lunar tick

iTrader: (2)

Hi guys and gals. I'm just about to pick up an immaculate 03 WRX/STI with just 12,000 miles on the clock and full Subaru service history The car is completely standard and while I want go for a power upgrade before too long, I thought I'd spend some time acclimatising to it first and fine-tuning the handling. I'm planning to fit:

Prodrive springs
Front and read Whiteline anti-roll bars
Anti-lift kit

then follow all this with a 4-wheel alignment. Does that sound sensible? Anything else I should consider?

Finally, has anyone done a comparison of the 'power-upgrade packages' that companies like PowerStation, TSL, GRD and WRC Technolgies offer? Is there any consensus over which package offers the best blend of performance, driveability and reliability?
Cheers, Andrew

Neil W

Good question. I have PD Springs already on my 06Sti but also considering the same route as you.

Will the AR Bars and AL Kit make for a much harder ride?

reano

iTrader: (2)

GRD and Powerstation appear to be the same. I'm going with Powerstation in a couple of weeks. Had the tuning done with WRC now getting the handling sorted out

lunar tick

iTrader: (2)

As far as I understand it, the anti-roll bars help to get rid of understeer and promote more neutral handling while the AL kit makes for better feedback and precision through the steering wheel and better turn in. I don't think these changes will affect hard/softness of ride

corradoboy

Many people just do the rear ARB and solid droplinks (essential) which dials out most of the understeer. Adding the front ARB could have an adverse effect and reintroduce understeer by removing compliance in hard cornering and making the handling jittery. The ALK, or bumpsteer mod, uses shims to slightly alter the the positioning of key suspension and steering components to allow for better control of the alignment under compression. A good geometry set-up is also critical. I had the Prodrive settings on mine, done by a very reputable independent specialist, but suffered uneven tyre wear. I have since had it altered to a bespoke set-up by a geometry expert who works for some of the F1 teams and it is now superb. Even on track I get perfectly even wear with astounding turn-in and handling. If the money is available however, I can strongly recommend the Powerstation T25 package with AST coilovers and the Whiteline goodies

Beyond that the best handling mod I have ever had was professional driver tuition.

the trooper

i've just had the stage 2 suspension upgrade at powerstation on my 53 plate scooby STI. the kit consists of:
Eibach Springs
Rear Adjustable Roll Bar
Anti-Lift Kit
Front Adjustable Roll Bar
4-Wheel Alignment


The scoob feels excellent now, ive had a really good blast on few of my favorite roads and the car feels much more sure footed, turn in is spot on with tons of grip, feels like bags more traction out of corners and most of all the bouncing under braking is gone.

Overall the suspension feel is very sharp and precise with lots of feedback, the ride remains the same, i thought perhaps it might be a bit harsh but its fine.
i must say i'm very happy with the car and now it sits a bit lower on the eibach's it looks brill

i would recomend this upgrade you wont be disappointed and powerstation do a top job

GazTheHat

I had the Prodrive Spings fitted after about 2m of ownership. It did make the ride a lot firmer. Might not be everyone cup of tea. It also introduced some dash rattles as everything is so stiff. But for the reduction in body roll and lowered lOOks, it's worth it.

I decided to do the power next and went my own route, with afterburner goodies, harveys headers and an Andy F remap Total: £1800. Powerstation have just reduced their prices £1100+vat (320bhp), which are a damn good deal. Check that out.

While you're there you get could the handling mods done the same time
(i'm glad PS is so far away from me otherwise i'd be in trouble with the credit card! )

I'm gonna sort the handling out next, with the whiteline goodies. When the bank balance recovers!!

lunar tick

iTrader: (2)

Thanks for all the advice - appreciated

RLE

iTrader: (2)

Agree with Dave mate (Corradoboy)

I had the Prodrive springs fitted originally and still felt that the handling left a lot to be desired.

I tried the rear adjustable arb next and noticed some improvement. Then the ALK went on. In the end and after a certain spirited eye opening ride out with Dave I realised the AST's were the way to go.

Yes they cost me £950.00 all in but the handling they provide is simply stunning. Surprisingly the ride is much more complient than the prodrive springs as well and you have the added bonus of knowing you can play around with the settings to suit your preferences.

If you have the extra cash I'd certainly go for the AST's straight away rather than wasting your money on the prodrive springs (IMO of course).

Enjoy.

bluto22b

Do any of you now get a rattle though the steering column when hitting mid corner bumps or undulations on the road under acceleration?

Anders_WR1

iTrader: (8)

Yes, but I'm sure they were there before I had the Powerstation Stage 1 kit fitted. The sound doesn't fill you will confidence though.

Anders

lunar tick

iTrader: (2)

Thanks for that info. I certainly don't want to lose compliancy. The roads in my neck of the wood are terrible and a stiffer spring rate ride would be hard to live with. Looks like I may have to dig deep for some AST coilovers

Anders_WR1

iTrader: (8)

If you were going to take advantage of coilovers, wouldn't they be less compliant than Prodrive springs?