springs

[2KsilvER25rS]

Will a set of lowering springs from a 01-03 impreza fit my 2k impreza rs?

[Kevin M]

You would need GD rear tophats to go with them. Otherwise, yes.

[2KsilvER25rS]

OEM GD? Well does anyone have a set for the rear?

[Kevin M]

Honestly, you'd be better off getting springs meant for your car. You can make other springs "work" but that's not the same as working properly. Hit the classifieds on RS25.com, or jsut get some Eibach ProKits from eBay if you're on a tight budget but have to lower the car.

[sperry]

Originally Posted by 2KsilvER25rS

OEM GD? Well does anyone have a set for the rear?

I've got a set of nearly-new rear OEM GD top mounts (I believe they're '05 STI mounts) collecting dust in my garage. $40 for the pair if you want 'em!

[JonnydaJibba]

Reno envy huh? I saw those shirts somewhere... You'd probably be better of getting springs that were made for your car. I.E. NOT GD springs.

[M3n2c3]

Originally Posted by sperry

I've got a set of nearly-new rear OEM GD top mounts (I believe they're '05 STI mounts) collecting dust in my garage. $40 for the pair if you want 'em!

I don't think those will work with '03 springs, nor his '00 struts.

2KsilvER25rS, you'll want everything to match up, meaning if you have 03 springs you need 03 topmounts and struts.

Given that a set of '03 topmounts could run anywhere from ~$40 used to $200 for a new Group N set (and $150 for fronts to match), and given that you could spend whatever on used '03 struts or $400+ for a nice set of KYB AGX struts. . . here's my suggestion.

[Kevin M]

I think bugeye tophats will work with bugeye springs and GC struts. I'm a little fuzzy on all of the suspension retrofit combinations at this point, but if he's getting the springs cheap enough, it's worth a try as long as they will be okay with his stock struts.

[M3n2c3]

Scott's topmounts are from an '05 STi, so those certainly won't work. Unless the springs are SUPER cheap, the added cost of a set of '03 topmounts (whether new or used) should definitely be a deterrent.

There's also a chance the height and weight balance may turn out all screwed up. Taking into account the fact that the GD body weighs a good 400-500lbs more than the GC/GM, and that coilover production is split at -'01 and '02+ (offering a hint that there are some significant differences in suspension requirements), I'd feel uncomfortable running springs that were made for what is essentially a totally different chassis.

I'd say that a set of MY-appropriate springs would be well worth any extra money.

[Kevin M]

It's always worth the extra money, we just don't always have the extra money. Otherwise you'd be running on Prodrive World Rally Sport and Scott would have his Motons.

And I boned reading the post, I figured Scott still had his stock topmounts.

[sperry]

Originally Posted by M3n2c3

Scott's topmounts are from an '05 STi, so those certainly won't work. Unless the springs are SUPER cheap, the added cost of a set of '03 topmounts (whether new or used) should definitely be a deterrent.

Explain this to me. If '05 STi topmounts fit on my '02 w/o a problem, and '03 topmounts are what's needed, and '02 and '03 are *identicle*, why won't the '05 STi topmounts fit?

If the '05 STi topmounts won't work, then *nothing* from a GD body will work, and attempting to use '03 springs is a waste of time.

[Kevin M]

'05 mounts won't work with bugeye springs as I understand it. At least not in the rear. You were using yours with coilovers right?

[sperry]

Originally Posted by BAN SUVS

'05 mounts won't work with bugeye springs as I understand it. At least not in the rear. You were using yours with coilovers right?

Yep. Actually now that I think about it, I was using those topmounts because the topmounts that were on the Koni's for the GC wouldn't fit in my car.

Sounds like the problem isn't going to be the spring/mount interface... I bet the bolt pattern changed in '02.

[Kevin M]

Maybe what I was trying to remember about conversion is that you can use GD-intended coilovers with GC tophats. Or was it GD springs + tophats + GC struts? Hell, I dunno.

[2KsilvER25rS]

Originally Posted by M3n2c3

I'd say that a set of MY-appropriate springs would be well worth any extra money.

What do you mean?

[JonnydaJibba]

He means that it is worth the extra money to buy springs made for your car instead of springs made for a heavier car.

[Kevin M]

Yep.

[JonnydaJibba]

BTW, what is your budget for the springs?

[M3n2c3]

Originally Posted by sperry

Explain this to me. If '05 STi topmounts fit on my '02 w/o a problem, and '03 topmounts are what's needed, and '02 and '03 are *identicle*, why won't the '05 STi topmounts fit?

If the '05 STi topmounts won't work, then *nothing* from a GD body will work, and attempting to use '03 springs is a waste of time.

It's not necessarily the bolt pattern at the top of the mount that's an issue (although that could be another problem altogether). The difference I'm discussing is in the way the springs taper at the top (meaning they fit up to the mount differently), and the way the struts bolt to the mount. For example, 02/03 struts will not bolt correctly to 04/05 mounts - there is a difference in size at the top of the strut that - while it may allow you to attach the strut - will cause the fitment to be loose, clunky, and eventually wear the topmount out oddly.

See the little shoulder just under the threaded portion. That's the problem. I don't know if GC/GM struts will have the same issue, but I'd say chances are good.


Again, I really think the point is moot anyway, as GD springs are intended for a different chassis that's 500lbs heavier. There's an insignificant amount of money to be saved when compared to the potential problems.

[Kevin M]

Originally Posted by M3n2c3

Again, I really think the point is moot anyway, as GD springs are intended for a different chassis that's 500lbs heavier. There's an insignificant amount of money to be saved when compared to the potential problems.

That's less of an issue than you think. It just means that the RS will sit slightly higher and have slightly stiffer effective spring rates- neither is really a bad thing. The potential issue comes from free length vs. compressed length, but the higher rates the springs have, the less of a difference it makes.

[sperry]

Originally Posted by M3n2c3

It's not necessarily the bolt pattern at the top of the mount that's an issue (although that could be another problem altogether). The difference I'm discussing is in the way the springs taper at the top (meaning they fit up to the mount differently), and the way the struts bolt to the mount. For example, 02/03 struts will not bolt correctly to 04/05 mounts - there is a difference in size at the top of the strut that - while it may allow you to attach the strut - will cause the fitment to be loose, clunky, and eventually wear the topmount out oddly.

See the little shoulder just under the threaded portion. That's the problem. I don't know if GC/GM struts will have the same issue, but I'd say chances are good.


Again, I really think the point is moot anyway, as GD springs are intended for a different chassis that's 500lbs heavier. There's an insignificant amount of money to be saved when compared to the potential problems.

Sounds like the problem isn't with the topmounts, but with trying to use stock struts. i.e. coilovers for an '04 STI could work on a GC... as long as the topmounts fit the bolt pattern, and the lowers match the knuckles, you *can* install 'em on a GC as well. Whether or not that application is ideal is certainly up for discussion.

[M3n2c3]

Originally Posted by sperry

Sounds like the problem isn't with the topmounts, but with trying to use stock struts. i.e. coilovers for an '04 STI could work on a GC... as long as the topmounts fit the bolt pattern, and the lowers match the knuckles, you *can* install 'em on a GC as well. Whether or not that application is ideal is certainly up for discussion.

Fo' sho'. Although, that's outside the realm of this thread, I think. I just wanted to make sure that he didn't go and buy a set of 02/03 topmounts thinking everything would fit up a-ok.

Originally Posted by BAN SUVS

That's less of an issue than you think. It just means that the RS will sit slightly higher and have slightly stiffer effective spring rates- neither is really a bad thing. The potential issue comes from free length vs. compressed length, but the higher rates the springs have, the less of a difference it makes.

True, but how much higher? Based on how much my springs sag when I add 200 lbs of junk to the back of my car, I have a feeling he could end up with a ride height that totally negates the point of "lowering" springs. Perhaps it would be minimal, though. I can't really do the math on that one.

Anyway, I don't really have enough specific knowledge on the differences between the two chassis' suspensions to debate it much further. All I know is that I know enough to never try what's being discussed here myself.

[2KsilvER25rS]

Originally Posted by JonnydaJibba

BTW, what is your budget for the springs?

Probly around 150-200 at this moment. I dont want to drop it. I just want it to sit alittle bit lower than stock. Does anyone have an extra set?

[Kevin M]

You can get GC Eibachs for under, or little more than, $200. Save a little longer if you need to, they are not bad for the price.

[M3n2c3]

Originally Posted by BAN SUVS

You can get GC Eibachs for under, or little more than, $200. Save a little longer if you need to, they are not bad for the price.

+1. You can find them for $220 at Tire Rack.