My girl just passed the 107k mark, and I’m expecting it might be time for some things to be refreshed, but I really don’t know where to begin.
A new suspension setup like Whoosh’s performance coil overs have my eye, but I’ve also heard good things about the stock shocks with the Spec R lowering springs.
Would love to hear any feedback! My front right side has been noisier and noisier, and from what I read the rear upper spring pads are probably shot, though I haven’t confirmed that one!
My setup includes Bilsteins and Swift Spec R springs, a Whiteline rear sway bar, Super Pro caster front arms, and Whoosh upper spring pads.
If you know how to set up the suspension for proper geometry, go for coilovers. If not, a good damper upgrade with some linear rate lowering springs (Swift are excellent) is a great choice. I’d bet a lot of people who run coilovers have them set too low, which messes up the suspension and steering geometry, making the car handle worse than with a proper stock setup or a mild lowering spring/damper upgrade.
The B6/B8 dampers are just replacement dampers that work with either the stock springs or aftermarket springs. The B14 kit, on the other hand, comes with springs and is considered an adjustable coilover.
I moved through a bunch of setups—from stock to Eibach springs, then B8/Swifts with an Eibach bar and camber bolts, followed by 5 sets of coilovers (Ford Racing B-Spec, HSD Monopros, B14s in two different setups, and back to HSDs). All of them were either too stiff or had alignment and wear issues. While track performance was great with the coilovers, the brutal ride with 6k/5k spring rates (or higher) on the street wasn’t worth it.
Eventually, I went back to a “set and forget” combo with Bilstein B8 struts and shocks, Swift Spec R springs, DNA camber plates up front, Whoosh spring pads in the rear, and a Whiteline sway bar. I also added Super Pro front control arms with offset bushings to gain caster and improve turn-in response on track.
I don’t have much to add on aftermarket parts, but I’m at exactly your mileage (108k) and just replaced the front and rear shocks and struts with stock components. Wow, it feels like new! I was really getting beat up with those worn-out parts.
On my old FiST, the Bilstein B14’s were a great balance for autocross and daily driving. They come with progressive springs so the daily driving experience is nice.
My second FiST came with stock shocks and upgraded springs (don’t know the brand) and I didn’t like the ride. I later upgraded to some Fortune Auto Coilovers (500 series), and while they are awesome for autocross, they’re a little rough for daily driving.