2010 STI rougher than I'd like

[Bugeye01WRX]

Hey everyone !

Recently bought a 2010 STI A Line (auto JDM) and have been looking at it for a while.

I used to have a 350z but a recent back injury (slight bulging disc) made the 350z FAR too uncomfortable to drive.

I thought I was going to have to give up sports cars but the 2010 STI Auto looked comfy and had a nice adjustable seat.

I test drove a few and it was comfy, lots of headroom etc so I thought it was a good compromise.

Anyway, a beautiful one with gorgeous mods came up and I ended up buying it.

However, I never test drove it long distance and I do a little bit of travelling.

It is sitting on TSD coilovers and has a set of Workmesister S1P1s on stretched tyres.

(https://boostedkiwi.co.nz/products/s...D5x9Li4HMTK5N9)

https://www.fitmentindustries.com/br...r-S1-3P/18x9.5

Anyway, I bought the car, did a longer trip and it seemed great. However, I had to get the car raised a bit as it was far too low couldn't get in in driveway. Coilovers were sitting between soft and firm and I changed it to fully soft.

Anyway, did a 1.5 hr each way trip yesterday, and the car felt harsh. EVery little bump I hit I felt like the car bounced aggressively and it did it in a way where the car felt like it weighed 10 tonnes and landed and "left my body behind" and I ended up slamming down into my seat if that makes sense.

It is kinda hard to explain but you imagine a plush car bounces and you kind of go up and down gently. This felt like the car would drop immediately and harshly and would jar my neck, back and head.

I am now in a bit of a conundrum. Car is stunningly beautiful and has very nice mods but I really want to make it more comfy.

Will returning to OEM struts/springs be enough? Or is is always going to be inherently too rough because it is an STI.

Is it a combination of stretched tyres, cheap coilovers and low profile tyres causing this?

ANy other advice?

I don't need/want it to be aggressive as I just want a sporty car for daily that sounds and looks good

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[Charlie-III]

I don't know those struts. Can you adjust jounce and/or rebound? Those would likely help you out.

What are your tire (or is it tyre?...LOL) pressure? I usually recommend 80-85% of max inflation based on the molded max on the sidewall, NOT what the owners manual states since tires may have been replaced.

[Bugeye01WRX]

Originally Posted by Charlie-III

I don't know those struts. Can you adjust jounce and/or rebound? Those would likely help you out.

What are your tire (or is it tyre?...LOL) pressure? I usually recommend 80-85% of max inflation based on the molded max on the sidewall, NOT what the owners manual states since tires may have been replaced.

Not sure on tyre pressure atm but it is running 235/40R18 tyres on 9.5 inch wide Works

[Charlie-III]

Book values for tire pressure is for the OEM installed tires.
Example, on my 1998 Legacy GT with the RE-092's, max inflation was 46PSI, book pressure was 38?
I switched to Conti extreme contact M&S with a max inflation of 55, I would run 44-46PSI, the book of 38 was a poor ride.

[Bugeye01WRX]

Originally Posted by Charlie-III

Book values for tire pressure is for the OEM installed tires.
Example, on my 1998 Legacy GT with the RE-092's, max inflation was 46PSI, book pressure was 38?
I switched to Conti extreme contact M&S with a max inflation of 55, I would run 44-46PSI, the book of 38 was a poor ride.

Is my tyre size also contributing to it ? Should I go for Taller tyres with more sidewall and go back to OEM suspension ?

WIll that make it a lot more comfortable?

[Charlie-III]

Sidewall is some of a hard ride. Partly due to less sidewall give, partly due to higher pressure to avoid killing tires.
Your tire size means you have some sidewall which helps.

Here's a thought, is there another Subaru around you with the same bolt pattern? Ask to do a tire swap for a couple days. Theirs should be close to OEM size.
It could be their winter tires if they have them.

[nomoretickets]

What spring rates are you running? If you are running really stiff auto-x springs, the ride would probably be pretty tough and I would consider swapping to something softer.