|
|
|
|
Thread Tools | Display Modes |
08-31-2002, 10:10 AM | #1 |
Scooby Specialist
Member Sales Rating: (9)
Member#: 10041
Join Date: Sep 2001
Location: Marietta, Ga.
Vehicle:2015 WRX Limited CVT ISM |
Whiteline Anti-Lift Kit ( ALK )
The Whiteline Anti-Lift Kit was installed last night on my 2002 REX. The installation went well at <3 hrs and the instructions Whiteline provided in the kit seemed decently detailed. I still notice lift and dive however not to the extreme as the factory setup. I could be my imagination however it'll see soon enough. I'm assuming I will not know the true benefits until I drive HARD. Braking seems to be more affected than acceleration w/out as much dive. I will keep everyone posted w/ an update.
www.chugroup.com/alk.htm
* Registered users of the site do not see these ads.
|
08-31-2002, 07:54 PM | #2 |
Vendor
Vendor Sales Rating: (0)
Member#: 15567
Join Date: Feb 2002
Location: Michigan, USA
|
After adding springs to a WRX with the ALK, the ALK continuously works it's bolts loose on it's own (2 are actually completely gone) and it makes a horrible noise when you hit bumps...Very disappointed in this product and I will be removing it this week.
|
08-31-2002, 08:20 PM | #3 |
Scooby Specialist
Member Sales Rating: (9)
Member#: 10041
Join Date: Sep 2001
Location: Marietta, Ga.
Vehicle:2015 WRX Limited CVT ISM |
Humm ...
That's not a good thing. I've talked to many people and no one has brought up any negative issues w/ the ALK? Well for those who care ... I was able to do a little more testing. I can definitely see a difference in lift and dive ... not as much in either case however still present. Cornering see more oversteer due to more traction on the front end however I don't got it test it out once. I guess if I make the "mountain run" tomorrow I'll try to push the car more.
|
08-31-2002, 09:14 PM | #4 |
Scooby Specialist
Member Sales Rating: (21)
Member#: 15001
Join Date: Feb 2002
Chapter/Region:
NESIC
Location: Manchester CT or at any track
Vehicle:STi V8 Spec C Power NESIC TrackH0z # 10 |
I just installed the aluminum control arms & the ALK this afternoon. Relatively straightforward - no surprises. Just drove it lightly - no additional harshness noted (comfort bushings) - seems more responsive. Will retorque bolts in morning & then beat on it a bit.
I'll check the ALK bolts periodically - never heard of anyone else complaining about the bolts loosening. Really don't see how properly torqued bolts should loosen if everything is together right. I assume these are the two bolts on each side that hold the rear of the control arm (& ALK) to the frame and not any of the 'u' brace bolts - now those I could see some issues with potentially due to the spacer blocks/washers. -Keith- |
09-01-2002, 08:03 AM | #5 |
Scooby Specialist
Member Sales Rating: (9)
Member#: 10041
Join Date: Sep 2001
Location: Marietta, Ga.
Vehicle:2015 WRX Limited CVT ISM |
Yo
I guess I'll check the bolts too in a week or so to see ifany have come a loose. By removing the U brace it was much easier to work with. I'll be heading up to the mountains today to get some test runs in ... and to waste some tires.
|
09-02-2002, 12:13 AM | #6 |
Former Vendor
Vendor Sales Rating: (0)
Member#: 14812
Join Date: Jan 2002
|
G'day everyone,
"tokigiracing", I'm concerned to read about your probelms with the mounting bolts. Are you refering to the stock bolts that fix the mount to the body? If so, the same problem should technically effect the stock mounts as they are made from similar material and mount with the same torque settings (I'm told). Needless to say, this is not a problem we have come across before with the relatively high torque settings taking care of these sorts of issues. With out meaning to be rude, have you checked for "cross-threading" of the bolts or captive threads? "chuglobal", I'd like to get your feedback on the performance of the kit once you've had a good chance to test it. Try to make a note of corner exit speeds as that is where you should find a difference. Cheers Jim Gurieff Whiteline |
09-02-2002, 07:27 AM | #7 |
Scooby Specialist
Member Sales Rating: (9)
Member#: 10041
Join Date: Sep 2001
Location: Marietta, Ga.
Vehicle:2015 WRX Limited CVT ISM |
Update
Well I joined some IClub guys yesterday in the North Georgia mountains. I was able to drive decently hard for a short period of time due to traffic of SUVs, trucks, and COPs. There is definitely a decrease in lift and dive however the ALK does NOT eliminate it ... I was hoping for more decrease in lift and dive. I noticed how the transition in a corner was more progressive ... grip > ungrip > rear end sliding > oversteer > grip. It use to be less progressive but maybe the RE730s also made a difference. It could be my imagination since I haven't been mountain driving for a while ... If I make a run at the DRAGON I could probably tell more since I drive there more. I don't know what my previous cornering speeds where and didn't pay attention yesterday since I was looking at other obstacles. I do KNOW that I've been taking corners faster and faster for myself when people are in my car because I would complain how the tires lose grip but NOT realizing that I'm doing 2-3x the posting speed limit. I also realized that I may need new STI engine and tranny mounts since the jerking of the engine is very annoying during downshifts and the releasing of the gas pedal. I will drive some more and see how the ALK works. You can always reach me at 404-667-5550 for further questions.
|
09-02-2002, 08:52 AM | #8 |
Scooby Specialist
Member Sales Rating: (21)
Member#: 15001
Join Date: Feb 2002
Chapter/Region:
NESIC
Location: Manchester CT or at any track
Vehicle:STi V8 Spec C Power NESIC TrackH0z # 10 |
Somewhat similar - at first I felt the car was pushing a lot more cornering, until I realized that I was a lot harder on the throttle on exit. It's going to take some adjustment to get used to. That, and I really need to get a good alignment before making final judgement.
Get the motor/trans mounts - you won't regret it. |
09-05-2002, 03:22 AM | #10 |
Scooby Specialist
Member Sales Rating: (0)
Member#: 438
Join Date: Oct 1999
Chapter/Region:
W. Canada
Location: St. Albert, AB, Canada
Vehicle:2004 STi White on Gold |
ALK's are an unsurpassed performance value!!!
Without a doubt, the Whiteline ALK was one of the single most significant mods I made to my car to reduce understeer. You couldn't force me to remove it from my car. I have had numerous people comment at our local autocrosses that my car is the best balanced Impreza that they have seen. I am presently the only Impreza in our area that is running with the ALK. I am convinced this mod is worth twice what is being charged for it.
That being said, I do not think you would notice as significant a difference with this part unless you are running some type of modified spring/strut arrangement (i.e. higher than stock spring rates and suitable struts). Also, I did NOT use the comfort bushing and yes there was some additional NVH, however, I'm not naive enough to expect to expect to maintain the soft/slushy stock ride after installing a component that I know upfront has a harder bushing than stock. My ALK has been on for over 18-months with no issues of bolts working loose. I can't even see how this could be an issue if the parts are installed correctly and the recommended torque settings are followed. |
09-05-2002, 12:28 PM | #11 | |
Scooby Specialist
Member Sales Rating: (21)
Member#: 15001
Join Date: Feb 2002
Chapter/Region:
NESIC
Location: Manchester CT or at any track
Vehicle:STi V8 Spec C Power NESIC TrackH0z # 10 |
Quote:
Didn't this bump you up a class or two? Or did you paint the ALK for stealth?! I used the comfort bushing - I almost wish I had gone with the sport bushing as I notice no extra harshness even with the SPT aluminum arms. |
|
09-06-2002, 08:20 PM | #12 | |
Scooby Specialist
Member Sales Rating: (0)
Member#: 10279
Join Date: Sep 2001
Location: St. Louis, MO
Vehicle:2005 Lotus Elise Yellow, #94 SS |
Re: ALK's are an unsurpassed performance value!!!
Quote:
|
|
09-07-2002, 07:46 PM | #13 |
Scooby Specialist
Member Sales Rating: (9)
Member#: 10041
Join Date: Sep 2001
Location: Marietta, Ga.
Vehicle:2015 WRX Limited CVT ISM |
Yo
It ain't ILLEGAL on the "mountain" roads. I was having fun w/ a girl yesterday going to dinner. I'm coming up 75N > 285W and there's a NICE curved ramp which speed limit is "20mph." Well I go into it at 40mph just to see and it felt SLOOOOWWW so I jump on the gas. I have NO idea how fast I'm going and was like ... damn I KNOW I'm going fast and it's NOT breaking traction. I look down and I'm at 7K rpm at 60+mph ... . I let off on the gas ... as an idiot and the rear end gets loose but I jump on the gas again into 3rd and fly out of the corner at 80mph+. She was like ... that was so PIMP.
|
09-10-2002, 08:06 PM | #14 |
Vendor
Vendor Sales Rating: (0)
Member#: 15567
Join Date: Feb 2002
Location: Michigan, USA
|
I installed the ALK on my care per the instructions it came with. All parts were installed correctly, and someone that had already installed their own helped me too. Since the addition of my TEIN springs, the ALK bolts (the ones holding the subframe on the car) have continuously worked themselves loose - two of the bolts worked themselves so loose that the bolts and the spacers were missing by the time I figured out what was wrong. Whiteline - I sent you guys emails months ago when this started, without response. Subaru says you MUST replace the bolts on the subframe for every removal / reinstallation, so I ordered up all the new bolts from subaruparts.com and I will be removing the ALK in a few days and going back to the stock setup as far as that goes - so then I won't have to retighten the bolts every few days and I won't have to listen to the horrible metal banging noises that it's causing. Also, my Whiteline sway bars have only been on the car a few months, and are already covered in rust.
|
09-10-2002, 08:27 PM | #15 |
Scooby Specialist
Member Sales Rating: (21)
Member#: 15001
Join Date: Feb 2002
Chapter/Region:
NESIC
Location: Manchester CT or at any track
Vehicle:STi V8 Spec C Power NESIC TrackH0z # 10 |
I just want to be clear on this:
The bolts that are loosening are the bolts that hold the 'U' frame to the subframe, NOT the bolts that actually attach the control arm(and ALK) to the subframe. When the bolts & spacer fell out - what did you replace the spacer with? The control arm isn't hitting the "U" frame is it? I also know it's possible to install the ALK upside down (ask me how!) Are you sure it's installed correctly? Sorry to keep asking questions, but you're the first person I've heard complain about the ALK (other than increased NVH) |
09-11-2002, 02:41 AM | #16 |
Former Vendor
Vendor Sales Rating: (0)
Member#: 14812
Join Date: Jan 2002
|
G'day everyone,
tokigiracing, I'm sorry to hear that you've been experiencing some problems. Firstly, can you let me know who you contacted at Whiteline and when as I've just searched through our database and have not found a reference to your original email. I'd like to make sure that this doesnt happen again so please let me know what you can. Re ALK fitting: I realise this is probably the most used line by manufactureres but this is a first for us. We have not experienced or heard of this happening before. The stock bolts do not use thread lock solution nor are they of a conventional "single-use" variety so we don't understand why there would be a problem. Were they torqued to manufactureres specifications? Secondly, you mention that this only started hapenning after fitment of aftermarket lowering springs. Are you certain that the fitting workshop did not make any other changes while refitting the struts etc? If it is the same bolts that are comming loose, perhaps the captive nuts/threads have been cross-threaded accidentally. We'd be keen to help sort this out if we can. Re swaybar finish: It is possible that your bar had a poor powder coat finish. is it possible for you to send some pictures and purchase details so we can try to ascertain the problem. We can them look at replacing them for you if necessary. CTKAG: Its funny that you mention fitting the ALK upside down. We actually had a customer down-under that returned an ALK kit with a broken "wing" or mount tab. It was sheared off completely and looking a little closer we could see the mark left by the bolt flange on the wrong side of the mount. Calling the customer about it we found out that he'd tried to fit the kit in the driveway and wasnt actually under the car. Apparently once the mount bolts got started on the threads, he simply used a large ratchet extension to tighten from outside the vehicle. He did mention that even a 2 foot extension started getting a little tough to budge before it finally broke! Cheers Jim Whiteline |
09-11-2002, 09:16 AM | #17 |
Scooby Specialist
Member Sales Rating: (9)
Member#: 10041
Join Date: Sep 2001
Location: Marietta, Ga.
Vehicle:2015 WRX Limited CVT ISM |
Yo
I feel that the ALK doesn't seem to be as noticable under "normal" driving conditions. However I'm usually leaning more towards the side of "aggressive" driving. I DO notice how the front end will grab more than the rear through a turn ... I on purposly go into a corner wide and let "off" the gas and turn the wheel and the car WILL rotate ( oversteer ). The front end keeps on the ground while the back end "slides" progressively. At first we almost installed the ALK up-side-down but we realized it pretty quick ... it also comes w/ a sticker which tells which side is up. I was under my car on Monday and everything seems fine ... I'll check the bolts again on Sat when I get my engine and tranny mounts and post an update on "loose" bolts.
|
09-13-2002, 07:14 PM | #18 |
Vendor
Vendor Sales Rating: (0)
Member#: 15567
Join Date: Feb 2002
Location: Michigan, USA
|
Well, ALK is now off the car. No more squeaks or bumps. The thing is, I don't notice ANY difference with it gone, besides the absensce of the squeaks that is. Makes me question what the ALK supposidly actually did while it was on the car, besides causing me a major headache, $130 for the ALK, $37 for the new stock bolts, and having to uninstall it. I'll take some pics of what is left of the "hardware" that was included with the ALK, mainly the washers, if you can even recognize them now. And I do believe that the OEM bolts have a special coating of something on them, as they come in a package marked "do not open until use; volatile; discard and replace bolts when reinstalling the sub frame". Also, I was told that my sway bars are not powder coated, but just painted, and that's why it's rusting. I'll take pics of those for you too.
|
09-15-2002, 07:48 AM | #19 |
Scooby Specialist
Member Sales Rating: (9)
Member#: 10041
Join Date: Sep 2001
Location: Marietta, Ga.
Vehicle:2015 WRX Limited CVT ISM |
Update
I've driven w/ the Whiteline ALK for 2+ weeks now. Since I got the STI engine and tranny mounts done last night we checked the ALK bolts and everything seems tight ... we followed the instructions provided by Whiteline concerning torque specifications. I think the biggest difference in lift and drive is the drive ... much less and other people even notice it, even though who do NOT ride in my REX often; wait ... I usually don't carry anyone since it messes up the weight distribution. I'm hoping to run the DRAGON again in a month or so to test out the new toys in "familiar" territory.
|
09-15-2002, 06:27 PM | #20 |
Former Vendor
Vendor Sales Rating: (0)
Member#: 14812
Join Date: Jan 2002
|
G'day everyone,
chuglobal, glad to see the ALK is working out for you. tokigiracing, please contact us off list with details of where you purchased the ALK and swaybars and we'll do what we can to help. Though I do not consider that the ALK or components used in the kit are at fault, we are more concerned to ensure overall customer satisfaction. Thanks for your patience. Cheers Jim Gurieff [email protected] Whiteline |
Thread Tools | |
Display Modes | |
|
|
Similar Threads | ||||
Thread | Thread Starter | Forum | Replies | Last Post |
(FS) Whiteline Anti-lift kit, Roll center kit, Swaybars (F,R) GR STI | m3evobr | Suspension/Brakes/Handling | 11 | 05-07-2010 09:19 AM |
VA: Whiteline Anti Lift Kit w/ caster kit | richy_21 | Suspension/Brakes/Handling | 26 | 09-22-2007 12:25 PM |
Whiteline Anti Lift Kit... | Firewire | Vancouver Impreza Club Forum -- VIC | 8 | 06-12-2001 11:29 PM |
Real World Comments on Whiteline Anti-lift kit | 25psi | Brakes, Steering & Suspension | 7 | 03-02-2001 12:34 AM |
New Whiteline Anti-lift kit announced | rao | Brakes, Steering & Suspension | 5 | 02-19-2001 07:36 PM |