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05-16-2004, 01:20 PM | #1 |
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What are the best things to upgrade on STi suspension?
I'm having a lot of trouble figuring out what needs upgrading on my STi suspension. I'm no mechanic. I lowered my tire profile from 45 to 40 and it made a HUGE difference in body roll reduction and steering response, which I like.
I don't plan on running any rallies so I don't want or need to spend tons of money on components that are going to produce minimal results. I have contemplated the STI "PINKS" springs and I'd like to hear opinions about them but I really DO like the bounciness I get with the stock set-up. Some like to remove all that bounciness but I don't want a car that rides like a horse drawn waggon! (Forget coilovers as I would never-ever adjust them) #1 Goal is to reduce more body roll without increasing ride harshness (if that's possible) The understeer doesn't seem to bother me too much, probably because I can't detect it well enough. So, I'm still unsure of what components need upgrading for body roll reduction with minimum ride harshness and more oversteer is perfectly fine too. Thanks for your help.
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Last edited by essogas; 05-16-2004 at 01:31 PM. |
05-16-2004, 01:49 PM | #2 |
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well the first question is what are your plans for the car? I'd start by suggesting a Progress or other rear sway bar if you want to further reduce understeer and body roll, but again, I wouldn't be able to suggest anything w/o knowing your plans
sherif |
05-16-2004, 02:15 PM | #3 |
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Well, as far as use of the car, I don't plan doing 1/4 mile runs but I would like to try some auto-x events as I have already taken 2 driving courses. I also plan on doing limited power modifications: Cobb TBE kit and AccessPort using a pre-map. That will probably be it for engien mods. I'm not looking to squeeze every drop out of this car, that goes for the suspension too. The 18" wheels made a big difference. I can feel the extra rotational mass but I love the better steering response and reduced roll.
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05-16-2004, 02:21 PM | #4 |
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well if you want a more aggressive spring setup, ie; for auto-x and track use Rallispec sells the STi Tarmac set. They're the most aggressive springs available, they probably won't lower your car much, but they will decrease the body roll and increase the overall stiffness of your setup. Aside from that, castor/camber plates such as Noltecs will allow you to get a better alignment and increased castor which will dramatically change the handling of your car for the better.
sherif |
05-16-2004, 05:12 PM | #5 |
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You don't experience understeer, yet want to upgrade the suspension.
I don't understand you whatsoever. |
05-16-2004, 06:27 PM | #6 | |
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05-16-2004, 08:39 PM | #7 |
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Understeer, It doesn't bother me as much as the roll. Perhaps I don't push the car hard enough and perhaps too many people have heard the term "understeer" too many times and they think it's really bad when it really isn't that bad of a problem? All Im saying is with my driving style, I feel way more roll and loosness than I do understeer. Is that so hard to understand? And as far as the tarmac springs go...THOSE things give one of the harshest, bone jarring rides ever!
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05-16-2004, 09:24 PM | #8 |
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simplest thing would be to install larger Anti-ROLL bars. =) Cusco? Progress?
Don p.s. yes. understeer is that terrible. |
05-16-2004, 10:31 PM | #9 |
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I would just do the pink springs. You primarily want to reduce body roll, and the pinks are great at doing that while improving a number of other characteristics at the same time. They only make the ride slightly firmer (not harsher IMHO) while generally they ride better than stock. I know sway bars are easier, but I think you'll be happier with the pinks.
TRS |
05-16-2004, 11:03 PM | #10 |
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How hard a ride are the tarmac setup. anyone in socal have it and would volunteer a ride?
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05-16-2004, 11:34 PM | #11 | |
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Larger sway bars will reduce body roll somewhat with little increase in ride harshness, and will create a more neutral handling STi, provided you select your bar rates wisely. Progressive rate springs will also reduce body roll. Eibach offers a nice set of them that drop the car an inch or so and keep the ride pretty close to stock, until you start pushing hard. |
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05-16-2004, 11:35 PM | #12 | ||
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05-17-2004, 12:01 AM | #13 |
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IIRC pinks are about 20LB's heavier, and lower the car a bit.
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05-17-2004, 04:22 AM | #14 |
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people give me spring rates in Kg/mm or give me the conversion for lbf/in
sherif |
05-17-2004, 11:33 AM | #15 |
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I would suggest a mild front and rear bar upgrade first (pick your vendor... a bar is a bar). Bars are cheap, easily installed and usually accomplish what you want (less roll, quicker transitions) without dinging ride quality too much. If you get too crazy with bar diameter, you throw the dynamics of the chassis off, so go mild at first.
If you want a car that corners absolutely flat (and fast) get a different car. The STi is just too tall and has struts. If the understeer doesn't bother you (some are more comfortable with that than snap oversteer) just do the front bar first. Stages.... do things in stages. |
05-17-2004, 11:38 AM | #16 |
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05-17-2004, 03:37 PM | #17 |
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Thanks for the great replies.
Thanks for the good advice Konekiller and for the link T-WRX. |
05-17-2004, 09:44 PM | #18 | |
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Stock USDM STi - 188/173 lb/in see http://www.northursalia.com/t...ng/spring.html for a good collection of rates. TRS |
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