questions on '17+ PP Sach shocks
 

i'm currently running RCE Yellow springs on the non-PP stock shocks, can i install this same springs on a set of Sach shocks that come with PP? also what's so good about this Sach shocks? do they make your car more comfortable and handles better than the non-PP shocks?

I didn't like the Sachs shocks at all, the valving was messed up for anything other than dead flat roads.

I found them "crashy" and replaced the OEM coilover after a couple of thousand kilometres.

My MCA Street Performance coilovers are better everywhere IRT performance and comfort.

yes
dunno
dunno

I'm running the an 18 PP with the Sachs dampers and TRD's (Eibach Pro's). Just about the same drop as the Yellows, although the rear springs are progressive. No issues and I think it feels great. However, I haven't experienced any other setups so I don't have much to compare it with. I've never found any quantitative comparison between the stock and Sach's. I'm sure its out there somewhere. I'm curious about the differences also.

You mean the PP Sachs not the tS right?
I am going to fit the tS springs/shocks and from what I have read they are the same comfort wise with the OEM 17+ BRZ springs/shocks combo, am I wrong?

i honestly did not know the PP suspension and TS are different

tS Sachs should be better, but I hadn't found any lowering springs that are compatible...

Those springs they came with are more than enough and probably not far from the STI pinks, we'll see when I fit them

Why would you think they couldn't? The PP and non-PP come with the same springs from the factory, so factory PP and non-PP dampers can definitely be run with the same springs. If anything I might guess the Sachs dampers could be more compatible with stiffer/lower springs.

The definitely make the car feel more go-kart like. As mentioned above, more "crashy". IMO they have too much high-speed compression damping which seems maybe a bit gimmicky. But perhaps they offer better low-speed damping as well which again if anything would be more appropriate for stiffer/lower springs.

The PP Sachs dampers definitely make the car *less* comfortable. I test-drove PP and non-PP back-to-back an the non-PP is a smoother ride for sure. As for ultimate handling, I couldn't say for sure.

FWIW I'm running the factory PP Sachs dampers with Swift BRZ Sport springs which lowered the car 1.25" and are ~40% stiffer than stock. The car performs very well at the track and I don't get the sense that it is underdamped for these springs.

I had a ‘13 with stock suspension and then RCE yellows. Now I have a ‘17 PP. I prefer the ‘17 suspension to either of my prior setups for comfort and handling. I think if you search you’ll find previous comments from RCE that yellows will work fine on PP dampers. Not a very expensive experiment to try.

They're not lowered.

Some say tS is lowered by a tiny amount, bear in mind 215/40/18 are 1 cm taller than the standard BRZ 17" tires so probably tS IS lowered by 1 cm as the US pinks...

RCE Yellows work well on PP and non-PP shocks. The non-PP shocks are more comfortable.

- Andrew

I can vouch for Yellows paired with the Sachs.

Personally I don't mind that setup, though I did drive a stock 86 a few weeks ago in Japan on stock suspension and it was definitely "more comfortable."

But the difference is fairly negligible. It's not like the Yellows + Sachs combo is jarring compared to stock. Just a bit stiffer, and it obviously feels great while cornering.

i've read one selling point for Sach is they are more compatible with lowering springs, can anyone vouch for this?

This is more about stroke lenght I believe, and from my "possibly flawed" research the stroke lenght is typical.

Either way, I'm not sold on the Sachs branding, yes they have some quality items, but the dampers used are basic cheap items with a Euro name attached.

I believe, jadded view, that they were able to get roughly what they wanted from Sachs cheaper than the other "brand name" suppliers like Bilstein.

I know no one that hasn't replaced their PP Sachs.

Getting the PP is a no brainer for the the brakes alone, the 7.5" rims are a bonus if you want to fit 225 or 235.

Unless I was replacing blown old OEM dampers I wouldn't bother with the Sachs.

Opinions may vary

I went from 2013 stock to 2017 PP Sachs and RCE yellows. Love it.
Definitely a bit firmer, but overall tire control seems much better. The big bumps/undulations on some back roads I've compared are better controlled by the PP/RCE setup.

They are not cheap.

I have the tS suspension in my 2017 Non-PP and I can say they are very similar to the STI pinks.

I don't have mine anymore but what is the Sachs P/N that is "stamped" on them, not the Subaru P/N on the sticker?

IICRC I googled the Sachs damper P/N and they were around $200 a piece, Subaru P/N came in at twice that, because OEM markup I presume.

so the PP wheels are 0.5" wider than the regular stock 17"? i honestly did not know that.

Yeah, they are a bit heavy though

I am not sure where did you find this. Here are the prices of the shock absorbers:

Ordinary

https://parts.subaru.com/p/Subaru_20...0310CA230.html

https://parts.subaru.com/p/Subaru_20...0365CA210.html


Sachs (Performance Package)

https://parts.subaru.com/p/Subaru__/...0310CA160.html

https://parts.subaru.com/p/Subaru__/...0365CA120.html

I found the P/N from Sachs somewhere, not the Subaru version, Subaru have thrown a markup on the Dampener.

If someone who has them can looked for the stamped P/N from Sachs I can look for it in their catalog, if I can find it online again.

I don't think Sachs can sell the PP or tS dampers for the BRZ, according to patent pending it can trade these 10 years after Subaru started to sell the cars so not before 2025+, am I wrong?
https://webcat.zf.com/?SPR=4

tS dampers, 171150, 171154, 171173, 171168 marked on them except the Subaru part number, none of them associated with Sachs part number:
https://buyee.pixnet.net/blog/post/2...%AB-zc6-brz-st

What do you mean by "sold on the Sachs branding?" Do you think that Sachs is just a brand name being used to sell some cheaper generic damper? How do you know they're just basic cheap dampers with a Euro name attached? And if that is the case, how do you know the other big name euro brands (like bilstein and ohlins) aren't doing the same thing?

Not attacking here, just curious what led you to these conclusions.

SACHS PNs for dampers are usually 6 digits. I tried looking at pictures of PP shocks, to see if I could find it, but can't. I'd be very curious to find out the SACHS PN

Different regions (NA vs Australia) will also often introduce different PNs for their markets. So while you may be able to find them in Australia, I highly doubt they'd get introduced for NA aftermarket. I don't think any vendors in NA will be selling them in the aftermarket, unless they're ordering or shipping from overseas. You might have a better shot being in Australia.

@Shark bait88 What do you mean by "sold on the Sachs branding?"

"Not sold on" = I wouldn't buy them.


I think they are very poorly designed for purpose , too crashy on anything but a dead smooth surface. in my opinion anyway.

They reminded me of a set of BC coilovers I had on a MX5, great on the track as long as I kept away from the rumble strips , rubbish on the street.

As for the pricing, the performance package here costs $2200, for that you get 17 x 7.5 rims, Brembo brakes, and the Suspension.

However you break it down it is a good deal, but $2200 for all that?

$2200 for everything,...... compromises were made, small ones with the Brembo's (pistons), and I belive bigger compromises with the dampers.

In the end this is only my view, other people may like them, but for me, on the streets of Sydney, they were crap.

$2200 .. + price of new "normal" components. Check for example how much one stock wheel costs if you order it new at dealership. Ordering all PP bits separately will run cost much higher.

They wanted $1000 for 1 PP rim when I went looking for a full size spare.
I LOL'D pretty hard, I ended up getting a set of 17 x 8 Enkei RPF-1 and used 1 PP rim for a spare.

Sold the other 3 as spares, the PP rims weighed quite a bit to.

There is a thread in here somewhere with the rim weight.

You don't buy parts from dealers and not expect to be ripped off. Hell, the Toyota dealer at Liverpool wanted about $60 for the 17+ engine air filter, I mean WTF..., the sales man said it was special.

Just like you don't talk car dealers/salesmen and not expect to be lied to.

I ended up selling my Sachs for $250 to a guy who had a 13 with blown OEM shocks, a cheap replacement for blown OEM shocks is all they are really good for IMO.

Opinions and views on marketing may vary.

I don't know if the tS Sachs w/STI springs are less comfortable but based on the comparison videos between tS and normal BRZ they make huge performance difference along with other tS chassis bits, braces etc, that's my decision to buy them plus they offer enough ride height and suspension travel that needed where I park and drive.

It is not uncommon to sell a package cheaper than the sum of the parts. Check what Porsche did with the 718 T. It is a way to attract new buyers. This does not mean that the suspension is garbage or cheap. Technically it is better than stock with gas compressed fluids. If you didn't like it on your roads it's another issue. Personally I have the Sachs performance coilovers which are OEM+, but you always have to make compromises with performance parts. They have stiffer springs and in some cases will be harsher than stock, but in other cases the damping will be much better than stock. That's why the manufacturer or vendors offer different options and you are free to choose what suits best your needs.