Lowering my 2012 WRX and keeping the OEM shocks - Suggestions?

**2.5TurboWRX** · 07-17-2012 09:12 AM

Hey guys,

As the title of the thread implies, I'm looking to lower my 2012 WRX Sedan on the OEM shocks. I'm only looking for about an inch to an inch and a half drop and I'm not only doing it for looks as I would like to improve handling before I go stage 2. I'll probably throw a set of sway bars into the mix down the road but I'd like to do the spring first.

Anyway, I've done some research and it looks like I have a handful of options available... From what I have gathered, I could install a set of RCE Black springs or the STI Pink springs without any negative effect to the OEM shocks, but I would be concerned these springs would not lower the car enough for my taste. I've seen anywhere from .75" to an 1" of lowering claimed using these springs. With that said, I've been looking at the H&R Sports as well as the Eibach Pro Kit as a possible alternative (both claim to lower the car 1.3-1.4 inches) but my concern would be how quickly the stock shocks would wear out using these springs?

If anyone has any advice, experience or picutres of their 2011+ WRX on any of the above springs I would greatly appreciate the input.

Thanks in advance.

**Ying** · 07-17-2012 09:54 AM

FWIW, all of the options you mentioned will shorten the life of your OEM dampers as they're valved for the OEM springs (under-damped I would say unfortunately). Generally, the lower you go, the faster they're going to wear.

For a height reference, I have RCE blacks on the GTWorx Bilsteins, but I think the springs gave me a drop closer to 1" than .75". Any way you look at it, once you pick springs, you should probably start putting money aside for new dampers. There are 3 good options. The Koni Inserts, Feal Revalve, and GTWorx.

**KronosPerformance** · 07-17-2012 09:57 AM

No one can honestly give you an answer on how long they will last for...could be a year....could be 2 years...couple be 2 months. Your giving your shocks a better chance however by staying on the Pro Kit or H&R Springs.

We supply them both in case you need a price:

Eibach Pro-Kit for 08+ Subarua WRX 4 & 5 Door 2.5L Turbo [7721.140] - $280.00 : Kronos Performance, Fueling the Car Lover Within

H&R 08-up Subaru Impreza Sedan/ Hatchback Sport Spring H&R 08-Up Subaru [54460] - $286.00 : Kronos Performance, Fueling the Car Lover Within

**Mikie13** · 07-17-2012 10:01 AM

Lowering your car will greatly reduce the life of the OEM struts. When will they go? No telling...but a lot faster than with the stock springs.

**rage-wrx** · 07-17-2012 10:05 AM

I seem to remember someone post that he blew the OEM struts on aftermarket springs after just 4k miles.

**2.5TurboWRX** · 07-17-2012 11:07 AM

From what I have read the RCE Black Springs and the STI Pink Springs are both designed to be used in conjunction with the OEM shocks. That would lead me to believe that they would not cause them to wear out any faster than the stock springs would.

Either way though, I'm not all that concerned with wearing out the OEM shocks, I figure since they only have 1400 miles on them now I might as well get my money's worth out of them before I replace them with expensive aftermarket shocks.

Does anyone have pictures of a 2011+ WRX lowered on springs?

**Ying** · 07-17-2012 11:38 AM

RCE Blacks

Measurement from peak of fender to center of wheel:

13.5" F / 14" R when I measured months ago.

The rear is a little higher (10mm) because I had to move the cir clip on the bilsteins up to the top setting to clear my KB endlinks...long story. I think it's settled a little since those pictures were taken. The front is perfect though IMO. Keep in mind I'm going for performance more than looks so I didn't want to drop the car out of it's sweet spot.

**spirited09wrx** · 07-17-2012 11:42 AM

Originally Posted by 2.5TurboWRX

Either way though, I'm not all that concerned with wearing out the OEM shocks, I figure since they only have 1400 miles on them now I might as well get my money's worth out of them before I replace them with expensive aftermarket shocks.

wont you not be getting your monies worth if you blow them anytime before a few years?

**2.5TurboWRX** · 07-17-2012 12:10 PM

That's better in my mind them taking them out and letting them sit in my basement collecting dust... It's not like they are worth anything used.

And thanks Ying for the pictures!

After seeing how the front of your car looks, I really might consider the RCE Blacks. I just so happen to live a few blocks away from TIC and I believe they sell them and can install them for me. I was afraid they wouldn't be low enough, but your wheel gap looks to be about half of what my stock wheel gap is, which would be perfect.

**Ying** · 07-17-2012 12:37 PM

Originally Posted by 2.5TurboWRX

That's better in my mind them taking them out and letting them sit in my basement collecting dust... It's not like they are worth anything used.

And thanks Ying for the pictures!

After seeing how the front of your car looks, I really might consider the RCE Blacks. I just so happen to live a few blocks away from TIC and I believe they sell them and can install them for me. I was afraid they wouldn't be low enough, but your wheel gap looks to be about half of what my stock wheel gap is, which would be perfect.

Yeah the front is definitely close to an inch from stock. If I had my way, the rear would be there as well. Keep in mind that Feal can re-valve your OEM dampers to work precisely with the RCE Blacks which should increase their life expectancy. That way they'll be collecting dust on the road instead of your basement.