Subaru Impreza Shock Absorbers & Suspension

Which variants this covers

Five generations are covered — GC, GD, GE, GJ and GT — spanning saloons and hatchbacks and the WRX and STI performance models. All are all-wheel drive, and the performance variants run different spring rates and damper valving from the standard cars, so a WRX listing is not interchangeable with a base Impreza of the same generation. Confirm the chassis code and the variant together.

Choosing between the ranges

Because Bilstein coverage here is limited to coilovers, the practical choice is within the Tein range. EnduraPro is the OE-shape replacement that keeps standard ride height and the original springs, with EnduraPro Plus adding 16 damping levels you can set after fitting — the sensible choice for a road-driven car whose dampers are simply worn. S.Tech springs are the most stocked single option and lower the car on its existing dampers. For adjustable ride height, Street Basis Z is the entry coilover, Street Advance Z the step up and Flex Z the full-length adjustable kit, with Mono Sport for track use. Bilstein B14 and B16 coilovers are the alternatives.

What to check before ordering

Front and rear are separate parts; fit in axle pairs and align afterwards — an all-wheel-drive car with mismatched damping will scrub tyres. The Impreza caveat is the performance variants: WRX and STI cars carry stiffer standard springs, so fitting lowering springs intended for a base car can leave the suspension on its bump stops. Match the variant, not just the generation. See also the Forester and Legacy pages.

Common questions for this chassis

Why so little Bilstein here? Bilstein's Impreza coverage is limited to the B14 and B16 coilover kits; Tein covers the dampers and springs.

Will base-model springs fit a WRX? Not advisably — the standard rates differ. Use the WRX listing.

Coilovers for a road car? Street Basis Z or Street Advance Z, rather than Mono Sport.