Prodrive Springs

[balazsia]

So I just picked up my 2003 WRX today for $7000 with 90k miles. In great shape and I'm super exited . It came with prodrive springs that the seller didn't install. I am not a mechanic nor do I know much about car parts/installations, but I am doing my research and learning it as much as I can. I was jw if its hard to install these yourself or if I should go just get them done at a dealer or w/e. If at the dealer you guys know how much the price would be around Pittsburgh area? Thank a bunch in advance.

[brfatal]

It's not something for a beginner. You will need an alignment afterwards as well.

90k miles is a lot of miles for stock struts to be lowered on. You may be needing struts in the foreseeable future.

[balazsia]

It's not something for a beginner. You will need an alignment afterwards as well.

90k miles is a lot of miles for stock struts to be lowered on. You may be needing struts in the foreseeable future.

K, if I get new struts should I go stock or some specific brand?

[brfatal]

Some are better than others but depending on how much adjustability you need you may not need some of the higher end ones. For most people just about any of them will work.

[balazsia]

I would rather have better cornering/turning ability than comfortable daily drive. I am on a budget as well, but I am open to suggestions about the struts

[EJ257]

I would rather have better cornering/turning ability than comfortable daily drive. I am on a budget as well, but I am open to suggestions about the struts

You mention a budget, but don't provide an amount...

Choose your struts based on the springrates you will be using. Prodrive springs are relatively soft, and fine for the OEM struts. OEM / KYB GR2s would be my recommendation for use with those springs.

I was jw if its hard to install these yourself or if I should go just get them done at a dealer or w/e. If at the dealer you guys know how much the price would be around Pittsburgh area?

While a spring install isn't for experts only, it's more difficult than say a catback or a rear swaybar. You'll need to find someone with a spring compressor (or rent one), and preferably air tools (you can get away with hand tools, but air is much easier).

As for the price, it varies by location (around here, for example, labor rate is ~$85/hr). The best estimate on cost would be to contact the establishment you're considering for the work and ask them.

[zax]

It's not something for a beginner. You will need an alignment afterwards as well.

Do you think it's necessary? Prodrives only drop 0.4-0.7" if my memory serves correctly. Although I definitely I agree that an alignment would be best after ANY geometry change, perhaps it's not as integral as doing an alignment on a slammed car.

[EJ257]

Do you think it's necessary?

Absolutely

[zax]

Absolutely

fair enough.

[EJ257]

fair enough.

I should have elaborated, but wasn't able to at the time...

You're taking apart a large part of the suspension. No matter how close you eyeball it, you're going to be off. If you have the tools/skills to DIY, that's fine, but if not, you need to go to a shop and have them perform the alignment. Just make sure you give the car time/miles to let the springs settle or else you'll be paying for two alignments and a new set of tires.

Besides, it would be the perfect time to ditch the garbage OE spec alignment that comes with the car