STI Pink Springs

[tkau007]

Hi all,

Interesting read.

Has anyone got a direct comparison in ride quality/handling of stock spec-b billies vs sti pinks on a post-face wagon?

Interested to know if there is a noticeable difference?

Cheers

[bigBADbenny]

They’re going to be a wee bit firmer due to slightly stiffer springs.

How worn out the dampers are will be of greater consequence to ride quality imho.

[tkau007]

Thanks BBB.

Correct me if i'm wrong, they'll be stiffer (and lower the ride height by about 10mm?)

Do they run the same Bilstein shocks or are they different to the standard spec-B?

Cheers.

[bigBADbenny]

Its independent of struts but you’ll have a way better experience with new struts than worn out items. Bigtime.

Eg our 2.5i is on Koni yellows in kyb housings and rallitek springs. Sublime because the koni’s are proper stuff.

[bigBADbenny]

Lowering should still be a legal height, as they’re oem equipment.

Prefl tbSTi springs are somewhat lower than postfl.

Neither will lower a 2.5i appreciably as that model is lighter at the front.

Depending on your body type and how old the springs are, you may require butt spacers to correct the rake of the chassis.

[bigBADbenny]

Lowering should still be a legal height, as they’re oem equipment.

Prefl tbSTi springs are somewhat lower than postfl.

Neither will lower a 2.5i appreciably as that model is lighter at the front. Iirc King Lows are a viable solution on new dampers (2.5i).

Depending on your body type and what type/how old the springs are, you may require butt spacers to correct the rake of the chassis.

[tkau007]

Thanks BBB,

So if in good nic will lower slightly but ride should stay more or less the same, assuming good condition for both.

Had Koni's on your GT too? Would you consider or just go straight for coilovers?

[bigBADbenny]

Springs appear to be springs regardless, some are apparently wound to be more linear or progressive.

Eg the ralliteks on our 2.5i’s koni’s are regarded as touring spec, but the dampers are adjustable regardless, so it’s quite a lot like the Shockworks regardless:

Composed and in control, unnoticeable in use, till you’re pleasantly suprised by the recovery under duress.

Eg NOT lacking, as befits the chassis, something you’d potentially enjoy exploring the outer limits of traction in closed quarters (circuit) with a helmet on.

No bandaid swaybars, but iirc both cars have caster adjust LCA’s.
Well the GT does, the 2.5i has red ones, by request at the pre purchase RWC.

Its really down to your budget.

I’d take new kyb’s and pinks over any worn out billies for example.

But long term it’s a spare set of koni’s on RSR downs and service the 5yo SW once finances stabilise

But new koni’s might be say $1200 Plus springs, and potentially a donor set of KYB’s for the front strut housings and hardware eg hats all round.
Shockworks are around $2200.
Kybs iirc retail for $600 plus springs for say $400 hopefully less.

[Turbo Lag]

I've tried both the tbSTI stock setup (Pink springs + Bilsteins) on my wagon and the normal 3.0R spec.B on a sedan (standard springs + Bilsteins) back to back.

My shocks were in terrible condition, whereas the 3.0R spec.B still had some life left in them (as a point of reference).

Honestly I think the spec.B standard setup is better overall, due to the Pink springs being progressive. The car was quite unpredictable and leaned in every dimension too much, until it reached the stronger section of the spring where the car felt like it was floating. The standard setup is not progressive and was a lot more intuitive and easy to drive (albeit the shocks still had some life in them).

Even with good condition shocks with the Pink springs, I'm pretty convinced they won't be great. I'm not entirely sure why people upgrade to these at all. It's not like the progressive springs felt any better in ride quality either.

Ben hit the nail on the head IMO - all depends on budget.

IMO for 2.2k you can't go wrong with Shockworks.
Don't bother with any of the other coilover setups - nothing seems to compare.
Else you'll be matching springs/shocks as Ben mentioned to get decent bang for buck.

[bigBADbenny]

There’s me talking out of my hat again!
I don’t think I’ve ever been in a pinks equipped car!
Thanks Leon
Is the telltale for progressive springs that the coils are more tightly wound at one end?

[Turbo Lag]

There’s me talking out of my hat again!
I don’t think I’ve ever been in a pinks equipped car!
Thanks Leon
Is the telltale for progressive springs that the coils are more tightly wound at one end?

Yes I believe you're correct - although I'm sure that there are going to be some exceptions to the rule. Personally I'm not a fan of progressive springs as they tend to feel unnatural to drive on - however I'm sure manufacturers now have managed to tune their cars to suit these better. I don't think Subaru did a very good job with them and the standard springs have stood the test of time better. I think the progressiveness is exacerbated when the shocks have worn out as the car rolls to a point where it scrapes the rear end on hard launches. TL;DR: don't bother with these - the standard Bilsteins + springs are fine!