Swift springs on 2013 Legacy 2.5i 6MT
 

Folks, here is my attempt to run 5th gen's LGT Swift springs on my 2013 2.5i 6MT. No one really know how it will fit because Subaru made some improvements to the suspension of the 2013s. It was a gamble for me, but I think things worked out pretty well. Here are some pictures:

http://imageshack.us/a/img29/7580/img1368bk.jpg
http://imageshack.us/a/img163/4293/img1369xc.jpg
http://imageshack.us/a/img33/7696/img1371id.jpg
http://imageshack.us/a/img109/5527/img1381wc.jpg
http://imageshack.us/a/img803/4207/img1378k.jpg

I took some measurements from the ground to the top middle of the wheel arches:
Left Front: 26 3/4"
Right Front: 26 11/16"
Left Rear: 26 7/8"
Right Rear: 27 11/16"

I say the overall car sit very even with the exception of the right rear, where it sits almost an inch taller than the other three. I believe there is something I can do to correct this, but I am too lazy to go back under the car. The stock can be fitted 0 deg and 180 deg. I believe rotating it 180 deg may help it to sit level with the others. Has anyone corner balance a 5th gen? Is the right rear the lightness?

Driving impression:
So far I have driven on the new setup for about 40 miles, and I live in close proximity to some very rough roads. To my surprise, the car felt almost if not exactly the same as the stock 2013 springs. This is a good thing! The car is about 1.25-1.5 inches lower, so obviously the difference is that I hit the bump travel is shorter than stock. I did a few quick high speed turns, I did not feel much improvements over the stock 2013 springs from the seat of my pants. This makes me wonder how do the spring rates of the stock 2013 springs compare. If you have a 2013 2.5i, I would get these for aesthetic purpose only.

While I had the car apart, I took the liberty to write down the part numbers there were stamped on the struts/shocks.
Front: 20310AJ07A, 20310AJ06A
Rear: 20365AJ04 (note: there is no A behind the 4)

I am not sure how these would compare to the pre-2013 LGT, or non-GT models. Maybe a good option if your stock setup are blown, and time for some replacement.

I will have to find the motivation to get back under to car to fix the right rear. Hopefully I can get it within half an inch to the other three. <Update> The right rear was slightly corrected, more details in Post #19.

looks bueno. any measurements of the stock ride height?

Beautiful looking car..

I had to rush through to finish the job, so I forgot to get the before data, sorry.

Thanks for looking up the numbers for the shocks. I looked up the rear and there should be an A after the number.
http://www.partswebsite.com/subarupa...0365AJ04a.html

Overall it's around 476 before shipping for all 4 struts which is not bad at all for firmer shocks. Half of what I am paying for Bilsteins which I will pair with Swifts.

Yes, when I google that part number, there is an A, but the A is not stamped on the shock.

What Bilsteins are you referring to?

I know that thread, but that product hasn't release from RCE development yet.

Sounds like there is really no substantial difference from stock.. These are progressive springs rigt? Also, are ya thinking of replacing the struts too? I understand that the swifts are relatively new & that you might detect some differences over time.

Considering blacking out headlamps? I'd say you can take a break from modding after that, if ever.

Bilsteins ship this week.

:lol:

They are linear and were designed for 2010-2012 GT models only.

Good on you for being a "pioneer" in this sense and going for it. How many miles did the car have before you swapped the springs? Did you change out the rear sway bar? Are you running stock tires, and if so, what pressure?

So you said you didn't notice any big stiffness difference between stock 2013 springs and the Swifts? Looks like Subaru did stiffen things up for 2013. If this is true, it confirms to me that 2010-2012 is grossly undersprung (as if I didn't already know by the handling...LOL). This just made my decision to go for the stiffer RCE Blacks a no brainer. If there was a coilover option that used stock top hats, that would be even better.

Well, at least he didn't cut coils :lol: