RCE springs installed on 2013 subaru legacy

Mixed feelings.

Uneven surfaces: sometimes it works well with OEM struts/shocks and sometimes there is a bounce. I should have listened to my inner voice when I was deciding yay or nay.

Obviously with stiffer lowering springs, there is a little less roll and the center of gravitiy is lowered and the fender gap is smaller.

The drop was roughly 3/4" or .8 as they say.

I really need a proper dampener for these springs. I am reluctant to take fast turns because I can't predict the reaction with OEM dampeners.

Like I said, it is a mixed bag. I could take it or leave it, but it is on there now.

If the OEM struts/shocks wear out, and we don't have a Bilstein solution, I'm going with coilovers.

Left pic is OEM. Right pic is RCE


Updated at bottom of page. Pics can also be found in my album.

RCE blacks, OEM struts, 17x8 +40 OZ, 245/45/17 SS

Quick note: There is still a bit of a bounce, but, to reiterate, it is better with the new rim/tire combo because I have a little less sidewall. I wouldn't go 18" for my street setup. And, there is more grip.

My non-scientific testing: An onramp.
2012 G37S sedan OEM tires with wider wheels....46mph
2013 Subaru 225/55/16 DW all around.................44mph
2013 Subaru 225/55/16 DW all around with RCE...45mph
2013 Subaru 245/45/17 SS all around with RCE....47mph

It may have been able to do 48, but at that limit and in the dark, it's hard to keep an eye on the guage.

With the new setup, there is a "bit" of understeer. I believe that has more to do with the camber after lowering. I was at -0.5 front and -1.5 rear. When I go back in a week or so for another alignment, I will see if I can get it to -1.0 all around

Sounds good. They will grow on you as they settle and as you get used to the new setup.

Update:

I've gone ahead with my new tire and wheel setup. I took a drive through a few twisties. The "bounce" is slightly reduced as i went from 225/55/16 Conti DW to 245/45/17 Michelin SS. Overall weight is still around 38.5# per corner.

Lots of grip and not much roll, but these seats are horrible and can't hold me in place.

Still looking forward to the Bilsteins, but, now with less sidewall, I'd say it is better to have the RCE springs than not to have.

Originally Posted by fredrik94087

Update: I've gone ahead with my new tire and wheel setup. I took a drive through a few twisties. The "bounce" is slightly reduced as i went from 225/55/16 Conti DW to 245/45/17 Michelin SS. Overall weight is still around 38.5# per corner. Lots of grip and not much roll, but these seats are horrible and can't hold me in place. Still looking forward to the Bilsteins, but, now with less sidewall, I'd say it is better to have the RCE springs than not to have.

Not too shabby. Yep, we need the Bilstein shock/struts ASAP. For now I've settled at a NYC daily driver looks-vs-comfort compromise: Enkei 18s wrapped with some Michelin MX4s, LGT OE sized@ 225/45.

And yes, also on my 2010 the seats are far from ideal for any kind of spirited driving. Plus they are too short (pathetic thigh support, at least @ 6'3"+).

Originally Posted by Perscitus

Not too shabby. Yep, we need the Bilstein shock/struts ASAP. For now I've settled at a NYC daily driver looks-vs-comfort compromise: Enkei 18s wrapped with some Michelin MX4s, LGT OE sized@ 225/45.

And yes, also on my 2010 the seats are far from ideal for any kind of spirited driving. Plus they are too short (pathetic thigh support, at least @ 6'3"+).

Even at 5'6" there is not enough thigh support.
The seats and seat-backs, when empty, appear to have enough lateral support, but the foam is so mushy that it flattens.

Any moar pics now that its settled?

Originally Posted by GTEASER

Any moar pics now that its settled?

Hmm...not sure if it has settled anymore. I will use my digital camera soon to get better pics. My phone is a POS.

Cheers!

So...no digital camera because as I was leaving this morning, I realized I didn't pick it up and I hadn't used it in over a year which means my batteries were probably dead anyway.

Therefore...I, once again used my cellphone's camera. The wife asked me why I was taking pictures of my car... It has not yet registered.

So...here are the pics. By the way, I don't believe the springs have really "settled" in a measurable way. I'm still reading about 3/4 or maybe a hair lower, but it is definitely not 1".

Please pardon the crappy pics. RCE blacks, OEM struts, 17x8 +40 OZ, 245/45/17 SS

Quick note: There is still a bit of a bounce, but, to reiterate, it is better with the new rim/tire combo because I have a little less sidewall. I wouldn't go 18" for my street setup. And, there is more grip.

My non-scientific testing: An onramp.
2012 G37S sedan OEM tires with wider wheels....46mph
2013 Subaru 225/55/16 DW all around.................44mph
2013 Subaru 225/55/16 DW all around with RCE...45mph
2013 Subaru 245/45/17 SS all around with RCE....47mph

It may have been able to do 48, but at that limit and in the dark, it's hard to keep an eye on the guage.

With the new setup, there is a "bit" of understeer. I believe that has more to do with the camber after lowering. I was at -0.5 front and -1.5 rear. When I go back in a week or so for another alignment, I will see if I can get it to -1.0 all around

Thanks for the pics!!! Lookin' good. I like your non-scientific, seat of your pants and speedo comparison...

Put a 22mm rear sway on it to get rid of the push. You'll get far better bite with the back wheels under power too.

Originally Posted by GTEASER

Thanks for the pics!!! Lookin' good. I like your non-scientific, seat of your pants and speedo comparison...

Put a 22mm rear sway on it to get rid of the push. You'll get far better bite with the back wheels under power too.

I am contemplating a bigger rear bar, but ONLY after I get the front and rear cambers closer to each other.

Then, I will re-do my "non-scientific, seat of your pants" test and see how the front and rear act up.

Cheers!