Jump to content
LegacyGT.com

Most comfortable spring/strut combo


vwaddict53

Recommended Posts

I'm looking at a 05 lgt wagon, read through the posts and I'm trying to find out what combo rides the best.. Performance is not top of the list just a good stance and ride.

 

Stock springs, freshen the struts with KYB's and RSB/Mounts. Koni's and Epics are not bad but they are not a cushy set up if ride is that important to you. If you want a Stock feeling ride quality, then I'd avoid drop. Check your LCA bushings before having an alignment done. They are notoriously known as "the Tennis ball".

All I need now is a hill holder and a center passing light...
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Biltein Rev C (USDM Spec B) struts and Eibach Pro Sport Springs (AKA Epic Engineering Springs). Great ride, minimal (~1") drop, and long-term durabilty.

 

Recommend replacing the front LCA bushings with offset bushing to get rid of the squirrelly wandering and braking. The additional benefit with the offset LCA bushing is that you gain .5* positive caster which transforms how the car turns-in, handles and brakes.

 

If you're going over 1" of drop, seriously consider doing a roll center/bump-steer kit. You'll thank yourself for that one.

- Pro amore Dei et patriam et populum -
Link to comment
Share on other sites

I actually recommend the offset LCA bushings whether you're dropping the car or staying at stock height. For the minimal (IMO) difference in NVH, the handling improvement is significant.

 

It would not make sense to add a RC/BSK unless you are dropping the ride more than 1". Steering geometry would be off, as would your camber (but this is adjustable to a point).

- Pro amore Dei et patriam et populum -
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Dale, do you recommend the caster bushings with a 1" drop over just the regular replacement bushings, i.e. whitelines? Been debating that for my setup (koni + epic)...

 

I have koni + eibach and I felt a great improvement with the castor bushings from whiteline. nhv increased very slightly but I only notice that when I hit big bumps. Handling feels great

Link to comment
Share on other sites

We like the Konis coupled with the stock or Epic springs for a great daily driver feel.

 

Additional items would be the rear and inner LCA bushings from Whiteline, we've done this on tons and tons of cars over the years and it helps with the longevity as well as control.

 

The rolle center kit isn't needed for a mild drop, but if you are going to be in there we have not seen any ill effects as long as you get it aligned properly afterward. On stock height it isn't needed but helps even with a mild drop.

 

-Mike Paisan

 

http://www.pbase.com/paisan/image/91072632.jpg http://www.pbase.com/paisan/image/145749898/original.jpg http://www.pbase.com/paisan/image/133406601.jpg http://www.whiteline.com.au/images/logos/perf1.jpg

11+ Years Maintaining, Modifying and Educating TriState Subaru Enthusiasts.

Call directly as We carry almost every manufacturer now, so before you buy parts call us.

Like us on Facebook! | E-mail: sales@azpinstalls.com | 725 Fairfield Ave | Kenilworth, NJ 07033 | 908.248.AZP1 (2971) | T-1 Certified Amsoil Direct Jobber |AIM: AZP Installs

"Race Tested, Enthusiast Approved!"

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I just took my 03 LGT to get the tires balanced, and was told my struts and LCA bushings are starting to go. I was planning on going to Blistein HDs and Epic (Eibach?) springs when the snow goes away, so the fact that the struts are dying isn't really a big deal to me. I just wanted to double check that these are the right LCA bushings that you guys are talking about, but for the 3rd gens
Link to comment
Share on other sites

I currently have Bilstein HDs and pinks and I can honestly say that while the performance gain over a stock Spec.B suspension is much better, it is an extremely harsh car to drive around a city or in any area with less than ideal roads.

 

Any suggestions on how to keep the drop and handling benefits of the Bilsteins/Pinks combo will significantly improving the comfort? With the EPic springs with the Bilsteins get me to where I want to be? Will the Konis with Epics be better?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Go koni. They will last longer with more spring rate, and you can dial them in how you like. Only draw back is more involved install and cost.

 

GR-2s are a decent strut, but I'd only consider them with stock springs. Has KYB released any other options for LGT?

All I need now is a hill holder and a center passing light...
Link to comment
Share on other sites

I currently have Bilstein HDs and pinks and I can honestly say that while the performance gain over a stock Spec.B suspension is much better, it is an extremely harsh car to drive around a city or in any area with less than ideal roads.

 

Any suggestions on how to keep the drop and handling benefits of the Bilsteins/Pinks combo will significantly improving the comfort? With the EPic springs with the Bilsteins get me to where I want to be? Will the Konis with Epics be better?

 

In the car game, everything is a compromise for the most part. Epics will not be as stiff and yield a better ride, but at the expense of that crisp handling etc.

 

So it is more of a personal decision as to what setup is best for you. Our usual suggestion is Pinks are only for hard-core folks who drive hard all the time and/or track their car as the ride is significantly stiffer.

 

-Mike Paisan

 

http://www.pbase.com/paisan/image/91072632.jpg http://www.pbase.com/paisan/image/145749898/original.jpg http://www.pbase.com/paisan/image/133406601.jpg http://www.whiteline.com.au/images/logos/perf1.jpg

11+ Years Maintaining, Modifying and Educating TriState Subaru Enthusiasts.

Call directly as We carry almost every manufacturer now, so before you buy parts call us.

Like us on Facebook! | E-mail: sales@azpinstalls.com | 725 Fairfield Ave | Kenilworth, NJ 07033 | 908.248.AZP1 (2971) | T-1 Certified Amsoil Direct Jobber |AIM: AZP Installs

"Race Tested, Enthusiast Approved!"

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Go koni. They will last longer with more spring rate, and you can dial them in how you like. Only draw back is more involved install and cost.

 

GR-2s are a decent strut, but I'd only consider them with stock springs. Has KYB released any other options for LGT?

 

Any thoughts on kyb vs koni with the epic springs?

 

You can get away with KYBs coupled with Epics, but if you can afford it the Konis are significantly better matched and provide more of a european sedan feel.

 

-Mike Paisan

 

http://www.pbase.com/paisan/image/91072632.jpg http://www.pbase.com/paisan/image/145749898/original.jpg http://www.pbase.com/paisan/image/133406601.jpg http://www.whiteline.com.au/images/logos/perf1.jpg

11+ Years Maintaining, Modifying and Educating TriState Subaru Enthusiasts.

Call directly as We carry almost every manufacturer now, so before you buy parts call us.

Like us on Facebook! | E-mail: sales@azpinstalls.com | 725 Fairfield Ave | Kenilworth, NJ 07033 | 908.248.AZP1 (2971) | T-1 Certified Amsoil Direct Jobber |AIM: AZP Installs

"Race Tested, Enthusiast Approved!"

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I think you guys have me sold on Koni/epic and most def the lca bushings.

 

One concern on the lca front bushing, offset or not? Could the installer screw up and put the offset ones in wrong?

 

The Whiteline LCAs are adjustable, so when you get it aligned which you need to do about 200 miles after the spring install, they can adjust it to set the caster. Well worth it to get a bit more caster out of the car.

 

-Mike Paisan

 

http://www.pbase.com/paisan/image/91072632.jpg http://www.pbase.com/paisan/image/145749898/original.jpg http://www.pbase.com/paisan/image/133406601.jpg http://www.whiteline.com.au/images/logos/perf1.jpg

11+ Years Maintaining, Modifying and Educating TriState Subaru Enthusiasts.

Call directly as We carry almost every manufacturer now, so before you buy parts call us.

Like us on Facebook! | E-mail: sales@azpinstalls.com | 725 Fairfield Ave | Kenilworth, NJ 07033 | 908.248.AZP1 (2971) | T-1 Certified Amsoil Direct Jobber |AIM: AZP Installs

"Race Tested, Enthusiast Approved!"

Link to comment
Share on other sites

The Whiteline LCAs are adjustable, so when you get it aligned which you need to do about 200 miles after the spring install, they can adjust it to set the caster. Well worth it to get a bit more caster out of the car.

 

With these do you still align the car to the recommended specs or something different?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

If you're after comfort you may find a rubber bushing transmits less noise and harshness into the cabin. The GrpN bushings are still rubber, but much firmer than stock. More caster is nice but it does work the power steering harder.
Obligatory '[URL="http://legacygt.com/forums/showthread.php/2008-gh8-238668.html?t=238668"]build thread[/URL]' Increased capacity to 2.7 liters, still turbo, but no longer need spark plugs.
Link to comment
Share on other sites

With these do you still align the car to the recommended specs or something different?

 

We usually recommend going to maximum caster, it will give a better drive, but otherwise a stock alignment works best.

 

-Mike Paisan

 

http://www.pbase.com/paisan/image/91072632.jpg http://www.pbase.com/paisan/image/145749898/original.jpg http://www.pbase.com/paisan/image/133406601.jpg http://www.whiteline.com.au/images/logos/perf1.jpg

11+ Years Maintaining, Modifying and Educating TriState Subaru Enthusiasts.

Call directly as We carry almost every manufacturer now, so before you buy parts call us.

Like us on Facebook! | E-mail: sales@azpinstalls.com | 725 Fairfield Ave | Kenilworth, NJ 07033 | 908.248.AZP1 (2971) | T-1 Certified Amsoil Direct Jobber |AIM: AZP Installs

"Race Tested, Enthusiast Approved!"

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Archived

This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.



×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

Terms of Use