The exchange rate sucked a whole lot less the last time Scott was in the market for a Flex-level suspension.

Well IIRC, the MSRP was like $1400 back when they came out with them for the WRX.

My point is that if you're spending $500 for struts, and $300 on springs, you're getting into coilover price ranges. People used to be able to pick up a set of Flex's in the $1200 range. I believe the Megan Racing coilovers are decent and under $1000 today.

My other point is that slapping lowering springs on the car usually make it look better, but hurt ride quality. So I wouldn't bother doing the springs unless you can do either springs soft enough for the stock dampers, or get proper dampers for the spring rate you're getting... thus getting back to the whole AGX+Springs costing about the same as coilovers.

It all boils down to what you're looking for. If you're looking for performance at the cost of comfort, then spend the extra money on some coilovers. If you care about comfort over all-out performance, save a few bucks and get some AGX's and springs... they'll handle great, and be a ton more comfortable than the higher spring rates that coilovers have, plus you'll have $200 in your pocket. If all you care about is lowering the car (which isn't the case) just drop $200 on springs and drive around in a bouncy car.

Well, coilovers are out of the question for me because I don't think I want to drop the coin (that I don't have) on cheap coilovers. Ultimately, I don't really think that I could afford new struts right now either, which sort of negates my other post about the stiff STi springs. IDK, I want to stiffen the car up a bit make it more fun for the twisties and autox and maybe a little bit of a drop. I suppose I could go with the new MachV springs or prodrives. I also plan on getting f/r sways before next season.

Thanks for the advice, I know I tend to run in circles about things and beat subjects to death :lol:

Like I said way, if you're looking for performance on the cheap, the best bet is a set of complete STi takeoffs + swaybars. The STi is a pretty damn good handling car out of the box... add some sways to make it a bit more neutral, and you're all set for under $500 usually.

You're just going to have to get lucky to end up with a set of STi struts that don't blow out in the rears quickly. Lots of people have that issue w/ them. :( Plus, you're not going to make the car look any better w/ regards to the ugly wheel gap.

Lowering springs that don't match the struts will likely handle worse than STi takeoffs, and will likely wear out the struts faster than the take-offs will last (assuming relatively low mileage takeoffs).

My opinion is, if you don't have the $800+ for new matching struts and springs or coilovers, your only choice is stock struts.

I think I may do that because I have somebody willing to sell their STi stockers right now. The well gab kinda sucks but for a better performing car I can deal with it. And that should leave me a little money for sways! Thanks for all your input Godfather Scott! :lol:

1/2 Johnny's kyb agxs
1/2 some guy on rs25's kyb agxs
100% gf210

i have some 02 tanabe maximum performance springs for sale. but i dont think they will fit your car.

My buddy has been running Crucial Racing springs on his stock 04WRX struts for a year or two now and says it handles good and rides nice. They lower the car quite a bit but when I moved from Eibach Prokit to them, I noticed a big improvement. I think they're out of stock right now though.