If you're looking to upgrade your 17 wrx coilovers, you probably already know that the factory suspension on the VA chassis is a bit of a mixed bag. Don't get me wrong, Subaru did a decent job making the car feel sporty right off the lot, but it's definitely not perfect. For a lot of us, the stock ride height looks more like a crossover than a rally-bred sedan, and the damping can feel pretty harsh over small bumps while still feeling a bit floaty when you're really pushing it in a corner.
Swapping out your stock struts for a solid set of coilovers is one of those mods that completely changes the personality of the car. It's not just about getting rid of that unsightly wheel gap—though, let's be honest, that's a huge part of it. A good set of coilovers gives you the ability to fine-tune how the car reacts to your inputs, making the steering feel sharper and the whole chassis much more composed.
Why You Should Ditch the Stock Struts
The main reason people start hunting for 17 wrx coilovers is usually aesthetic. Subaru left a lot of room in those wheel wells, and once you throw on a nice set of aftermarket wheels, that gap becomes even more noticeable. But beyond the looks, the stock suspension has its limits. The 2017 model year still used a setup that many owners find "crashy." It hits bumps hard, yet doesn't always feel planted when you're transitioning through a series of "S" curves.
When you move to a coilover system, you're gaining adjustability that the factory parts simply don't offer. You get to decide exactly how high or low the car sits. More importantly, most mid-range and high-end coilovers come with adjustable damping. This means you can soften things up for your daily commute so your coffee doesn't splash everywhere, and then stiffen them up on the weekend if you're heading to a local autocross event or a canyon run.
Understanding Spring Rates and Damping
Before you go out and buy the first set of 17 wrx coilovers you see on sale, it's worth thinking about how you actually use your car. This is where spring rates come into play. If you see a kit with really high spring rates (like 10k or 12k), just know that it's going to be stiff. Like, "feel every pebble on the road" stiff. That's great for a dedicated track car where you want zero body roll, but for a daily driver, it might get old pretty fast.
Most people find that a spring rate around 7k to 8k is the "sweet spot" for a 2017 WRX that sees a mix of street and spirited driving. It keeps the car flat in the corners without vibrating your teeth out of your head on the highway.
Then there's the damping. Cheap coilovers often have "dumb" valving, meaning they don't react well to different speeds of suspension travel. High-quality kits usually feature monotube shocks with adjustable clickers. Being able to turn a knob at the top of the strut to change how the car rides is a game-changer. It allows you to tailor the car to your specific tires and driving style.
Mono-Tube vs. Twin-Tube Designs
When you're browsing for 17 wrx coilovers, you'll see these two terms tossed around a lot. To keep it simple: twin-tube designs are generally better for comfort. They have more suspension travel and are usually found on entry-level kits or street-focused setups. They're great for soaking up potholes and keeping the ride smooth.
On the other hand, mono-tube coilovers are what you want if performance is your priority. They have a larger piston and hold more oil, which helps dissipate heat better. If you're driving hard for long periods, mono-tubes are less likely to "fade" or lose their effectiveness. Most enthusiasts picking up coilovers for their WRX tend to lean toward mono-tube designs because they offer a more consistent feel, even if they're a tiny bit less forgiving on really bad pavement.
The Importance of Camber Plates
One of the best things about many 17 wrx coilovers is that they come with integrated front camber plates. On the stock Subaru suspension, you don't have a lot of room to adjust camber without buying separate bolts or control arms.
Camber plates allow you to tilt the top of the strut inward. Why does this matter? Well, when you lower a car, the geometry changes. Adding a bit of negative camber helps the tires stay flat against the ground when the car is leaning into a turn. Plus, if you're trying to fit a more aggressive wheel and tire setup, being able to tuck the tops of the tires in slightly can be the difference between a perfect fit and constant rubbing on the fenders.
Don't Forget the Rear Lower Control Arms
A lot of guys buy 17 wrx coilovers, get them installed, and then realize their rear alignment is totally out of whack. Unlike the front, the rear of the 2017 WRX doesn't have a factory way to adjust camber. When you lower the car, the rear wheels naturally "camber in."
If you drop the car more than an inch, you'll probably end up with too much negative camber in the back, which will eat through your tires in no time. If you're planning on a significant drop, I'd highly recommend budgeting for a set of adjustable rear lower control arms at the same time. It'll save you a lot of money on tires in the long run and make the car handle way more predictably.
Installation and the "Settling" Period
Installing 17 wrx coilovers isn't a massive job if you have some basic tools and a floor jack, but it does take some patience. The biggest mistake people make is not pre-loading the springs correctly or failing to tighten the top nuts while the car is under load. If you hear a "clunking" sound after the install, nine times out of ten, something just isn't torqued down right.
Also, keep in mind that your car will "settle" a little bit after the first week of driving. The springs need some time to find their seat. I usually tell people to set their ride height about a quarter-inch higher than they actually want it, drive it for 100 miles, and then do the final adjustments.
Why an Alignment is Non-Negotiable
I can't stress this enough: get an alignment immediately after you install your 17 wrx coilovers. Even if the car feels like it's driving straight, your toe settings are likely all over the place. Bad toe settings will destroy a set of expensive tires faster than almost anything else.
Wait a few days for the suspension to settle, then take it to a shop that knows how to handle modified cars. Tell them what you use the car for. A "street" alignment is very different from a "track" alignment, and a good technician can help you find a balance that makes the car feel stable at high speeds but still eager to turn in.
Final Thoughts on the Upgrade
Upgrading to 17 wrx coilovers is easily one of the most rewarding things you can do for your Subaru. It fixes the awkward factory stance, sharpens up the handling, and gives you a level of control over your car's behavior that you just can't get with lowering springs alone.
Sure, it's a bit of an investment, and you have to do your homework to make sure you're getting a kit that matches your goals. But the first time you take a sharp corner and feel the car stay perfectly flat and planted, you'll know it was worth every penny. Just remember to take your time with the setup, don't forget the rear control arms if you're going low, and always, always get that alignment done. Your WRX—and your tires—will thank you.