My modifications

[mycologist]

I just thought I'd post to thank everyone (and especially Big Sky) for all the awesome information in this forum. Using the search button I actually found out everything I needed to make my first "tune up" of the suspension and brakes, and information on the installations as well. I can't imagine what it would take to put this together on my own.

Here are the parts I will start with (for 2003 wagon): Toyo Proxes 4, SS brake lines, speed bleeders, ATE super blue brake fluid, 20mm rear sway bar, 2004 STI sway bar mounts & hardware, and steering rack bushings.


Oakos, Edge Racing, and All Subaru were all expedient and delivered as promised.

My wagon was built july 2003 so I have to measure the brake pads before I order, as per the sticky. I think I missed the Ferodo 2500 fitment cutoff by 1 month. I wonder if you can differentiate between the two possible front calipers by the bleeder size? I'll have to look into that later.

I'm having the tires mounted and custom alignment tomorrow (max front camber ~-1.0-1.5, zero toe all around, and minimize the cross camber and toe).

I'll update once I get this stuff on. I think I'm going to like this!

[blarg]

yup.

I'd also look into the ebay knock-off H-brace for the front and strut bar for the back if you're not quite happy....they did wonders for me, and they're cheap.

[mycologist]

Thanks - they look like a bargain. Not sure if I can handle that pink inside the car but I gues I don't really have to look at it.

[blarg]

Thanks - they look like a bargain. Not sure if I can handle that pink inside the car but I gues I don't really have to look at it.

I got a blue one....and its under the car anyway..and the strut bars are in the trunk.

[mycologist]

Sweet, I'll look again. I don't think I'd care if it weren't a wagon.

[blarg]

Sweet, I'll look again. I don't think I'd care if it weren't a wagon.

mine's a wagon too.

[mycologist]

Oh yeah, cool mate! Forgive my loss on the translation.

[Wade-0]

I see a Whiteline box in the pic, but nothing in the list. Did you forget something, or just get another part (I'm guessing swaybar) in the Whiteline box?

[mycologist]

Yeah, they shipped the other sway bar in that box.

[wrx wagone]

That looks to be a pretty damn good start.

[Big Sky WRX]

Looks good I think folks would be very suprised what a few well thought out mods will do for their otherwise stock WRX. You've addresses (w/ the exception of pads) the real "weaknesses" of the oe WRX setup IMO- tires, alignment, rear sway bar, brake fluid. When you bleed the brakes pull one of the pads- you'll see which you have- my guess is you've missed the "cutoff". Once you find out for sure- put pads on your list- I think the Hwp HP+ is available in that size, by all accounts a pretty good pad..

[wrx wagone]

H6 rear brake upgrade is next.

[mycologist]

Thanks guys,

Good to know I'm headed in the right direction.

The pads are definately top on the list now. I was looking at the H6 and that sounds like a good way to go too. Once the check book recovers that is.

So I got my tires and alignment done today. I went to a local place and rolled the dice. The guy turned out to be an expert master alignment jedi - he said he was sick of doing factory specs on Camrys and he considered it fun. Its an awesome printout if anyone wants to see.

Toe was 0.00 all the way around and -1.2 camber on each side up front. The rear cross camber is a bit off though. Is that a big deal? I want to see how the rest of this stuff works before I play with rear camber bolts.

I got to test it a bit on a nearby road with a bunch of 2nd gear kinks and bends and it feels like a whole new car (coming from greasy 30K Re-92s). Unfortunately there were a bunch of pokes out for the most part though. I swear this lady was going to stop and use a signal to get around the corner.

[Wade-0]

The rear cross camber is a bit off though. Is that a big deal? I want to see how the rest of this stuff works before I play with rear camber bolts.

Nothing he can do about camber in the rear, so no reason to sweat it (until you get some camber bolts back there).

[blarg]

have you had the ABS controller replaced? (its a recall). get that done before you start replacing your calipers of SOA won't do it.

H6 rears will change the brake bias. Its a better idea to pair the H6 reads with the 4-pot fronts....or just buy a set of Brembo take-offs....just remember the stock wheels won't clear a lot of the brake upgrades.