New Prodrive rear springs

[TheUhrinator]

So, I went autocrossing this weekend. It was really fun except for the fact that I have a stock ss...
I realized that I need new suspension bad. I found a set of prodrive rear springs for $50. Should I do it? Would I need to get a new shock or just keep my old ones. Never done any suspension ever so I have no clue. Thanks for the help.

[skid542]

There are two primary things (well, lots more, but these two are a good start) to consider when looking at struts/springs.

The first is how harsh of a ride do you want? I run 245lb springs on all four corners and it's a pretty tight ride. This is a little stiffer than a stock STi. You definately feel potholes and bumps in the road and city streets. Knowing how harsh is acceptable to you will let you pick a spring rate.

Once you have your spring rate you need to figure out if your struts will appropriately damp them. There are lots of strut options out there from using STi struts to KYB AGX's.

There's also the coilover option.

So to say the Prodrives are good for you, will be difficult to say unless you know the spring rate. You will also want to try and match your front and rear spring rates so you should be careful only changing one end at a time. How closely they match will be a matter of preference for you and how you want to fine tune your handling characteristics.


All that said, the stock SS suspension will work fine in Auto-X and I ran it for half a season. Admittably, I did upgrade when I started two-wheeling around the tight 180deg. turn arounds .

There are good options out there and lots that can be done to make your car handle great. Just as a general disclaimer - know that if you want your car to handle like the tricked out Miata's and MR2's - it's going to cost you a pretty penny. Good handling can be had affordably though.

Some searching on "Auto-X" should turn up some information relevant to your quest and spend a little time in the suspension commendium and stickies. That might help get you a little direction in the path you want to take.


EDIT : I just saw that you're over in Spokane so I'm assuming you're racing with ASNW. I'm glad you had a good time out there at the test-tune. I'm hoping to be out there for the may race but it's looking a little iffy. Anyrate, if I can make it out then I'll be happy to give you some rides and you can feel what my setup feels like. There's some knowledge guys in ASNW too that can answer some questions. One way or another though, I will be out in May to hang out so if you're there - I'd love to say howdy and go for a ride. I'm STOKED to see that we'll have a real presence with the first gen Legacy's this year .