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For those of you with Group N Top Hats

Suspension/Stiffening
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T1mmmy

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Discussion starter · #1 ·
I just recently purchased a set of 2004 STi pink springs for the WRX/STi and a set of Group N Top Hats. However, when I got them they looked almost identical to my old top hats visually. I have not yet taken apart the suspension to actually compare but i did notice the lip on the "supposed group n top hats" seemed alot taller. However they both had the same lettering on the rubber.

Did i purchase the right top hats? Or did I just buy another set of stock top hats?

Thanks so much for your help.


Tim
 
Discussion starter · #3 ·
Is it just the fact that your mounts are brand new that give it that shiny look? I matched up the numbers on the old mounts vs new mounts and they are identical.

For the front mounts, could you notice the actual circular lip looked deeper and taller?

Is there any more ways I can tell that I am buying real group n top mounts?

Tim
 
#4 ·
These are the stock mounts, front:
Image

These are the STI group N and stock, side to side, front mounts:
Image


This is the group N mount installed:
Image


Frankly, I bought mine from GTWorx.com and they came sealed in a box, and I had the part numbers, and sealed with the STi factory sticker.
 
#5 ·
I took these pics a few days ago since I had all the parts off my car. In the Subaru tradition of using nothing but paint blotches to indicate different parts, it appears that the Group-N tops are as follows...

stock front: white ------ gp-N front: green (+different location)
stock rear: pink --------- gp-N rear: white

confusing enough?

In each pic the '06 mount is upper left, the GP-N is upper right, '05 mount is front center (uninstalled.) The '05 stock has the paint pretty much rubbed off, but you can see a hint of it in the same position as on the '06.

Image


Image
 
#6 ·
Tim,

What do you think? It looks like these are the group N. I'm still a little unclear on the part #'s though....
 
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Discussion starter · #7 ·
Yeah,

Really hoping they are. I am pretty sure I got the green marks for the fronts, just gotta double check the rears.

However, i'll get a definite answer when i take apart the old suspension and do a full compare.


Tim
 
#8 ·
T1mmmy said:
Yeah,

Really hoping they are. I am pretty sure I got the green marks for the fronts, just gotta double check the rears.

However, i'll get a definite answer when i take apart the old suspension and do a full compare.


Tim
Click to expand...
Cool, just let me know.
 
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#9 ·
Push your fingernail into the rubber. The Group Ns are harder. They used the same mold as for the stockers so the part number is the same. Use the fingernail test or the paint blotches.
 
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#10 ·
Not to rain down too hard on your parade, but...
T1mmmy said:
I just recently purchased a set of 2004 STi pink springs for the WRX/STi and a set of Group N Top Hats.
Click to expand...
...since you are unsure of the provenance of the top hats, you should probably be checking out those springs too.
austinpike said:
In the Subaru tradition of using nothing but paint blotches to indicate different parts,...
Click to expand...
This is true of the pink springs as well. There are different paint splotches on the US/SPT pinks and the JDM pinks. I don't know offhand which is what.

One of these days I am going to have to put a FAQ together on this.
 
Discussion starter · #15 ·
austinpike said:
well as per my post above, my rears had a white splotch. Are you saying yours have a yellow mark? Where did you get them?
Click to expand...

I bought them from talleyd on this forum. He however got them from a 2002 WRX now that I recall.

According to Gruppe-s, The front mounts fit every 02+ WRX/STi, but there are two different rear mounts. One that fits 02/03WRX, and one thats 04+ WRX.

Do you think that might be the problem?

Linky http://gruppe-s.com/Subaru/subsus.htm
 
#16 ·
I don't think rear top hats from a 02 WRX (Group N or not) will fit your '04 STi. Fronts should be fine. You will know when you take apart your rear suspension - they will be different and won't interface with the spring properly.
 
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#17 · (Edited)
T1mmmy said:
I bought them from talleyd on this forum. He however got them from a 2002 WRX now that I recall.

According to Gruppe-s, The front mounts fit every 02+ WRX/STi, but there are two different rear mounts. One that fits 02/03WRX, and one thats 04+ WRX.

Do you think that might be the problem?

Linky http://gruppe-s.com/Subaru/subsus.htm
Click to expand...
Tim, These were purchased from Gruppe-s and they were on my STI when I purchased it. I swapped them out with the Teins that were on my 02 WRX. (by the way my teins from my 02 WRX fit fine on my 04 STI). There are several JDm knock offs but Gruppe-S is notorious for selling authentic JDM parts. After further research I assure you the parts I gave you are the real deal and you got a screaming deal at that.

Donovan
 
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#18 ·
talleyd said:
Tim, These were purchased from Gruppe-s and they were on my STI when I purchased it...
Click to expand...
What springs were on the STi when you bought it? The rear tops would probably bolt to the car, but as jaydubya mentioned the problem may be the way the '04+ spring mates with the '02-'03 tophat. Since you installed '02 springs then they probably matched well with the tophats.
 
Discussion starter · #19 ·
I just don't want to strip apart my rear suspension before i make sure i got everything i need. I hate wasting time :(


So so far, heres my set up:

Genuine STi JDM Pink Springs for a 2004 STi. Blue Paint Splotch
STi Group N Top Mounts for 2002+ WRX/STi (Front) Green Paint Splotch
And still pending STi Group N Top Mounts 200x (Rear) Yellow Paint Splotch


Also, the paint splotch is underneath the mount is that correct? Or am i just holding it upside down?


Tim
 
#20 ·
austinpike said:
What springs were on the STi when you bought it? The rear tops would probably bolt to the car, but as jaydubya mentioned the problem may be the way the '04+ spring mates with the '02-'03 tophat. Since you installed '02 springs then they probably matched well with the tophats.
Click to expand...
WHAT?

Here is the story again...

I bought an 04 STI (here is the link) http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/showthread.php?t=904984
when I purchased the car the previous owner had installed JDM pinks and the top hats. I didn't like them so I installed the tein coil overs that were on my 02 WRX. There is not a fitment issue and there is not an authenticity issue...
 
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talleyd
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