View Poll Results: What's my next Mod
Q-Rack - high ratio steering rack
4
10.00%
X-Brace
7
17.50%
RCE Black Springs
9
22.50%
Cobb Catted Downpipe
18
45.00%
Someone else I'm not thinking of?
2
5.00%
Voters: 40. You may not vote on this poll
Next mod? X-Brace vs Downpipe vs Q-Rack vs Springs
#16
OP, lateral link bushings and trailing arm bushings make a huge change to response to steering input. Helps on turn-in. Do em!
Would also do the DP with the bushings. Can't really get more power with the stock DP. The sound is also really nice, even with the stock catback.
Just FYI; the lockdown bolts don't do anything on your car. Your rear subframe has solid metal bushings that have no play.
#17
Registered User
Thread Starter
iTrader: (5)
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: San Jose, CA
Posts: 4,300
Car Info: http://kiva.org/invitedby/brett4254
I'd forgotten about Cowl Braces... although I have to say the install scares the hell out of me.
I might have AHQ do it, just because I know they've been in the job before and there's a lot of mess to be made
I might have AHQ do it, just because I know they've been in the job before and there's a lot of mess to be made
#24
Registered User
iTrader: (7)
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: East Bay
Posts: 673
Car Info: 2004 Big Booty STi with a two finger gap.
For your car and what you like to do....
Probably cowl braces, then springs, then x brace. If you can only do one of these things... xbrace. I have a ton of suspension work. The x brace was the best thing I did. And I did it last. I can't believe how much of a difference it made. If the fender brace install is daunting to you then definitely get some help installing the x brace. It can be a bit fiddly!
Probably cowl braces, then springs, then x brace. If you can only do one of these things... xbrace. I have a ton of suspension work. The x brace was the best thing I did. And I did it last. I can't believe how much of a difference it made. If the fender brace install is daunting to you then definitely get some help installing the x brace. It can be a bit fiddly!
#26
Suspension wise, cowl stays and front strut tower bar will improve turn in response, I have them on my 04 STi, along with jdm pink springs, group n mounts and feal tuned struts.
But I still vote dp and tune!
But I still vote dp and tune!
#28
Registered User
iTrader: (3)
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: Bay Area, CA
Posts: 158
Car Info: 03 Psm Sedan
It makes it easier if you loosen the fender, but it definitely doesn't need to come off. You'll see when you do it. Also a set of low profile ratcheting wrenches will make your life a lot easier.
#29
The stock rack is plenty quick for me for thunderhill, just doesn't make sense for unless I was more into auto cross. I'm more into being smooth and fast.
I would say the most noticeably turn in would be gained by x-brace no doubt. Lateral links and trailing arm with pillow ball give a nicer feel, but I don't think they do much for cornering speed. unless you are buying adjustable I would go x-brace.
fender braces do not make nearly as big of a change imo as the x-brace (but they are only 100 bucks so you should just add them on as well), but are good if you plan on doing all the chasis stiffening mods.
I would say the most noticeably turn in would be gained by x-brace no doubt. Lateral links and trailing arm with pillow ball give a nicer feel, but I don't think they do much for cornering speed. unless you are buying adjustable I would go x-brace.
fender braces do not make nearly as big of a change imo as the x-brace (but they are only 100 bucks so you should just add them on as well), but are good if you plan on doing all the chasis stiffening mods.
Last edited by slow04wrx; 06-16-2013 at 10:40 AM.
#30
Registered User
iTrader: (2)
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Dublin, CA
Posts: 369
Car Info: 02 WRX sedan
You definitely don't need to remove fenders for the TIC ones, but there is VERY little space in there. Bring patience and a 14mm combo, ready to pull out some of the bolts 1/12th of a turn at a time.