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Old 05-16-2004, 01:20 PM   #1
essogas
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Default 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.
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Old 05-16-2004, 01:49 PM   #2
sherifx
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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
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Old 05-16-2004, 02:15 PM   #3
essogas
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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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Old 05-16-2004, 02:21 PM   #4
sherifx
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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.

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Old 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.
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Old 05-16-2004, 06:27 PM   #6
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Quote:
Originally posted by FiKtIOn

I don't understand you whatsoever.
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Old 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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Old 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.
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Old 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
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Old 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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Old 05-16-2004, 11:34 PM   #11
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Quote:
Originally posted by essogas
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.
Going to 18s and 40-aspect tires increased body roll by reducing the sidewall compliance of your tires. Simple physics there, although your perception of the roll has obviously changed. Could be you're just not using the right term to describe what characteristics you desire in your car.

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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Old 05-16-2004, 11:35 PM   #12
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Quote:
Originally posted by wistful
simplest thing would be to install larger Anti-ROLL bars. =) Cusco? Progress?

Don

p.s. yes. understeer is that terrible.
you should only depend on anti roll bars soo much... anything over 22mm is waayy excessive imho.

Quote:
Originally posted by ToddStratton
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
I thought the pinks were a lower spring rate than the factory ones....?
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Old 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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Old 05-17-2004, 04:22 AM   #14
sherifx
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people give me spring rates in Kg/mm or give me the conversion for lbf/in


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Old 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.
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Old 05-17-2004, 11:38 AM   #16
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Informative Thread on another Forum...

Cure the STi's Handling Woes...
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Old 05-17-2004, 03:37 PM   #17
essogas
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Thanks for the great replies.

Thanks for the good advice Konekiller and for the link T-WRX.
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Old 05-17-2004, 09:44 PM   #18
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Quote:
Originally posted by sherifx
you should only depend on anti roll bars soo much... anything over 22mm is waayy excessive imho.

I thought the pinks were a lower spring rate than the factory ones....?
MY04 Pinks - 257/224
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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