legacycentral bbs

I realize this thread is on the verge of being a highly repative 'I'm using 04' STi springs on my 93 SS' but I think it's a direct enough question to warrent a quick post. If someone feels otherwise, please feel free to let me know .

Now, I'm using 04' STi matched springs. This leads me to the conclusion I need 90'-91' tophats/mounts to make it work without filling the holes. It is my understanding the 90'-91' tophat and mount are a single unit.

So, can I buy this single unit in a single piece to Group N specs? If so, does anyone have a P/N or source? If I can't get a Group N spec for this, does anyone have the stock P/N so I can get brand new ones?

Very simply, I want my rear to be 'plug and play' at the mount and I would like it to be stiff since I'll be running 245 lb springs.

Thank you much in advance.

These pics will probably be useful
http://main.experiencetherave.com/subaru/images/susp/

Here's the part #'s for the STi Top hats (included the front for completeness). I got these from Z1 Performance. I believe Adam had to order the rears from Japan. My suggestion would just be to call around and see who can get them for you.


Right Rear: ST203204400
Left Rear: ST2032044010

Front: ST2031055000

Awesome. Thank you Josh.

Edit : Found my answer.

Well I may be up the creek on this one. I did some looking and Rallispec had great pricing on these - about $60 a piece.

HOWEVER, I just got a call from them saying that Subaru in Japan called them and explained that they no longer make them. So that means anybody that has to buy them from Japan will be no help to me.

So unless I can find a set floating out there somewhere, I'm screwed.

Any suggestions? I'm a bit hesitant to put my new STi struts and 245lb springs against a stock mount. The stock springs on the SS were only 130lb for the SS or 190 for the wagon. This seems like a big difference to move up to 245lbs. Is the wagon top mount a different P/N?

I also do not want to file out my holes because I have a nice Cusco rear strut bar already installed and do not want to have any cross camber issues.

Am I going to have a find a solid mount solution? Is there even a solid mount solution for the 90-91's?

Damn .

Honestly, you'll probably be fine with the stock mount. Other option is to try the sti mounts....isn't the rear springs similar in diameter at the top?

Wagon top mounts are the same. The 90-91 MY's are the ones with the one piece mounts.

Yeah, that's currently the plan. I don't really plan on running a heavier spring because I do like the ability to take the car off road when I want and this is my DD when I'm not working on it. Someday I may upgrade to a Koni insert but that's about where it will stop.

I just really wanted to have a nice firm suspension and I figured there was a reason everyone runs the GrpN where possible. I also don't want to have to get back into these for another 50k miles so I'm wanting to do this right the first go.

As far as the STi mounts. I currently have almost brand new STi mounts on the struts. However, the hole spacing is not the same as our cars and requires me to hand file out the mounting holes. I know both Jamal and Chris have done this but I'm just not sold on the idea. I'd also have to buy a new rear strut bar if I do that.

I'm trying to remember, if I have a 'softer' suspension in the rear than the front - that should promote rotation? Maybe that's how I can mentally justify using stock mounts. If I do go stock, I'll get them brand new from the dealer so they're nice and fresh.

Thank you for input though Josh.

Lee,

I think you may be way over analyzing the purpose of the strut top mount.

A stock mount is not going to give you a "softer" suspension. You will just have a little more compliance in that rubber component which may allow for alignment tolerances to vary slightly more then they would with a less compliant mount.

If I do anything more with my suspension I may look at going coil over because I'm getting to the point where I don't want to have the super harsh suspension, but do like the lowered look and performance ride. I think they make coil overs with a smaller compliant spring to help soak up some of the uneven pavement issues, and then the normal spring for cornering, etc.

Anyway, that's off topic.

I think you'll be fine with the stock mounts.

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