A bit softer than I'd expected?

[subnub]

After owning my car for a few months and everything being settled now, I'm still a little surprised at how soft/bouncy the stock suspension is. It's nice and comfy and is reasonably controlled considering it's a luxo car with some poke (rather than being a boy racer with a bit of leather splashed around inside), and I've come from Skylines with track-biased suspension (firm but controlled movement), so maybe my perception of what constitutes 'firm' suspension is a bit skewed?

Anyway, when the pace picks up and I go around a fairly quick sweeping corner for example, it gets a bit of a bounce up, and bumps really unsettle it... it feels almost like slightly worn shocks, or stock shocks with stiffer springs. The other day I went over a couple of undulations in the road and it bottomed out in the back surprisingly easily too (though I did have people in the back), so maybe the STi springs aren't overly stiff anyway. I don't expect (nor want) it to ride like a go kart, but I'd prefer it was a bit more composed, and I'd prefer not to have to replace anything... apart from anything else, the bug might bite

Just wondering if this sounds like normal fare, or whether it's something I should check out? I'll probably mention it at the next service anyway but figured who better to ask that a bunch of people with pretty much the same car, who are all likely to drive hard enough to notice

[smythie]

you probably asked the wrong mob. Most will tell you to get some better suspension like Tiens

My experience with the 3RB (ie "standard" springs on Bilsteins) is that their compression is overly harsh for my liking. I can't feel any problems indicating rebound is overly hard or soft though - it doesn't seem to pack down nor does it seem to float about.

Of course, my perception of excessive compression harshness could just be the thing compressing through to the end of the stroke too easily too, but I am reasonably confident it is too hard.

back to your problem, the rear bottoming out could be a function of the shorter STi springs - the shocks have less compression travel available in comparison to standard. If the undulations were close together it could also be stiff rebound packing the shock down.

Have a talk to some suspension guru's. I reckon you might be able to get the shocks rebuilt to the specs you want.

[Arith]

The STi springs were one of the first things I chucked in favour of better performers. For anything other than a comfortable ride (even then they're a bit bouncy for my liking), they are not that great. I think they're there to play the role of making the STi version look a little bit more aggressive, but that's about it.

If you're looking for a better ride and much better cornering and handling, put the pink springs aside and get yourself a set of Tein S.Tech's, H&R, or even Eibachs. Then compliment it with a set of front and rear sway bars. The car will not only look a lot better with a more aggressive stance, but the ride is more compliant and settled. On top of which cornering and handling will be night & day difference.

[Arith]

On second thought, try not to do anything! I started off with "I'm only going to upgrade the springs. That's it!" A year later I'm sending Phat's kid through college with what I've spent on mods. So run now! Run away quickly! Don't look back.

[Resonate]

A year later I'm sending Phat's kid through college with what I've spent on mods.

That.. Is.. Hilarious.

[adam]

A year later I'm sending Phat's kid through college with what I've spent on mods.

That.. Is.. Hilarious.

there is always hilarity in truth...

[MY07GT]

I started off with "I'm only going to upgrade the springs. That's it!"

I remember you telling me that! LOL! Boy look where we are now!

Phil.

[senator]

subnud....right on the money with your comments, they a far too soft.

tein s tech a the go if you can get them for the right price

[coyote]

Bah, Marc has spent so much time in shitbox dattos that cars with suspension that actually moves just don't feel right.

[SMI77]

We previously had a MY07 3.0R Spec B, and agree the Bilsteins were annoyingly harsh. Apparently the Japs like their suspensions hard.
...and I say equine excreta to Subaru Aust if they try to say our models are tuned to Aussie conditions!

To H6 owners, I agree the donk is silky smooth, and after a yawn, gets going, whereas the T4 has totally different character.

The 08 tbSTi's suspension is extremely disappointing for the $$'s paid and the supposed technology within.

I will be buying f/r Whitelines, as they appear to be the best bang for your buck.
I am also considering Teins, so far thinking about coilovers.
Jim, what were the Bilsteins like after you changed the springs?

But, Tony, before you do anything, do you have a STi Lower Arm Bar fitted from new- refer separate post.
If not, you should complain to your dealer about that.
The difference is quite surprising.
My handbrake, who doesn't hang about and has her favourite corners, now comes home smiling after a drive.

[scary]

Does anyone know who stocks Tein S techs in WA or what the part numbers are for the Bilstiens?

[GTSPECB STI]

try www.VisionR.com.au SOR
TEIN Coilovers - Many models available from HA, RA, FLEX, Tein s-tech springs, please enquire for pricing

or www.xspeed.com.au/shop/index.php?cPath=30

[senator]

We previously had a MY07 3.0R Spec B, and agree the Bilsteins were annoyingly harsh. Apparently the Japs like their suspensions hard.
...and I say equine excreta to Subaru Aust if they try to say our models are tuned to Aussie conditions!

To H6 owners, I agree the donk is silky smooth, and after a yawn, gets going, whereas the T4 has totally different character.

The 08 tbSTi's suspension is extremely disappointing for the $$'s paid and the supposed technology within.

I will be buying f/r Whitelines, as they appear to be the best bang for your buck.
I am also considering Teins, so far thinking about coilovers.
Jim, what were the Bilsteins like after you changed the springs?

But, Tony, before you do anything, do you have a STi Lower Arm Bar fitted from new- refer separate post.
If not, you should complain to your dealer about that.
The difference is quite surprising.
My handbrake, who doesn't hang about and has her favourite corners, now comes home smiling after a drive.

Which tony a you refering too???? me???

if so i have the cusco front lower brace fitted to mine..... a far better option then the sti lower arm.

but i will still be chasing subaru for the part i paid for and never got....

[TorpedoCreative]

Does anyone know who stocks Tein S techs in WA or what the part numbers are for the Bilstiens?

I bought mine through Phat and got then got them fitted locally. Heaps better price than xspeed.

James

[Arith]

I am also considering Teins, so far thinking about coilovers.

If you can afford it, coilovers would be the best option. Not only can you set your own ride height, and then adjust it according to the situation or when you feel like it, but I would rate it a better ride than a S.Tech/Bilstein combo in terms of ride comfort and handling. Well, that's my experience with the Tein Type Flex anyway.

Jim, what were the Bilsteins like after you changed the springs?

Very settled and comfortable. The car just feels too unsettled and jittery with the STi/Bilstein setup. I didn't feel very comfortable taking corners too hard. However once you switch to S.Techs, the ride is more planted. It absorbs bumps with comfort instead of bouncing around. And cornering and handling are a pleasure. The S.Tech/Bilstein setups kicks the ass of the STi/Bilstein setup.