Used struts?

[JasonS]

Sti struts are a direct replacement in my wrx. They are supposed to have much firmer slow speed rebound and make a big difference in transitions for autocross. So my question is should I be hesitant to buy used sti struts? They mostly have low miles and run around 400 for struts and shocks with springs. Would a bilstien replacement be a better idea?

[Loren]

You'd do better to check Subaru forums and find out what kind of life people who autocross on those OE struts are getting. How many miles (or years) are they good for?

In my experience, most OE shocks begin to lose their edge after 20-30k miles, and are pretty dead to an enthusiast by 50-60k. But, OE Bilsteins often last a lot longer than that. It's possible that the STI shocks could also be a long-lasting shock.

If people say they maintain their competitive worthiness beyond 50k miles, then buying a very low mileage used set might be a good deal. Otherwise, you might be better off with fresh Bilsteins. Price the Bilsteins, of course. They may be cheap enough that it would just be dumb to not choose them.

Also, if you're in stock and want to stay in stock, STI springs are not allowed on a non-STI. (just like every NB Miata isn't allowed to run the Mazdaspeed springs in stock) Swapping the springs would put you into Modified.

[JasonS]

The Bolstein B6 replacements for the sti are around 700. GTWorx Bilsteins are 1050. Ill have to do some more research on the lifespan of the oem struts. The original plan was to get used oem and camber plates to get me to -2.0 for around 750. I wouldn't use the springs, planned on selling them to recoup some cost.

[Loren]

Sounds like you're all over it!

[CaptainSquirts]

Have you thought about going to a coilover route? With bilstein and springs you're in fortune auto/feal coilover price terrirotry. Also you would get a camber plates for the fronts with those. Also you would be able to rebuild them/revalve them if you please.

[JasonS]

I'm trying to stick to stock class so can't do coilovers, and don't want to spend the 2k needed to make a real difference. Not to mention my car and I would still need a lot more work to be competitive in M2.

Would let me get a tune though... I would love a tune. The stock tune is crap imo. Bad rev hang, 40% throttle = 100% throttle, and there is a big boost spike at 3500ish then drops off above 5k. Would love to smooth out the torque. Just don't have that much disposable income.

[twistedwankel]

I put Bilstein sports on my Z51 Vette to replace the designer factory ones w/65k on them. Since they are simply shocks and not Struts they cost $400 set with a lifetime guarantee. Same as the Koni's guarantee. I like them a lot. I put Bilstein non sport struts (Sports are not available for RX8) on the rear of my RX8 and they are better than the yellow konis (stiffer in both directions). Let me add the build quality of Bilstein is "billet" spring perches and they came with new bump stops too. Class act. I won't buy anything else in the future. They offer a superb ride on the highway too even with 295/30 R tires on the car.

I used to sell all my used shocks on Ebay for about $100/pair. If they don't leak someone will gladly buy them and pay shipping too. One of the reasons they compress the shocks during shipping is to keep the polished rods immersed in oil so they don't rust. One rust spot and the seal is torn. Junk. Long sea voyage = junk.

If you want to lower your stock car legally buy different rims and shorter tires. I dropped both my cars about an inch doing that. Cut 2x10" boards to drive on to get jack under car if you do that!! **A smaller dia tire gives you both a lower center of gravity and a lower drive ratio. So long as you can still do 60+mph in 2nd it can be beneficial.

[CaptainSquirts]

I'm trying to stick to stock class so can't do coilovers

Ah bummer. I had stuff done to my car before I started autocrossing so everything that was done put me in modified. I guess life is easier if you don't have to worry about mods. Looks like you killed S2. I think it's time to challenge yourself and jump into M2

[twistedwankel]

[quote="CaptainSquirtsAh bummer. I had stuff done to my car before I started autocrossing so everything that was done put me in modified. I guess life is easier if you don't have to worry about mods. Looks like you killed S2. I think it's time to challenge yourself and jump into M2 [/quote]

Jason is ready to additionally take on the hardcore stock DS xcrossers in some other clubs before he spends money on the mod money pit. I didn't go mod until I couldn't find the stock parts for my old summer only stock race car. There comes a point when you cannot run in stock if you love your car enough to keep it over 10 years. Better he should just run up a class in S1 against the BS and CS cars. That should keep him jumping for some time.

[JasonS]

Tirerack has b6 struts for 210 each however they are "special order". October will be new tire (rs-4 probably) and strut month. Jury is still out on camber plates. I picked up some bolts to see how close I can get to 2. Just need some time to set up with Joe. I may consider S1 if this plan pans out the way I hope.

Think Mike's frs has TRD suspension so I believe he will be in S1 this year. So Doug, Dave, Mike, Randy... I would need a lot of work

[Rpwolf]

Tirerack has b6 struts for 210 each however they are "special order". October will be new tire (rs-4 probably) and strut month. Jury is still out on camber plates. I picked up some bolts to see how close I can get to 2. Just need some time to set up with Joe. I may consider S1 if this plan pans out the way I hope.

Think Mike's frs has TRD suspension so I believe he will be in S1 this year. So Doug, Dave, Mike, Randy... I would need a lot of work

and here I am on 130k original oem struts.
oh well, will be happy enough to keep up these fast guys. Don't forget Dat and Ken. S1 is looking like fun!

[twistedwankel]

Fortunately Ken Marion is in S0/SS. He's running SSR at Lincoln this year with a co-driver. Hoosiers are awesome. So since he trailers his car he might well run R at Fast too.