Wing Wednesday

Not me, i dig the sti badge better.

true, but still... In terms of knock-offs this looks promising.

http://www.ft86speedfactory.com/medi...tsembred-1.jpg

http://www.ft86speedfactory.com/ts-e...l#.Vw7FoWPtI7c[/QUOTE]


I THINK THE "Red COLOR" from the "S" is NOT matching
with the Original One !
The OEM "S" on the Badge is Cherry Blossom Pink !!!!

yeah....this is the real one...but that can fit as genuine tS emblems aren't sold outside Japan...

Colours can look different in photos. anyways, a slight colur difference would be the least of your worries if you're trying to build something that passes for a ts car. the left hand drive would give it away.

I THINK THE "Red COLOR" from the "S" is NOT matching
with the Original One !
The OEM "S" on the Badge is Cherry Blossom Pink !!!![/QUOTE]

I will let you guys know how the badge looks when I get it in the mail today. Most likely the color won't be perfect, but we will see. I'll provide photos as well.

Hilariously it's sad that I've actually been asked a few times if my car was imported from Japan. I'm like uhhhh really?

Alright, here's what we got.

I am quite surprised by the quality of this badge. The thing is heavy. Heavier than the OEM STi badge to my recollection! The backing is made from some sort of metal, possibly aluminum and the letters are plastic. The back has a sufficient amount of 3M tape and the whole thing is exceedingly sturdy. No chance that you could bust this in two.

As you can see the red does not match the STi cherry blossom, but geeze... its close for a knock off. The silver 's' is not chrome, but it is very reflective. The paint is overall pretty good. The size of the badge seems to be accurate too.

I positioned it the best I could using pictures. Sure wish it came with a template, but oh well.

Overall: yes, it is a knock off. No, it is not OEM quality. I am normally a stickler for OEM, but damn... if you want a tS badge this is probably as good as it is going to get (unless you make one yourself or you have a buddy go to Japan and rip one off of a real tS). I am pleased with this and I am sure others will be too.

I wonder how long this offering on ft86speedfactory will last. If Subaru were to get wind I guarantee there would be hell to pay.

I hope you replied 'why yes, it was imported from japan. they ALL are.'
:D

New tS Spring/Shocks compared to KW V3 Coilovers (Just my personal opinion)

Had the tS Springs and Shock combo (STi Pink Springs and Silver Showa Shocks) installed on my car yesterday.

First impressions: I noticed how much smoother the car is rolling over road imperfections. Bigger dips and bumps feel firm but very controlled. Not jumpy at all. Ride comfort is increased and slightly less jarring than my previous setup (KW V3 - which are very good street/light track coilover). This could be due to the higher ride height and potentially softer spring rates(unknown as STi does not release this information). Mind you, it's no luxury ride but the comfort level balance is what I've been looking for despite being on 18" wheels. It feels the same if not more comfortable than stock, but still feels stable under normal driving conditions. I feel I could get similar comfort levels by adjusting the rebound softer on the V3's but in turn would increase body roll and reduce confidence during hard turns. The V3's have very good rebound power when cranked up. Handling felt great on stiffer rebound but can get a bit tiring over bumpy roads. (Ride comfort is subjective, so what would feel "harsh" to me might be tolerable to someone else. Keep that in mind)

Look: As far as ride height is concerned, they're supposed to be a 15mm/0.6" drop. I do miss the lower (about 1"-1.2" drop) look I had with the coilovers, but I wanted to add a bit more practicality/comfort over looks. Also, not have to worry too much about suspension adjustments. The new suspension has been on for a day and still looks like it's at stock height. I knew the car would be raised, but I'm hoping the springs settle lower just a bit more.

Handling: I have not really pushed it on corners yet, as I still need to get a proper alignment done. (trying to wait 1 week for the springs to settle). So far I've only tried a couple of curved highway on-ramps. Turn in while accelerating felt "easier" and smoother. Pretty compliant over dips while in the high speed turn. In comparison to the coilovers taking the same on-ramps: when rebound is set softer, more steering input is needed and would feel more floaty. When rebound is set stiffer, steering is very sharp. slight adjustments make the car feel like it has go cart-like steering. Bumps/dips would feel hectic to bring the car back to it's normal driving height. (I might update this section after I've done the alignment and more seat time if anyone is interested). But so far I'm happy with how they feel. It makes me believe in what the tS model is. Rather than slapping a turbo on, STi's focus for the BRZ is to increase handling without sacrificing comfort. I know my car will never be a true "tS" but having the option to add some of the aftermarket STi parts still benefits/improves the stock car with OEM quality in mind.

Btw, this review is in no way bashing the KW V3's. I've heard nothing but great things, hence why I purchased them in the first place. I was very happy with them until I personally felt I wanted to change things up (maybe i'm getting old). If I had to go back to coilovers, I would choose KW's, no question. They offer height, rebound and compression adjustments which gives you a lot of control. If you can find that "sweet spot" setting that works for you, then they are worth it. Anyway, that's my 2 cents.

Looks good. I've been debating the showas too, but I feel I would regret the adjustability that comes with dedicated coiler systems like the KW. Think you'll miss that feature? Interested to hear your long term review.

I actually hate adjustable options because I don't track, so I just want one optimal setting for the street. I know if I have too much adjustability I would just want to keep tuning it non-stop like my mountain bike forks. :D

legitimate. I feel.