STILL UNDER CONSTRUCTION....MY HEAD STARTED TO HURT!
Preface: Original poster was "stoney98", he/she started this thread, to help us all. I (FXTerrific) have since updated this OP, to include additional setups, as well as update some info in general, based on findings from members, since the original post date.
**If you are unclear on how to install, ask for help or find a professional. If you aren't sure what you are doing, don't do it!**
Options for lowering your SH (09-13) forester. These will work on both XT and non XT models, with the exact same outcomes. All spring rates are in "LB/IN" spec, unless otherwise noted.
So, in no particular order:
*Pedders Springs on OEM struts
Drop: 1.6". Rates: ?.
@Galager has some nice info on these.
Galager's install thread
*Swift Springs on OEM struts
- First version - Drop: 0.8". rates: ?.
"jesusv":
@jkoppee (old car): - stock springs vs swifts springs
- Second (current) version (#4F908) - Drop: 1.6". rates: 213F/202R.
???? who's got pics?
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
*Impreza/wrx strut/spring complete "takeoff" assembly options. About a 3" drop, with some variation, based on model year chosen.
These are all bolt-in ready. No fabrication or spring removal necessary. These are going to be the easiest to install.
+08-14 impreza (non wrx) model = they'll all work, not sure on rates, but they'll be soft. maybe too soft. i think theyre the same as 08 wrx - 151F/136R.
+08 wrx model = 151F/136R.
+09-14 wrx model = 217F/194R.
***08-10 wrx model struts have a shorter body length then 11-14 model ones, by about 0.5". this will effect things like tire clearance vs the lower spring seat...as well as ride height.***
2011 wrx oem takeoffs with 3/8" rear butt spacers:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
*sti strut/spring complete "takeoff" assembly options. About a 3" drop, with some variation, based on model year chosen.
Fabrication on the front struts is necessary (but the rears bolt on directly). ....see this thread for more info as to how/why: Raptr's install thread: http://www.subaruforester.org/vbulletin/f70/08-sti-struts-09-fxt-65674/
+08-10 sti model = 217F/194R.
+11-14 sti model = 250F/297R.
+08-14 sti "pinks" = 280F/224R.
+ sti SE springs = 250F/250R.
@RAPTR - 08 sti stuff:
With 1" strut spacers , all four corners.
@GTEASER:
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2010+ Legacy takeoffs
Drop: ~2", but the rear sags
*** 2013+ are a little better, and preferred. The rear struts are shorter, so a 1" strut spacer should be considered. Needs WRX/STI/Forester tophats....Legacy ones won't work.
Shown w/ 1" spacer in rear:
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Aftermarket spring/strut options:
@BlackwellBoostGC8
08-10 wrx koni struts (the "new" ones, where front is a fully assembled unit)..with 2011 wrx oem springs.
GTWORX WRX Bilstein/RCE setup @Nollie:
...Same, but now with RCE yellows:
http://www.subaruforester.org/vbull...n-swap-writeup-127829/index3.html#post2565266
- Other (WRX/STI) spring options that come to mind (make sure you pair these with the appropriate strut!!!):
RCE black
RCE yellows
Epic Engineering
Mann Engineering
Whiteline
Eibach
King lift springs wrx 1.25" and are about 25-30% stiffer than stock (rates not advertized)
...then all the others like Tanabe, Megan, etc etc.
@dazzz shows some nice different combos/examples in this post ( http://www.subaruforester.org/vbulletin/3279898-post31.html )
@STIdarkside posted a great list on some other Forester specific options:
SPRINGS
- Tein High Tech (SKS94-G1B00)
Fr: 3.9kg/mm -45mm
Rr: 3.2kg/mm -40mm
- Prova Sport Springs (31330TH2010 - XT Turbo)
Fr: 4.19kg/mm -20mm
Rr: 3.89kg/mm -15mm
- Prova Sport Springs (31330TH2040 - XS NA)
Fr: 4.21kg/mm -20mm
Rr: 3.89kg/mm -15mm
- Syms Racing Springs (Y0700SH001 - XT)
Fr: 4.20kg/mm -20mm
Rr: 3.91kg/mm -15mm
- RS-R Ti2000 Springs (F605TW - XS)
Fr: 3.72kg/mm -35mm
Rr: 3.92kg/mm -30mm
- RS-R Down Springs (F605W - XS)
Fr: 3.72kg/mm -35mm
Rr: 3.92kg/mm -30mm
- Tanabe NF210 Springs (SH5NK)
Fr: 3.5kg/mm -65mm
Rr: 2.5kg/mm -45mm
- STI Damper Kit (XT Turbo or S-Edition) INCLUDES SPRINGS AND DAMPERS
Fr: Unknown -15mm
Rr: Unknown -15mm
STRUTS/SHOCKS
- Cusco Touring A Dampers (677 65T F/677 65T R - 40way Adjustable)
- KYB SR Special Shock Absorbers ()
- 180% rebound and 150% compression over OEM
- Suitable for -30mm drop max
COILOVERS
- Mann Engineering Type 25 AST Coilovers (MEACS-SUB1302)
Fr: 7kg/mm
Rr: 5kg/mm
- Cusco Street Zero S Coilovers (677 60P CB)
Fr: 6kg/mm(7 or 8)
Rr: 5kg/mm(6)
- Cusco Street Zero Coilovers (677 61P CB - Non-Adjustable)
Fr: 6kg/mm(7 or 8) -20 to -80mm
Rr: 5kg/mm(6) -25 to -65mm
- Cusco Street Zero A Coilovers (677 61N CN - 40 way Adjustable)
Fr: 6kg/mm(7 or 8) -20 to -80mm
Rr: 5kg/mm(6) -25 to -75mm
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Aftermarket coilover options
@Cruzinrain:
Mann Engineering Forester Coilovers
Swift Springs - 7" 2.5 I.D.
Hyperco Helpers - 4" 2.5 I.D.
@FXTerrific:
*2011-2014 WRX OEM "donor" front struts w/ Koni 8610-1453Sport inserts
*Koni rear shocks - 8010-1055Sport
*GroundControl - 08+ impreza Coilover conversion kit
*GroundControl - "GC150.64.77" springs (6" - 440lb/in)
*Eibach - "SPACER250" 2.5" I.D. Spacer/couplers
*Hyperco - "CS100" 2.5" I.D. Helper Springs
@Shansen:
*09-13 Forester BC coilovers
*08-14 WRX TEIN coilovers
Preface: Original poster was "stoney98", he/she started this thread, to help us all. I (FXTerrific) have since updated this OP, to include additional setups, as well as update some info in general, based on findings from members, since the original post date.
**If you are unclear on how to install, ask for help or find a professional. If you aren't sure what you are doing, don't do it!**
Options for lowering your SH (09-13) forester. These will work on both XT and non XT models, with the exact same outcomes. All spring rates are in "LB/IN" spec, unless otherwise noted.
So, in no particular order:
*Pedders Springs on OEM struts
Drop: 1.6". Rates: ?.
@Galager has some nice info on these.
Galager's install thread
*Swift Springs on OEM struts
- First version - Drop: 0.8". rates: ?.
"jesusv":
- Second (current) version (#4F908) - Drop: 1.6". rates: 213F/202R.
???? who's got pics?
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
*Impreza/wrx strut/spring complete "takeoff" assembly options. About a 3" drop, with some variation, based on model year chosen.
These are all bolt-in ready. No fabrication or spring removal necessary. These are going to be the easiest to install.
+08-14 impreza (non wrx) model = they'll all work, not sure on rates, but they'll be soft. maybe too soft. i think theyre the same as 08 wrx - 151F/136R.
+08 wrx model = 151F/136R.
+09-14 wrx model = 217F/194R.
***08-10 wrx model struts have a shorter body length then 11-14 model ones, by about 0.5". this will effect things like tire clearance vs the lower spring seat...as well as ride height.***
2011 wrx oem takeoffs with 3/8" rear butt spacers:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
*sti strut/spring complete "takeoff" assembly options. About a 3" drop, with some variation, based on model year chosen.
Fabrication on the front struts is necessary (but the rears bolt on directly). ....see this thread for more info as to how/why: Raptr's install thread: http://www.subaruforester.org/vbulletin/f70/08-sti-struts-09-fxt-65674/
+08-10 sti model = 217F/194R.
+11-14 sti model = 250F/297R.
+08-14 sti "pinks" = 280F/224R.
+ sti SE springs = 250F/250R.
@RAPTR - 08 sti stuff:
With 1" strut spacers , all four corners.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2010+ Legacy takeoffs
Drop: ~2", but the rear sags
*** 2013+ are a little better, and preferred. The rear struts are shorter, so a 1" strut spacer should be considered. Needs WRX/STI/Forester tophats....Legacy ones won't work.
Shown w/ 1" spacer in rear:
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Aftermarket spring/strut options:
@BlackwellBoostGC8
08-10 wrx koni struts (the "new" ones, where front is a fully assembled unit)..with 2011 wrx oem springs.
GTWORX WRX Bilstein/RCE setup @Nollie:
...Same, but now with RCE yellows:
http://www.subaruforester.org/vbull...n-swap-writeup-127829/index3.html#post2565266
- Other (WRX/STI) spring options that come to mind (make sure you pair these with the appropriate strut!!!):
RCE black
RCE yellows
Epic Engineering
Mann Engineering
Whiteline
Eibach
King lift springs wrx 1.25" and are about 25-30% stiffer than stock (rates not advertized)
...then all the others like Tanabe, Megan, etc etc.
@dazzz shows some nice different combos/examples in this post ( http://www.subaruforester.org/vbulletin/3279898-post31.html )
@STIdarkside posted a great list on some other Forester specific options:
SPRINGS
- Tein High Tech (SKS94-G1B00)
Fr: 3.9kg/mm -45mm
Rr: 3.2kg/mm -40mm
- Prova Sport Springs (31330TH2010 - XT Turbo)
Fr: 4.19kg/mm -20mm
Rr: 3.89kg/mm -15mm
- Prova Sport Springs (31330TH2040 - XS NA)
Fr: 4.21kg/mm -20mm
Rr: 3.89kg/mm -15mm
- Syms Racing Springs (Y0700SH001 - XT)
Fr: 4.20kg/mm -20mm
Rr: 3.91kg/mm -15mm
- RS-R Ti2000 Springs (F605TW - XS)
Fr: 3.72kg/mm -35mm
Rr: 3.92kg/mm -30mm
- RS-R Down Springs (F605W - XS)
Fr: 3.72kg/mm -35mm
Rr: 3.92kg/mm -30mm
- Tanabe NF210 Springs (SH5NK)
Fr: 3.5kg/mm -65mm
Rr: 2.5kg/mm -45mm
- STI Damper Kit (XT Turbo or S-Edition) INCLUDES SPRINGS AND DAMPERS
Fr: Unknown -15mm
Rr: Unknown -15mm
STRUTS/SHOCKS
- Cusco Touring A Dampers (677 65T F/677 65T R - 40way Adjustable)
- KYB SR Special Shock Absorbers ()
- 180% rebound and 150% compression over OEM
- Suitable for -30mm drop max
COILOVERS
- Mann Engineering Type 25 AST Coilovers (MEACS-SUB1302)
Fr: 7kg/mm
Rr: 5kg/mm
- Cusco Street Zero S Coilovers (677 60P CB)
Fr: 6kg/mm(7 or 8)
Rr: 5kg/mm(6)
- Cusco Street Zero Coilovers (677 61P CB - Non-Adjustable)
Fr: 6kg/mm(7 or 8) -20 to -80mm
Rr: 5kg/mm(6) -25 to -65mm
- Cusco Street Zero A Coilovers (677 61N CN - 40 way Adjustable)
Fr: 6kg/mm(7 or 8) -20 to -80mm
Rr: 5kg/mm(6) -25 to -75mm
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Aftermarket coilover options
@Cruzinrain:
Mann Engineering Forester Coilovers
Swift Springs - 7" 2.5 I.D.
Hyperco Helpers - 4" 2.5 I.D.
@FXTerrific:
*2011-2014 WRX OEM "donor" front struts w/ Koni 8610-1453Sport inserts
*Koni rear shocks - 8010-1055Sport
*GroundControl - 08+ impreza Coilover conversion kit
*GroundControl - "GC150.64.77" springs (6" - 440lb/in)
*Eibach - "SPACER250" 2.5" I.D. Spacer/couplers
*Hyperco - "CS100" 2.5" I.D. Helper Springs
@Shansen:
*09-13 Forester BC coilovers
*08-14 WRX TEIN coilovers