View Full Version : Adjustable Inserts for Gravel, Street, Track
Exciting news! We have been designing an insert that installs into the wrx strut. With the help of Hot Bits we now have our first prototype to test on the WRX GD chassis.
The inserts are made with Hot Bits rally coilover internals valved to Feal Suspension spec. and are one way 30 click adjustable. The wide adjustability range will allow you to use various springs.
Custom valving and rebuilding will be available at a low cost.
Here is a sneak peek pic of the prototypes.
http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e4/aurimas123/Inserts2.jpg
http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e4/aurimas123/Inserts1.jpg
I will be out of town through tuesday, so please be patient with questions as I will have limited access to a computer.
lminette
09-04-2009, 01:26 PM
Sweet!!
bue car
09-04-2009, 01:38 PM
nioce!
pookdizzlehtk
09-04-2009, 02:48 PM
Gimme Now!!!!!!!
409industries
09-04-2009, 03:25 PM
fricken awesome! nice work Odi!
these must have been what you were talking about the other day. can't wait to see how they feel!
ArcticWolf
09-05-2009, 10:26 PM
What all would be involved in installing said inserts?
em99sport
09-06-2009, 12:18 AM
What all would be involved in installing said inserts?
Check out the install notes for the Koni inserts. I think TiC has them on their product page, and I'm sure scoobymods.com has them posted.
They install in a similar manner as koni inserts.
But these can handle high shafts speeds and are a true monotube shock.
Rally OBXT
09-06-2009, 10:34 PM
SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO sick.
snicker
09-07-2009, 09:02 AM
This is an awesome idea. An Actually worth while insert. Nice work
rollo
09-07-2009, 09:08 AM
I don't suppose these can be finagled to work on an Evo? Or a Legacy?
Rally OBXT
09-07-2009, 12:06 PM
I bet they could on a leggy or Evo as long as the overall length is not too far off from OEM.
AmsOil
09-08-2009, 03:30 PM
Nice! Was looking at AGX's, but I might have to reconsider!
Rally OBXT
09-08-2009, 04:14 PM
Hmmmmm, could you mount these suckers inverted?? Now THAT would be sick.
Goin to the machinest tommorow for some more modifications to ease intsallation.
Hmmmmm, could you mount these suckers inverted?? Now THAT would be sick.
I would have to make smaller insterts to pull that off. Smaller body and smaller pistons.
Nice! Was looking at AGX's, but I might have to reconsider!
You will feel pretty bad about spending money on twin tube street shocks that fade after dirt abuse. Hang on for a bit.
Newk_Rally
09-09-2009, 12:54 PM
would there be any way to get these to fit a gc???
I will have gc inserts made shortly after the gd ones go into production.
I would wait, but you can fit gd struts in your gc if you have a buddy with donor gd struts.
tzdevill
09-09-2009, 01:54 PM
hmm maybe i dont need agx's i am not sure now.
ZED E85
09-09-2009, 02:00 PM
so I was waiting for someone else to ask this but no one has so I guess I will...
do you have a price estimate for a set of 4?
<$1000 (:mrgreen:), $1000-$1500, $1500-$2000, >$2000(:shock:)
so I was waiting for someone else to ask this but no one has so I guess I will...
do you have a price estimate for a set of 4?
<$1000 (:mrgreen:), $1000-$1500, $1500-$2000, >$2000(:shock:)
These will be under $1000 for sure. I am really skimming my margins and commiting to a higher quantity to make them available at a reasonable price.
Newk_Rally
09-09-2009, 05:22 PM
awesome can't wait to see them i plan on doing suspension this winter these will def be in mind!
JacksonRally
09-09-2009, 07:07 PM
I bet you need some crazy wanna be off road wagon to test these on huh!!!!!
Rally OBXT
09-09-2009, 07:08 PM
would there be any way to get these to fit a gc???
Dean, you don't HAVE to have a GC version, as Odi said you can get some old beat up WRX struts (probably free) and use those instead.
The AGX's that are on my GC are from a 2003 WRX.
Newk_Rally
09-09-2009, 07:09 PM
good to know it's still a few months out so i'll be doing my research thanks alot dave.
ZED E85
09-09-2009, 07:18 PM
I bet you need some crazy wanna be off road sedan to test these on huh!!!!!
I'm on my second set of stock struts because I bent all 4 from my original set ;)
lorenkb
09-09-2009, 07:24 PM
Odi FTW! I think I know what I'll be doing with the D-Specs when they wear out.
I bet you need some crazy wanna be off road wagon to test these on huh!!!!!
:lol2:
I'm on my second set of stock struts because I bent all 4 from my original set ;)
I'm pretty sure Kyle holds the current record for most FUBARed stock struts. On the plus side I don't think I've ever seen a wagon with that much camber :unamused:
Rally OBXT
09-09-2009, 10:56 PM
I think these inserts are a great idea. I might even try them in my Outback!!
Just wanted to show how these look when they are installed into your strut. I am exploring a few options on how to cap off the top of the insert (the original dust seal cap works very well). The bottom bolts down to the strut housing using the supplied hardware.
http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e4/aurimas123/strut1.jpg
http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e4/aurimas123/strut.jpg
bfrancis827
09-21-2009, 09:37 PM
Those look nice!!!
What's the diameter of those bad boys?
paintbing
09-21-2009, 10:25 PM
subscribed - would love to be a test car for these (willing to pay as well) since I am currently in the market for new suspension.
pookdizzlehtk
09-22-2009, 01:07 AM
SEXY
What's the diameter of those bad boys?
The outside diameter of these is 45mm, the shaft is 22mm.
subscribed - would love to be a test car for these (willing to pay as well) since I am currently in the market for new suspension.
Thanks for the offer. I am interested to try these myself on some of the roads I shake the rally car down on.
I will probably start logging miles on them today.
JacksonRally
09-23-2009, 10:58 AM
Gimme, gimme, gimme
paintbing
09-24-2009, 01:25 PM
Thanks for the offer. I am interested to try these myself on some of the roads I shake the rally car down on.
I will probably start logging miles on them today.
Cool! I am really excited for these to come out!
(I am the one with the broken spring from Cal City)
zeroluck
09-24-2009, 09:57 PM
Very interesting... will the range of adjustments allow it to be use as a performance street strut as well as a rallycross strut?
Very interesting... will the range of adjustments allow it to be use as a performance street strut as well as a rallycross strut?
Yes sir. They have a wide range of adjustability, 30 clicks.
pookdizzlehtk
09-25-2009, 10:15 PM
I want so could it triple as a auto-x strut as well??
paktinat
09-26-2009, 07:46 AM
I know you said these are "beta" but do you have an ETA to market?
I was thinking dspecs but this is much more intriguing
paintbing
09-27-2009, 12:01 AM
This may be a dumb question that everybody already knows... But will these have more travel than the stock WRX struts?
(sorry for my newbness)
I want so could it triple as a auto-x strut as well??
My goal is to have the stiffer range of adjustability to bee too much damping for gravel. The higher damping rates should work well for track day or autocrossing.
I know you said these are "beta" but do you have an ETA to market?
I was thinking dspecs but this is much more intriguing
Don't have an ETA yet. But I want to get these done in two months or so.
This may be a dumb question that everybody already knows... But will these have more travel than the stock WRX struts?
(sorry for my newbness)
Very good question. These are the same travel as oem struts. They are designed to work with the oem springs and I wanted to retain the same spring preload (there would be less preload if the strut rod was longer).
The oem WRX struts have alot of travel and many rally coilovers do not allow you to cycle much more.
30 clicks of adjustability on what? Rebound only or rebound/compression combined?
Rebound and compression combined.
paktinat
09-29-2009, 05:57 PM
Don't have an ETA yet. But I want to get these done in two months or so.
Cool, thread subscribed.....
zeroluck
09-29-2009, 10:45 PM
Two months.... man... patience is definitely not one of my strong suits...
AmsOil
10-04-2009, 12:39 PM
Two months.... man... patience is definitely not one of my strong suits...
Me neither, also subscribed, would love to hear how the test ones are doing!
Hey everyone,
Just wanted to let you know the inserts are working very well in the first test car (2002 Impreza Outback Sport, 5spd).
The inserts are installed into WRX housings and I am currently using stock 04 sti springs.
I am going through the range of adjustments as I drive the car daily.
The adjustments are allowing me to set damping stiffer or softer that the 04 sti struts that were in my car earlier.
I am making arrangements to test with a rally prepped subaru on rough stage rally terrain.
Can't wait to see how these turn out!
If you need another test subject, I can be at your shop in a matter of hours of saying Yes!
Update:
Tested on practice stage roads, worked awesome.
In the process of trying different valving. Very exciting stuff.
http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e4/aurimas123/valving.jpg
paktinat
10-12-2009, 01:58 PM
thanks for the updates....../
Was hoping more of that approx 2 months had passed, was just wishful thinking. glad the testing is moving along nicely!
This weekend testing went great. After reviewing Rally, Tarmac Rally, and Road Race valving I re-valved the inserts to have more compression and rebound.
The adjustabilty is still super broad. When the adjustment is at full hard the car feels to stiff for daily driving, but feels really responsive during agressive tarmac driving.
There is a broad spectrum of soft to firm adjustability.
The shock shafts will actually feature 40 clicks of comp./reb. adjustment.
Thanks for your patience everyone.
pookdizzlehtk
10-19-2009, 02:36 PM
this is looking great. ur running a similar set up to what i have. 02 struts with 05 sti springs
LPXLTT
10-26-2009, 06:54 AM
I can't wait for these to be done, I need to replace my setup soon.
az02wrx
10-26-2009, 05:48 PM
cool i want a set...
can't wait..
I can't wait for these to be done, I need to replace my setup soon.
+1 - i could have had much more fun this weekend not having to worry about a blown strut :lol:
rallyimprezive
11-03-2009, 07:21 PM
Ok. I want these bad. Real bad.
brd360sk8
11-08-2009, 08:41 PM
How much moniesss!
Tim.Flat4
11-08-2009, 08:42 PM
Add another GC person interested in these inserts, especially if they cost less than a grand and rebuilds are reasonably priced and performed within the US.
Us GC guys really get shafted (pun intended :lick: ) when it comes to aftermarket strut options.
I think these would go really nice with Tein G-Tec springs too.
The GC fitment should not be a problem, I would have to make the rears shorter.
I also realized that the inserts od diameter can be turned down and they would fit 05+ sti chassis.
I am working on getting a second sample sent it to prove that the manufacturer understands what changes I want.
Tim.Flat4
11-09-2009, 04:36 PM
If you need a GC test car let me know. I've got a snow drift day and a cross country journey planned for January, both of which could show the range of these strut inserts ;)
getting close to that 2 month estimate would love to order a set of these for a self birthday present!
how did the last round of changes go?
tnl_dohcter
11-28-2009, 09:23 AM
Lovin' the way these sound.. Look like something lots of rally-x, rally, and just people wanting to have some D.I.R.T. fun can be interested in.
blkhatch
11-28-2009, 10:59 AM
i want now. these things are sweet. best thing since sliced bread.
387hardcore
11-30-2009, 07:34 AM
hmmmm i got my old stock wrx struts on my rs i rally beat and daily drive i may have to think about this up grade odi and feal are the best they hook me up on my pit bikes. 2up !!!
Hot Bits and I are working on a more efficient way to press fit these into the housing. There is a bolt at the bottom that holds them in place, but they need to be supported at the top.
rallyimprezive
12-19-2009, 08:57 AM
Looking to buy suspension soon. Still very interested in this product. Any updates?
I'm off next week, Care to have a sale of the inserts before christmas?
Function Autosport
12-21-2009, 11:29 PM
Interested!!! Mostly for my street car (gc) but possibly as a set for our rally car for the time being...
Spoke to Hot Bits this morning and they still don't have the changes I made correct.
Really lame how long it is taking. I would love to just have a local machine shop make 50% of the insert parts, but it would cost a fortune.
debevemos
01-03-2010, 09:55 PM
Any chance these could work for a GE 08+ Impreza?
tnl_dohcter
01-12-2010, 08:21 PM
OK, its 2010 now. Any new updates on this suspension? A drop in type shock/strut like this would be great for the budget guys.
There is a set of the inserts coming to the shop later this week.
I am pretty confident they should be up to spec. this go around.
I hope to place an order for lots more if this kit contains all the changes I requested.
:salivates:
do work odi, i need me some bad ass suspension!
as long as i can afford it.
The first set is here!
http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e4/aurimas123/IMG_0136.jpg
http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e4/aurimas123/IMG_0137.jpg
http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e4/aurimas123/IMG_0138.jpg
As of now the insert kit will cost $865 a kit. If I get a group buy of 10 or more they will cost $749 for a kit.
I am looking for someone local to sell these to. I will install this set free of charge. The price of this set will be $749, the group buy price.
pookdizzlehtk
01-26-2010, 11:05 AM
i so wish my car was running to get these thrown on.... But I will be in the group buy!!!
:fap:
So if i drive down you'll install for the $749 price?
UP2MTNS
01-26-2010, 11:19 AM
offtopic:
paging Odi...did you get my email?
lorenkb
01-26-2010, 05:05 PM
PM Sent.
I needed an excuse to pull apart my suspension and paint the gusseted struts... I think this might just be a worthy excuse.
Odi, somewhat related, do you have a lathe at your shop?
pookdizzlehtk
01-29-2010, 01:08 AM
Can I pay the 749 now?
I am installing these inserts on Friday and taking pics and notes to make installation instructions.
I will start a group buy thread shortly after that.
w00t!
thanks for the pm back too odi
pookdizzlehtk
02-02-2010, 09:14 PM
Rolling sexy here I come
409industries
02-04-2010, 11:36 AM
The first set is here!
http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e4/aurimas123/IMG_0136.jpg
Holy crap those look SEXAY! 8):p
kurt.
02-04-2010, 11:48 AM
What chassis are these ones designed for? Or is there going to be open valving depending on what car?
-Kurt
PS: Them are some beauties!!
247motoring
02-04-2010, 04:09 PM
NICE!
adgimenez
02-04-2010, 06:48 PM
I need suspension and my widebody GC8 project should be ready for the road in a few weeks. I so want in on the group buy.:headbang:
Did you ever figure out how to support the top?
Looked like there where press on collars pictured. Would they be put on with a mallet or would you need a press?
Any word on ride height range variations from stock? I guess more olike how much can one raise or lower from stock with off the shelf spring or a ground control sleeve and collar?
DG
What chassis are these ones designed for? Or is there going to be open valving depending on what car?
Thet are designed for the GD chassis. They can be revalved and rebuilt as well.
Looked like there where press on collars pictured. Would they be put on with a mallet or would you need a press?
No need for a press.
Any word on ride height range variations from stock? I guess more olike how much can one raise or lower from stock with off the shelf spring or a ground control sleeve and collar?
They are the same in length as stock wrx struts, so you can treat them with the same spring options. During a service we can take out droop if needed.
thewizard
02-14-2010, 12:30 PM
Can we get some meausements of the GD/GC chasis struts? We are interested in adapting these to our rally car that is a non subie, which will be using subaru top mounts.
Thanks,
Oscar
garyp
02-22-2010, 11:30 AM
Are adjuster extensions for the rears available like with the D-Spec?
Seraphinwolf
03-03-2010, 04:13 AM
DAMN That's one planned out kit. GDB 05-07' STi dirrect fitment yes? One VERY sexxy price as well!
AmsOil
03-03-2010, 10:34 AM
Odi, I want these, NOW! haha
If we order now, how long do you anticipate to get them in? Also, are you still looking for a car to test on? I can be there tomorrow, haha.
etothen
03-25-2010, 03:43 PM
Are there any comp/reb dyno graphs available to look at for these (Preferable for the different valve profiles)?
Will they come dyno matched from the factory or should we expect to do this ourselves after assembly?
Should we expect an 08+ wrx fitment in the future?
edit: reading it again I cant tell if you were working up 3 valve profiles (rally, tarmac rally and road) or if you were testing valeves and settling on one, this is in reference to my first question)
tnl_dohcter
05-03-2010, 09:12 PM
Its been a few months and these are up on the website as for sale. Are we gonna have a group buy on these or what? Everyone seems interested in this stout looking insert.
G
RA Limited
05-03-2010, 09:31 PM
i think the group buy fell through, because there wasn't enough people to make it work. These are priced higher than most of the market for them wants to spend, although they are still an awesome price for what they are.
Yeah the group buy is not going to happen, sorry.
They are available for sale through special order.
For shock dyno results you can check out. There are also a ton of questions and answers on these in that forum. http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1876001&highlight=feal+inserts&page=5
97impreza43
04-06-2011, 04:39 AM
will these fit GC imprezas?
geekmonster
04-11-2012, 10:04 PM
hey odi, i was looking at getting some inserts for next year when i take my wagon from the stock to modified class in rallyx. just wondering what these are more geared towards? are they capable of stage rally type abuse or more for rallyx type stuff. also are you doing the contingency stuff this year?
ZED E85
04-12-2012, 10:20 AM
My prototype set handled great on Big Willow last weekend!
geekmonster - If you reinforce the strut housings like I did they should work for stage rally, though they may not be ideal for that application. The good thing is that if you end up bending a shaft or breaking something all of the parts are replaceable. As far as contacting Odi, you probably want to call him at the number on his website. Drift as turned into a second full time job for him so I don't think he makes it on here much anymore.
Function Autosport
04-12-2012, 10:39 AM
How did you reinforce your hOusings if I may ask? I just tore apart my struts to do the same and need ideas
geekmonster
04-12-2012, 04:36 PM
My prototype set handled great on Big Willow last weekend!
geekmonster - If you reinforce the strut housings like I did they should work for stage rally, though they may not be ideal for that application. The good thing is that if you end up bending a shaft or breaking something all of the parts are replaceable. As far as contacting Odi, you probably want to call him at the number on his website. Drift as turned into a second full time job for him so I don't think he makes it on here much anymore.
i'm not in a hurry to get anything right now, so i figured i'd put something up now. i still have the strut bodies from the set that was on the car when i got it, so i may remove the inserts and have some reinforcement tabs welded on before putting some inserts in. i don't plan on doing stage rally any time in the near future (at least not in my wagon), but a stout set of struts for rallyx and trips to cal city would be nice to have.
as far as the track, what would you say the handling was like? were you still running on stock springs?
ZED E85
04-13-2012, 03:28 PM
I talked to Odi yesterday and he said he has a set in stock.
I'm running STi takeoff springs with 1/2" spacers in the back and 3/8" in the front. The way I have it set up it seemed to handle pretty neutral with a slight leaning towards understeer (though it will definitely oversteer in the dirt).
ZED E85
04-13-2012, 03:32 PM
How did you reinforce your hOusings if I may ask? I just tore apart my struts to do the same and need ideas
They're reinforced with a half tube with vertical gussets. All fab and welding was done my Jackson Rally
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7187/6928837430_5b840cd6f4_b.jpg
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7228/6928836148_d205215528_b.jpg
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7111/7074913539_7afd1fbf39_b.jpg
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7251/6928833178_e5f4c0eb4e_b.jpg
Hey Guys! ZED E85, thanks for answering questions.
I would run stage with these if I had to. They are perfect for rallyx and any tarmac type driving. Stock STI springs is the lowest spring rate I would use.
I try to float a set in stock if anyone needs a kit.
Another good option (but non adjustable) is a set of STI struts that we valve for gravel use.
shoogshoog
04-13-2012, 06:36 PM
I try to float a set in stock if anyone needs a kit.
Ill be giving you a call next month sometime to put in an order for inserts and reinforced housings for my 06 sti.
RexKid115
04-17-2012, 12:37 PM
I just got a set of these through Anthony at Vaugn Performance... obviously he worked with Odi to get them out to me.
I have not put them on the car yet, but I will have them on before my next rallycross. The inserts look fantastic and seem to be of the highest quality parts.
A big thanks goes out to Odi for putting out a great product!
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