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Adjusting the coilovers on your WRX can significantly enhance your vehicle’s handling, comfort, and overall performance. This article will guide you through the essential adjustments: spring rate, dampers, and ride height.
Understanding Coilovers
Coilovers are a popular suspension upgrade for the WRX, allowing for customizable ride height and damping settings. They combine the spring and shock absorber into a single unit, providing a compact and efficient solution for performance tuning.
Spring Rate Adjustments
The spring rate determines how stiff or soft your suspension feels. Changing the spring rate can affect ride comfort and handling. Here are some key points to consider:
- Soft Springs: Better for comfort and daily driving.
- Stiff Springs: Improve handling and reduce body roll during aggressive driving.
- Balanced Setup: Aim for a spring rate that suits your driving style and road conditions.
Choosing the Right Spring Rate
When selecting a spring rate, consider the following factors:
- Driving Style: Track-focused setups require stiffer springs.
- Weight of the Vehicle: Heavier vehicles may need higher spring rates.
- Road Conditions: Rough roads benefit from softer springs for comfort.
Damping Adjustments
Damping controls how quickly the suspension responds to bumps and dips in the road. Adjusting your dampers can greatly influence your car’s handling characteristics.
- Rebound Damping: Controls how quickly the shock returns after being compressed.
- Compression Damping: Controls how quickly the shock compresses under load.
Adjusting Damping Settings
Follow these steps to adjust your damping settings effectively:
- Start with the manufacturer’s recommended settings.
- Make small adjustments, typically 1-2 clicks at a time.
- Test the vehicle after each adjustment to evaluate changes in handling.
Ride Height Adjustments
Ride height affects the center of gravity and overall handling of your WRX. Adjusting the ride height can also influence the aesthetics of your vehicle.
- Lowering the Ride Height: Lowers the center of gravity, improving handling but may reduce comfort.
- Raising the Ride Height: Increases comfort and can improve off-road capabilities.
How to Adjust Ride Height
To adjust the ride height, follow these steps:
- Ensure the vehicle is on a level surface.
- Loosen the locking collars on the coilovers.
- Adjust the height by turning the lower mount up or down.
- Tighten the locking collars once the desired height is achieved.
Final Considerations
After making adjustments to your WRX coilovers, it’s essential to perform a proper alignment. This ensures that your vehicle handles correctly and wears tires evenly. Regularly check your settings and make adjustments as necessary based on driving conditions and personal preferences.
By understanding and adjusting the spring rate, dampers, and ride height, you can tailor your WRX’s suspension to meet your specific driving needs and preferences.