Coilovers?

[C_Note]

I'm looking to replace my front & rear suspension and just trying to get a feel for the different options. For my car I've found

KYB GR-2 shocks/struts - $75 each
KYB AGX adjustible shocks/struts - $165 each
Eibach lowering (1.2" rear, 1" front) sport springs - $270

Buddy Club coilovers - $910

So if I went with a basic setup in the GR-2s & Eibachs then that would run me around $600. Bumping up to the AGX adjustibles would be about $950. So... Does anyone have any insight into these options?

Are the AGXs much of an improvement over the GR-2s? Would their performance, as adjustible strut assemblies, be near those of a set of coilovers? Has anyone heard of Buddy Club and know if they're of any decent quality? I think I saw a lower end set of Tanabe coilovers somewhere for around $1100.

Guess I'll go ahead and go through the front disc upgrade/rear conversion process at the same time since I've been putting it off for a few years.

[Davis Silver Sti]

I'm looking to replace my front & rear suspension and just trying to get a feel for the different options. For my car I've found

KYB GR-2 shocks/struts - $75 each
KYB AGX adjustible shocks/struts - $165 each
Eibach lowering (1.2" rear, 1" front) sport springs - $270

Buddy Club coilovers - $910

So if I went with a basic setup in the GR-2s & Eibachs then that would run me around $600. Bumping up to the AGX adjustibles would be about $950. So... Does anyone have any insight into these options?

Are the AGXs much of an improvement over the GR-2s? Would their performance, as adjustible strut assemblies, be near those of a set of coilovers? Has anyone heard of Buddy Club and know if they're of any decent quality? I think I saw a lower end set of Tanabe coilovers somewhere for around $1100.

Guess I'll go ahead and go through the front disc upgrade/rear conversion process at the same time since I've been putting it off for a few years.

I haven't heard of buddy Club.

Go the coilover route if you are going to get serious into AutoX and track events. Although there are people who put coilovers on for an aggressive street ride, to me its seems like it would be some $ wasted.
You don't have to go the coilover route for a good suspension setup. AGX's and also Koni's make some very desirable setups for street, Solo (AutoX), and track. Some of the best Solo setups are double and triple adjustment Koni's for fast Stock class cars.

Spring rates are a huge consideration when changing the balance and ride of the car. Pretty much anything over 400# is going to be a rough ride for daily use on most cars. (Which car is this for again?)
Other issue with coilovers is the necessary rebuilds. Check with the Mfg. to see when they suggest needed rebuilding. It can be costly and rather frequent.

If you go the non-coilover route, spend the extra $ to put it toward big sway bars....they make a tremendous difference!

[C_Note]

Go the coilover route if you are going to get serious into AutoX and track events.

I wouldn't say 'serious'. In fact, I've never even been able to find an event around here. I found a SC SCCA site but it was dead and the one time I tried going to an event in Raleigh it ended up pouring all weekend.

Pretty much anything over 400# is going to be a rough ride for daily use on most cars. (Which car is this for again?)

97 Subaru Impreza Outback Sport

I guess I'll just go with struts & springs, then. The next step up in coilovers from a no-name is around $1600 which is more than I want to put into the suspension at the moment.

I probably don't need an aggressive setup since I've not had much luck finding anything to do around here but I wouldn't mind getting moderate incase I do happen to stumble upon an event and try my hand at it.

I've not seen any Konis but maybe I just haven't found them yet. There just isn't a whole lot out there for a 97 (it's all 98+).

And thanks for all the help. I'd try NASIOC but it's blocked from work.