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Impreza · Handling

Impreza Coilovers

Your Impreza

Pick your year to see what fits.

This page covers the non-turbo Impreza, including the 2.5RS, Outback Sport and RS. The WRX and STI get their own page.

Handling + stance
Hard$1,195–$1,3004–6 hrs
All Impreza mods

Why do it

Lowers the Impreza's tall stance, cuts body roll and lets you set the exact height you want.

Heads up

Coilovers change the alignment a lot. Get a professional alignment right after installing them.

Tools you'll need

Parts to buy

Double-check fitment before buying.

Before you start

  • The BC Racing BR kit fits 2017–2023 Impreza sedans and hatchbacks.
  • Book an alignment before you start; you'll need it right after.
  • The BC Racing F-21-BR kit fits 2012–2016 sedans and hatchbacks.
  • Book an alignment before you start; you'll need it right after.
  • The BC Racing F-08-BR kit fits 2008–2011 hatchbacks.
  • Book an alignment before you start; you'll need it right after.
  • The BC Racing F-01-BR kit fits the 1993–2001 Impreza sedan and coupe.
  • Book an alignment before you start; you'll need it right after.

Steps

  1. Plan and prep

    • Loosen the lug nuts, raise the car on jack stands and remove all four wheels. Lay the coilovers out so you know which is front-left, front-right and rear.
    Watch this step (Dom Fillari, BC Racing on a 2018 Impreza) (0:00–1:18)

  2. Swap the front struts

    • Unclip the brake line and ABS wire from the strut, remove the end link and the two big lower bolts, then the top nuts under the hood. Lower the stock strut out and bolt the coilover in the same way.
    Watch this step (1:18–5:45)

  3. Set the front height

    • Set the ride height and the damping knob to the kit's recommended start point, then tighten the lock collars.
    Watch this step (5:45–7:51)

  4. Swap the rears

    • Remove the rear lower bolt and the top nuts (inside the trunk or behind the trim), pull the stock shock and fit the rear coilover.
    Watch this step (7:51–10:42)

  5. Torque at ride height and align

    • Put the wheels back on and set the car down. Torque the suspension bolts with the car's weight on the wheels, then drive gently to an alignment shop.
    Watch this step (10:42–12:04)

  6. Check what's in the box

    • Lay out the four coilovers and the spanner wrenches, and check which corner each one goes on.
    Watch this step (SubiSpeed, on a WRX from the same chassis family) (0:00–2:08)

  7. Set the preload and height

    • Before fitting, set each coilover to the kit's recommended starting height so the car isn't slammed on the first drive.
    Watch this step (2:08–3:58)

  8. Remove the front strut

    • Raise the front and remove the wheel. Unclip the brake line and ABS wire, remove the end link and the two lower bolts, then the top nuts under the hood, and lower the strut out.
    Watch this step (3:58–6:12)

  9. Fit the front coilover

    • Bolt the coilover in at the top, then line up the lower bolts with the knuckle and refit the brake line, ABS wire and end link.
    Watch this step (6:12–8:32)

  10. Swap the rears

    • Support the rear arm with a jack, remove the lower bolt and the top nuts, swap in the rear coilover and refit the bolts loosely.
    Watch this step (8:32–10:48)

  11. Torque at ride height and align

    • With the car's weight on the wheels, torque every suspension bolt to spec, then get an alignment.
    Watch this step (10:48–13:27)

  12. Get set up

    • Loosen the lug nuts, raise the car on jack stands, remove the wheels, and lay out the coilovers by corner.
    Watch this step (Motoroso, the same BC kit on a 2008–2011 hatch) (1:03–1:47)

  13. Swap the front struts

    • Unclip the brake line and ABS wire, remove the end link and the two lower bolts, then the top nuts, and pull the strut out. Fit the coilover the same way.
    Watch this step (1:47–3:55)

  14. Set the front damping

    • Set the damping knob to the kit's recommended starting click.
    Watch this step (3:55–4:34)

  15. Remove the rear struts

    • Remove the rear trim to reach the top nuts, support the arm, remove the lower bolt and pull the rear strut out.
    Watch this step (4:34–6:23)

  16. Fit the rear coilovers

    • Fit each rear coilover, start every nut and bolt by hand, then tighten.
    Watch this step (6:23–7:46)

  17. Finish the rear

    • Refit the trim and set the rear damping.
    Watch this step (7:46–8:33)

  18. Final check and align

    • Put the wheels on, set the car down, torque the suspension bolts with weight on the wheels, then get an alignment.
    Watch this step (8:33–9:44)

  19. Swap the front struts

    • Raise the car on stands and remove the wheels. Unclip the brake line, undo the two lower strut bolts and the top nuts, lower the strut out and bolt the front coilover in the same way.
    • Spray old bolts with penetrating oil first; 20-year-old hardware is often seized.
    Watch this step (Ginger Auto, on a 2000 2.5RS) (7:26–16:25)

  20. Swap the rear struts

    • Undo the rear top nuts from inside the car, then the lower bolts, and swap in the rear coilovers. Start every nut by hand.
    Watch this step (7:26–16:25)

  21. Set height, damping and align

    • Set the ride height and damping to the kit's starting point, torque everything with the car on the ground, then get an alignment.
    Watch this step (16:25–20:35)

How to know it worked

Did this guide work for you?

Safety first

  • Park on flat ground, set the parking brake and chock the wheels.
  • Never get under a car held up only by a jack. Use jack stands.
  • Let the engine and exhaust cool first.
  • Disconnect the battery before unplugging electrical parts.
  • Wear safety glasses.
  • If something doesn't match your car, stop and ask a shop.

Follow your part's instructions and your service manual's torque specs.