Best Wrx Suspension Mods for Handling and Comfort: Brands, Settings, and Tips

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The Subaru WRX is known for its impressive performance and agility, but there’s always room for improvement. Enhancing the suspension can significantly impact handling and comfort. In this article, we will explore the best WRX suspension modifications, focusing on brands, settings, and tips to help you achieve the perfect balance between performance and comfort.

Understanding WRX Suspension

The suspension system of a vehicle plays a crucial role in its handling characteristics and ride comfort. For the WRX, which is often used for both daily driving and spirited performance, a well-tuned suspension is essential. The key components of a suspension system include:

  • Struts and Shocks: These dampen the impact of bumps and provide stability.
  • Springs: They support the vehicle’s weight and determine ride height.
  • Sway Bars: These reduce body roll during cornering.

When it comes to upgrading the suspension of your WRX, several options stand out. Here are some of the best brands and products available:

  • Coilovers: Brands like BC Racing and Fortune Auto offer adjustable coilovers that allow you to fine-tune ride height and damping settings.
  • Performance Shocks: Options from Bilstein and Koni provide excellent damping characteristics for improved handling.
  • Sway Bars: Whiteline and Eibach sway bars enhance cornering stability and reduce body roll.
  • Upgraded Springs: Consider brands like H&R or Tein for stiffer springs that improve handling without sacrificing comfort.

Choosing the Right Suspension Setup

Finding the right suspension setup for your WRX depends on your driving style and preferences. Here are some factors to consider:

  • Driving Purpose: Determine if you need a setup for daily driving, track use, or a mix of both.
  • Adjustability: Look for adjustable coilovers if you want the flexibility to change settings based on conditions.
  • Comfort vs. Performance: Decide how much comfort you want to retain while enhancing performance.

Once you have chosen your suspension components, proper settings are crucial for optimal performance. Here are some recommended settings:

  • Damping Settings: Start with a medium setting for both compression and rebound, then adjust based on your driving experience.
  • Ride Height: Lowering your WRX by about 1-2 inches can improve handling but ensure you maintain enough clearance for daily driving.
  • Camber Adjustment: A slight negative camber (around -1 to -2 degrees) can enhance cornering grip.

Tips for Installing Suspension Mods

Installing suspension mods can be a rewarding experience, but it’s important to approach it with care. Here are some tips:

  • Professional Help: If you’re not experienced, consider hiring a professional to install your suspension mods.
  • Alignment: Always get a wheel alignment after changing suspension components to ensure proper handling.
  • Test Drive: Take your WRX for a test drive after installation to assess the changes and make adjustments as needed.

Maintaining Your Suspension Mods

Regular maintenance of your suspension system is crucial for longevity and performance. Here are some maintenance tips:

  • Inspect Components: Regularly check for leaks, wear, and damage on shocks and struts.
  • Clean Parts: Keep suspension components clean to prevent corrosion and wear.
  • Recheck Settings: Periodically reassess your damping settings and ride height as components may settle over time.

Conclusion

Upgrading the suspension on your WRX can dramatically improve handling and comfort. By choosing the right components, setting them up properly, and maintaining them, you can create a driving experience that is both thrilling and enjoyable. Whether you’re hitting the track or navigating daily commutes, the right suspension mods will enhance your WRX’s performance.