Coilover Suggestions?

1113 Views 19 Replies 7 Participants Last post by SD_GR, Feb 8, 2018

WRB-T-Rex

Discussion Starter · Feb 4, 2018

So long story short, I was just diagnosed with an illness that is going to make it pretty uncomfortable to drive my WRX when my flare ups get bad. Since being diagnosed, driving the WRX has been a painful experience due to a harsh ride and bumpy roads.

I really like this car and although I am considering a used golf R, since it is roughly the same performance wise but with a smoother ride, I am open to installing coilovers to soften up the ride on the WRX.

I don't want to lower the car or anything, I would like to keep the stock ride height if possible. Anyone have any suggestions that would help my situation? Any pointers or tips would be greatly appreciated.

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XJman

· #2 · Feb 4, 2018

I can't imagine any coilover thats going to soften up the ride. The point of them is to have higher spring rates and stiffer dampening for track duty.

You may be able to contact koni and Racecomp Engineering and speak with them about your situation. I venture that dampening is going to be more of a problem than the spring rate.

WRB-T-Rex

Discussion Starter · #3 · Feb 4, 2018

I may do that, I was already thinking about FortuneAuto since I know they make them custom order based on how you tell them you'll use them. Everything on the site mentioned racing though so I didn't want to waste their time

XJman

· #4 · Feb 4, 2018

WRB-T-Rex said:
I may do that, I was already thinking about FortuneAuto since I know they make them custom order based on how you tell them you'll use them. Everything on the site mentioned racing though so I didn't want to waste their time

If anything's going to work it's not going to be a coilover I am familiar with. You can contact them see what they have to say. I still think just changing your dampers will be more than enough and affordable.

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SD_GR

· #5 · Feb 4, 2018

WRB-T-Rex said:
I am open to installing coilovers to soften up the ride on the WRX.

This doesn't make any sense. You're asking for the wrong thing.

Research whether Impreza or Outback suspension will fit your car. The ride height will probably increase but that's not the point.

WRB-T-Rex

Discussion Starter · #6 · Feb 4, 2018

yeah I'm completely new to the whole suspension talk, I was just going based off of a reply I saw in another thread saying coilovers were so adjustable that the softest settings may be softer than stock

WRB-T-Rex

Discussion Starter · #7 · Feb 4, 2018

SD_GR said:
Research whether Impreza or Outback suspension will fit your car. The ride height will probably increase but that's not the point.

Which parts would I be looking to replace? Just springs?

rqjoe

· #8 · Feb 4, 2018

Can't speak for SD_GR but factory set-ups are a tuned pair meant to work together. I think you'd want to swap both spring and damper.

WRB-T-Rex

Discussion Starter · #9 · Feb 4, 2018

rqjoe said:
factory set-ups are a tuned pair meant to work together. I think you'd want to swap both spring and damper.

gotcha thanks. I'll have to start looking, I'm curious if a 2018 Impreza suspension set up would work

JaySin

· #10 · Feb 4, 2018

The WRX limited has inverted struts and a bit more compliant ride. I’m not sure which you have, but you could test drive one to compare and maybe it’ll be good enough...?...
Then you can do a swap maybe. Just a thought.

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WRB-T-Rex

Discussion Starter · #11 · Feb 4, 2018

JaySin said:
The WRX limited has inverted struts and a bit more compliant ride. I’m not sure which you have, but you could test drive one to compare and maybe it’ll be good enough...?...
Then you can do a swap maybe. Just a thought.

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Definitely a good thought and most direct approach if it's comfortable enough. Will probably tackle this soon

MainFrame

· #12 · Feb 5, 2018

WRB-T-Rex said:
I was just going based off of a reply I saw in another thread saying coilovers were so adjustable that the softest settings may be softer than stock

My experience has been the opposite. At least the vast majority of coilovers will be MUCH stiffer than stock on the softest setting.

WRB-T-Rex

Discussion Starter · #13 · Feb 5, 2018

MainFrame said:
My experience has been the opposite. At least the vast majority of coilovers will be MUCH stiffer than stock on the softest setting.

Yeah just based an initial reactions I've thrown that out the window. Going to test drive a Limited model later this week and if it feels good look into getting suspension from one.

MainFrame

· #14 · Feb 6, 2018

I feel odd saying this, but you might look into airbags as well. I know some of them can still retain pretty good handling characteristics, and every car/truck I've ridden in with air ride suspension was pretty comfy.

WRB-T-Rex

Discussion Starter · #15 · Feb 7, 2018

I wouldn't personally do bags, but I do appreciate the input.

XJman

· #16 · Feb 7, 2018

You can get a lot of variation in ride quality and comfort with a good air suspension without slamming the car and looking like a doofus.

If the Impreza option doesn't pan out that is a valid option.

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WRB-T-Rex

Discussion Starter · #17 · Feb 7, 2018

I definitely agree with that statement, based on what I have read about cars on bags.. but ease of installation is low which means I'd pay to have it installed and the cost is high. At that point, I'd take my losses and trade it in and have a warranty

whiplash willy

· #18 · Feb 8, 2018

Downsizing to 17" wheels, and tires with a softer sidewall then those Dunlop Sportmax's will also help alot.

MainFrame

· #19 · Feb 8, 2018

WRB-T-Rex said:
ease of installation is low which means I'd pay to have it installed and the cost is high

Good point.. along the same lines, any coilovers worth spending money on (regardless of stiffness) will cost $1800+, and if they're adjustable they should be setup by a professional.

SD_GR

· #20 · Feb 8, 2018

Yes! There is a concept I don’t know how to name in English but it has to do with the total effective spring rate. The rate is the spring is only one component. Others are sidewall, wheel size, pressures, damping rates, chassis stiffness, independence etc. It accumulates. My car is over damped and feels very stiff on stock 16 year old 215K mile old springs. The effective rate is increased. Sorry don’t know correct term. You need a softer system overall.

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