Prodrive Springs

[mystery machine]

Been thinking for a while about suspension tuning options for my Hawkeye STI. I don't want to alter the car's handling/balance too drastically, but I would like sharpen things up a little and increase body control (the car's body, likes). I also don't want to part with too much cash!

More or less decided that a set of Prodrive progressive-rate lowering springs are the best place to start. Considered BC coilovers, but reckon they're a little further than I want to go right now. Also a little more than I want to spend...

Just one snag:

I'm effectively committing to staying with the OEM shocks. This concerns me because, when the car's warranty runs out and when the shocks start to knock (as they will!), I may have limited options as the Subaru replacements are apparently very expensive

So - does anyone know of any non-Subaru direct replacements for OEM Hawkeye shocks? Where can I buy them, and how much (roughly) would a good garage charge to fit them?

Many thanks

P.S. Any comments about the Prodrive springs are very welcome

----------------------------------------

Edit - thought that this was worth adding to the start of the thread:

KYB dont do shocks for the Hawkeye!

WJ

Furthermore, it doesn't look like anyone does replacement shocks for the MY05->MY07 STI.

Edited February 28, 2010 by Mystery Machine

[mystery machine]

Thanks Matty.

How are your shocks holding out? Ever had to replace them?

Also, were you able to compare the Prodrive springs with the standard articles?

Cheers.

Edited February 25, 2010 by Mystery Machine

[scooby222]

prodrive springs are definitely an improvement,i had them fitted to my sti before i went for coilovers-in fact theyre still in my shed,complete with a set of shocks - i had my shocks replaced once under warranty but i believe there is a solution to this now.

make sure you get the geometry properly set up as this can make a huge difference

[Wee Jock]

Just bought the Prodrive springs myself & fitting them to the standard STi shocks.

I am removing my coilovers to go back to a more standard setup.

I cant find any other shocks on the market apart from Prodrive or changing to coilovers. I know I will end up putting on the Prodrive struts, its only a matter of time.

Wee Jock

[wrxmania]

Prodrive springs were good when I had them on my 03 and just about to get them fitted on the hatch when they are in stock.

Brian

[Wee Jock]

You should also consider an uprated Rear Anti Roll Bar (If you can find one to buy), that will/should help take the twitchy feeling away.

Should make it more solid/ stable drive in the corners.

WJ

[thewelsho]

I'd strongly recommend against installing coilovers. Sure, they are great for handling but the ride is way too hard for the disgraceful condition of our roads. If I still had my Tein lowering springs, Id be taking them off and putting these back on. I originally fitted them for track use, but the car wont ever likely see the tarmac of Knockers again... at least not while I own it. The one thing I'd say regarding the Prodrive springs is that they don't go as low as the Tein springs. The lower lookin, the more aggressive looking

[geosub]

I fitted prodrive springs on my bugeye about six weeks ago. Car looks better because wheel arch gap is closed up a bit and feels better cornering to. Send me a pm mate and try before you buy, am in central area aswell

Cheers

Geo

[G.Mac]

Prodrive springs were a big improvement over the standard springs on my car, far less titty bounce on the motorways and when you do push it they give far better grip.

they are softer when going slow and harder when pushing it on

Graeme

[marko72]

I have Eibach springs on OE shocks. Dunc at Hypertech told me if your shocks are ok then springs only is fine. He checked my shocks and they were fine so fitted the springs. Car looks better, feels better. I do find that when I hit bumps etc I do feel them a bit but only then. Driving along the m-way feels the same as before ride wise for example. One thing to note IMO is watching out going over things that nomally before lowering you wouldnt have bothered about. A bit obvious but I have been nearly caught out a couple of times but I do have wrc style mudflaps that like to scrap over speedbumps etc but that doesnt bother me.

[rig-pig]

Eibach make the springs for prodrive m8 just to let you know

[wrxmania]

Eibach make the springs for prodrive m8 just to let you know

Pretty sure they are different ratings etc...

[cruz104]

Prodrive springs were a big improvement over the standard springs on my car, far less titty bounce on the motorways and when you do push it they give far better grip.

they are softer when going slow and harder when pushing it on

Graeme

"far less titty bounce on the motorways " thats a new one for Scoobypedia absolute quality

[steveairdrie]

I know with the blobeye shock's you could strip them down remove the grease and put new grease In them. This would save you buying new shock's. My mate did this on his blobeye and it worked the shock's were like new after it. Not sure if you can do it with the hawkeye though.

Steve

[MalcB]

Ref fitting new ARB's etc. I looked at this but finally decided not to. I feel that this would stiffen the handling and damage the all weather ability i want, just imo of course

I fitted a 22mm Whiteline ARB with aluminium drop links to the rear of my otherwise standard Bugeye WRX wagon. A lot less body roll and much less understeer when "pressing on". Next move might be Eibach springs

but now handles pretty as it is.

[sti pretender]

I know with the blobeye shock's you could strip them down remove the grease and put new grease In them. This would save you buying new shock's. My mate did this on his blobeye and it worked the shock's were like new after it. Not sure if you can do it with the hawkeye though.

Steve

I did this back in June last year and have had no problems. The springs don't damage the shocks it is purely the grease that solidifies and this causes the knock. Late model Blobeyes and Hawkeyes are the same suspension with the 114.3 PCD and 10mm wider track, from what I know you can do it with all KYB's.

Discussion and tips.

http://forums.sidc.co.uk/index.php?showtopic=135219

[craigdmcd]

If you want to find the price of shockers, look up Euro Car Parts or get them on 0141 331 0332, they sell KYB shockers, and IIRC, are about 90quid a corner

[Wee Jock]

If you want to find the price of shockers, look up Euro Car Parts or get them on 0141 331 0332, they sell KYB shockers, and IIRC, are about 90quid a corner

KYB dont do shocks for the Hawkeye!

WJ

[mystery machine]

KYB dont do shocks for the Hawkeye!

WJ

You are correct, as I found out this afternoon when making some inquires

Can we sticky that?

[mystery machine]

Thank you very much for all your helpful replies folks

I'm going to have the Prodrive springs fitted (provided I can produce the cash - or credit ).

... and seeing as there apparently aren't any third-party replacements for the OEM shocks, I plan to have the springs supplied & fitted by a main dealer, which will keep my warranty intact. Then when the warranty runs out in a few months' time, I can extend it for the sum of £400, which will keep me in as many Subaru shocks as I need for another year after that - the added bonus being my engine/turbo/etc will continue to be covered (didn't plan on visiting Mr Forrest or any of his competitors anyway). I don't usually go for warranties, but in this instance it would seem to make sense, esp. given what I know about newage Impreza shocks!

Main dealer has quoted £565 inc. supply, fitting, 'state of the art' geo. setup and VAT.

Edited February 26, 2010 by Mystery Machine

[wrxmania]

Thank you very much for all your helpful replies folks

I'm going to have the Prodrive springs fitted (provided I can produce the cash - or credit ).

... and seeing as there apparently aren't any third-party replacements for the OEM shocks, I plan to have the springs supplied & fitted by a main dealer, which will keep my warranty intact. Then when the warranty runs out in a few months' time, I can extend it for the sum of £400, which will keep me in as many Subaru shocks as I need for another year after that - the added bonus being my engine/turbo/etc will continue to be covered (didn't plan on visiting Mr Forrest or any of his competitors anyway). I don't usually go for warranties, but in this instance it would seem to make sense, esp. given what I know about newage Impreza shocks!

Main dealer has quoted £565 inc. supply, fitting, 'state of the art' geo. setup and VAT.

Where is that? Seems a bit pricey.

Brian.

Edited February 26, 2010 by WRXMANIA

[mystery machine]

You should also consider an uprated Rear Anti Roll Bar (If you can find one to buy), that will/should help take the twitchy feeling away.

Should make it more solid/ stable drive in the corners.

WJ

Cheers for the suggestion, Jock. Certainly, an uprated rear ARB should help keep things flatter.

However, I don't really want to alter the balance of the car at this stage. I know that a lot of folks will fit an uprated rear ARB to reduce understeer, which makes sense, but the Imprezas with DCCD have an advantage here I feel. Sure - if you fling it into a corner hard enough it will understeer just like any other standard Impreza, but I find that - with the centre diff fully open and the power biased toward the rear - if you balance things just right in a bend, you can use the throttle to counter some of that understeer. Still working at perfecting it, but it's nice to have something new and worthwhile to learn

Right now I would like just a little less 'lolling about' in S-bends and the like.

Edited February 26, 2010 by Mystery Machine

[mystery machine]

Where is that? Seems a bit pricey.

Brian.

P-M sent.

£250-ish for parts plus 4hrs labour and geo. I didn't think it seemed too bad for a main dealer...

Edited February 26, 2010 by Mystery Machine

[Wee Jock]

As you are aware you have three options:

1. Coilovers

2. Re furb standard STi Shocks + Prodrive Springs

3. Prodrive Springs & Struts

Im in the same position as yourself, I recently bought Whiteline KLC32 front & rear droplinks.

I also bought the rear anti roll bar from Prodrive.

If I had the money I would buy the Prodrive Springs, Struts and the rear anti roll bar, how many times do you hear RB320 owners on hear complaining about the ride quality?

WJ

[mystery machine]

Totally agree Jock - if I had the cash to spare I'd do the same - RB320 kit all around