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Old 06-15-2005, 01:45 PM   #1
Skibbi9
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Default Mod question: swaybar and wheels/tires

Upgrade bug....

Car: 2005 WRX Sedan

I've now had my WRX for 4 months, about 5500 miles so far (note to self, oil change time), I'm not willing to void the warrantee yet, but am willing to get a few upgrades.

1st, Rear sway, I've read some about it, not sure which way to go, Theres a couple local shops that could install it, which is the suggested one to get. 22mm or 24mm? oversize? adjustable? do you only need endlinks up front or are rear endlinks needed as well? I'm not knowledgable at all in terms of suspension items.

2nd, Tires/Wheels. I'm running the 16" with Re-92s currently. I'm thinking 17x7.5 either Rotas or some 2nd hand low-mileage wheels/tires, looking to keep it under a grand... Suggestions with which path (or should I look at 17x8?) What size rubber?

There are a few places on my commute where I don't like the handling.. I feel like these are good inexpensive upgrades that should make a fairly big difference. I assume a few people will start to suggest strutbars, springs, etc, I'm not sure if I'm that enthused with modding yet, Just looking for some practical gains without going overboard. Only mod so far: Valentine1
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Old 06-15-2005, 02:06 PM   #2
Davenow
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For sway bars you cant beat the matched Cusco set, which is a 21mm front and a 22mm rear.
You will want better rear end links as well.

For wheels/tires under a grand, Look at Rota.
For a great bang for the buck look at a set of Subzero's, or Attacks in 17x7.5, and find a set of STI takeoff RE070 tires. If you cant find some RE070's, look into Falken FK451's, or Azenis, or maybe some Bridgestone S03's, or Khumo MX's
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Old 06-15-2005, 02:14 PM   #3
doster82
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Davenow, great info. Can I be a guru like you someday?

I know where to turn when I need advise on upgrades.

David
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Old 06-15-2005, 02:18 PM   #4
Jack
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I always suggest driver schools first. You're sort of in my local area, so I'd suggest looking for clubs that do Lime Rock or NHIS. (COM, BMW, SCDA)

As for the hardware, how about finding some 16x7 00/01 RS wheels and throwing on a set of Azenis (or 615's) for the summer. The handling will be markedly improved and the wheels will allow you to upgrade to the 4 pot calipers if you decide to do that in the future. The wheels are also light at 16 pounds. I'd suggest 215-45-16 azenis. You'll like them.

jack
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Old 06-15-2005, 03:33 PM   #5
Skibbi9
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I know its sort of a crime, but i'm not a big fan of the rs wheels, and I'd like to fill up the wheel well a little bit better than the stock 16's do... it looks undersized for the gap. That being said, I'm not in it for all show, I'm not going to go with 18s or anything, but I don't currently have the time to join a track club, I usually only make it up to lime rock once every year or two, never raced the track or anything, and have never been to any 1/4mi track (like elizabethtown?, NJ)

I'd be up for doing the Skip Barber School at some point, but that's not on my priority right now. I understand the importance of performance driving school and actual race experience, so thanks for the suggestion.

I'm actually thinking If I go with Rota's it'll probably come out to around 1250 or so, which is roughly 650 for wheels, 600 for tires, though that is still probably low.
The tire thing popped up as of late just because my younger brother got some really nice 18s with tires for his A4 from his Local Audi Car group for like $700.

I take it that getting both the sway bars while help with lateral forces, and suring up the cornering. Would better springs/struts increase performance at the cost of comfort?

Actually if you will, I'm looking to spend up to 1500 on the car, what do you suggest in general (doesn't have to be wheels, sways, or warrantee voiding engine mods)
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Old 06-16-2005, 12:54 AM   #6
Mark Avery
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First/Best WRX Suspension Mods:

1. Rubber - great tires will make a HUGE difference. 17" rims are nice, but not as important as getting the best tires you can afford.

2. Swaybars - a bigger rear bar is a must. A bigger front AND rear bar is even better.

3. Steering Rack Bushings - simple mod, does wonders for steering feel.

4. Anti-lift Kit - adds caster, limits front end lift under acceleration, and adds to steering feel.

5. Alignment - ask for more negative camber in front. If you add camber bolts in the rear you can get a bit less negative camber back there (it's not adjustable without them.) Both will help dial out the Impreza's inherent understeer.
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Old 06-16-2005, 02:03 AM   #7
Psydotek
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I like my RS wheels with Falken Azenis Sport tires.

Mark Avery's listed the best things though.

$1500 eh? Tires - $450, anti-swaybars (with rear endlinks) - $250-350, steering rack bushings - $35, ALK - $175, alignment - $80. That's about $1000 right there. Then with the left over $$$ you can get some shifter bushings (or short shifter if you don't have one), maybe some rear camber bolts, performance brake pads and fluid (to combat fade), and some other things that may come in handy down the road. Or load up on wear and tear parts that you'll be needing later (oil filters, fuel filters, air filters, maybe even a spare clutch/flywheel). It's up to you.
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Old 06-16-2005, 11:30 AM   #8
Skibbi9
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Sorry, I forgot to mention - Yes, I do have a Short Throw. Love it, don't know if I could drive a 'long throw' ever again
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Old 06-16-2005, 01:00 PM   #9
SMZ GSR
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Davenow
For sway bars you cant beat the matched Cusco set, which is a 21mm front and a 22mm rear.
You will want better rear end links as well.
Those are the bars I want I have the front on already, now just need to find a rear.
But are rear end links necessary? (I'm still a n00b)

As for wheels, Rota is definately a great choice. I just posted a NEW set of Subzeros in 17x7.5 and I'm only asking 590 for 5 wheels if you're interested.

But if you like other Rotas, check out www.jlbmotorsports.com
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Old 06-16-2005, 05:31 PM   #10
Skibbi9
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For sways, should I get both at the same time?

I'm thinking Purple Helix 21mm front and 22 rear, with Helix endlinks, Does this sound good or should I def. go Cusco, Whiteline, perrin, etc.
Should I go with adjustables?

Should I do the install myself, I have Rhinoramps, but have never done a swaybar install, I guess I could take it to a local shop or try to get my bro and his friends to help.

Originally I didn't like the ALK suggestion, but the more I think about upgrades while driving, the more it makes sense.
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Old 06-16-2005, 06:04 PM   #11
RaceComp Engineering
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Davenow
For sway bars you cant beat the matched Cusco set, which is a 21mm front and a 22mm rear.
You will want better rear end links as well.

Im with you Davenow. Cusco is the best swaybar IMO, and a great first mod.

Myles Williams
www.racecompengineering.com

[email protected]

Racecomp Engineering LLC.
9123 Old Annapolis Rd. Suite 103w
Columbia, Maryland 21045

410-730-RACE
410-730-5503 FAX
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Old 06-16-2005, 07:22 PM   #12
SgWRX
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i found sway bars to be the DOH! Why didn't i do that first!? upgrade
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Old 06-16-2005, 10:39 PM   #13
zerb
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Jack ffr1846
I always suggest driver schools first. You're sort of in my local area, so I'd suggest looking for clubs that do Lime Rock or NHIS. (COM, BMW, SCDA)

As for the hardware, how about finding some 16x7 00/01 RS wheels and throwing on a set of Azenis (or 615's) for the summer. The handling will be markedly improved and the wheels will allow you to upgrade to the 4 pot calipers if you decide to do that in the future. The wheels are also light at 16 pounds. I'd suggest 215-45-16 azenis. You'll like them.

jack
I second the recommendation to track your car. You'll learn more in a day than in a month reading the forums, plus you'll become a better driver and you'll have fun to boot. Try SCDA (scda1 on the web). Last I checked there were still spots for July 11 at NHIS. It's $230 for the day, you get an instructor driving with you to show you the correct line, and you'll get four twenty minute track sessions over the course of the day. That's plenty of time on track- you'll be tired by the end. All you need to bring is a suitable helmet, and newcomers are welcomed.
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Old 06-17-2005, 10:20 AM   #14
Skibbi9
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July 11th is right in the heart of quarter end, it would not be feasible with my job.

But I do plan on track days in the future.

Think i'll order or atleast narrow down my sway decision today... wheels will follow after
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