Suspension Upgrade time!

I've done a bit of performance upgrades to my 2005 LGT Wagon, Stage 2, some other stuff along the way, and such, now I'm wanting to put some time into the suspension. I'm picking up a set of Wagon specific swift springs in the next few weeks and I'm not wanting to just throw them on the stock struts. I figure I might as well do it right the first time than just make do. So I'm looking at Koni shocks vs. Bilstein HD Struts with Spec B Top Hats. It's about a $190 difference between the two options, obviously with the Bilsteins you don't have to modify the stock struts which is a plus. It's my DD, so I'm not looking to slam the car, simply looking for a little lower, better handling ride. So my question is for those of you with experience with either product, what do you like about them, would you recommend one over the other, etc.

What kind of driving do you do? I like my koni + swift + Perrin PSRS set up. Daily driven handles well but the front isn't that soft.

Like I said, it's my daily driver but I'm looking to lower it a little and tighten up the suspension, trying to eliminate some of the body roll, etc. We don't have too bad of roads, I drive in downtown seattle here and there, but generally in the suburbs which don't have too many rough or uneven roads.

I would do Konis for a few reasons. The Konis are adjustable so you can fine tune them to our driving style and roads. The Konis also carry a lifetime warranty.

With the Konis, you have to add an extra washer to get the specb/groupn top hats to work properly.

Otherwise it is really a toss up. Don't forget all the other suspension bits as well that will tighten up the car and are often wear items. LCA bushings, steering rack bushings, etc.

-Mike Paisan


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!"

Thanks Mike! Looks like Konis are probably the route I'll go. I'll have to check out those other parts, see if I can just do it all at once. Any particular LCA and steering rack bushings you'd go with?

SWAYBARS.
SWAYBARS.
SWAYBARS.

And some swaybars.

Originally Posted by LegacyKid5

Thanks Mike! Looks like Konis are probably the route I'll go. I'll have to check out those other parts, see if I can just do it all at once. Any particular LCA and steering rack bushings you'd go with?

We have had good luck with the whiteline products. They stand behind their products which for us is very important.

-Mike Paisan


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!"

Originally Posted by LosAngelesLGT

SWAYBARS.
SWAYBARS.
SWAYBARS.

And some swaybars.

Haha that's next on my list! So bummed I missed the Hotchkis group buy from infamous, that would have been perfect. So I'm considering some whiteline bars. Any suggestions on sizing?

Originally Posted by AZP Installs

We have had good luck with the whiteline products. They stand behind their products which for us is very important.

-Mike Paisan


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!"

Great, I'll look into those! Thanks.

Originally Posted by LegacyKid5

Haha that's next on my list! So bummed I missed the Hotchkis group buy from infamous, that would have been perfect. So I'm considering some whiteline bars. Any suggestions on sizing?

Ive got the Hotchkis on both cars
I was also very happy with the Cuscos I had but they are a little spendy.

Originally Posted by LosAngelesLGT

Ive got the Hotchkis on both cars

I know, I've looked at your build thread. So jealous... Haha. You've got a good looking RBP, representing it well.

swaybars will help with the body roll, more than the springs will.

Originally Posted by boxkita

swaybars will help with the body roll, more than the springs will.

I figured as much, sways are next on my agenda. I'm picking up some swift wagon specific springs locally for a reasonable price, so struts and springs was first. As for sways, any thoughts about running perrin 25mm sways front and rear?

I have no opinion on the Perrin product. I have the Cobb setup with Cobb reinforcements, set on the softest setting in the rear.

If I was to guess, the Perrin 25 mm on soft in the rear, and 22mm on soft in the front would probably work. If you are tracking your car, you will want to test the settings to be sure.

Search is going to be your friend on this question. Especially, if you can talk to someone who uses them.

You might be interested in this deal - http://legacygt.com/forums/showthrea...sb-193873.html