel roads. In the summer, our roads are extremely tight, technical, and basically imagine a california canyon with nobody on it. I also track, and autocross my car.

I'm looking for a suspension system that will do all these things well. I DO NOT want to lower the car whatsoever. Coilovers with a range of adjustment of say an inch over stock, and an inch lower than stock (for winter and summer respectively) would be perfect. Probably a big monotube adjustable coilover with lots of travel for the washboard and enough spring rate to keep body roll at stock levels, if not better. Speaking of, can I fit a 15" wheel over stock WRX brakes?

I understand it will not be cheap. I'm okay with that. Suggestions?

* Registered users of the site do not see these ads.

mitch808 · 05-28-2016, 02:02 PM

Something like a DMS 50mm coilover comes to mind?

Lower cost would be from Feal Suspension

mrsaturn7085 · 05-28-2016, 02:22 PM

The common names for rally suspension are Reiger, DMS, EXE-TC, RS&SP (are they still around?), Ohlins, etc.; all good places to start if cost is no object.

If you want something a little cheaper, give Feal a call.

Not all these companies may have 2016 WRX solutions, but they'd be a good place to start.

McCarthy · 05-28-2016, 05:05 PM

Thanks guys.

The budget isn't unlimited, but i'm not expecting to pick up what I need for 1000 bucks like a cheap set of tein's or bc coils.

Ideally around the 2-2500 range.

mrsaturn7085 · 05-29-2016, 02:08 AM

2000-2500 is just getting into reasonable track coilovers - rally stuff is generally on a scale of 2-4x more. Call Feal - they'll be the best bet.

McCarthy · 05-29-2016, 02:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mrsaturn7085

2000-2500 is just getting into reasonable track coilovers - rally stuff is generally on a scale of 2-4x more. Call Feal - they'll be the best bet.

5-10k for a rally coil? That seems a bit... High...

-Raven- · 05-29-2016, 03:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by McCarthy

5-10k for a rally coil? That seems a bit... High...

Nope. Seems spot on. A set of DMS rally coilovers starts at about $5.5K.

If you really want to be wowed, have a look at how much a set of King shocks costs for a trophy truck!

scoobyRx · 05-29-2016, 05:58 AM

Maybe a dumb question but what's wrong with stock? That's probably the best suspension to do everything you mention. A good rally suspension isn't gonna be the best thing for track and vice versa, esp. in that price range. I'd suspect the stock units will handle a lot and you don't have to worry about lowering the car or the stiffer ride on the road.
If you are looking to be truly competitive then one suspension probably won't cut it.

A-man07 · 05-29-2016, 07:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mrsaturn7085

2000-2500 is just getting into reasonable track coilovers - rally stuff is generally on a scale of 2-4x more. Call Feal - they'll be the best bet.

I assume you mean asking Feal to revalve stock struts as their other offerings are going to have less travel than stock struts. But still, I fail to see how Feal will get him to his stated goals.

McCarthy · 05-29-2016, 12:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by scoobyRx

Maybe a dumb question but what's wrong with stock? That's probably the best suspension to do everything you mention. A good rally suspension isn't gonna be the best thing for track and vice versa, esp. in that price range. I'd suspect the stock units will handle a lot and you don't have to worry about lowering the car or the stiffer ride on the road.
If you are looking to be truly competitive then one suspension probably won't cut it.

Uhh... Have you ever taken the stock dampers off pavement?

Bye bye back.

McCarthy · 05-29-2016, 12:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by -Raven-

Nope. Seems spot on. A set of DMS rally coilovers starts at about $5.5K.

If you really want to be wowed, have a look at how much a set of King shocks costs for a trophy truck!

Well considering i'm not building a trophy truck, no lol.

I guess i'm looking in the realm of like an MCS coil or similar. Something that is a high end monotube damper that I can pair with a set of properly rated springs, and a lot of travel, with a good amount of ride height adjustability.

With those in place, competence on tarmac will follow, as long as I don't go for a super soft spring.

mitch808 · 05-29-2016, 01:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by A-man07

I assume you mean asking Feal to revalve stock struts as their other offerings are going to have less travel than stock struts. But still, I fail to see how Feal will get him to his stated goals.

They do make one rally focused coilover with about an inch more travel. But from the looks of things really just a derivative of their typical setup

jamal · 05-29-2016, 10:49 PM

I think a DMS 40 is closer to 3k, it's the 50mm shocks that start at like 5500. Lucky for you dms north america is in canada so you might not have to take a huge hit from the exchange rate.

They might actually be a little less for your car than the GD etc as the rears aren't a big inverted strut.

McCarthy · 05-29-2016, 11:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jamal

I think a DMS 40 is closer to 3k, it's the 50mm shocks that start at like 5500. Lucky for you dms north america is in canada so you might not have to take a huge hit from the exchange rate.

They might actually be a little less for your car than the GD etc as the rears aren't a big inverted strut.

I can go for that if they work. Thanks for the advice, i'll get on the horn tmrw and see what they think!

H4yduk3 · 08-31-2021, 03:42 PM

I'm in a harsh, remote environment, as well, and Need more ground clearance. I have a similar budget, and was wondering if you found any decent coilovers.

Feal is made for tarmac use Only.

King Springs and GTWork/Bilstein Strut combo will cost $1,600 plus tax, shipping, etc. They're not adjustable, and raising by spring will cause more bounce, too my understanding, which is the Last thing I need off-road.

Is there a section of these forums for Lifting WRX's for off-road purposes?
If so, I haven't found it.
If not, it'd be Great to start it.

I may have enough replies to start a thread at this point...

Thanks, all.

whozatguy · 08-31-2021, 04:04 PM

https://forums.nasioc.com/forums/sho....php?t=1228188

Feal also offers the max travel version of all their coilovers that offers, you guessed it, more travel. Its a selectable option under 'Spec Type' when looking at the coilovers for your chassis.

Mike_Feal · 09-16-2021, 07:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by whozatguy

https://forums.nasioc.com/forums/sho....php?t=1228188

Feal also offers the max travel version of all their coilovers that offers, you guessed it, more travel. Its a selectable option under 'Spec Type' when looking at the coilovers for your chassis.

Appreciate the plug, but we discontinued any Rally type coilover offerings a few years back. The Max Travel do offer more travel and a softer ride but we don't recommend them for spirited offroad use because they WILL get damaged.

whozatguy · 09-17-2021, 08:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mike_Feal

Appreciate the plug, but we discontinued any Rally type coilover offerings a few years back. The Max Travel do offer more travel and a softer ride but we don't recommend them for spirited offroad use because they WILL get damaged.

Good to know, thanks!

05-28-2016, 12:04 AM	#1
McCarthy Scooby Newbie Member#: 391336 Join Date: May 2014 Chapter/Region: W. Canada Vehicle: 2016 WRX Pure Red	True dual-purpose suspension- Rally and race- 2016 WRX Hey guys, Recently picked up a 2016 WRX. To paint you a picture, I live in a fairly remote part of Canada. We see a lot of snow in the winter, and a fair bit of bumpy washboard gravel roads. In the summer, our roads are extremely tight, technical, and basically imagine a california canyon with nobody on it. I also track, and autocross my car. I'm looking for a suspension system that will do all these things well. I DO NOT want to lower the car whatsoever. Coilovers with a range of adjustment of say an inch over stock, and an inch lower than stock (for winter and summer respectively) would be perfect. Probably a big monotube adjustable coilover with lots of travel for the washboard and enough spring rate to keep body roll at stock levels, if not better. Speaking of, can I fit a 15" wheel over stock WRX brakes? I understand it will not be cheap. I'm okay with that. Suggestions? * Registered users of the site do not see these ads.

05-28-2016, 02:02 PM	#2
mitch808 Scooby Specialist Member#: 10228 Join Date: Sep 2001 Vehicle: 2002 Subaru WRX	True dual-purpose suspension- Rally and race- 2016 WRX Something like a DMS 50mm coilover comes to mind? Lower cost would be from Feal Suspension

08-31-2021, 03:42 PM	#15
H4yduk3 Scooby Newbie Member#: 521629 Join Date: Jan 2021	OP- What did you end up going with? I'm in a harsh, remote environment, as well, and Need more ground clearance. I have a similar budget, and was wondering if you found any decent coilovers. Feal is made for tarmac use Only. King Springs and GTWork/Bilstein Strut combo will cost $1,600 plus tax, shipping, etc. They're not adjustable, and raising by spring will cause more bounce, too my understanding, which is the Last thing I need off-road. Is there a section of these forums for Lifting WRX's for off-road purposes? If so, I haven't found it. If not, it'd be Great to start it. I may have enough replies to start a thread at this point... Thanks, all.

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode

05-28-2016, 02:22 PM	#3
mrsaturn7085 Scooby Specialist Member#: 375462 Join Date: Dec 2013 Chapter/Region: NWIC Location: Portland, OR Vehicle: 2006 Impreza WRX STI WR Blue	The common names for rally suspension are Reiger, DMS, EXE-TC, RS&SP (are they still around?), Ohlins, etc.; all good places to start if cost is no object. If you want something a little cheaper, give Feal a call. Not all these companies may have 2016 WRX solutions, but they'd be a good place to start.

05-28-2016, 05:05 PM	#4
McCarthy Scooby Newbie Member#: 391336 Join Date: May 2014 Chapter/Region: W. Canada Vehicle: 2016 WRX Pure Red	Thanks guys. The budget isn't unlimited, but i'm not expecting to pick up what I need for 1000 bucks like a cheap set of tein's or bc coils. Ideally around the 2-2500 range.

05-29-2016, 02:08 AM	#5
mrsaturn7085 Scooby Specialist Member#: 375462 Join Date: Dec 2013 Chapter/Region: NWIC Location: Portland, OR Vehicle: 2006 Impreza WRX STI WR Blue	2000-2500 is just getting into reasonable track coilovers - rally stuff is generally on a scale of 2-4x more. Call Feal - they'll be the best bet.

05-29-2016, 05:58 AM	#8
scoobyRx Scooby Newbie Member#: 33789 Join Date: Mar 2003 Chapter/Region: MWSOC Location: STL Vehicle: 04 WRX Red 20 WRX silver	Maybe a dumb question but what's wrong with stock? That's probably the best suspension to do everything you mention. A good rally suspension isn't gonna be the best thing for track and vice versa, esp. in that price range. I'd suspect the stock units will handle a lot and you don't have to worry about lowering the car or the stiffer ride on the road. If you are looking to be truly competitive then one suspension probably won't cut it.

05-29-2016, 10:49 PM	#13
jamal Scooby Guru Member#: 71875 Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Montana	I think a DMS 40 is closer to 3k, it's the 50mm shocks that start at like 5500. Lucky for you dms north america is in canada so you might not have to take a huge hit from the exchange rate. They might actually be a little less for your car than the GD etc as the rears aren't a big inverted strut.

08-31-2021, 04:04 PM	#16
whozatguy Scooby Specialist Member#: 179775 Join Date: May 2008 Chapter/Region: South East Location: Huntersville, NC Vehicle: 03 WRX/15 FXT 14 BRZ/ 92 SVX	https://forums.nasioc.com/forums/sho....php?t=1228188 Feal also offers the max travel version of all their coilovers that offers, you guessed it, more travel. Its a selectable option under 'Spec Type' when looking at the coilovers for your chassis.