I had an outbacbk with a ALK. It was ok until i put king springs in for a 30mm lift then it was not plesent. My current gt has had blue polly bushes done with standard springs and its firm. I wouldnt want to fiddle with springs. Some days i prefer i had standard ones but thats how i bought it.

If you are even considering NVH concerns i would say don't mess with poly bushes. As everything it becomes a personal preference......

Doing a bit more reading on ALK and found this post from 2013. This is the 3rd time I have read comments that ALK are not as beneficial in 2011+ models. It could be just the same comment being repeated. I haven’t found anything that states the difference in suspension between 2009/2010 models and 2011/2012 models.

From my research the 08/09 builds were softer than the MY11+, especially in the spring rate. The STi's follow the same trend with a couple of additions, most notably the rear swaybar going from 18mm to 19mm. It seems like the early models on that chassis were softer compared to the MY11+ where Subaru has beefed up different models. I'm not sure if there's any difference in the WRX's, but the STi's definitely got some beefier parts.

Hey dude, did you end up getting this part yet: 5EAT Transmission Mount Insert Bushing? I would be interested to know how it went.

It is still on my to-do list. Not sure I will get around to it as I don’t have a problem with the current setup plus I am paranoid about NVH, which this will add to. Others have installed and had positive feedback. FYI - I think there is a soft and sports version.

STI steering rack installed Really happy with the change. The steering feels more connected to the car, more direct. The dead spot (ability to wiggle the steering wheel a few centimetres each way but does nothing to the steering) has gone. The steering is heavier which is nicer. Wife gave it the tick of approval although she says she needs to drive the car harder to fully test it out.

Good to hear.

What did it end up costing you for the part/install if you dont mind me asking

Which rack did you use, Any errors?

I rang around a few place for prices (Sydney). You should be able to get a rack between $200-$250. Install should be between $250-$350 including wheel alignment.

I got the STI rack - 34110FG040. This is not the JDM quick rack or the 2015+ rack, both of which may cause errors. No errors with this one