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Coilovers are a popular suspension upgrade for the Subaru WRX, allowing drivers to customize their ride height and damping settings. Adjusting coilovers can significantly enhance your driving experience, whether you prefer a comfortable daily commute or a more aggressive rally-style setup. This article will guide you through the process of adjusting WRX coilovers for various driving styles.
Understanding Coilovers
Coilovers combine springs and shock absorbers into a single unit, providing adjustable ride height and damping. This versatility allows drivers to tailor their suspension setup to match their driving preferences and conditions.
Factors to Consider When Adjusting Coilovers
- Driving Style: Comfort vs. Performance
- Road Conditions: Daily Driving vs. Track/Rally
- Weight Distribution: Modifications and Load
- Personal Preference: Feel and Feedback
Adjusting for Comfort
For a comfortable ride, the coilovers should be set to a softer damping setting. This allows for better absorption of bumps and imperfections on the road, providing a smoother driving experience.
Steps to Adjust for Comfort
- Loosen the damping adjustment knob to decrease stiffness.
- Set the ride height to a moderate level, ensuring enough clearance for daily driving.
- Test the setup on various road conditions to find the ideal balance.
Adjusting for Performance
When preparing for performance driving, such as track days or spirited driving on twisty roads, a stiffer setup is essential. This adjustment improves handling and reduces body roll.
Steps to Adjust for Performance
- Tighten the damping adjustment knob to increase stiffness.
- Lower the ride height to lower the center of gravity.
- Ensure proper alignment to maximize tire contact with the road.
Adjusting for Rally
Rally driving demands a unique suspension setup to handle rough terrains and jumps. A balance between stiffness and travel is crucial for absorbing shocks while maintaining control.
Steps to Adjust for Rally
- Set the damping to a medium-stiff setting to absorb impacts.
- Increase the ride height for better ground clearance.
- Ensure that the suspension has enough travel to handle rough terrains.
Testing and Fine-Tuning Your Setup
After making adjustments, it’s essential to test your WRX in various conditions. Take note of how the car feels and make further adjustments as necessary. Fine-tuning may involve small changes to damping and ride height to achieve the desired balance.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Over-tightening the damping settings, leading to a harsh ride.
- Neglecting to check alignment after adjusting ride height.
- Failing to test the setup before committing to a specific adjustment.
Conclusion
Adjusting WRX coilovers is a straightforward process that can significantly impact your driving experience. By understanding your driving style and making the appropriate adjustments, you can enjoy a comfortable ride for daily driving or a performance-oriented setup for track and rally driving. Remember to test and fine-tune your settings to achieve the best results.