FS: Helix DNA Coilovers for 02+ RS/WRX, 04 STi - Subaru Enthusiasts Car Club of the Sierras

M3n2c3 · 2006-07-24, 01:52 AM

Newborns and stiff rides don't really mix, so I've decided to sell my coilovers in order to fund a slightly more forgiving setup.

These are Helix DNA coilovers. Here's the official description:
Helix DNA Sport Coilovers are designed to suit the average vehicle enthusiast. Unlike race coilovers which often exhibit harsh ride characteristics, high cost, and sometimes excessive noise, Helix DNA Sport Coilovers are designed primarily for street service with mild track service in mind. Featuring excellent ride characteristics and lower cost, these coilovers are a fine balance of street function and track service. Fully rebuildable and available in multiple spring rates.

Details:
-Application for 02+ RS or WRX and 04 STi
-Lightweight aluminum shock body
-16pt adjustment for damping (bump/rebound combined) at each strut top
-Independent height adjustment
-Independent spring pre-load adjustment
-Full upper pillow ball mounts
-Front topmounts allow camber adjustment
-8kg (447 lbs) front, 6kg (336 lbs) rear springs

I've been pretty pleased with these, and am not exactly thrilled about having to give them up.

Ride quality on the street took some getting used to - the 8kg/6kg springs are definitely on the stiff side and, while they're perfectly fine while driving around town, if damped softly they tend to oscillate a bit when you hit higher speeds on the crappy highways around here. Fortunately, the damping level can be toyed with to create an acceptable compromise. Again, at this point I'm quite comfortable with the firm ride, so they're not kidney-killers or anything.

And of course, they're still a bit noisy.

They proved themselves to be worth the purchase on the autocross course. I was glad to have the damping adjustment available for quick fine-tuning, and loved how stable the car felt while cornering. I got comments from a few folk on how the car seemed to snake through corners without any discernable body-roll.

Anyway, enough with the mini-review (I never did get a chance to give them a full write-up). Here are some details on their condition:

I've had them on my car since early November '05, for about 12,000 miles at this point. They're still on, but I should have them off within the next two weeks. Most of those miles are highway commute, from Dayton to Carson or Reno, or some combination of the three. They also have a "whopping" 6 autocross days on them.

One of the studs on the front passenger-side topmount was over-torqued a bit during installation and broke off within the first 30 miles. It was replaced with a generic bolt and nut that fits quite snugly (and is probably stronger than the stock ones anyway), and the others on all four corners were checked and re-torqued to proper spec. They're all still there after 12,000 miles, so I'd say they're safe. If a potential buyer has any qualms about that generic bolt, I can still get a real replacement from Gruppe-s that can be pressed back in.

They will fit straight up to any '02 or later RS or WRX (not sure about '06, though) and '04 STi (but not '05+ STi). You will need camber bolts for the rear struts to avoid excessive negative camber.

The DNAs go for $999 on most websites, but I've seen a few that have them listed at $1199

I'm asking $700 for the set, and this includes the wrenches for adjusting height/preload and camber. I'm listing them here before I put them up on rs25.com, i-club, nasioc, etc. to hopefully hand them off to a club member looking for inexpensive entry level coilovers before I potentially have to deal with shipping rates and what not.

It's way past my bedtime now, so I'll have pre-installation pics of the coilovers up tomorrow. I can also post current pics once they're off the car and cleaned up, if someone so desires.

I really dig these cats; here's hoping someone in the club can give them a good home.

Kevin M · 2006-07-24, 07:20 AM

Depending on what happens in my search for a subaru. I might take these off of your hands.

M3n2c3 · 2006-07-24, 06:52 PM

Cool. Keep me updated.

M3n2c3 · 2006-07-26, 10:56 PM

Couple of pix from when they were shiny and new.

JonnydaJibba · 2006-07-31, 08:53 AM

Hey my roomy is lookin for coilovers...

M3n2c3 · 2006-07-31, 09:36 PM

Your roomie has a GD?

I'll give Kevin first dibs since he posted first, and we'll go from there.

JonnydaJibba · 2006-08-01, 07:02 AM

I think you met him maybe, he has the blue sti.

M3n2c3 · 2006-08-01, 08:42 PM

I think I remember. Is his an '04?

Also, I remembered something today while carting around my stock suspension in my trunk: one of the reasons my car bounces on these is because they are made with the WRX/STi in mind. The RS weighs a good 200-300lbs less. I've noticed on several occasions that if I load my car up with an extra 200-300lbs of stuff (like suspension, passengers, etc) the ride quality really evens out. This leads me to believe that they will ride much more smoothly if installed and tuned on a WRX or STi.

Kevin M · 2006-08-01, 08:52 PM

Yeah, that's one reason why I think I'm going to pass on these. Coilovers are the one thing I'm going to splurge on for my car this time around.

sybir · 2006-08-02, 05:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BAN SUVS

...are the one thing I'm going to splurge on for my car this time around.

Right, wheel whore

If my contact ever lands me an SF5, i might be interested, I'll let you know.

M3n2c3 · 2006-08-02, 06:05 AM

Cool, just keep me updated, folks. They should be off today, so I'll be rarin' to get them out of the garage.

Kevin M · 2006-08-02, 07:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sybir

Right, wheel whore

Yeah, it's going to be real tough to keep wheels on the RS when I won't run Rotas and I don't want to pay for any more Volks or other forged goodness.

I'm basically limited to the one set of SSRs and Ultraleggeras now.

JonnydaJibba · 2006-08-02, 07:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BAN SUVS

Yeah, it's going to be real tough to keep wheels on the RS when I won't run Rotas and I don't want to pay for any more Volks or other forged goodness.

I'm basically limited to the one set of SSRs and Ultraleggeras now.

What RS? Will this RS be at the meet tomorrow?

Kevin M · 2006-08-02, 07:52 AM

The one I bought last saturday, and no it won't. It's down at my dad's waiting for me to get a clutch and flywheel for it, and for Cory to work the replacement of said parts into his schedule.

sybir · 2006-08-02, 10:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BAN SUVS

Yeah, it's going to be real tough to keep wheels on the RS when I won't run Rotas and I don't want to pay for any more Volks or other forged goodness.

I'm basically limited to the one set of SSRs and Ultraleggeras now.

18x8 Superleggeras are waiting in my garage, you pussy

Kevin M · 2006-08-02, 10:32 AM

Flat black 'em and throw some snows on there and I might be interested.

JonnydaJibba · 2006-08-02, 10:43 AM

18 x 8 inch snow tires haha.

M3n2c3 · 2006-08-02, 08:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BAN SUVS

The one I bought last saturday, and no it won't. It's down at my dad's waiting for me to get a clutch and flywheel for it, and for Cory to work the replacement of said parts into his schedule.

Details on the car? Year, etc.

Oh, and to stay on topic, someone buy my coilovers so I can get an exhaust!

JonnydaJibba · 2006-08-02, 09:31 PM

I pm'd you but forgot to mention Eric's not gonna buy em. I guess coilovers are in his plan, just not anytime soon.

MorganK · 2006-08-10, 05:13 PM

pm'ed

M3n2c3 · 2006-08-11, 09:48 PM

Sold!

2006-07-24, 01:52 AM	#1
M3n2c3 EJ205 Real Name: Jeremiah Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Dayton, NV Posts: 1,888 Car: 2005 Impreza 2.5RS, 2000 Forester L Class: RNP sometimes (see motto) "Kids are ruining autocross."	FS: Helix DNA Coilovers for 02+ RS/WRX, 04 STi Newborns and stiff rides don't really mix, so I've decided to sell my coilovers in order to fund a slightly more forgiving setup. These are Helix DNA coilovers. Here's the official description: Helix DNA Sport Coilovers are designed to suit the average vehicle enthusiast. Unlike race coilovers which often exhibit harsh ride characteristics, high cost, and sometimes excessive noise, Helix DNA Sport Coilovers are designed primarily for street service with mild track service in mind. Featuring excellent ride characteristics and lower cost, these coilovers are a fine balance of street function and track service. Fully rebuildable and available in multiple spring rates. Details: -Application for 02+ RS or WRX and 04 STi -Lightweight aluminum shock body -16pt adjustment for damping (bump/rebound combined) at each strut top -Independent height adjustment -Independent spring pre-load adjustment -Full upper pillow ball mounts -Front topmounts allow camber adjustment -8kg (447 lbs) front, 6kg (336 lbs) rear springs I've been pretty pleased with these, and am not exactly thrilled about having to give them up. Ride quality on the street took some getting used to - the 8kg/6kg springs are definitely on the stiff side and, while they're perfectly fine while driving around town, if damped softly they tend to oscillate a bit when you hit higher speeds on the crappy highways around here. Fortunately, the damping level can be toyed with to create an acceptable compromise. Again, at this point I'm quite comfortable with the firm ride, so they're not kidney-killers or anything. And of course, they're still a bit noisy. They proved themselves to be worth the purchase on the autocross course. I was glad to have the damping adjustment available for quick fine-tuning, and loved how stable the car felt while cornering. I got comments from a few folk on how the car seemed to snake through corners without any discernable body-roll. Anyway, enough with the mini-review (I never did get a chance to give them a full write-up). Here are some details on their condition: I've had them on my car since early November '05, for about 12,000 miles at this point. They're still on, but I should have them off within the next two weeks. Most of those miles are highway commute, from Dayton to Carson or Reno, or some combination of the three. They also have a "whopping" 6 autocross days on them. One of the studs on the front passenger-side topmount was over-torqued a bit during installation and broke off within the first 30 miles. It was replaced with a generic bolt and nut that fits quite snugly (and is probably stronger than the stock ones anyway), and the others on all four corners were checked and re-torqued to proper spec. They're all still there after 12,000 miles, so I'd say they're safe. If a potential buyer has any qualms about that generic bolt, I can still get a real replacement from Gruppe-s that can be pressed back in. They will fit straight up to any '02 or later RS or WRX (not sure about '06, though) and '04 STi (but not '05+ STi). You will need camber bolts for the rear struts to avoid excessive negative camber. The DNAs go for $999 on most websites, but I've seen a few that have them listed at $1199 I'm asking $700 for the set, and this includes the wrenches for adjusting height/preload and camber. I'm listing them here before I put them up on rs25.com, i-club, nasioc, etc. to hopefully hand them off to a club member looking for inexpensive entry level coilovers before I potentially have to deal with shipping rates and what not. It's way past my bedtime now, so I'll have pre-installation pics of the coilovers up tomorrow. I can also post current pics once they're off the car and cleaned up, if someone so desires. I really dig these cats; here's hoping someone in the club can give them a good home. __________________ Small red text that looks curious at first glance but is ultimately inconsequential Last edited by M3n2c3; 2006-07-24 at 06:56 PM. Reason: Grammar Nazi attacks for 5 dmg.

2006-07-24, 07:20 AM	#2
Kevin M EJ22T Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Reno Posts: 9,445 Car: '93/'01 GF6, mostly red Class: 19 FP	Depending on what happens in my search for a subaru. I might take these off of your hands. __________________ FWD is the new AWD

2006-07-24, 06:52 PM	#3
M3n2c3 EJ205 Real Name: Jeremiah Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Dayton, NV Posts: 1,888 Car: 2005 Impreza 2.5RS, 2000 Forester L Class: RNP sometimes (see motto) "Kids are ruining autocross."	Cool. Keep me updated. __________________ Small red text that looks curious at first glance but is ultimately inconsequential

2006-07-26, 10:56 PM	#4
M3n2c3 EJ205 Real Name: Jeremiah Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Dayton, NV Posts: 1,888 Car: 2005 Impreza 2.5RS, 2000 Forester L Class: RNP sometimes (see motto) "Kids are ruining autocross."	Couple of pix from when they were shiny and new. Attached Thumbnails __________________ Small red text that looks curious at first glance but is ultimately inconsequential

2006-07-31, 08:53 AM	#5
JonnydaJibba EJ207 Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Reno/Sparks, Nevada Posts: 3,482 Car: 2000 2.5RS Class: RestNPeace Master Slurper.	Hey my roomy is lookin for coilovers... __________________ "Why do chicks tell you to call and then not answer....so gay." "Cuz girls are fags I dunno"

2006-07-31, 09:36 PM	#6
M3n2c3 EJ205 Real Name: Jeremiah Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Dayton, NV Posts: 1,888 Car: 2005 Impreza 2.5RS, 2000 Forester L Class: RNP sometimes (see motto) "Kids are ruining autocross."	Your roomie has a GD? I'll give Kevin first dibs since he posted first, and we'll go from there. __________________ Small red text that looks curious at first glance but is ultimately inconsequential

2006-08-01, 07:02 AM	#7
JonnydaJibba EJ207 Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Reno/Sparks, Nevada Posts: 3,482 Car: 2000 2.5RS Class: RestNPeace Master Slurper.	I think you met him maybe, he has the blue sti. __________________ "Why do chicks tell you to call and then not answer....so gay." "Cuz girls are fags I dunno"

2006-08-01, 08:42 PM	#8
M3n2c3 EJ205 Real Name: Jeremiah Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Dayton, NV Posts: 1,888 Car: 2005 Impreza 2.5RS, 2000 Forester L Class: RNP sometimes (see motto) "Kids are ruining autocross."	I think I remember. Is his an '04? Also, I remembered something today while carting around my stock suspension in my trunk: one of the reasons my car bounces on these is because they are made with the WRX/STi in mind. The RS weighs a good 200-300lbs less. I've noticed on several occasions that if I load my car up with an extra 200-300lbs of stuff (like suspension, passengers, etc) the ride quality really evens out. This leads me to believe that they will ride much more smoothly if installed and tuned on a WRX or STi. __________________ Small red text that looks curious at first glance but is ultimately inconsequential Last edited by M3n2c3; 2006-08-01 at 08:48 PM.

2006-08-01, 08:52 PM	#9
Kevin M EJ22T Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Reno Posts: 9,445 Car: '93/'01 GF6, mostly red Class: 19 FP	Yeah, that's one reason why I think I'm going to pass on these. Coilovers are the one thing I'm going to splurge on for my car this time around. __________________ FWD is the new AWD

2006-08-02, 06:05 AM	#11
M3n2c3 EJ205 Real Name: Jeremiah Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Dayton, NV Posts: 1,888 Car: 2005 Impreza 2.5RS, 2000 Forester L Class: RNP sometimes (see motto) "Kids are ruining autocross."	Cool, just keep me updated, folks. They should be off today, so I'll be rarin' to get them out of the garage. __________________ Small red text that looks curious at first glance but is ultimately inconsequential

2006-08-02, 07:52 AM	#14
Kevin M EJ22T Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Reno Posts: 9,445 Car: '93/'01 GF6, mostly red Class: 19 FP	The one I bought last saturday, and no it won't. It's down at my dad's waiting for me to get a clutch and flywheel for it, and for Cory to work the replacement of said parts into his schedule. __________________ FWD is the new AWD

2006-08-02, 10:32 AM	#16
Kevin M EJ22T Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Reno Posts: 9,445 Car: '93/'01 GF6, mostly red Class: 19 FP	Flat black 'em and throw some snows on there and I might be interested. __________________ FWD is the new AWD

2006-08-02, 10:43 AM	#17
JonnydaJibba EJ207 Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Reno/Sparks, Nevada Posts: 3,482 Car: 2000 2.5RS Class: RestNPeace Master Slurper.	18 x 8 inch snow tires haha. __________________ "Why do chicks tell you to call and then not answer....so gay." "Cuz girls are fags I dunno"

2006-08-02, 09:31 PM	#19
JonnydaJibba EJ207 Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Reno/Sparks, Nevada Posts: 3,482 Car: 2000 2.5RS Class: RestNPeace Master Slurper.	I pm'd you but forgot to mention Eric's not gonna buy em. I guess coilovers are in his plan, just not anytime soon. __________________ "Why do chicks tell you to call and then not answer....so gay." "Cuz girls are fags I dunno"

2006-08-10, 05:13 PM	#20
MorganK EJ22 Join Date: Nov 2005 Posts: 155	pm'ed

2006-08-11, 09:48 PM	#21
M3n2c3 EJ205 Real Name: Jeremiah Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Dayton, NV Posts: 1,888 Car: 2005 Impreza 2.5RS, 2000 Forester L Class: RNP sometimes (see motto) "Kids are ruining autocross."	Sold! __________________ Small red text that looks curious at first glance but is ultimately inconsequential

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