Strut Options

[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.

Originally Posted by injuhneer

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]

Originally Posted by Sean486

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]

Originally Posted by 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.

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]

Originally Posted by benebob

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]

Originally Posted by injuhneer

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.

[EdWindows]

Originally Posted by benebob

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

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

[benebob]

Originally Posted by EdWindows

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

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

[injuhneer]

Originally Posted by benebob

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.

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]

Originally Posted by injuhneer

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]

Originally Posted by benebob

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:







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]

Originally Posted by injuhneer

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

-Mike O

Perfect for a Koni.

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]

Originally Posted by EdWindows

Perfect for a Koni.

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