Suspension help/mods for 2009 2.5i

I tried looking everywhere on this forum for an already posted thread. Basically I'm trying to mod my suspension as much as possible. I'm running everything stock as of right now (suspension wise). Just hitting the smallest of bumps is like driving into a ditch. Any suggestions on where to start?

 

My main thing is I need a smoother ride, I drive in the city a lot and a small bump feels like a pot hole and a pot hole feels like a crater. Not sure if tires play a huge part but I'm running on Yokohama Avid ENVigor tires. Appreciate any help!

 

 

 

 

http://img824.imageshack.us/img824/9974/img00083201106041642.jpg

Uploaded with ImageShack.us

All suspension for the Legacy GT fit the 2.5i, with the exception of a front sway bar.

New struts first up.

New struts first up.

 

Agreed. Go with Konis.

3 things I was looking at right off the bat are as follows, Let me know what you think... Not looking to spend over 3k is my goal

 

1) ISC Suspension N1 Coilovers (I was looking at Tein's also)

2) Whiteline Rear Swaybar Fixed

3) Carbing Front Strut Tower Bar

 

 

Keep in mind I am only looking to get a better ride, this car will never see a track let alone be on one.

I would stick away from coilovers. They require a lot of maintenance that most people don't follow and will make plenty of noises and pops that you probably don't want. There are plenty of good struts out there and enough spring options to get the ride height you are looking for. Honestly Konis w/Epic, STi pink, Rallitek springs will give you a great ride, allow you to keep your droop travel, and give you a nice stance.

 

The rear sway should be accompanied with endlinks at least and possibly AVO re enforcement brackets. All that should run you under 3k and give you money to play around with. If you have any questions about pricing on parts we can get most stuff on the market.

 

-Jake

 

http://www.pbase.com/paisan/image/91072632.jpg http://www.pbase.com/paisan/image/133406601.jpg

AIM: AZP Installs | E-mail: sales@azpinstalls.com | 725 Fairfield Ave | Kenilworth, NJ 07033 | 908.248.AZP1 (2971) | T-1 Certified Amsoil Dealer

"Race Tested, Enthusiast Approved!"

If you do want a better ride, go with Koni/Epic combo. Coilovers won't give you a better ride, unless you go with RCE or KWs.

 

I have a JDM Cusco Rear Sway. So far so good. Whiteline should be okay, its only 20mm. Cusco is 21mm.

 

Strut Tower Bar, from what I know, they don't help. Only for looks. Correct me if I'm wrong.

Strut tower bars are more for motor sports applications where you are stressing the chassis of the car as well as the suspension. They keep the chassis mounts where they should be under heavy cornering. On the street they are just for looks. Over time a stressed chassis wont hold its form as well and shows another reason to get those bars but again, on the street you wouldnt notice it one way or another.

 

-Jake

 

http://www.pbase.com/paisan/image/91072632.jpg http://www.pbase.com/paisan/image/133406601.jpg

AIM: AZP Installs | E-mail: sales@azpinstalls.com | 725 Fairfield Ave | Kenilworth, NJ 07033 | 908.248.AZP1 (2971) | T-1 Certified Amsoil Dealer

"Race Tested, Enthusiast Approved!"

Thanks for the clarification Jake!

I just have a 20mm JDM RSB, OEM FSB and OEM endlinks. The upgrade was still great.

 

My current suspension setup is as follows:

Koni struts with Eibach springs

Whiteline offset LCA bushings

Whiteline steering rack bushings

JDM 20mm RSB

225/40 18 star specs wrapped around Kosei Racing K1 TS wheels

 

I have under $2k into suspension/wheels but I did buy some items used. The overall ride is a bit harsher, but feel and control are great. I don't have to slow down around most turns if I don't want to. :-)

Find a used set of Bilstein struts and pair them with drop springs like Swift or STi Pink.

 

As others have said, any LGT offerings will fit the 2.5i.

 

 

I love my Bilstein / Pink set up. Not the lowest out there but the handling day to day is awesome. Comfy and compliant and much better than stock.

Thanks for the input, I really like the clean look of the Konis with epics.

 

Probably going to go with Whiteline rear sway, debating new end links but will probably get new ones (have to look into this more).

 

The Strut Tower Bar i'm still trying to decide on, not necessary so might hold off on that based on my driving needs.

 

@soloz2 - How do you like the Whiteline products (bushings)? Make a big difference in stearing. That's probably the 2nd avenue i'm going to check out after the suspension is done with.

 

Looking to get this done within the next 2 weeks if possible, will post pics when new gear is installed.

Whiteline has great service and their products are top notch. After getting the bushings installed my initi reaction was "wow, this is what the car should have been like all along!"

Whiteline puts the R&D into their stuff and they are quality products. Endlinks tend to be hit or miss between companies. Solid seems to be the safer over spherical as they hold up better over time. Kartboy and Whiteline have good options for those. Also remember to look into the rear sway bar re enforcement bracket to prevent any bending of the stock bracket.

 

-Jake

 

http://www.pbase.com/paisan/image/91072632.jpg http://www.pbase.com/paisan/image/133406601.jpg

AIM: AZP Installs | E-mail: sales@azpinstalls.com | 725 Fairfield Ave | Kenilworth, NJ 07033 | 908.248.AZP1 (2971) | T-1 Certified Amsoil Dealer

"Race Tested, Enthusiast Approved!"

i have the same car. i thought the ride was as smooth for a stock set up also. but when i replaced the front endlinks, the ride felt very nice.

 

now im on koni and h&r.

i have the same car. i thought the ride was as smooth for a stock set up also. but when i replaced the front endlinks, the ride felt very nice.

 

now im on koni and h&r.

 

Can you post a pic of your car? I think you're one of a few with h&rs.

 

I have the same car too and I just dropped it with a set of rallitek springs on stock struts. The drivers side factory front endlink got busted so I replaced w/ rallitek ones last weekend. Still waiting for the car to settle.