What is a good spring for the stock struts? Not looking for a big drop maybe 1" , Progressive rate is fine.
the RCE is too stiff for the stock WRX strut. With STI struts and Group N tops they'd be fine. I'd go with Prodrive or the pink sti springs.
i was cross-shopping between the prodrives and the swifts.. ultimately i chose the prodrives because i`ve seen many people that were unhappy with the swifts from the rear end sagging after a while. i like my prodrives.. it's just not what i wanted. it's too soft, so even though the car maybe lower, it still moves around a lot like the stock, only i cant blow through railroads and such anymore.. also i`m not so crazy about the looks.. too much drop in the front IMO, looks really rice hehe. but because of this, the aerodynamics have been improved SIGNIFICANTLY.. cross winds at 80 mph dont do a thing anymore. the front rake is good for that i guess. but as far as fitment, i had zero issues, and no clunks. hopefully that helps.
I went with RCE Yellows but on STi. They perform great, the drop was an added bonus for looks but honestly I personally could go a little stiffer. They bottom out on the highway at speed if there is a large bump or step. If you can, take a ride in different cars w/ different springs and see what you think subjectively because that's what will matter the most.
Eibach and Prodrive are the best for stock struts IMO. But in the end its really what you want out of the suspension, I can hardly notice a difference handling-wise with a 20lb stiffer spring (a la Prodrive and Eibach). Be a man and get some STI struts and RaceComps, JDM Pinks, Prodrive Reds or Espelir GTs if you really want to transform your handling. Why settle for 10-20% stiffer springs when you can go with some that are 60% stiffer. Think about how much better 60% more airflow makes your motor feel (~280whp on a 2.0 wrx), same with suspension. Used STi struts can be found for ~$250 a set, used Espelir GT springs can be found for ~$100, then you just need some 04+ rear tophats and you're good to go and your car will handle completely differently.
Well there are a few parameters: Cost effective, i.e. stock struts still have plenty of life. Daily driver right now. Drop is not that important this will be auto X, rally car not a 1/3 mile car so that is the long term goal. Firm spring rate, over drop with stock struts would be optimal. I am also getting White line 29/27 adj front, 24 adj rear S/B and rear end links. Once I pay off the car I will retire it from DD and get coil overs etc. and go all out in about 1.5 years.
I can "man up"! I will look out for this. I am looking for stiffer over drop so this is the shiat! Thanks Man!
Nice man, just keep a look out. You want 04 STI struts because you'll have to do some work on newer ones to get them to bolt up to WRX control arms. If you're going to be at the mtn run or 420's house tonight I'll give you a ride, I'm running the exact setup I mentioned albeit with camber plates on the front and got it all used and saved a buttload of money. Still very streetable but very firm when you want it to handle well, and I'm on the stock sways still.
Unfortunately won't be around this weekend. I already started scouring e-bay. I'm glad you mentioned 04 only. There is a full set of 05 Sti shocks/struts/springs/top hats but from an 05. I will be patient. There are springs for days so no worries there. It will take a minute but might as well do it right if I can stick to a decent budget!