mikey99

Has anybody fitted a mainstream suspension kit to their 2.0 Sport, eg Koni/Bilstein/Spax/etc?

Some people say kits designed for the turbo are ok, others say not.

Any advice appreciated.

mikey99

After much searching, I went to TSL Motorsport ( http://www.tsl-motorsport.co.uk/ ) who fitted Eibach springs and set up the geometery.

Wow, the result is amazing, it's like driving a different car - well recommended to anybody. Much less understeer, hardly any body-roll, and just soooo confidence inspiring.

Also, TSL are extremely friendly and offer great advice on other mods.

DPJef

They would, wouldn't they! (lol)

mikey99

Well, they did sell me an ITG filter too

DPJef

If I'm having too much trouble findig an ITG filter here in
Belgium, I might have to order one from them too.

What kinda mods you have so far on your Sport ?
I haven't got any yet (excpet WRX wing and WRX wheels when
I bought the car) On the shopping list : ITG, MRT full exhaust
and Eibachs to be fitted soon.
The FSE boost valve looks interesting, but my dealer says they
won't give much improvement without different injectors.

IWatkins

Don't quot me on this, but I would have thought you would need different springs for a Sport due to less weight at the front of the car, so I would guess Turbo springs would be no good.

Actually, they would probably work, but wouldn't be matched.

Or something.

I'll shut up now

johnfelstead

The sport is 60Kg lighter than a turbo, it has no rear anti roll bar or rear LSD either.

The Turbo springs wont be properly matched if they were spot on for the turbo as the dynamics of the cars are diferent however i doubt many people will notice that much as you arent talking about racing, just improving the road manners.

Personally, i love the standard sport setup, it's awesome in the wet, which if you live in manchester can be handy.

mikey99

Lots of people I spoke to warned against using turbo springs because the weight difference would mess things up. TSL's package uses springs that are designed for the Sport, not the Turbo. The handling in wet and dry is vastly improved.

Other mods? Just the Eibachs, a Magnex pipe, TSL filter and Bridgestone Potenza RE720's. I've thought about uprating the brakes and possible a chip, but I don't see the point of chucking loads of cash at a Sport - it's better to save up for a Turbo.

For me, the Sport is a great little car, and a good way to learn to drive an Impreza without just relying on the power to get you somewhere quick. I've got nine points at the moment so a Turbo would have been too expensive to insure, and I'd just be checking my rear mirrors all the time.

phaynes

Mikey, How much did it lower the car by? Are they stiffer?

I only ask because this is probably what i'll get fitted, only i'm i bit concerned because when 4up on bends i get a bit of rubbing going on at the back end.

mikey99

It lowers by approx 20mm, and you can use the standard dampers, they work fine.

They are a bit stiffer, but not to the extent of being harsh, only on the very bumpiest of roads. Seems a nice setup, my last car was a beemer lowered on bilsteins and it was crap in comparison, much too harsh around town, etc. These aren't like that, they feel perfect for road use around the Peak District lanes, etc.

Not tried mine 4up yet though, but will let you know when I do...

DPJef

Mikey,
are they Eibach springs you (had) fitted ?

DPJef

Doh, should have read the whole thread.

bobmac1956

just noticed youre thread i've fitted a set of H&R springs from RSM in morecambe in Lancashire £150 lowers about 1.8 inches on front and 1.6 on back (german but sell to the yank market so i assume thats why they show inches)superb ride, no catching on bodywork, even 4 up,looks the dogs as well hope this helps btw running on 16"

mikey99

Have had the car 4 up now with a full boot on bumpy Snowdonia roads with no problems...