GC8 style coilovers vs. 02+ WRX/STi coilovers

[livestrong14]

Hey guys,

Just wondering which would be better suited for a 91 SS.

I would think that the WRX/STi coilovers would have a better pre-set spring rate and dampning level. But don't you need to swap out the rear tophats to run those? The weight of the 02-07 cars is pretty comparable to the weight of our sport sedans, although we are a bit lighter.

Aren't the GC style coilovers, say TEIN, or CUSCO, a direct bolt in for our cars? Would their tophats work? My only concern with those is the fact that those cars weight 300+ pounds less than ours.

Anybody have any personal experience with either setup?

Thank you!
-Devan

[asc_up]

I had a Prodrive setup on my car for the GC8. I loved it. It lowered my car a bit and made handling so much better. Everything bolted in perfectly, except I used the GC style tophats (same as the 92-94 Legacy).

Then I landed some Bilstein coilovers for a WRX and I just changed the rear top hats to the GC top hats and they bolted in perfectly also.

Obviously, the coilovers are much stiffer and make the car not want to 'sag' BUT ride height is adjustable so yeah.

[jamal]

for some reason I feel like I've talked about how important the alignment is and how much 02+ stuff fucks it over multiple times.

You decide on a spring rate, and then have the dampers match. The weight difference between our cars, a GC, and a GD isn't really enough to worry about.

to summarize:
GC stuff fits perfectly

GC stuff is the BEST thing to use on our cars.

using wrx stuff is a BAD idea

[EtchyLives]

for some reason I feel like I've talked about how important the alignment is and how much 02+ stuff fucks it over multiple times.

Hilarious.

Next you're going to tell me that a BOV and a CAI without a tune on my 07 STi are going to cause problems.

At least you are kind enough to spell it out in clear terms and not simply say, "Do a search, n00b."

[skid542]

^^^ Jamal's comments were directed to answer the question of the original post. If you're going to make a comment, keep it on topic and not just chastise the method an answer was given.

Jamal know's his stuff when it comes to suspension and has answered TONS of these questions. He has the right to make the comment he did.

Devan, I'm in agreement with Jamal in that the GC8 is the way to go. The minimal weight difference between won't affect things when you're talking the stiff springs and associated dampers that will come with the coilovers. Keep in mind that most, not all, modded cars weigh a little more than their stock curb weight once you add all the braces and such and this has never been issue as far as suspension is concerned.

[EtchyLives]

^^^ Jamal's comments were directed to answer the question of the original post. If you're going to make a comment, keep it on topic and not just chastise the method an answer was given.

Oops. I'm sorry. I was actually agreeing with Jamal wholeheartedly. I understand his frustration in saying the same thing time and again.

I wasn't chastising him at all.

Perhaps I should use smileys next time?

[skid542]

D'oh, the downfalls on internet forums and lack of tone strike again.

Sorry if I came off a little strong.

[EtchyLives]

D'oh, the downfalls on internet forums and lack of tone strike again.

Sorry if I came off a little strong.

Meh. I'm a long time internet warrior. I can take it.

Cheers.

[skid542]

Haha, word .

[92ss satinsvoice]

ive got a set of 02 wrx H&R coilovers on my legacy. other then needing an alignment. it works just fine.

[ciper]

We should be careful when saying 02+ because there are some suspension changes on the newer models making strut interchanges tricky. Specifically different spring shapes and mounting holes on the hub.

[Adam West]

There's a struts and springs conversion and fit guide sticky...is there anything similar on coilovers?

I'm looking at used coilovers on Nabisco and all they give me is 5x100 and perhaps the year car they have - but WRX folks are posting coilovers on the GC8 used fs as well so I'm confused...

I know that GC8 stuff will work nearly perfectly as a rule of thumb but the market is much larger for folks that have WRX et al. so would like to tap into what does and doesn't work. Like these for instance...

http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/showthr ... ?t=1738796

I don't expect a what works by coilover but perhaps a rule of thumb by MY. New thread and sticky?

Thanks in advance for the help!

AW

[PhyrraM]

If you specify WRX WAGON, most of the alignment related stuff is taken out of the picture. You still need to deal with the rear tophats and spring shapes.

Also keep in mind that with most coil-overs you can specify your springrate. Sometimes before purchase, sometimes after. But because most coilovers use a standard spring design it's usually pretty easy to pick your rate, length, diameter, etc. Companies like Eibach stock most anything you might need.

My personal first choice would be GC coilovers with springrates I choose. Full disclosure...I run Bugeye STI wagon struts and spring with Legacy tophats.