cypher0117 Posted October 11, 2011 Share Posted October 11, 2011 I've heard swift springs are really nice. I don't know from any personal experience though. I have eibach springs and koni inserts. They get stiff over large bumps, but I don't even notice the small ones. The drop is slight but looks great in my opinion. http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y156/Cypher0117/lgt/IMG_0374a.jpg Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
peteyjr Posted October 11, 2011 Share Posted October 11, 2011 I wouldn't do swift springs if you are looking for a non slammed ride. They are a bit too low and you will lose suspension travel . There are other options out there for a more reasonable drop (rallitecs, IONS etc) . With the Bilsteins you may have to use saggy butt spacers in the rear to even the stance out. While the Bilsteins are really good , I would steer you towards Koni's (Which I have) . Their adjustability is an added plus especially for autocross. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
peteyjr Posted October 11, 2011 Share Posted October 11, 2011 (edited) That Eibach/Koni setup By cypher looks like a really good option. Here is my wagon on Koni's and IONS taking a turn on a X -cross course http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a0ce39b3127ccefb30a608f69700000030O00AaN2zRq2aNWYPbz4U/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D720/ry%3D480/ Edited October 11, 2011 by peteyjr added pic Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ChruiSSer Posted October 11, 2011 Share Posted October 11, 2011 Here's my wagon with Tein H-techs and a 3/8" spacer in the rear http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a74/chruisser/5c128bc9.jpg Here's the same setup with spacer on Swift Springs. http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a74/chruisser/79b0b222.jpg Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ohninegt25 Posted October 11, 2011 Share Posted October 11, 2011 swifts... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1stick3pedals Posted October 12, 2011 Share Posted October 12, 2011 I appreciate the input! My next question. Would the koni inserts combined with Epic Engineering Springs be similar/comparable to the setups mentioned above? Does anyone have a link to a vender for the koni inserts? What is involved in installing the koni inserts? I saw one thread where you have to drill, I'd prefer not to compromise stock parts in the event of going back to stock. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
N.sane Posted October 12, 2011 Share Posted October 12, 2011 Koni/EE would look like the Koni/Eibach pictured above since they're the same springs. It's a milder drop than Swifts, which IMO, is a good thing since our cars dont have much suspension travel to begin with. Fred Beans put together a pretty good DIY here: http://legacygt.com/forums/showthread.php/koni-shock-strut-epic-engineering-spring-install-145744.html If you want peace of mind, I suggest purchasing a used set of front struts. I did that myself and easily sold it to the next guy who wants a back-up for the Koni install. It's honestly not that complicated, just take your time and get the cutting and drilling done right. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blue Posted October 12, 2011 Share Posted October 12, 2011 I have Epics/Konis on my wagon. The stance and ride are perfect imho. Be warned that the rear Epics do squeak a bit. My install experience near the bottom of this page: http://legacygt.com/forums/showthread.php/koni-dampers-legacy-35073p28.html Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1stick3pedals Posted October 12, 2011 Share Posted October 12, 2011 Thanks for the link N.sane, I probably will buy an extra set. The adjustability of ride firmness definitely is a nice option with the konis. Blue, do you know if the squeaky rear springs are a common thing with Epic springs? If it is, does this happen with Eibachs as well? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cypher0117 Posted October 12, 2011 Share Posted October 12, 2011 Every once in a while I'll hear my rears 'groan'. I wouldn't call it a squeak as there is no high frequencies that I can hear. When I do hear it though, my stereo has to be off, open windows, quiet out, low speed (to keep road noise from hiding it) and I have to hit a fairly good sized bump (speed bump sized). Even then they don't always make the 'groaning' noise. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1stick3pedals Posted October 12, 2011 Share Posted October 12, 2011 Every once in a while I'll hear my rears 'groan'. I wouldn't call it a squeak as there is no high frequencies that I can hear. When I do hear it though, my stereo has to be off, open windows, quiet out, low speed (to keep road noise from hiding it) and I have to hit a fairly good sized bump (speed bump sized). Even then they don't always make the 'groaning' noise. It doesn't seem like it's a huge issue then. I'll probably end up going with konis and epics, especially after seeing that red legacy with the same set up in the fred beans thread. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
peteyjr Posted October 12, 2011 Share Posted October 12, 2011 Good choice/setup. You can also get Koni's from tirerack. MSprank from Infamous tuning on this board used to provide a service where he had cores and would do the cuts for you. Don't know if he still does. I appreciate the input! My next question. Would the koni inserts combined with Epic Engineering Springs be similar/comparable to the setups mentioned above? Does anyone have a link to a vender for the koni inserts? What is involved in installing the koni inserts? I saw one thread where you have to drill, I'd prefer not to compromise stock parts in the event of going back to stock. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jackfortune Posted October 13, 2011 Share Posted October 13, 2011 Use HD Bilsteins with Pinks that match your vehicle .... That's what these cars were designed to use.... Works fine..... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thestratomaster Posted October 13, 2011 Share Posted October 13, 2011 im on kyb's and ralliteks. would've liked to get koni's but the money difference wasn't justifyable. I love my set up though especially with sways etc. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheDon427 Posted October 18, 2011 Share Posted October 18, 2011 It seems like most of you replace the struts along with the springs. My Bilstein's only have 15k miles on them so I'd rather not swap them out just yet. I need a good daily driver spring that has a mild drop. Just looking to even up the wheel gap. Nothing too crazy. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thestratomaster Posted October 18, 2011 Share Posted October 18, 2011 It seems like most of you replace the struts along with the springs. My Bilstein's only have 15k miles on them so I'd rather not swap them out just yet. I need a good daily driver spring that has a mild drop. Just looking to even up the wheel gap. Nothing too crazy. definitely wouldn't change your struts. mine had 75k on them, so that's why I changed them at the same time. I would go with rallitek or eibachs on bilsteins Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JFLOW Posted October 25, 2011 Share Posted October 25, 2011 has anyone used the H&R sports springs for the STI on their 4th generation legacy? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thestratomaster Posted October 26, 2011 Share Posted October 26, 2011 has anyone used the H&R sports springs for the STI on their 4th generation legacy? gonna assume they won't work as I don't believe the struts are the same Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ckLegacy09 Posted October 28, 2011 Share Posted October 28, 2011 I'm looking at doing springs but hesitant because I have a factory warranty and not sure if i want to void my struts. Anyone have any experience with eibachs on stock struts and how long the stock struts last? I have already had two struts replaced by the dealer and if I can get the other two, I am definatley doing springs... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tito_b0y Posted October 29, 2011 Share Posted October 29, 2011 I'm looking at doing springs but hesitant because I have a factory warranty and not sure if i want to void my struts. Anyone have any experience with eibachs on stock struts and how long the stock struts last? I have already had two struts replaced by the dealer and if I can get the other two, I am definatley doing springs... How many miles do you have on your stock struts? I had ~37k on mine when I put on the Epic springs (rebranded Eibachs). For ~2k miles, I commuted to NY for work (read: one of the worst roads) and noticed that I had started hitting the bump stops over mild bumps and potholes. After those ~2k miles, I upgraded to the Konis. MUCH better and more compliant ride IME. Very comfortable as well when set to the softer settings. There are some on here that do run Eibachs/Epics on stock struts with no problems, but that depends on the miles on the struts, how and where you drive. 2006 SWP 3.0R 5EAT VDC BBQ 2008 OBP 2.5i 4EAT BBQ [RIP] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
N.sane Posted October 30, 2011 Share Posted October 30, 2011 I had my Vogtland springs (which are very similar to Eibachs) on stock struts for almost 3 years. After a while, the ride starts to get bouncy and as mentioned above, you will start hitting the bump stops. The stock struts are simply too underdampened for aftermarket springs. I also upgraded to the Koni's 4 months ago. Ride's much smoother on the softer settings and you can make it really planted on the firmer settings. The car feels much more controlled overall. I would highly suggest against aftermarket springs with stock struts. It will save you headaches and money in the long run if you do both springs and struts together (do it all in one job instead of two separate jobs). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1stick3pedals Posted October 30, 2011 Share Posted October 30, 2011 (edited) Use HD Bilsteins with Pinks that match your vehicle .... That's what these cars were designed to use.... Works fine..... What kind of drop does that set up provide? *edit* I guess I could just look up the springs lol *edit again* And what is a reputable vendor for Pinks? Found Edo Performance. Anyone have pics of this set up? Edited October 31, 2011 by 1stick3pedals Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Geegeez Posted October 31, 2011 Share Posted October 31, 2011 What kind of drop does that set up provide? *edit* I guess I could just look up the springs lol *edit again* And what is a reputable vendor for Pinks? Found Edo Performance. Anyone have pics of this set up? Newly-installed (1-week old) Bilstein HDs on Legacy STi Pinks (Sedan), with 3/8" Saggy Butt spacers for the rear struts: http://img829.imageshack.us/img829/5352/toronto2011103100171.jpg Sorry for the crappy pic and dirty car. EDIT: I got my Pinks from Japanparts and Bilsteins from Infamous Performance (but they ordered them from Tirerack). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1stick3pedals Posted October 31, 2011 Share Posted October 31, 2011 Looks good Geegeez! Will that set up with the saggy butt spacer provide similar results on essentially all legacies or is every car different to some degree? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Geegeez Posted October 31, 2011 Share Posted October 31, 2011 Looks good Geegeez! Will that set up with the saggy butt spacer provide similar results on essentially all legacies or is every car different to some degree? Mine is a 5EAT sedan, so it's a bit heavier than a MT sedan. Similarly I think there would be differences with the 5EAT wagon and MT wagon. I used 3/8" but the vendor that I got them from (Mach V) makes them in 1/2" and 1/4" too I think. So it depends on which Legacy you have. I've seen pics on this forum of people with spacers and still had the saggy butt on the rear struts. Also, the type of Pinks you use on the rear struts will be a factor. I opted for sedan/5EAT springs all around, but I know some use the wagon springs in the back just to avoid the saggy butt. Just to note, I recall doing a search here and it said that if you use 3/8" spacers you did not have to use extended studs. I actually found that this was NOT the case and I did have to use extended ones. I don't know if this was just on my car or what, but the spacers were indeed 3/8" thick. Also, the stud holes didn't line up properly and I had to enlarge them somewhat to fit. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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