ok so I just had my STI out on the track for the second time (gateway international in StL) and I think I have a better idea about what the car needs for road racing; at least for my driving style. I was just wondering if anybody could help me with suggestions on parts or manfacturers.

1. while the car feels quite stiff in road use, in high speed esses there is is signifigant amount of body roll in the transition. the time between unloading the right side of the suspention and reloading the left leaves a breif period of YIKES. body roll is my first issue.

2. understeer at the limit, hate to say it and I rarely/never see it in daily driving but the car understeers when absolutely pushed to the limit. Any thoughts on getting a little more netural handling?

3. any good chips out there yet??? I would like more horse but not at all at the expense of low end torque.

also note of interest, I drove all day last Sat. with an Evo you can find some pics of our cars at the st louis forum of solo2.org "phil wicks drivning school pics" We both ran in the advanced section, really just a track day.

 

You have made good observations of the abilities and shortcommings of the STi.

Few comments and suggestions:

1- Body roll is mainly due to softer springs and ride height. I do not think the STi needs stiffer swaybars, but adjustable ones can help if you want to be able to make adjustments depending on the day. Hence, lowering the vehicle with stiffer springs and appropriately valved shocks would go a long way. This obviously means coilovers.

The transitional delay is due to two seperate items: a- relatively soft shocks and b- rubber bushings. With the coilover (not just spring upgrades) part of the transitional delay should reduced. If you also upgrade the bushings, things do improve significantly, but you also get a lot more clunking noises. If this is your daily driver, I would not recommend them. But then again, it is a personal preference.

2- Understeer will happen, no matter what you do; because the vehicle carries 60% of the weight on the front axle. To reduce is, you need to slightly modify your driving style to compensate. Mechanically, you can get spring rates about 20 to 30% stiffer compared to the fronts. However, that will make the ride really stiff depending on the front spring rates. Again, it is a compromise that you have to decide. Stiffer rear sway bars are also an option, but personally, my choice is not to increase stiffness but reduce it on the sway bar, actually if I could I would take the rear one completely off and compensate it with springs.

3- Not my area

Good luck.