The Best Subaru Impreza Coilover Kit
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Table of Contents
Suspension upgrades are arguably one of the most important car modifications anyone can perform. From simple lowering springs to full Coilover kits, suspension upgrades can transform the way a car looks as well as the way it drives.
Adjustable coilover kits are among the most extensive modifications available, they often come equipped with the ability to change many important characteristics of a vehicle. Ride height, rebound stiffness and wheel camber are often all available to change, based on the driving conditions and desired outcomes.
Cars used on the track will benefit hugely from the fitment of coilovers, but many street vehicles will also see a huge benefit. Increasing grip, lowering the vehicles centre of gravity and allowing for more constant contact between tyre and tarmac will all help to make a faster, safer and more predictable handling vehicle.
Things to Consider Before Purchasing
Budget
Suspension upgrades in general and particularly coilover kits can vary wildly in function, depending on the budget for the modifications. Cheaper coilovers will generally give lower amounts of adjustability or may not hold the brand prestige of the more expensive kits.
Suitability for Your Vehicle
Suspension for different Subaru Impreza models is a minefield to navigate. Use the different product sectors below to ensure correct fitment for the correct model and year. As cars advance and improve over the years, factory engineers scrutinise and change the geometry of car suspension, meaning earlier vehicle compatible parts may not fit later models and vice versa.
Many people commonly refer to newage Impreza models as bugeye, blobeye and hawkeye. These models cover the 00-07 range, with bugeye running from 00-02, blobeye 02-05 and hawkeye 05-07.
Disclaimer: We have done our upmost to ensure these kits are suitable for the model and year listed below, please check carefully however when purchasing to ensure the coilovers are correct to your specific vehicle. Manufacturers of suspension components are happy to help with any fitment questions in our experience.
Adjustability
One of the great benefits of coilover suspension is the ability to adjust to the desired performance. Rebound, ride height and camber are all common points of adjustment, giving the ability to dial a vehicle in for extra track performance or that perfect ride height.
Setup and Installation
Being an integral part of the vehicles safety system, installation and setup of coilovers should only be attempted by those with experience and the knowledge to do so. Owners without previous experience will find a lot of benefit working with an experienced friend or professional mechanic.
NVH
Stiffer suspension is likely to increase the NVH (noise, vibration and harshness) of any vehicle. Factory suspension units are made to insulate occupants from large bumps and rough surfaces. Most coilover kits however, will forgo some of the comfort and sound insulation afforded by standard suspension, in order to increase grip and adjust ride height.
Featured Brands
BC Racing
BC racing are no amateurs when it comes to suspension modifications. The company began as a suspension dealer for other brands, but this soon led to BC creating their own range of upgrades. Their suspension kits aim to give huge amounts of suspension adjustment, at a low cost to the customer. BC’s suspension lines are available for most popular makes and models, with ranges of coilovers to suit street, track and race driving. Their pedigree and performance really show on the track, with the company backing many competitive race and time attack teams across UK motorsport.
Tein
Suspension companies are rarely seen across as many markets as Tein, with facilities in Japan, UK and the US, for good reason. All suspension components from the company are manufactured at their Yokohama facility in Japan, but Tein designs and adapts each set of coilovers to the market and model they are intended for. This has given them a wide and in-depth range of products, known for their ability to increase handling and grip, with high quality parts and good reliability.
MeisterR
Our last featured manufacturer are the well-known suspension gurus MeisterR. The company was only founded in 2008 but has over two decades of research and development in motorsport suspension. The company is aiming to address the gripes of many with track-oriented suspension, who also want a reasonably compliant road vehicle. MeisterR aims to work with enthusiasts and racers alike to develop the best solutions without hugely inflated sale prices.
The Best Subaru Impreza Classic Coilovers 93-00 (GC/GF)
BC Racing BR Coilover Kit F-01-BR-RA
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BC’s BR coilover kit are the entry-level for the Subaru Impreza, but still allow for huge adjustment in ride height, dampening and camber for the front wheels. Adjustable spring platforms allows not only for ride height adjustment but also facilitates corner weighting changes (ideal for competitive track cars), while the 46mm diameter pistons will take much punishment, essential on potholed UK roads.
For longevity the dampers are coated in painted chromed steel, with all aluminium and other steel components also protected against corrosion. BC also uses high quality steel for their spring manufacture, corrosion tested through over half a million compression cycles, with less than 5% deformation. This is all backed by the companies 1-year faulty components warranty.
Part number: F-01-BR-RA
Rebound adjustment: 30-way adjustable
Camber adjustment: Yes
Height adjustment: Yes (front)
Warranty: 1 year
Pros:
- Highly regarded suspension specialist
- Competitively priced coilover
- Huge adjustment for dampening and ride height
- Tested and proven for longevity
Cons:
- No camber adjustment for rear wheels
Tein Flex Z Coilovers TEIN-VSS12-C1SS4-1
Check the latest price on eBay
Tein’s Flex Z coilover, released in 2015 is designed for comfort and performance, allowing for use both on the road and the track. Right height and damping force are both adjustable, while the twin tube design should allow almost standard-car levels of comfort over potholes and rough surfaces. The coilovers can also be used with Tein’s EDFC (Electronic Damping Force Controller) to adjust damping force from within the vehicle and with finer levels of adjustment.
Like the BC racing options, Tein coilovers come with springs rated to SAE9254 standards, ensuring longevity without any significant drop in performance. Tein says they have received no claims of corrosion with over 500,000 units sold, showing good resistance even against those harsh UK winters. Tein also offers rebuild services for used units that have leaking seals or damaged components.
Part number: TEIN-VSS12-C1SS4-1
Rebound adjustment: 16-way adjustable
Camber adjustment: Yes (front)
Height adjustment: Yes
Warranty: None implied
Pros:
- Japanese manufactured suspension components
- Increase in performance without compromising comfort
- Suitable for use with Tein EDFC
- Highly durable and resistant to corrosion
Cons:
- Less adjustment for dampening compared to rivals
- No warranty implied
MeisterR ZetaCRD Coilovers MF01R-GC8
Check the latest price on eBay
The ZetaCRD line is MeisterR’s answer to road-going coilovers that will improve grip, give good adjustability and maintain near-standard levels of comfort and NVH. The coilovers offer huge levels of adjustability for both ride height and dampening, while strong monotube dampers provide ample strength. Independent spring height and preload adjustment makes ride height and stiffness adjustment capable independent of one another, meaning a lower car doesn’t necessarily make for an overly jarring ride.
Like rival offerings. These coilovers are designed for longevity, with serious attention paid to preventing corrosion and the usual high standard SAE9254 steel springs included. The damper coating is also tested with salt spray for 120 hours without any sign of corrosion.
Part number: MF01R-GC8
Rebound adjustment: 32-way adjustable
Camber adjustment: Yes (front)
Height adjustment: Yes
Warranty: 1 year
Pros:
- Suspension specialist that works with enthusiasts and motorsport teams
- Highly adjustable dampening
- Independent adjustments of ride height and preload
- Highly resistant to corrosion
Cons:
- Relatively inexperienced parts manufacturer
The Best Subaru Impreza Newage Coilovers 00-07 (GD/GG)
Non-WRX/WRX Models & STi Models 00-05 (5×100 PCD)
BC Racing BR Coilover Kit F-02-BR-RA
Check the latest price on eBay
The BR coilover kit for the Subaru Impreza is BC racing’s street biased suspension kit. The kit allows for huge adjustment in ride height, dampening and camber adjustments for the front wheels. Moveable spring platforms allows not only for ride height adjustment but also changes to the corner weighting (ideal for competitive track cars). 46mm diameter pistons promise to take the punishment given by rough and potholed UK roads.
For longevity, the dampers are coated in painted chromed steel, with all aluminium and other steel components also protected against corrosion. BC also uses high quality steel for their spring manufacture, corrosion tested through over half a million compression cycles, with less than 5% deformation. This is all backed by the companies 1-year faulty components warranty.
Part number: F-02-BR-RA
Rebound adjustment: 30-way adjustable
Camber adjustment: Yes
Height adjustment: Yes (front)
Warranty: 1 year
Pros:
- Highly regarded suspension specialist
- Competitively priced coilover
- Huge adjustment for dampening and ride height
- Tested and proven for longevity
Cons:
- No camber adjustment for rear wheels
Tein Flex Z Coilovers TEIN-VSS28-C1SS4-7
Check the latest price on eBay
The Flex Z variant coilover from Tein is designed for both comfort and performance, with their aim squarely on road cars, that may see occasional track use. Ride height and dampening force are both adjustable (16-way for the latter), while the twin tube shock design allows for almost standard-level comfort over rough surfaces. These coilovers can also be used with Tein’s EDFC (Electronic Damping Force Controller) to adjust damping force without mechanical changes, from within the vehicle and with finer levels of adjustment.
Like the BC racing options, Tein coilovers come with springs rated to SAE9254 standards, ensuring longevity without any significant degradation or damage. Tein states that they have received no claims of corrosion with over 500,000 units sold, showing great resistance, even against those harsh UK winters. Tein also offers rebuild services for used units that have leaking seals or damaged components.
Part number: TEIN-VSS28-C1SS4-7
Rebound adjustment: 16-way adjustable
Camber adjustment: Yes (front)
Height adjustment: Yes
Warranty: None implied
Pros:
- Japanese manufactured suspension components
- Increase in performance without compromising comfort
- Suitable for use with Tein EDFC
- Highly durable and resistant to corrosion
Cons:
- Less adjustment for dampening compared to rivals
- No warranty implied
MeisterR ZetaCRD Coilovers MF02R-GDB
Check the latest price on eBay
The ZetaCRD line is MeisterR’s offering aimed directly at road use, aiming to improve grip, give huge adjustability and maintain near-standard levels of comfort and NVH. These coilovers offer huge levels of adjustability for both ride height and dampening, as well as camber adjustment for the front wheels. Independent spring height and preload adjustment makes ride height and stiffness adjustment independent of one another, this means a lower car doesn’t necessarily make for a stiffer suspension, as is the case with many basic coilovers.
Like rival offerings. These coilovers are designed for longevity, with serious attention paid to preventing corrosion and the usual high standard SAE9254 steel springs included. The damper coating is also tested with salt spray for 120 hours without any sign of corrosion.
Part number: MF02R-GDB
Rebound adjustment: 32-way adjustable
Camber adjustment: Yes (front)
Height adjustment: Yes
Warranty: 1 year
Pros:
- Suspension specialist that works with enthusiasts and motorsport teams
- Highly adjustable dampening
- Independent adjustments of ride height and preload
- Highly resistant to corrosion
Cons:
- Relatively inexperienced parts manufacturer
STi Models 05-07 (5×114.3 PCD)
BC Racing BR Coilover Kit F-03-BR-RA
Check the latest price on eBay
The BR coilover kit for the Subaru Impreza STi is specially suited to the wider track and hubs of the later blobeye and hawkeye STi models. The kit allows for huge adjustment in ride height (though not lowering by the same amount as seen on WRX/ non-WRX models), dampening and camber adjustments for the front wheels. Moveable spring platforms allows not only for ride height adjustment but also changes to the corner weighting (ideal for competitive track cars). 46mm diameter pistons promise to take the punishment given by rough and potholed UK roads.
For longevity, the dampers are coated in painted chromed steel, with all aluminium and other steel components also protected against corrosion. BC also uses high quality steel for their spring manufacture, corrosion tested through over half a million compression cycles, with less than 5% deformation. This is all backed by the companies 1-year faulty components warranty.
Part number: F-03-BR-RA
Rebound adjustment: 30-way adjustable
Camber adjustment: Yes
Height adjustment: Yes (front)
Warranty: 1 year
Pros:
- Highly regarded suspension specialist
- Competitively priced coilover
- Huge adjustment for dampening and ride height
- Tested and proven for longevity
Cons:
- No camber adjustment for rear wheels
Tein Flex Z Coilovers TEIN-VSS64-C1SS4-3
Check the latest price on eBay
Designed for road use, the Flex Z is also available for later STi blobeye and all hawkeye STi models. This setup is suitable for road-biased setups that may see occasional track use. Ride height and dampening force are both adjustable (16-way for the latter), while the twin tube shock design allows for almost standard-level comfort over rough surfaces. These coilovers can also be used with Tein’s EDFC (Electronic Damping Force Controller) to adjust damping force without mechanical changes, from within the vehicle and with finer levels of adjustment.
Like the BC racing options, Tein coilovers come with springs rated to SAE9254 standards, ensuring longevity without any significant degradation or damage. Tein states that they have received no claims of corrosion with over 500,000 units sold, showing great resistance, even against those harsh UK winters. Tein also offers rebuild services for used units that have leaking seals or damaged components.
Part number: TEIN-VSS64-C1SS4-3
Rebound adjustment: 16-way adjustable
Camber adjustment: Yes (front)
Height adjustment: Yes
Warranty: None implied
Pros:
- Japanese manufactured suspension components
- Increase in performance without compromising comfort
- Suitable for use with Tein EDFC
- Highly durable and resistant to corrosion
Cons:
- Less adjustment for dampening compared to rivals
- No warranty implied
MeisterR ZetaCRD Coilovers MF03R-GDF
Check the latest price on eBay
The ZetaCRD line is also available for the later STi blobeye and hawkeye models, suited to the 5×114.3 PCD wheel size. These coilovers aims to improve performance on the road, with enhanced levels of grip, massive adjustability and decent ride comfort. These coilovers offer huge levels of adjustability for both ride height and dampening, as well as camber adjustment for the front wheels. Independent spring height and preload adjustment makes ride height and stiffness adjustment independent of one another, this means a lower car doesn’t necessarily make for a stiffer suspension, as is the case with many basic coilovers.
Like rival offerings. These coilovers are designed for longevity, with serious attention paid to preventing corrosion and the usual high standard SAE9254 steel springs included. The damper coating is also tested with salt spray for 120 hours without any sign of corrosion.
Part number: MF03R-GDF
Rebound adjustment: 32-way adjustable
Camber adjustment: Yes (front)
Height adjustment: Yes
Warranty: 1 year
Pros:
- Suspension specialist that works with enthusiasts and motorsport teams
- Highly adjustable dampening
- Independent adjustments of ride height and preload
- Highly resistant to corrosion
Cons:
- Relatively inexperienced parts manufacturer
The Best Subaru Impreza Hatchback Coilovers 08-14 (GH/GR)
Non-WRX/ WRX Models
BC Racing BR Coilover Kit F-08-BR-RA
Check the latest price on eBay
Hatchback Subaru owners need not fear as BC racing have also adapted their BR line coilover series for use in the 08-14 model year variants. The BR coilover kit for the Subaru Impreza is BC racing’s street biased suspension kit. The kit allows for huge adjustment in ride height, dampening and camber adjustments for the front wheels. Moveable spring platforms allows not only for ride height adjustment but also changes to the corner weighting (ideal for competitive track cars). 46mm diameter pistons promise to take the punishment given by rough and potholed UK roads.
For longevity, the dampers are coated in painted chromed steel, with all aluminium and other steel components also protected against corrosion. BC also uses high quality steel for their spring manufacture, corrosion tested through over half a million compression cycles, with less than 5% deformation. This is all backed by the companies 1-year faulty components warranty.
Part number: F-08-BR-RA
Rebound adjustment: 30-way adjustable
Camber adjustment: Yes
Height adjustment: Yes (front)
Warranty: 1 year
Pros:
- Highly regarded suspension specialist
- Competitively priced coilover
- Huge adjustment for dampening and ride height
- Tested and proven for longevity
Cons:
- No camber adjustment for rear wheels
Tein Street Advance Z Coilovers TEIN-GSS76-91SS2
Check the latest price on eBay
Unlike most Impreza models, Tein doesn’t offer their Flex Z coilovers for the hatchback models in non-WRX/ WRX variants. Luckily, they do offer their Advance Z coilovers instead. These are a basic-level coilover, designed more towards the road than the track. As such they do not have adjustability of camber or dampening but ride height can be altered with huge scope for lowering.
Like the more expensive Flex Z models, the steel springs are rated to SAE9254 standards, allowing for protection in the long term against spring sag or corrosion. The springs are also powder coated, while the dampers feature long dust boots, all this combining to prevent damage or corrosion of the coilover unit in long term use, particularly useful for driving on heavily salted roads in UK winters.
Part number: TEIN-GSS76-91SS2
Rebound adjustment: No
Camber adjustment: No
Height adjustment: Yes
Warranty: None implied
Pros:
- Japanese manufactured suspension components
- Adjustment of ride height
- Lower price, compared to other featured kits
- Highly durable and resistant to corrosion
Cons:
- Doesn’t include top mounts, need to use OEM parts
MeisterR Zeta CRD Coilovers MF08R-GV
Check the latest price on eBay
The ZetaCRD line is also available for the hatchback Impreza models, suited to their specific model style, suspension fitment and wheel size. These coilovers aims to improve performance on the road, with enhanced levels of grip, massive adjustability and decent ride comfort. These coilovers offer huge levels of adjustability for both ride height and dampening, as well as camber adjustment for the front wheels. Independent spring height and preload adjustment makes ride height and stiffness adjustment independent of one another, this means a lower car doesn’t necessarily make for a stiffer suspension, as is the case with many basic coilovers.
Like rival offerings. These coilovers are designed for longevity, with serious attention paid to preventing corrosion and the usual high standard SAE9254 steel springs included. The damper coating is also tested with salt spray for 120 hours without any sign of corrosion.
Part number: MF08R-GV
Rebound adjustment: 32-way adjustable
Camber adjustment: Yes (front)
Height adjustment: Yes
Warranty: 1 year
Pros:
- Highly regarded suspension specialist
- Competitively priced coilover
- Huge adjustment for dampening and ride height
- Tested and proven for longevity
Cons:
- No camber adjustment for rear wheels
STi Models
BC Racing BR Coilover Kit F-10-BR-RA
Check the latest price on eBay
Unlike newage models, hatchback Subaru Impreza’s from 08-14 use different suspension fitment for WRX and STi models. Luckily BC is prepared with their specific BR series coilovers suited to the GR WRX STi Impreza. The BR coilover kit for the Subaru Impreza is BC racing’s street biased suspension kit. The kit allows for huge adjustment in ride height, dampening and camber adjustments for the front wheels. Moveable spring platforms allows not only for ride height adjustment but also changes to the corner weighting (ideal for competitive track cars). 46mm diameter pistons promise to take the punishment given by rough and potholed UK roads.
For longevity, the dampers are coated in painted chromed steel, with all aluminium and other steel components also protected against corrosion. BC also uses high quality steel for their spring manufacture, corrosion tested through over half a million compression cycles, with less than 5% deformation. This is all backed by the companies 1-year faulty components warranty.
Part number: F-10-BR-RA
Rebound adjustment: 30-way adjustable
Camber adjustment: Yes
Height adjustment: Yes (front)
Warranty: 1 year
Pros:
- Highly regarded suspension specialist
- Competitively priced coilover
- Huge adjustment for dampening and ride height
- Tested and proven for longevity
Cons:
- No camber adjustment for rear wheels
Tein Flex Z Coilovers TEIN-VSS78-C1SS4
Check the latest price on eBay
While not available for non-WRX and WRX models, Tein luckily does offer its Flex Z coilovers for the STi hatchback Subaru Impreza. This setup designed specifically for road-biased setups that may see occasional track use. Ride height and dampening force are both adjustable (16-way for the latter), while the twin tube shock design allows for almost standard-level comfort over rough surfaces. These coilovers can also be used with Tein’s EDFC (Electronic Damping Force Controller) to adjust damping force without mechanical changes, from within the vehicle and with finer levels of adjustment.
Like the BC racing options, Tein coilovers come with springs rated to SAE9254 standards, ensuring longevity without any significant degradation or damage. Tein states that they have received no claims of corrosion with over 500,000 units sold, showing great resistance, even against those harsh UK winters. Tein also offers rebuild services for used units that have leaking seals or damaged components.
Part number: TEIN-VSS78-C1SS4
Rebound adjustment: 16-way adjustable
Camber adjustment: Yes (front)
Height adjustment: Yes
Warranty: None implied
Pros:
- Japanese manufactured suspension components
- Increase in performance without compromising comfort
- Suitable for use with Tein EDFC
- Highly durable and resistant to corrosion
Cons:
- Less adjustment for dampening compared to rivals
- No warranty implied
MeisterR ZetaCRD Coilovers MF10R-GRB
Check the latest price on eBay
In response to offerings from the competition, MeisterR have also adapted the ZetaCRD coilovers for the STi model hatchback from 2008-2014. These coilovers aims to improve performance on the road, with enhanced levels of grip, massive adjustability and decent ride comfort. These coilovers offer huge levels of adjustability for both ride height and dampening, as well as camber adjustment for the front wheels. Independent spring height and preload adjustment makes ride height and stiffness adjustment independent of one another, this means a lower car doesn’t necessarily make for a stiffer suspension, as is the case with many basic coilovers.
Like rival offerings. These coilovers are designed for longevity, with serious attention paid to preventing corrosion and the usual high standard SAE9254 steel springs included. The damper coating is also tested with salt spray for 120 hours without any sign of corrosion.
Part number: MF10R-GRB
Rebound adjustment: 32-way adjustable
Camber adjustment: Yes (front)
Height adjustment: Yes
Warranty: 1 year
Pros:
- Highly regarded suspension specialist
- Competitively priced coilover
- Huge adjustment for dampening and ride height
- Tested and proven for longevity
Cons:
- No camber adjustment for rear wheels
In Conclusion
Whether your Subaru Impreza is a track weapon or a street cruiser, adjustable coilover kits are likely to bring huge benefits to handling grip and adjustability. They are at the pinnacle of suspension modifications, giving vastly more benefits than simple lower springs, albeit at an extra cost.
Setup can be vastly complex, meaning professional help will likely be required. Likewise, those with little experience modifying or working on vehicles suspension components are likely better leaving the fitting to a trusted mechanic due to the safety concerns involved.
A correctly installed and professionally setup coilover suspension system will undoubtedly give huge benefits including increased grip, lower ride height and superb wheel fitment. Taking your Impreza to the next level is easily possible with one of these kits and a few hours with the spanners.
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Categorised in: Coilover Buying Guides
