Strut Options

[SVX92-97]

Besides stock and Koni are there any other strut options for our svx's Im reluctant to buy oem struts that may have been sitting on the shelf for many years and have lost there full function capabilities. Koni's are big bucks, so any alternate cheaper struts that would work.;)

[SVXRide]

There is another option that DesertRunner has on his rally car, but they're even more expensive than going the Koni route. This is what happens when you have a very limited production run.

-Bill

[BRADY]

The strut issue is bad. I am on the hunt for rear struts at the moment and am not having much luck.

This is an email I received during the week from a Koni distributer:

Hi Michael,

Thanks for your email.
Unfortunately, Koni stopped making dampers for the SVX along time ago, so we
cannot help you anymore.

Regards,
Barry
Toperformance-Koni

[icingdeath88]

Yep. We need to work on adapting struts from another car to work.

[1986nate]

Yep. We need to work on adapting struts from another car to work.

Koni inserts are still the best option and are still available in the US.
The next option would be OEM replacements which pretty much seems like you're playing with fire taking a chance on them.
Anything else, and you are looking at major modification while still using the SVX OEM springs and tophats.

[LastSVXintheChi]

i just had to buy some struts i went with OEM im hoping i wont have any problems with them but i will let you guys know

p.s. Nate i know you said to just do KONIs but i couldn't afford them lol :o

[1986nate]

i just had to buy some struts i went with OEM im hoping i wont have any problems with them but i will let you guys know

p.s. Nate i know you said to just do KONIs but i couldn't afford them lol :o

You want me to change them out when I get back or gonna do them yourself?
And I guess we'll see. Supposedly there is thought that there may be new batches. Hopefully they'll last :)

[LastSVXintheChi]

You want me to change them out when I get back or gonna do them yourself?
And I guess we'll see. Supposedly there is thought that there may be new batches. Hopefully they'll last :)

no i think im going to give them a shot myself i dont think it should be too bad...thanks though.....and i guess if they dont last at least i will have a spare set to put the inserts into huh :D

[1986nate]

no i think im going to give them a shot myself i dont think it should be too bad...thanks though.....and i guess if they dont last at least i will have a spare set to put the inserts into huh :D

That's one way of looking at it :D
Just be careful when unseating the mount so the spring doesn't "get ya".;)
Autozone and Advance rent out spring compressors for free, just have to put a deposit on it. Just be careful as they aren't the greatest.

[svxfiles]

no i think im going to give them a shot myself i dont think it should be too bad...thanks though.....and i guess if they dont last at least i will have a spare set to put the inserts into huh :D

:eek::eek::eek:

Just kidding!:o
Make sure you use a quality spring compressor.
Advance AutoParts will let you buy and return the spring compressor under their tool loaner program.:)

[processengr]

I put new oem struts on my car this year. The packaging and strut were very clean and did not appear to be old. "2009" was on a label. I know this is inconclusive, but just a FYI. They are working well so far...

[1986nate]

:eek::eek::eek:

Just kidding!:o
Make sure you use a quality spring compressor.
Advance AutoParts will let you buy and return the spring compressor under their tool loaner program.:)

Pssssst, old guy. You're a bit slow.

BTW, I'll be down in your neck of the woods Thursday. Just couldn't pass up the latest addition so that's why I wasn't there Monday. :)

[1986nate]

I put new oem struts on my car this year. The packaging and strut were very clean and did not appear to be old. "2009" was on a label. I know this is inconclusive, but just a FYI. They are working well so far...

Thanks for reporting. Perhaps give another update in a year or two as well, as many of us will probably forget.:o
If they can be relied on again, it opens up another option as being reliable.:)

[svxfiles]

Pssssst, old guy. You're a bit slow.

BTW, I'll be down in your neck of the woods Thursday. Just couldn't pass up the latest addition so that's why I wasn't there Monday. :)

Just typin!;)

But you're right, Young Tom would be done by now!

[Subix]

I put new oem struts on my car this year. The packaging and strut were very clean and did not appear to be old. "2009" was on a label. I know this is inconclusive, but just a FYI. They are working well so far...

Couldn't someone credible be contacted to confirm if this is indeed a new part so the rumors of 20 year old shelf struts can be put to rest? I'm not exactly saying it isn't true just there has to be a way of knowing for sure is all... someones got to know. Where did you order your parts from Processengr?

[svxfiles]

Couldn't someone credible be contacted to confirm if this is indeed a new part so the rumors of 20 year old shelf struts can be put to rest? I'm not exactly saying it isn't true just there has to be a way of knowing for sure is all... someones got to know. Where did you order your parts from Processengr?

I ordered and installed a factory set thyis Summer for Cramel M, and He has had no problems with it.
I did not note a manufacturing date, as it was not a concern to Him, or me.

[1986nate]

Just typin!;)

But you're right, Young Tom would be done by now!

Well, he's got those little girlie hands

[92 SVX]

i just had to buy some struts i went with OEM im hoping i wont have any problems with them but i will let you guys know

p.s. Nate i know you said to just do KONIs but i couldn't afford them lol :o

heres the thing though, koni inserts just under 800
oem just under 800 as well.

unless you get them for a really good price?

[processengr]

Couldn't someone credible be contacted to confirm if this is indeed a new part so the rumors of 20 year old shelf struts can be put to rest? I'm not exactly saying it isn't true just there has to be a way of knowing for sure is all... someones got to know. Where did you order your parts from Processengr?

I ordered them from Liberty Subaru in NJ, with 20% SVXWN discount.

[1986nate]

heres the thing though, koni inserts just under 800
oem just under 800 as well.

unless you get them for a really good price?

That's for the "quick strut"
Just the strut assembly is around $4-500 I believe. Been a REALLY long time since I last glanced.

[benebob]

Anything else, and you are looking at major modification while still using the SVX OEM springs and tophats.

Stock circa 2003 wrx fronts have the right lengths extended and compressed, you can use the svx springs and top mount. Only issue is the bottom mounts are a couple mm yoo small to fit on the stock svx hub and you need a spacer for the tp hat.

[svxfiles]

That's for the "quick strut"
Just the strut assembly is around $4-500 I believe. Been a REALLY long time since I last glanced.

Complete "strut assemblies", spring, top hat, ETC., ae no longer available.
Only the replacement strut from Subaru.Kid!

[92 SVX]

After my post I looked at 1st subaru, cheapest I know of. They had 9/92 and later application struts for $115 front and $122 rears.
However they also had prior 9/92 at $175 front $185 rear which is the price I was thinking of when I posted.

Not sure what the difference is my car was manufactured in 91 so I would expect I would need the more expensive ones.

[1986nate]

After my post I looked at 1st subaru, cheapest I know of. They had 9/92 and later application struts for $115 front and $122 rears.
However they also had prior 9/92 at $175 front $185 rear which is the price I was thinking of when I posted.

Not sure what the difference is my car was manufactured in 91 so I would expect I would need the more expensive ones.

There was a TSB. The later ones are just fine.

[icingdeath88]

Any idea what the difference is?

Seriously, though, we need a contingency plan for when Koni bails and Subaru finally does run out. The info about the WRX struts is exactly what we need. Wouldn't STi struts have the right space for the SVX knuckles?

[92 SVX]

Any idea what the difference is?

Seriously, though, we need a contingency plan for when Koni bails and Subaru finally does run out. The info about the WRX struts is exactly what we need. Wouldn't STi struts have the right space for the SVX knuckles?

Might be good for the rears, Just need to find something for fronts.

[RojoRocket]

Has anyone tried here? http://www.classicgarage.com/classicgarage/subsvx19fron.html

Glenn

[svxfiles]

Has anyone tried here? http://www.classicgarage.com/classicgarage/subsvx19fron.html

Glenn

Yes.
They are the only place to buy them in the USA.













Something,something.

[icingdeath88]

Has anyone tried here? http://www.classicgarage.com/classicgarage/subsvx19fron.html


Those are the konis we've been referring to.

[LastSVXintheChi]

heres the thing though, koni inserts just under 800
oem just under 800 as well.

unless you get them for a really good price?

i got both front struts for $273 which includes shipping from Washington State.

nate and svxfiles: i have a friend who was a mechanic he did just about everything from the stories he tells and he has the spring compressor which has not failed on us yet lol ;)

[92 SVX]

i got both front struts for $273 which includes shipping from Washington State.

nate and svxfiles: i have a friend who was a mechanic he did just about everything from the stories he tells and he has the spring compressor which has not failed on us yet lol ;)

must have been the $115 per front I seen as well

[LastSVXintheChi]

must have been the $115 per front I seen as well

i think they were a little over that but it was the best price i could get and i have gotten parts from them before here is the site if you want to look

https://www.subarugenuineparts.com/oe_parts_cat.html

[James Scott]

I dont know how worn my stock struts were.. when I put on drop springs and Koni strut inserts (nor do I remember the cost) .. . BUT, the difference was incredible.. I think dropping 1.5 inches in front.. and 1 inch in back (?). Got from Motorsports (Dayle), 2004 I think.. ?

Basically, MY stock shocks were pathetic .. my SVX rocked back and forth.. even a little to and fro! (Like a boat in a storm!) .. Ask others (OOPS! If they haven't said earlier in this thread already! Ha!) if the OEM struts are worth replacing.. I mean worth installing new ones.. ??

[SVX_MY_BABY]

The guys in Japan have figured out how to use Bilstein.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/tanakasuper/6318313062/sizes/l/in/set-72157627940671415/
http://www.bilstein.de/typo3temp/pics/30c723c5e4.jpg

[1986nate]

The guys in Japan have figured out how to use Bilstein.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/tanakasuper/6318313062/sizes/l/in/set-72157627940671415/
http://www.bilstein.de/typo3temp/pics/30c723c5e4.jpg

That was an aftermarket option over there FYI

[benebob]

Any idea what the difference is?

Seriously, though, we need a contingency plan for when Koni bails and Subaru finally does run out. The info about the WRX struts is exactly what we need. Wouldn't STi struts have the right space for the SVX knuckles?

Yes it would, but I don't know if it has the same lengths as the WRX and SVX one. They were kind of pricey 5 years ago when I put WRX fronts on the rear of the SVX racer. A place like Penske who does lots of one off inserts would also be a good source. You could actually get a real double adjustable strut rather than the basic Koni. Don't get me wrong I liked my Konis on my SVX but I do think Subaru's ignorance when dealing with the crap they called rear struts let to me to realize just how far the Subaru cluster has fallen.

[sunvalleyray]

Besides stock and Koni are there any other strut options for our svx's Im reluctant to buy oem struts that may have been sitting on the shelf for many years and have lost there full function capabilities. Koni's are big bucks, so any alternate cheaper struts that would work.;)

Custom coilovers @ http://www.amrengineering.com/

Ray

[icingdeath88]

Yes it would, but I don't know if it has the same lengths as the WRX and SVX one. They were kind of pricey 5 years ago when I put WRX fronts on the rear of the SVX racer. A place like Penske who does lots of one off inserts would also be a good source. You could actually get a real double adjustable strut rather than the basic Koni. Don't get me wrong I liked my Konis on my SVX but I do think Subaru's ignorance when dealing with the crap they called rear struts let to me to realize just how far the Subaru cluster has fallen.

Height I don't think would be much of an issue actually, just because there is a very good variety of adjustable height coilovers that are not that terribly expensive. They don't have to be stock, they just need to be an affordable option for the future.

What do you mean about the rear struts? I'm not understanding you.

Oh, and thanks for the info. :)

[injuhneer]

So I was looking at the Koni inserts listed on classicgarage.com and other sites.

It seems like this solves at least one issue and is nearly the same as the path I was following. Nearly all package struts are actually a cartridge swaged into a carrier. Such is the case with our struts. So what I am working on is a simple (read:inexpensive) method to cut, gut, and thread our struts to accept common cartridges.

I have contacted several manufacturers about the damping rates of candidate cartridges. The goal is to get a close or slightly firmer damping rate that comes from a common car.

For example; take a early 90's Chevy Lumina. Similar weight and front wheel drive. The Euro and Z34 sport suspensions were higher damping rate. That cartridge is inexpensive, available nearly anywhere on the planet, and comes with its own mounting nut.

So the goal is to use a common part with an adapted strut to come up with a less expensive alternative for the average daily driver that is also available at the FLAPS (friendly local auto parts store).

The custom bits are great especially for sporting folks but it just seems like a set of adapted struts that accept common GM/Nissan/Toyota cartridges opens up an inexpensive, reliable, long term solution. Of course it also opens the possibility of other cartridges for track or performance use but does not offer an adjustable spring perch.

The choice of cartridges will also open some options for the upper strut mount. An existing mount can be used as an adapter plate to eliminate the need to drill holes or modify the tower. For those who want less noise transmitted to the interior you would be able to keep rubber strut mounts.

So that is the status of my effort. I'll share more once I have data back from the manufacturers.

-Mike O

[injuhneer]

Some of these folks are just amusing.

Me: "Hello. I am calling to request engineering info on your strut cartridge lines."
Koni: "We don't publish that info online."
Me: "I didn't confine my request to online resources. How do I acquire engineering data (dimensions, etc) for your strut cartridges?"
Koni: "We don't publish that information."
Me: "So when an auto company asks for data you make them guess the dimensions to see if they get it right? Really now. Do you need an NDA or other agreement in place to share the engineering specs?"
Koni: *crickets chirping*

Next...

Me: "Hello. I am calling to request engineering info on your strut cartridge lines."
KYB: "We don't publish that info online."
Me: "I didn't confine my request to online resources. How do I acquire engineering data (dimensions, etc) for your strut cartridges?"
KYB: "We don't publish that information for the general public."
Me: "Do you need an NDA or other agreement in place to share the engineering specs? Is this something that resellers can access?"
KYB: *crickets chirping*
KYB: "I'll need to check with a supervisor or I can transfer you to our business relations department."
Me: "Please transfer me"

Next:

Me: "Hello. I am calling to request engineering info on your strut cartridge lines."
Monroe: "Do you have a specific application in mind?"
Me: "Yes but I am interested in a sustainable replacement from a higher volume production vehicle."
Monroe: "Not a problem. If you can give me your email address and phone number we'll send you links to a secure server where you can pick up the info you need."
Me: "Great."
Monroe: "Anything else we can help with?"
Me: "No. That is all for today."
Monroe: "Have a great day and please call or email if you need additional info..."


I had the links in my email inbox in less than an hour.

-Mike O

[icingdeath88]

Cool, keep us posted with what you find.

[jetboy]

Yes, good project!

[injuhneer]

Update II -

I was able to reach a tech rep at Koni who gave me the dimensional AND damping data for a variety of cartridges that are within the range of interest.

-Mike O

[Darren]

That was an aftermarket option over there FYI

Hiya Nate, I have been in contact with Bilstein (I use them for motorsport) and also my contact in Japan neither can find any reference to a unit made for the Alcyone.
Where did you get this info or can you get part numbers?
Maybe it's from another JDM model that just happens to fit?

Cheers
Darren

[dbarnblatt]

Hiya Nate, I have been in contact with Bilstein (I use them for motorsport) and also my contact in Japan neither can find any reference to a unit made for the Alcyone.
Where did you get this info or can you get part numbers?
Maybe it's from another JDM model that just happens to fit?

Cheers
Darren

I have found this site, Bilstein-Japan distributor?

http://www.ennepetal.co.jp/index.html

Here is a direct link to the page listing the struts for the SVX (the first listing):

http://www.ennepetal.co.jp/01ss/poline/subaru/damper/page1.html

Here is a blogger installing them.

http://blogsvx.exblog.jp/968078

And a nice shot of them:

http://cdn.mkimg.carview.co.jp/carlife/images/UserCarPat/305353/p1.jpg?ct=8567476c9139

[1986nate]

Hiya Nate, I have been in contact with Bilstein (I use them for motorsport) and also my contact in Japan neither can find any reference to a unit made for the Alcyone.
Where did you get this info or can you get part numbers?
Maybe it's from another JDM model that just happens to fit?

Cheers
Darren

Nothing was confirmed, but IIRC they were "pulled" years ago like so many other "aftermarket" parts that were available in Japan that never even had a chance to hit the western world.

[1986nate]

I have found this site, Bilstein-Japan distributor?

http://www.ennepetal.co.jp/index.html

Here is a direct link to the page listing the struts for the SVX (the first listing):

http://www.ennepetal.co.jp/01ss/poline/subaru/damper/page1.html

Here is a blogger installing them.

http://blogsvx.exblog.jp/968078

And a nice shot of them:


Seeing that "blog" was really cool. Nice find!

[Darren]

That will be priceless info, I can now tell them they DO make them for the JDM market.
The guy I speak to said they keep all tooling so if there was a demand they would always do a batch run.

I have also found out Nipparts in Japan make an OEM unit for both front and rear.

[injuhneer]

Update III:

SVX92 is putting together a care package for me including front and rear struts with mounts (top hats).

With these I can verify the cartridge style embedded in the OEM package strut as well as dimensions for the new cartridges.

More to come.

-Mike O

[Stevebsy]

I am picking up a set of oem 05 STI struts w/ oem springs, which according to smc can be made to fit with minimal modification.

I know he had coilovers and not oem, but I got them cheap enough to make it a worthwhile experiment.

Will post the results soon...

[icingdeath88]

I am picking up a set of oem 05 STI struts w/ oem springs, which according to smc can be made to fit with minimal modification.

I know he had coilovers and not oem, but I got them cheap enough to make it a worthwhile experiment.

Will post the results soon...

Just want to make sure that unless you figure out a solution, you will lose the front sway bar attachment points. One solution is to move the attachment point to the control arm, by welding on a bracket to the arm, however due to the geometry, the swaybar action will be reduced.

Also I think that OEM ones might not sit at the right height, and not have the right amount of damping for the weight of the car. Coilovers are adjustable in height and either firmer damping or adjustable, so they will work regardless of the stock setup, once modified to fit. However, I too think it is a worthwhile experiment and will look forward to the results.

[Stevebsy]

I don't it expect it to work 100% immediately, but I can get a set of GC for the STI OEM struts and make it work that way if need be.

Regardless they will be better than my 20 year old struts:)

I can mill, weld, or otherwise fabricate a bracket for the sway bar, I'm not so worried about that part.

I think this can be made into the most affordable solution, as STi stuff is everywhere, new and used.


Just want to make sure that unless you figure out a solution, you will lose the front sway bar attachment points. One solution is to move the attachment point to the control arm, by welding on a bracket to the arm, however due to the geometry, the swaybar action will be reduced.

Also I think that OEM ones might not sit at the right height, and not have the right amount of damping for the weight of the car. Coilovers are adjustable in height and either firmer damping or adjustable, so they will work regardless of the stock setup, once modified to fit. However, I too think it is a worthwhile experiment and will look forward to the results.

[injuhneer]

I don't it expect it to work 100% immediately, but I can get a set of GC for the STI OEM struts and make it work that way if need be.

Regardless they will be better than my 20 year old struts:)

I can mill, weld, or otherwise fabricate a bracket for the sway bar, I'm not so worried about that part.

I think this can be made into the most affordable solution, as STi stuff is everywhere, new and used.

A definite improvement. I thought about this too but after looking at the OEM struts the modification to accept a replacement cartridge looks easier.

-Mike O

[Stevebsy]

I picked up the struts over the weekend. Next week is vacation and I'll be doing the work on this project.

[jetboy]

Long live DIY.

How about the Aragosta coilover set? Has anyone ever tried it? Let's say price wasn't really an issue.

Is this a SVX specific set or a generic one that needs additional fabrication?

[injuhneer]

The used struts have arrived. At first glance this looks like it will be much easier than first suspected.

-Mike O

[theflystyle]

The used struts have arrived. At first glance this looks like it will be much easier than first suspected.

-Mike O

Just found this thread and I am interested in hearing what happens..

That Japanese blog looks interesting and I will have to take a look when at home.

[EdWindows]

Just want to make sure that unless you figure out a solution, you will lose the front sway bar attachment points. One solution is to move the attachment point to the control arm, by welding on a bracket to the arm, however due to the geometry, the swaybar action will be reduced.


What about the endlink mounts that 92 SVX has in this thread?
http://www.subaru-svx.net/forum/showthread.php?t=58974&page=13

It seems like a very neat and simple solution to mount the front swaybar onto coilovers. You would just have to make sure that the thread pitch and diameter is correct for whichever coilovers you use.
http://localserver.no-ip.biz/Public/SVX%20coil%20over%20endlink%20mount%20(3).jpg

[icingdeath88]

What about the endlink mounts that 92 SVX has in this thread?
http://www.subaru-svx.net/forum/showthread.php?t=58974&page=13

It seems like a very neat and simple solution to mount the front swaybar onto coilovers. You would just have to make sure that the thread pitch and diameter is correct for whichever coilovers you use.


That is an excellent idea. I'm jealous that I didn't think of that. :P If someone could fab a batch that work with an existing set (or several sets would be even better) of aftermarket STi coilovers, then that could certainly solve that problem.

[EdWindows]

That is an excellent idea. I'm jealous that I didn't think of that. :P If someone could fab a batch that work with an existing set (or several sets would be even better) of aftermarket STi coilovers, then that could certainly solve that problem.

While searching around earlier today I found that D2 uses the same thing for their Tiburon coilovers, and they also make STI coilovers. If Tiburon end link mounts are the same diamater and thread pitch as the STI coilover shafts, you could simply order just the end mounts from them for all 4 coils.

http://img443.imageshack.us/img443/2131/d26y.jpg

EDIT:
Did some more Google searches, and found that there are also end link mounts on Honda Fit coilovers as well. This increases my suspicion that (almost) all of D2 coilover shafts are generally the same diameter.

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-FRbDUi-blV4/T3IBeuLFqsI/AAAAAAAABNY/vPhlgiQly3w/s1152/DSC_0094.JPG

[icingdeath88]

^ Send that company an email and ask whether the tibby/fit threaded strut bodies are the same thread pitch/diameter as the STi ones.

[injuhneer]

So I made a tool to cleanly cut the end of the strut open. I took a crack at one today.

The Showa OEM is a double tube damper. Judging by the internals I suspect these could be fitted with new seals and guide bushings, refilled with an appropriate oil then reassembled for service.

I am still looking at this as a cartridge conversion though.

-Mike O

[Sean486]

It would be awesome if they could be rebuilt, let us know how you make out.

So I made a tool to cleany cut the end of the strut open. I took a crack at one today.

The Showa OEM is a double tube damper. Judging by the internals I suspect these could be fitted with new seals and guide bushings, refilled with an appropriate oil then reassembled for service.

I am still looking at this as a cartridge conversion.

-Mike O

[benebob]

It would be awesome if they could be rebuilt, let us know how you make out.

Sean, yes they can be rebuilt. In fact you live within an hour of one of the best shock places in the world which would happily rebuild a set for you. You can even pick your oil weight, single or dual adjustability or virtually anything else you'd like. Problem is Penske will charge ya more than most SVXs are worth.;)

[EdWindows]

^ Send that company an email and ask whether the tibby/fit threaded strut bodies are the same thread pitch/diameter as the STi ones.

I decided not to because after much research I've found that D2's are somewhat unreliable and "cheap".

Once I accumulate $1300, I plan on buying some Stance Coilovers and modifying them to fit the SVX, including modifying the top hats and making collars for the sway bars to attach to.

[injuhneer]

Sean, yes they can be rebuilt. In fact you live within an hour of one of the best shock places in the world which would happily rebuild a set for you. You can even pick your oil weight, single or dual adjustability or virtually anything else you'd like. Problem is Penske will charge ya more than most SVXs are worth.;)

I think he meant a rebuild that doesn't require a third mortgage. ;-)

In general terms nearly any machine can be refurbished. These struts are no exception. I am even able/willing to do such work but the corrollary goal is to keep the price down.

For maintenance down the road a commonly available cartridge adaptation makes sense for servicability and keeping cost down.

-Mike O

[benebob]

I think he meant a rebuild that doesn't require a third mortgage. ;-)

In general terms nearly any machine can be refurbished. These struts are no exception. I am even able/willing to do such work but the corrollary goal is to keep the price down.

For maintenance down the road a commonly available cartridge adaptation makes sense for servicability and keeping cost down.

-Mike O

3rd morgage no, a solid $1500-3000 yes.

Common adaptation? That would be an Impreza. Been there done that long before this thread came about.;) The front Impreza or STi works just fine in the rear without any work done to it and unlike the SVX OEM crap Subaru sells you actually lasts.:lol:

[EdWindows]

3rd morgage no, a solid $1500-3000 yes.


For $3000 I'd go and buy the Aragosta coilovers for our cars instead. :lol:

[benebob]

For $3000 I'd go and buy the Aragosta coilovers for our cars instead. :lol:

And they wouldn't come close to comparing to what Penske would sell you for $3000.

[injuhneer]

3rd morgage no, a solid $1500-3000 yes.

Common adaptation? That would be an Impreza. Been there done that long before this thread came about.;) The front Impreza or STi works just fine in the rear without any work done to it and unlike the SVX OEM crap Subaru sells you actually lasts.:lol:

OK then, Impreza adapted for the rear. Model year(s)?

That still leaves the fronts.

A cartridge mod is still a good option.

-Mike O

[benebob]

OK then, Impreza adapted for the rear. Model year(s)?

That still leaves the fronts.

A cartridge mod is still a good option.

-Mike O


Search button does wonders.;) It's been on here for nearly 10 years. ;) Very easy conversion for the rears in fact.

[injuhneer]

Search button does wonders.;) It's been on here for nearly 10 years. ;) Very easy conversion for the rears in fact.

You would actually had to type fewer characters and saved yourself even more effort by simply typing a 4 digit model year. :)

Is this the swap that requires bending the mounts to make it fit the SVX?

-Mike O

[injuhneer]

Here is are a few photos of the opened Showa OEM rear strut:

http://plan9.dnsalias.org:90/ootfab/external/thm_IMAG0722.jpg http://plan9.dnsalias.org:90/ootfab/external/thm_IMAG0723.jpg

http://plan9.dnsalias.org:90/ootfab/external/thm_IMAG0726.jpg http://plan9.dnsalias.org:90/ootfab/external/thm_IMAG0728.jpg

http://plan9.dnsalias.org:90/ootfab/external/thm_IMAG0721.jpg http://plan9.dnsalias.org:90/ootfab/external/thm_IMAG0723.jpg

At the minimum I have a nice straight housing to mount a cartridge.

This one was easy because the housing could be gripped in a vise on the mill. The shorter struts require a simple fixture to hold them. No biggie though.

-Mike O

[EdWindows]

At the minimum I have a nice straight housing to mount a cartridge.

-Mike O

Perfect for a Koni. :p

I wish I made more money faster. I probably won't be able to do any work on retrofitting STI coilovers until Spring due to my limited income. :(
I was planning on developing some end link mount collars that attach to the threaded shaft of the coilovers.

[injuhneer]

Perfect for a Koni. :p

I wish I made more money faster. I probably won't be able to do any work on retrofitting STI coilovers until Spring due to my limited income. :(
I was planning on developing some end link mount collars that attach to the threaded shaft of the coilovers.

Exactly the reason for doing this. Not all of us are rolling in cash to burn. Some of us are also smart enough not to spend needlessly. A good alternative that works without breaking the bank is always a good idea. Staying away from the Koni's for several reasons though.

This will accommodate several different cartridges. Will update once I have one installed.

-Mike O

[svxfiles]

Just an FYI.
I just picked up a pair of front stock Subaru SVx struts and under the part number one says "110615",
and the other one says, "120411".

[SVX92-97]

Does that mean they are still being produced?

110615 = June 15th 2011

120411 = April 11th 2012

[dannmarr]

According to the parts department at Minooka Subaru, they are still being produced. They said it is impossible to stock so many struts from when the SVX were produced. If there were some in stock since then, they are out of them by now.