Yep, I know. This is one of the reasons I didn't go Bilsteins :)

Yeah, tell me about it. It looks like I'm going to have to spend hundreds of dollars to get my ASTs re-valved to get them how I want them.

do they sell just the shocks alone?

I really do like these and was almost about to pull the trigger on them. But part of me really wants to wait until the spring rates for the following get discovered
stock 2017 brz PP suspension
sti pink springs
2015 jdm brz TS suspension
2018 USDM brz TS suspension (most likely a revised sti pink to work with sachs damper)

Just to get a better understanding of where the stock and OEM-ish suspensions are coming from before I move on from the 2017 PP suspension.

but for real I'm my this now trigger finger is itching for this lol!

I'll be honest and say these are probably an upgrade over stock 2013-2015 shocks, and practically the same as what you have on your car now (stock shocks by Sachs).

The ride quality may be marginally better given that the shock design is meant for a mildly lowered application, however you can probably get more meaningful performance upgrade from swapping out tires.

The spring rate won't matter much given how soft they are.

Trying to figure out if they do or not. Showa sells this as a complete package in Japan.

To me it looks like B6 looks a bit better offering from somewhat same budget class. Or depending on type of use, maybe also Koni Yellows, Flex Z or Tarmac 0. Of course if i'd live in Japan, it might be different, but adding on top of base price shipping & import charges, +no local serviceability ..

Probably, but:

• Adjustable coilovers should not be included on this list for comparison, it's not the same as non-adjustable OE replacement springs/shocks. They may be similar in price but the comparison should just end there. People shopping for STI springs aren't going to cross-shop low-end coilovers, and vice versa.
• I'm working with the importer on establishing warranty/service/support in the US. They are Showa's distributor in Japan.
• No import charges for North America. Obviously you are not in North America so parts of this doesn't apply for you.

A serious question: Is Bilstein B6 a better option? Why?

I was kind of suspecting that about the OEM-ish options compared to the 2017 pp suspension. I guess I've just been waiting for someone to test them. I also wanted to wait until more 2017 specific options came out whether its in the aftermarket like these showas or the 2018 TS stuff STI is going make for it.

But I also like these because it's nice to have someone think of the shock travel and modify it to go with the spring instead of lowering the spring only and not taking the stock shocks piston travel parameter shift.

So I see there is one of these in stock on their website, I also see these are designated as 2017 specific can FRSport or anyone else shed some light on why or how the 2013-2016 version is different from the 2017 version?

Also I would like to know if springs made for the stock shocks are interchangeable with the springs in this set up?

It would be neat to add a 25mm drop spring into this shock because it would only be operating 10mm lower than it was intended to instead of operating 25mm (1in) lower thank it was intended to if it was on an OEM shock. Of course there is the rear axle issue that comes with lowering but never the less interesting.

To address your questions:

• The Evolution kit(s) all come with the same shock, but Showa has a different part number for the 2017+ kouki models. I was told by Showa's importer that the springs are different, I suspect the springs are slightly progressive rate and may have slightly different overall feel vs the 2013-16 zenki models. On paper the springs are virtually the same rate.
• The shocks are OE replacement, so any OE replacement aftermarket springs will work with this setup.
• It would be, except it won't be as intended and may be lowered past the optimum range. Plus, Showa as a company is very conservative and they tend to stay on the safe side when it comes to parts.

Any perceived improvements from this new set vs. the 13-16 sti pink spring/silver sti strut combo? Im constantly battling crappy roads, and would prefer this comfort focused style over a coilover system if tye performance benefits/height (raise) arent diminished.

Hard to say without driving two identical cars side by side w/ these springs/shocks vs yours.

If your suspension is still stock and have significant mileage on them, they may very well be worn out.

Im interested in a sti silver strut pink spring comparison to these (my current setup). By the look of the extended body, there is more travel to help keep the springs soft which will help with the crap roads around here that eat up most suspensions travel and make for a bouncier ride.

Questions:

1. There has been talk in this thread of increased suspension travel with this kit. What I am seeing is a shaft that protrudes from the shock body a shorter distance than the stock unit. By the looks of it, once you put the bump stop on and the spring compresses you won't have much of any travel left. So what am I missing?

2. Why does the 2017 kit lower the car 15mm all around but the 2012+ lowers it 10mm front and 15mm rear?

3. Why is the 2017 kit $100 more?

1) The shock piston is in a better position. Suspension travel isn't longer, just the shock piston will be in a better position and won't bottom out as easily vs a stock design shock body

2) I had discussions with them about this, it mostly stems from the fact that Chuhatsu (the maker of the springs) took an OEM approach and wanted springs that matched with the factory handling. So to a certain extent, this discrepancy in lowering amount is attributed to the fact that the factory spring rates are slightly different.

3) See #2 above. The shocks are identical (part numbers) but springs are different.