Samsonas - Rally Performance Dampers - Subaru WRX STi 1992-2007 - GC8/GDA/GDB

VEX Performance traveled to Lithuania specifically to meet with the team from Samsonas and to inspect the manufacturing facility prior to selling any of their products. Check this out if you're interested! We have the ability to service and repair all Samsonas dampers in house! Contact us if you have questions.

Samsonas is a high quality European rally brand, producing made-to-order dampers from their factory in Lithuania. Their dampers have undergone extensive real-world testing on the European rally circuit, resulting in suspension that competes at a very high level. 

These dampers strike a perfect balance between top-tier performance and affordability, delivering adjustability and reliability across all rally surfaces, without reaching WRC-level price points.

There are two to three different options available depending on application:  On MacPherson Style dampers (example all STi Front)  we will have options for Inverted Twin Tube 50mm or the WRC style Triple tube 58mm.  For non MacPherson style (example 2008+ STi Rear) we would typically have a monotube 46mm setup.  Each of these styles would typically be available as 1-way or 3-way adjustable 

1-Way vs 3-Way?

1-Way dampers allow for rebound adjustment only and house all components within a single body typically without an external reservoir. This makes them lighter, more compact, and less expensive, while still delivering reliable performance. However, with less overall oil and gas volume, they are more prone to heat saturation and pressure fade during extreme conditions or long stages. They are also less fine-tunable by the end user.  

3-Way dampers typically include an external remote or piggyback reservoir that increases oil and nitrogen gas volume. The additional overall capacity improves heat dissipation and reduces pressure buildup throughout extended and demanding use.  Independently adjustable high and low speed compression as well as rebound allows the end user a wide range of adjustments to fine tune the suspension to the conditions.

Twin-Tube or Triple-Tube?

Twin-Tube inverted dampers encase a moving inner shaft within an outer hard chrome tube, allowing the internal mechanism to be continuously lubricated and cooled by oil, while the chrome tube is exposed and slides on large 50mm ID bushings and grease with a seal. This design provides a smooth, consistent damping response that is suitable for the majority of applications. Twin tubes are compact, cost-effective, and easier to service, making them ideal for track and medium rally applications. While they offer strong all-around performance, their simpler construction can be more susceptible to heat buildup and sideloading under extreme rally conditions when compared to triple-tube designs.

Triple-Tube dampers are an evolution of the twin-tube design. They add an additional outer chamber that allows for the inner twin assembly to be fully suspended in oil, providing better lubrication and heat control. This results in improved consistency during long, demanding stages and better resistance to fluid cavitation and fade. The added 58mm diameter of the triple tube design is much more resistant to sideload: this is especially beneficial in rally where horizontal forces applied across long-travelling suspension can overwhelm conventional designs  and lead to failure.

Interested? Please Contact Us for a quote. Each set is made to order, with a lead time of 8-12+ weeks. 

Features:

• 1-Way or 3-Way Independent Damping Adjustment
  • Rebound
  • High Speed Compression (3-Way Only)
  • Low Speed Compression (3-Way Only)
• Preset Before Assembly, includes recommended starting settings
• Swivel Banjo Fittings for Remote Reservoir (application specific)
• Front and Rear Piggyback Reservoir Options (application specific)
• Top mounts with PTFE Bearing in Steel Shell (application specific)