2010 Subaru WRX STi Special Edition

[LaszloT]

Here's a link for reference: http://youtu.be/yrV4wPDdS7g

Was this vehicle available in Canada, is it lighter and does the 2011 vehicle have the Special Edition's performance suspension?

[LaszloT]

Sorry, but I found a C & D article answering my own question: http://www.caranddriver.com/news/car/09q4/2010_subaru_wrx_sti_special_edition-auto_shows

"But beneath the bespoke Aspen White bodywork are the stiff legs of the Japanese domestic market WRX STI Spec C. The rear adds a 1-mm-thicker anti-roll bar, stiffer subframe bushings, revised springs, and shocks that are 29 percent firmer. Up front, the springs become 16 percent stiffer. The charcoal-colored wheels come straight off the Spec C, shod with the same Dunlop SP600s as all other STIs. The 305-hp turbocharged flat-four, adjustable center differential, and standard six-speed manual transmission carry over from the standard U.S.-market STI."

[dubya_rx]

The SE was not available in Canada.

[LaszloT]

I love the uncompromizing performance and value-focus of the SE.

Does the 2011 big-wing sedan come with these same JDM suspension improvements?

[dubya_rx]

My understanding was that the 2011 suspension went beyond the SE version... pillowball lower front mounts. Subaru advertised the 2011 STI as the "fastest STI ever" with the new body style.

Also note that the CDN base STI tried to lower their price point by removing some of the features that the SE also removed. (Climate control, HIDs, turn signals in side mirrors)

[Robin]

there's a big thread on iwsti about 08-10sti owners switching to 2011 control arms...

i ordered a set and will be putting htem on my 11wrx...

[LaszloT]

What are the 2011 control arms worth, how are they an improvement, and how easy are they to install?

[Robin]

i got them from dale's alignment out in bc. reg. is $299cdn with the required hardware. they come with balljoint / bushings already pressed in,.

on the rear of the control arm, you need to change the rear bolt. it's different on 11sti. that's like another $5ea which dale's give also in kit.

in CDN dealers, it's $364/ea plus $5 for bolt (x2 for each side)

In the USA, they're $215 each + $3 for the bolt (x2 for both sides).

I got a bit better pricing from dale since i got koni yellows from them at same time... and great service. they had everything in stock. so for the extra price, i was happy to not go get in the USA, etc...

read this thread:
http://www.iwsti.com/forums/gr-suspension-handling-stiffening/197219-retrofit-2011-spherical-control-arm-mounts-earlier-gr-12.html

[Robin]

here's a install thread
http://www.iwsti.com/forums/3341797-post177.html

[Robin]

got them today.... you can see the size difference in the rear bushing alone....

2011 control arms
http://i793.photobucket.com/albums/yy213/robin2700/control-arm.jpg

2011 pillow ball mount vs 2011wrx rear control arm bushing.
http://i793.photobucket.com/albums/yy213/robin2700/control-arm2.jpg

[LaszloT]

I like that mod a lot!
I'm going to follow suit and do the same thing, if I keep my 2009 world rally blue 5-door STi at the end of it's lease (2012).
It's performed flawlessly and has been trouble-free all along, and I'm quite happy with it.