KYB AGX vs GR2 vs Dspecs?????

[Gancherov]

Ok, heres the deal: I'm building a rally-ready daily driver on a limited budget. More specifically something that will be able to handle some of the off-road dirty stuff and generally geared towards gravel/tarmac surfaces.

I like the ride height where it is at stock and I want to keep it close to that. I might do a half or one inch lift using spacers. To this extent I have decided to use the USDM 07 STI springs and top hats. I am aware of the possible need for the Scooby921 spacer.

Now, which strut would best match these spring rates (225 front/195 rear)?

Does the D-spec come in wagon flavor? Does the AGX? I have only seen GR2s.

How does the ride quality compare? (I assume this depends more on how well the strut matches the spring rates?)

Most importantly: will these be able to perform off-road at high speeds?


Am I way off with my strategy? Should I just slap some forester springs on my wrx struts and call it a day? (i imagine it would be a very soft and bouncy day...)

Is the stock ride height a good idea or should I be looking for more of a lift?
Is the spring rate appropriate or should I be looking for softer?


Searching on google and through DI's engine yielded no solid results so I am asking. I plan to fill this post with answers as I find them so others don't have to go through all this, any help would be greatly appreciated.

[lorenkb]

You are on the right path. D-specs, USDM STi takeoffs, and a 1" lift all combine into a very nice offroad package.

The D-specs are more than capable of handling the STi springrates, but do not come in a wagon specific configuration. I went to a wider front track at the same time, so I never had to deal with that issue.

Ride quality feels better to me than a stock STi, and is capable of performing at high speeds offroad.

I'd say the only catch is that I run the damping a tad high. With the damping properly set for the street (fairly low shaft speeds), the high-speed damping you need for offroad is too soft.

[Bubba02sti]

You are on the right path. D-specs, USDM STi takeoffs, and a 1" lift all combine into a very nice offroad package.

The D-specs are more than capable of handling the STi springrates, but do not come in a wagon specific configuration. I went to a wider front track at the same time, so I never had to deal with that issue.

Ride quality feels better to me than a stock STi, and is capable of performing at high speeds offroad.

I'd say the only catch is that I run the damping a tad high. With the damping properly set for the street (fairly low shaft speeds), the high-speed damping you need for offroad is too soft.


the d specs do come in a wagon configuration... you just have to buy new rear camber bolts

i have the dspecs on sti pinks... I beat the piss out of them... I soften them up when i get into the dirt and i stiffen them when I get back on the pavement... My main reason for getting the dspecs is how easy they are to adjust... the AGX's you have to get underneath the car to adjust and the dpecs you just pop you hood and reach behind your back seat

[carl]

gr2 = oem replacement, it's basically a stock strut. the dspecs win over the agx's imo. I had a set on usdm sti springs and they seemed better as far as ride quality and damping control than an agx equipped car I rode in

[lorenkb]

the d specs do come in a wagon configuration... you just have to buy new rear camber bolts

Well if that's the case, then it's a non issue. I don't run any camber bolts in the rear, I'm at stock track-width back there, and even with the 1" lift I still have -.5° camber. :thumbsup:

[cantpee]

I guess I'm looking for a very similar setup and Matt314 suggested Tokico D-Spec struts on King springs. He was able to get an approximately ~1" lift w/o using spacers. You may want to consider that, too.

Here is the (short) thread:
http://www.dirtyimpreza.com/forums/showthread.php?t=17002

[012.5RS]

the d specs do come in a wagon configuration... you just have to buy new rear camber bolts

im assuming u mean the adjustable camber bolts?

[Bubba02sti]

for some reason when we put them on zachs car he needed to get the adjustable rear camber bolts

[Jard]

Our cars do not come with a camber adjusting bolt in the rear. When you put on a suspension that lifts the car or run sedan struts on a wagon, you will need to add an aftermarket camber bolt in the rear most times. Put it in the top hole.

[012.5RS]

That's what I figured. Thx