mystery machine

I'm sure they would, but would the warranty be OK fitting SH parts, or parts sourced from outwith the main dealer? If a main dealer is willing to put in writing that the warranty wouldn't be affected (on the suspension specifically) then I may consider that option... I just don't like to give them any reasons to cop out of honouring warranty claims.

Indeed. What's your suspension setup these days, Graeme?

Aye, I know Thing is, I need to make sure my warranty isn't affected by fitting these new springs, because I'm going to need it when my shocks start knocking again. Doesn't make sense to put myself in a position where I might have to shell-out £800 for two new shocks just for the sake of saving a couple hundred fitting the springs... and knowing Subaru shocks, I'll be in that position more than just once in future!

You're quite right, Brian. Hoping to at least wash mine at the weekend, if nothing else

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

That is an absolute peach of a Scooby Welcome abroad [sic]

Yes.

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

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.

Pump might be getting past it, Cathy?

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.

You are correct, as I found out this afternoon when making some inquires Can we sticky that?

Certainly check your PS fluid level. Too low will cause steering to feel heavy. If it does turn out to be low, probably worth having a gander for leaks

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.

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

JDM ownership is apparently, among other things, a fast-track to internet forum superiority.

Because... Just messin'...

Come on, 150 miles to a tank isn't bad... ...FOR 115 LAPS OF KNOCKHILL! Just kidding mate, welcome back

Is this going to be a car or an internet café? Just kidding mate, sounds ambitious

"P555 STL ...it reads P555STI"

How much weight do you reckon you saved removing the air con, out of curiosity?

Car's looking nice - removing the 'WRX' sticker from the boot was a good move Losing the wind deflectors would clean things up even further, IMO - but each to his own.

And the Hawkeye WRXes/STIs - eat my discharge!

Lush!...and a shine like that must equal about +30bhp in aerodynamic improvement