drunkinmonk Posted October 10, 2013 Share Posted October 10, 2013 So I have read every thread about lowering here and on outback forum. I thought I knew what I was going for but after reading those threads there are a few options. I'm going for better handling and also like the lowered look. I originally was looking for a lg gt wagon 5mt but that was to difficult to find. This is my DD and I plan to do some autocrossing. As of now I've done one event with the stock set up and had a blast. I beat my friends one was in a 2012 wrx hatchback stock and the other was in a last gen eclipse spyder lowered. Keep in mind this was our first autocross ever so with more seat time I'm sure they will beat me if I don't upgrade my suspension. I'm not trying to go hardcore into autocrossing but I still want to be able to have fun and be competitive with my friends cars. I have a $1000 budget. Option 1: I purchased a set of used struts/springs from a legacy 100k miles on them for $50 + $60 shipping. Already paid not part of the $1000 budget. I was going to purchase koni inserts $600 and use the legacy springs. I'm not very mechanically inclined so I'd have to pay a local club member to do this for me. That's one negative to this is that it's just not plug and play. However if the handlings is better then the next set up it maybe with it. OPTION 2: there's a group buy on kyb struts and epic springs at infamous for 585 shipped. That's plug and play and will give me a 1" drop Lower then option 1. It maybe the easiest install but may not be the best setup for autocrossing. This would leave me with my legacy struts and springs useless to me and need to sell them. Option 3. Get kyb for $285 and throw the legacy spring on them. Purchase sway bars. Option 4. Use the legacy struts get the koni inserts $600 and use the outback or legacy springs. I also want a tune and this will be a definite cost associated regardless of which option I go with for suspension, so that will be 150 for the wire to connect to my laptop and 150 for the tune. $300 total. Depending on which option I choose I may have money left over for sway bars so is it best to go with option 3? Decent struts and springs with sway better than koni without sway? Anyone running any of these suspension options or had experience with them that can give me feedback our advice? Thanks in advance. I'm planning on purchasing this soon but won't do the actually install still spring. I want to enjoy the height of the outback for at least one winter in Maine. All these options! I need help please. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moderators BarManBean Posted October 10, 2013 Moderators Share Posted October 10, 2013 Buy my tokicos and pick out a set of springs "Bullet-proof" your OEM TMIC! <<Buy your kit here>> Not currently in stock Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BX77 Posted October 10, 2013 Share Posted October 10, 2013 Buy my 05 LGT KYB rear wagon struts with 8K on them For $5O + shipping and you have extra money, win , win for both of us Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
drunkinmonk Posted October 10, 2013 Author Share Posted October 10, 2013 Thanks guys. I don't mind you guys pitching me but you have not given me a reason to go with your set up. It's now more confusing with more options. Why are you getting rid of your set up? What did you like and what didn't you like? I'm in sales, at least make an effort to tell me why I should buy it beside its a win win. Cause it maybe on your end but I still don't know if it is in my end. Just like my purchase on my used legacy struts and springs...I'm kinda regretting now. Honestly I do appreciate the offers but I would like some more information about why I should buy your set up. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moderators BarManBean Posted October 10, 2013 Moderators Share Posted October 10, 2013 Here's my real advice: If you stick with stock struts or KYBs, don't put a lowering / aftermarket spring in the equation. Stock / KYB replacements are underdamped for aftermarket springs and will wear faster. A good set of struts (konis / tokicos) paired with some nice springs will likely be more comfortable, longer lasting, and better performing than cheaper coilovers--allthough YMMV. Konis / epics are a popular combination. You could easily sub in tokicos in that equation instead of the konis since both are adjustable so that you can match them to play nice with the springs that you install. Another option for lowering an outback is installing LGT-spec struts like Konis/Tokicos and reusing the stock outback springs. You'll maintain some ride height, but you'll essentially "preload" the stock outback springs since you are putting them on a shorter strut which will give them some extra firmness like aftermarket springs--I was going to go this route with the Tokicos before I found a great set of coilovers at a great price--if not for that I'd be on tokicos/stock OBXT springs right now. Using stock LGT springs is also an option and after market struts with stock springs would also be a significant upgrade. Sways are great, but picking between struts/springs or sways--struts / springs will provide a larger difference (this is coming from experience with both setups) "Bullet-proof" your OEM TMIC! <<Buy your kit here>> Not currently in stock Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BX77 Posted October 10, 2013 Share Posted October 10, 2013 Not sure about the Outback, I went with Koni's with Epic springs in the end, I had the KYB's with OEM then With Epic. And though both setups sucked. If I drove on smooth rodes it was fine. Now I would like to put the OEM springs and get rid of the Epics I guess you can't have it all Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kongzilla Posted October 10, 2013 Share Posted October 10, 2013 If you plan to lower and autox your car so you can be on a even playing field with your pals, you're going to need a lot more then just springs and shocks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
drunkinmonk Posted October 11, 2013 Author Share Posted October 11, 2013 If you plan to lower and autox your car so you can be on a even playing field with your pals, you're going to need a lot more then just springs and shocks. I don't want to be on a even playing field I like being the under dog. I just want it to handle better than it does now. I want people to be surprised about my wagon and have them think it's more driver skill than anything else. Thank you for the advice....I would love to here other options too. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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