Subaru Impreza Suspension Upgrades Explained

The Subaru Impreza, a name synonymous with rallying prowess and thrilling performance, has captured the hearts of automotive enthusiasts for decades. Its potent turbocharged engines, formidable handling capabilities, and distinctive rally-bred heritage make it a prime candidate for customisation and upgrades. Whether you own a classic GC & GF series or a modern hatchback variant, understanding your suspension options is key to unlocking your Impreza's full potential. This guide delves into the various suspension upgrades available, from simple replacements to sophisticated fully assembled kits, helping you achieve the desired ride, handling, and aesthetic for your beloved vehicle.

Understanding Your Impreza's Suspension Needs

The journey of upgrading your Subaru Impreza's suspension begins with understanding what you aim to achieve. Are you seeking a more comfortable ride, sharper handling for spirited drives, a lower stance for improved aerodynamics, or perhaps a subtle enhancement for everyday usability? The Impreza platform, with its rich history and diverse evolution, offers a wide array of components to cater to these varying desires. From the original, robust shocks and springs to performance-oriented replacements and fully integrated kits, the choices can seem extensive. This article aims to demystify these options, providing clarity on what each component offers and how it can benefit your driving experience.

Types of Suspension Components Explained

When looking to upgrade your Impreza's suspension, you'll encounter several key components. Understanding their function is crucial for making informed decisions:

Shock Absorbers (Dampers)

Shock absorbers, or dampers, are vital for controlling the spring's oscillations. They convert the kinetic energy of the suspension movement into heat, dissipating it. This prevents the vehicle from bouncing excessively after hitting bumps.

• Pedders Shocks: These are designed as direct replacements for your original shock absorbers. If your current shocks are worn out and you're looking for a reliable, like-for-like replacement to restore factory ride quality, these are an excellent choice. They typically feature a black finish.
• Pedders Sportsryder Shocks: These are uprated shock absorbers, often finished in a distinctive red colour, engineered to provide a more performance-oriented feel. They offer enhanced damping control, which translates to improved handling, reduced body roll, and a more connected driving experience. Sportsryder shocks can be paired with standard original springs or with lowering springs for an even more pronounced improvement in handling dynamics.

Springs

Springs are responsible for supporting the vehicle's weight and absorbing the initial impact of road imperfections. They work in conjunction with the shock absorbers to maintain tyre contact with the road surface.

• Standard Replacement Coils: Similar to the standard Pedders shocks, these black-finished springs are designed to match the original specifications. They are ideal for replacing worn-out springs or for those who wish to maintain the factory ride height and comfort levels.
• Lowered Upgraded Springs: These springs, often finished in red, are designed to reduce the vehicle's ride height. Lowering springs typically have a stiffer spring rate, which results in reduced body roll during cornering and a more responsive feel. This lower centre of gravity also contributes to improved handling. It's important to note that lowering springs are primarily intended for on-road use and do not increase ground clearance; in fact, they decrease it.

Integrated Suspension Solutions

For those seeking a more comprehensive and convenient upgrade, integrated suspension kits offer a streamlined approach. These kits bundle multiple components together, ensuring compatibility and often providing excellent value.

Ezifit Fully Assembled Suspension Kits

Ezifit Kits represent a significant leap in convenience and value for Impreza owners. These are not just individual components; they are fully assembled suspension units ready for direct installation. Each Ezifit Kit typically includes:

• Shock Absorbers (either standard replacement or uprated)
• Springs (standard or lowered)
• Top Mounts
• Bump Stops
• Dust Boots

The primary advantage of Ezifit Kits is their ease of fitment. By having all the necessary components pre-assembled, the installation time and complexity are dramatically reduced. This means less time in the workshop and more time enjoying your improved Impreza. Furthermore, knowing that all components are new and designed to work harmoniously together offers peace of mind. In terms of cost, purchasing an Ezifit Kit is often more economical than buying each component separately, making it an attractive option for many Impreza owners.

Extreme XA Coilover Kits

For the ultimate in suspension tuning and adjustability, the Extreme XA Coilover Kits stand at the pinnacle of performance. Coilovers are integrated suspension units where the spring and shock absorber are combined into a single, adjustable assembly. The XA kits offer:

• Full Adjustability: This is the key selling point. XA coilovers typically allow for independent adjustment of ride height and damping rates. This means you can fine-tune the suspension to perfectly match your driving style, track conditions, or aesthetic preferences. You can raise or lower the vehicle precisely and stiffen or soften the damping to optimise handling.
• Performance Focus: Engineered for the discerning performance enthusiast, these kits provide superior control, responsiveness, and stability, especially during aggressive driving or track use.

While offering unparalleled customisation, XA coilover kits are generally a more significant investment and are best suited for those who truly want to dial in their Impreza's performance characteristics.

Important Considerations for Impreza Variants

The Subaru Impreza has been produced in various forms, and certain variants have specific suspension requirements. It's crucial to identify your model correctly to ensure you select the right parts.

Wagon Models

Impreza Wagon models, due to their design, often have different weight distributions compared to their saloon counterparts. They can be heavier at the rear and may utilise different lower control arms. Manufacturers like Pedders Suspension acknowledge these differences and offer specific parts or additional components where necessary to ensure correct fitment and optimal performance for Wagon variants.

STi Models (2000-2007) - Wide Track

Later STi models, particularly those produced between 2000 and 2007, present a common point of confusion for owners seeking suspension upgrades. These models are often fitted with inverted monotube shock absorbers. More critically, the front shock absorber employs a wider lower clevis bracket. This means that standard replacement shocks designed for other Impreza models cannot be fitted to these STi variants. These vehicles are frequently referred to as 'wide track' cars. Beyond the wider clevis, they are more easily identified by a larger wheel stud pattern (PCD) of 114mm, compared to the 100mm PCD found on all other Imprezas. Always check your wheel stud pattern if you are unsure.

Recognising this specific requirement, Pedders Suspension has developed and manufactured an Ezifit kit specifically for these 'wide track' STi models, ensuring that owners of these performance-focused variants have access to a convenient and correct suspension upgrade solution.

Lowering Your Subaru Impreza's Ground Clearance

While suspension lift kits are designed to increase ground clearance, primarily for off-road vehicles like trucks and SUVs, the Subaru Impreza is typically modified to decrease its ground clearance for improved on-road handling and aesthetics. The primary method for lowering the ground clearance on a Subaru Impreza is by installing lowering springs. As discussed earlier, these stiffer, shorter springs reduce the vehicle's ride height, leading to a lower centre of gravity, reduced body roll, and a sportier appearance. It's essential to pair lowering springs with appropriate shock absorbers (like the Pedders Sportsryder shocks) to ensure optimal performance and longevity of the suspension system.

Choosing the Right Parts for Your Impreza

With a variety of options available, selecting the correct suspension parts can seem daunting. Here's a simple approach:

1. Identify Your Impreza Model: This is the most crucial step. Note the year, model designation (e.g., GC8, GD, GR), and whether it's a standard Impreza, WRX, STi, or a Wagon.
2. Determine Your Goal: Are you aiming for comfort, performance, aesthetics, or a combination?
3. Consider Your Budget: Replacement parts, upgraded components, Ezifit kits, and coilovers vary significantly in price.
4. Consult Resources: Refer to manufacturer websites (like Pedders Suspension), forums, and specialist mechanics for model-specific compatibility information. For instance, checking the wheel stud pattern (100mm vs. 114mm) is vital for STi models.

If you remain unsure about which parts are best suited for your specific Subaru Impreza, reaching out to suspension specialists is highly recommended. Contacting a reputable supplier via email or phone can provide invaluable guidance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Can I fit lowering springs to my standard Impreza shocks?
While it's technically possible, it's generally not recommended. Standard shocks are not valved to handle the increased spring rates and reduced travel of lowering springs, which can lead to premature wear and a less optimal ride and handling experience. It's best to pair lowering springs with compatible uprated shocks like the Pedders Sportsryder range.

Q2: What is the difference between a 'wide track' STi and a standard Impreza suspension?
The main differences are the inverted monotube front shocks and a wider lower clevis bracket on the 'wide track' STi models (typically 2000-2007), along with a 114mm wheel stud pattern compared to the 100mm pattern on most other Imprezas. Standard shocks will not fit these STi models.

Q3: Are Ezifit kits good value for money?
Yes, Ezifit kits are generally considered excellent value. They offer the convenience of pre-assembled, ready-to-fit units containing all necessary components, saving on labour costs and ensuring component compatibility. They often represent a more cost-effective solution than purchasing individual parts.

Q4: How much will my Impreza be lowered with lowering springs?
The amount of lowering varies depending on the specific springs used and the Impreza model. Typically, lowering springs can reduce the ride height by anywhere from 25mm to 50mm (1 to 2 inches) or more. Always check the product specifications for the intended drop.

Q5: Do suspension upgrades affect insurance?
Modifying your vehicle's suspension is considered a modification and may affect your insurance premium. It is essential to declare all modifications to your insurance provider to ensure your policy remains valid.

Conclusion

The Subaru Impreza, a legend in the rally world, offers a fantastic platform for suspension upgrades. Whether you opt for simple replacement shocks, performance-oriented springs, the convenience of Ezifit fully assembled kits, or the ultimate adjustability of XA coilovers, there's a solution to enhance your driving experience. By understanding the different components, considering the specific needs of your Impreza variant, and choosing parts wisely, you can transform your car's handling, comfort, and aesthetics, ensuring your Impreza continues to deliver thrills for years to come.