[cody]

Originally Posted by sperry

First thing to note: you don't have a front LSD like the STi folks, so keep that in mind when talking about loss of traction up front. The STi will just transfer power to the other wheel if there's a little front hop/loss of traction, so they may actually have the same issue with the suspension but no traction loss because of the LSD. i.e. What works on the STi may not work on the WRX, like going to that massive sway-bar... (though I think a stiffer FSW actually wouldn't hurt).

Now, with regards to the suspension... how stiff are your springs?

Spring rate front: 257 lb/in

Spring rate rear: 217 lb/in

Drop front: 1.25" on WRX, 12.5 mm on STi

Drop Rear: 0.9" on WRX, 9.0 mm on STi.

"These are the same high performance spring rates as the highly-lauded and thoroughly-tested JDM STi "Pinks," but the Crucial springs have better materials quality, smoother progressive rates (plus are progressive both front and rear, while the JDM Pinks are only progressive on the rear, and linear front), offer slightly more drop up front for a nicer, more even stance (JDM Pinks are 1.0" both front and rear on WRX, 10mm front/rear on STi)"

I would agree it sounds like you're under-dampened. But the solution might not be more damper, but less spring. A general rule of thumb is that you want to add grip to fix handling issues, rather then remove grip. A softer front end, might actually solve the wheel hop problem *and* gain you turning/braking traction. But a soft front-end might make the car too tail-happy as well... how's the handling balance outside of the corner-exit wheel-hop?

It handles noticeably better since I upgraded the springs. I get less body roll and with my current alignment specs (2.2 neg. in the front, 2.0 in the rear) she's just slightly tail happy, but still easy to drive, aside from this wheel spin issue. Rusty was looking at my tire temps and the front is perfect while he actually wants to add a touch more neg. camber to the rear based on the temps.

If you want to try some Koni's, I've still got that set of Koni/GC coilovers, and a butt-load of springs. They might be a little stiff of a match to your rears, but if we slap 'em on w/ the softest springs I've got, you might be able to get a feeling for whether or not your issue is damping related or spring rate related. Either way, if you want to try 'em out, I'd be happy to let you borrow 'em (since no one seems interested in buying them).

Another idea: camber. Do you have camber plates? Too much or too little might reduce traction on the tire allowing it to spin... maybe the "hop" is actually a side effect of wheel spin, instead of the other way around.

See above...I don't think camber is an issue here...

Finally, it may just be the nature of putting that much power down through the WRX 5MT. That open diff sucks... you may just have to be "more educated" with your throttle application. You might be able to drive around the limitation, though it would be faster of course if you can figure out a mechanical fix and just stop on the throttle like usual.

Word, but I'm still wondering if adding more spring (which is what a front swaybar is) will actually exaserbate the issue. Sways actually load the outside wheel more so wouldn't the inside wheel be more apt to lift or no? Maybe keeping the front flatter will help this issue? I don't know.