I need your honest experienced opinions
01-08-2003, 07:48 PM
#1
Guest
Posts: n/a
I need your honest experienced opinions
Alright. I am going to start modding my car and I have a few things I want to do. Here is where you guys/gals come in. Which do I do first and which brands do you prefer.
1)Whiteline w/ Bushings ALK
2)Anti-sway bars Whiteline/Cusco
3)Lowering springs H&R/Eibach/STI/Prodrive
4)Endlinks (dunno which brand)
Is there anything that i am missing. As you can see these are all low cost mods and I am just trying to find the best products for each of these and get any suggestions as to what else can be done to stiffen my ride.
oh...i have a '02 WRX
1)Whiteline w/ Bushings ALK
2)Anti-sway bars Whiteline/Cusco
3)Lowering springs H&R/Eibach/STI/Prodrive
4)Endlinks (dunno which brand)
Is there anything that i am missing. As you can see these are all low cost mods and I am just trying to find the best products for each of these and get any suggestions as to what else can be done to stiffen my ride.
oh...i have a '02 WRX
01-08-2003, 09:37 PM
#2
@Stoptech
iTrader: (5)
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: San Francisco, CA
Posts: 2,416
Car Info: 2002 WRX Wagon
Okay, first I'm gonna give you my opinion. Everything looks good for the most part. Stock FSB is fine. Go with a cusco 22mm adjustable RSB from www.gruppe-s.com . Get the MRT front and rear endlinks. Get the ALK with whatever bushings you feel comfortable with. IF you decide to just get springs go with the Eibachs or Prodrives (which are made by Eibach). You have forgotten just one thing: Get a custom performance alignment. It will make all the difference in the world. Especially after the ALK.
Here's what I don't understand: Why doesn't everybody go with the ground control setup? You get the Eibach springs with the ability to adjust height at all four corners. This obviously gives you the option of getting your car cornerweighted. Wouldn't a stock WRX with RSB, ALK, and GC setup be awesome after an alignment and cornerweighting? I must be missing something here...
PS - Of course getting rid of RE92s is an assumed 1st mod here. Just thought I'd clarify.
Here's what I don't understand: Why doesn't everybody go with the ground control setup? You get the Eibach springs with the ability to adjust height at all four corners. This obviously gives you the option of getting your car cornerweighted. Wouldn't a stock WRX with RSB, ALK, and GC setup be awesome after an alignment and cornerweighting? I must be missing something here...
PS - Of course getting rid of RE92s is an assumed 1st mod here. Just thought I'd clarify.
Last edited by Steppin Razor; 01-08-2003 at 09:40 PM.
01-09-2003, 08:16 AM
#3
Guest
Posts: n/a
That was awesome....I like your break down. First off ??what is a ground control setup? I am pretty new to the modding world. And is the custom performance alightment something that the dealer does or is it a part??
I read somewhere that whiteline makes a 22-26mm adjustable. Is that right?? As far as ALKs go i have no clue which brand is the best or better. Thanks again for your input. That was exactly what i was looking for.
I LOVE MY RE92s
...The Non grip on the road is great...i'm kidding of course.
Also...how much will this whole thing cost me approx.?
I read somewhere that whiteline makes a 22-26mm adjustable. Is that right?? As far as ALKs go i have no clue which brand is the best or better. Thanks again for your input. That was exactly what i was looking for.
I LOVE MY RE92s
...The Non grip on the road is great...i'm kidding of course. Also...how much will this whole thing cost me approx.?
01-09-2003, 10:21 AM
#4
Registered User
Join Date: Nov 2002
Posts: 40
im very happy with the eibach prokit springs,they are progressive so they are very comfortable for regular driving around, but as soon as you put some load on them they stiffen up....and it feels great... i have noticed that when im on the freeway if the breaks in the pavement come at just the right intervals the car tends to be slightly bouncy,, but this is the only time i have thought it bouncy.. very tolerable.
i also have the cusco adjustable rear swaybar set on the middle setting and i couldnt be happier. This is a great mod, and you will definately feel results. in some instances depending on how your driving the car can get somewhat tail happy. however i mostly experience this when im going around a long sweeping turn and i brake or let off the throttle... in normal street driving it should be fine..
the combination together is great...body roll is reduced a lot.. in the beginning i was thrilled with the dramatic difference i felt.... now that ive gotten used to it i am craving more!!! rims and tires next i know im backwards..
i also have the cusco adjustable rear swaybar set on the middle setting and i couldnt be happier. This is a great mod, and you will definately feel results. in some instances depending on how your driving the car can get somewhat tail happy. however i mostly experience this when im going around a long sweeping turn and i brake or let off the throttle... in normal street driving it should be fine..
the combination together is great...body roll is reduced a lot.. in the beginning i was thrilled with the dramatic difference i felt.... now that ive gotten used to it i am craving more!!! rims and tires next i know im backwards..
01-09-2003, 01:47 PM
#5
First 12sec WRX in HI
iTrader: (1)
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: Going back to Cali, Monterey Bay Baby!
Posts: 896
Car Info: 12.93@106.71
Just starting out and on a budget, I'd get the Whiteline/MRT anti-lift kit (its the same thing), the Cusco adjustable rear swaybar and Kartboy rear endlinks. This set up will help you to reduce much of the understeer in your car. I wouldn't go with the MRT/Whiteline endlinks because they have been known to break, I've seen it. The Kartboy endlinks are much more durable. Go to www.kartboy.com to take a look. Also while you're there you can peep their short shifter.
Last edited by Rexstang; 01-09-2003 at 01:50 PM.
01-09-2003, 01:59 PM
#6
Guest
Posts: n/a
Thanks for the last two posts. I've been looking at the whiteline sway bars because they do offer that 22-26mm adjustable. But I havent seen anyone with these installed.
As for the short shift kit i'm looking into the kartboy with kartboy bushings...I do have another question that this sparks. I currently have the sti factory installed shortshifter, and honestly IT SUCKS...I don't particularly think the throws are short and its almost like i hit two knotches going into 1st and 5th gear. Not to mention reverse. But, i looked at the design of the lever unit and its THIN and UGLY. Hopefully having the kartboy installed will make a hell of a difference.
Just to vent a little more...because the Sti shortshift kit is a replacement, i probably can't even sell the lever unit itself. So I'm pretty much paying in excess of 300 dollars to upgrade my shifting. that SUCKS.
any comments on my shifter behaving like this??
joe
As for the short shift kit i'm looking into the kartboy with kartboy bushings...I do have another question that this sparks. I currently have the sti factory installed shortshifter, and honestly IT SUCKS...I don't particularly think the throws are short and its almost like i hit two knotches going into 1st and 5th gear. Not to mention reverse. But, i looked at the design of the lever unit and its THIN and UGLY. Hopefully having the kartboy installed will make a hell of a difference.
Just to vent a little more...because the Sti shortshift kit is a replacement, i probably can't even sell the lever unit itself. So I'm pretty much paying in excess of 300 dollars to upgrade my shifting. that SUCKS.
any comments on my shifter behaving like this??
joe
01-10-2003, 10:26 AM
#7
Guest
Posts: n/a
Originally posted by jkwon
Thanks for the last two posts. I've been looking at the whiteline sway bars because they do offer that 22-26mm adjustable. But I havent seen anyone with these installed.
joe
Thanks for the last two posts. I've been looking at the whiteline sway bars because they do offer that 22-26mm adjustable. But I havent seen anyone with these installed.
joe
My opinion is that you likely will not need more than 24mm even under hard (track) driving conditions, so you can make the call. Make sure you put a good set of endlinks under there if you're going to run 24mm or stiffer, because the stockers WILL break.
If you're not familiar with how these changes will affect your car's handling, do some autox or empty parking lot work. You car will not be tail happy like a live axle Stang but it will definitely want to come around on you more than the stock WRX.
Be safe,
Scott
01-10-2003, 10:32 AM
#8
Guest
Posts: n/a
since you're on a tight budget, here's what i would recommend:
1. whiteline drop springs
2. tires...better gripping tires or new set of wheels/tire combo
3. whiteline rear swaybar with alumi endlinks
4. front cusco strut bar (but you need to do some work to install)
1. whiteline drop springs
2. tires...better gripping tires or new set of wheels/tire combo
3. whiteline rear swaybar with alumi endlinks
4. front cusco strut bar (but you need to do some work to install)
01-11-2003, 09:10 PM
#9
Registered User
Join Date: Nov 2002
Posts: 37
Car Info: '02 WRX sedan
I had big problems with stock WRX understeer. It's ridiculous when uninformed people claim the WRX handles great just because it's all-wheel drive. What a crock! My stock Acura Integra and Toyota Paseo both pushed harder before understeer!
I think you've got a good list, JKWON. I would recommend the following priorities to achieve a more neutral handling balance:
1. Cusco 22 mm adjustable swaybar (I can't see a need for stronger than the stiffest setting unless you plan on doing donuts all day . . . and consider getting the Whiteline heavy duty rear swaybar mounts if you want to swing with the 24 and 26 mm bad boys)
2. Custom alignment (cheap, very effective)
3. new tires! RE92s are total garbage and are dangerous in the wet! Terminal understeer! The sidewalls roll all over the place so your contact patch is always shifting!
4. Kartboy solid aluminum endlinks
5. Cusco rear strutbar - lowest priority, but a nice touch to damp out some of the bigger swaybar harshness and keep the back end more planted on rough roads
I haven't tried the ALK or the lowering springs yet so I don't have any opinion, but they sound like good ideas to me. I might check them out as well so let us know what you think about the ALK on its own.
Good luck!
Dave.
I think you've got a good list, JKWON. I would recommend the following priorities to achieve a more neutral handling balance:
1. Cusco 22 mm adjustable swaybar (I can't see a need for stronger than the stiffest setting unless you plan on doing donuts all day . . . and consider getting the Whiteline heavy duty rear swaybar mounts if you want to swing with the 24 and 26 mm bad boys)
2. Custom alignment (cheap, very effective)
3. new tires! RE92s are total garbage and are dangerous in the wet! Terminal understeer! The sidewalls roll all over the place so your contact patch is always shifting!
4. Kartboy solid aluminum endlinks
5. Cusco rear strutbar - lowest priority, but a nice touch to damp out some of the bigger swaybar harshness and keep the back end more planted on rough roads
I haven't tried the ALK or the lowering springs yet so I don't have any opinion, but they sound like good ideas to me. I might check them out as well so let us know what you think about the ALK on its own.
Good luck!
Dave.
03-03-2003, 10:09 PM
#10
Guest
Posts: n/a
it's been a while since i've last posted thank you all for those last few posts. A new dilema has popped in. I have to throw in one more variable into the equation. (maybe two or three) :
do i go with the OZ p1 wheels with the s03 pole positions before the RSB, ALK, and Lowering springs?
or do i go exhaust before i do all of those for better performance?
Or do I go turbo timer before all of those to preserve the life of my car?
Modding is a disease. Once i start i have a feeling i'm in for it.
do i go with the OZ p1 wheels with the s03 pole positions before the RSB, ALK, and Lowering springs?
or do i go exhaust before i do all of those for better performance?
Or do I go turbo timer before all of those to preserve the life of my car?
Modding is a disease. Once i start i have a feeling i'm in for it.
03-04-2003, 01:28 AM
#11
Registered User
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 185
hahaha
damn...you have the exact same mods that i have.
i choose these mods because they are cheap and i heard great things about all of them..
to be honest...i think the alk did the most out of all the mods.
then the springs.
i personally have eibach springs...picked them up for 220.
did the labor myself.
then i got whiteline camber bolt in the rear...50 bucks
you should get one...much easier to dial in the correct alingment.
then i got a cusco rear sway bar...there is only one i believe for the wrx. very nice finish...didn't have any problems with the install. no thunking noises over bumps - got that for 150
isntalled myself.
alk was i believe 130 - got a local store to install for 60 bucks
i also got shifter bushings from cusco - 30 bucks - 10 for install
hmm....end links i got for 50...i got the whiteline ones.
i choose whiteline because they still allow for some flex, but are more rigid than the stock ones..
i dont know if i regret this mod.....
i dont think the sway bar did much for me...but its a bit early to tell....i put it in last weekend...went for a drive...felt improvement....but down know if it was worth over 200 dollrs for the sway bar and end link combination.
basically...i got a super good deal
if you can beat my deals...i felt i got hooked up on some of teh parts and labor.
i spent roughly 700 bucks.
i run stock re92 :-) haha...they are okay tires to run in the dry.
all the people that complain about the tire can't drive for ****. i will agree taht teh tires perform incredibly bad in the rain tho. but think about it like this...would you rather run really good tires and then go into turns too hot without the knowledge of what to do and how to save yourself and your car?
with the re92.....u can learn the characteristics of tires and your car at a lower speed compared to the speeds obtainable by using better tires. they will teach you to become a better driver essentially. they will allow for more driver involvement...and will require the driver to be smooth and more tentive in order for the car to perform better. also...better tires work the suspension and isn't good for the car overall.
i only run re92, because i think it is worth it to run the tires bald before upgrading. money is a factor also. my main point is that the tires are not as bad as people say they are. a car drives poorly because of the driver...not because of the equipment. this is to a extent of cousre. i know they dont grip well, but they grip well enough. if your autoxing or somethign liek that...they wont hold up...but for normal street driving and driving in the mountains...it is enough.
a lot of people on this board run hella good *** tires...but like...they will never ever come close to the max performance that the tire offers on the street
mabye few cities even have the roads needed to execute such extreme driving behavior.
im not flamming and dont want any flames back, but...a lot of the members on this baord are straight up newbies wiht cars and are only on this board because they heard about the wrx....thought it was different and then bought it and joined this community without any real automotive experience.
im not saying i have a lot myself, i personally feel i have a lot to learn, im trying to say that a lot of the responses on this board are not accurately supported and one should be cautious when reading posts ( mine included)
i hope i answered some of your questions
thanks
alex
damn...you have the exact same mods that i have.
i choose these mods because they are cheap and i heard great things about all of them..
to be honest...i think the alk did the most out of all the mods.
then the springs.
i personally have eibach springs...picked them up for 220.
did the labor myself.
then i got whiteline camber bolt in the rear...50 bucks
you should get one...much easier to dial in the correct alingment.
then i got a cusco rear sway bar...there is only one i believe for the wrx. very nice finish...didn't have any problems with the install. no thunking noises over bumps
- got that for 150isntalled myself.
alk was i believe 130 - got a local store to install for 60 bucks
i also got shifter bushings from cusco - 30 bucks - 10 for install
hmm....end links i got for 50...i got the whiteline ones.
i choose whiteline because they still allow for some flex, but are more rigid than the stock ones..
i dont know if i regret this mod.....
i dont think the sway bar did much for me...but its a bit early to tell....i put it in last weekend...went for a drive...felt improvement....but down know if it was worth over 200 dollrs for the sway bar and end link combination.basically...i got a super good deal
if you can beat my deals...i felt i got hooked up on some of teh parts and labor.
i spent roughly 700 bucks.
i run stock re92 :-) haha...they are okay tires to run in the dry.
all the people that complain about the tire can't drive for ****. i will agree taht teh tires perform incredibly bad in the rain tho. but think about it like this...would you rather run really good tires and then go into turns too hot without the knowledge of what to do and how to save yourself and your car?
with the re92.....u can learn the characteristics of tires and your car at a lower speed compared to the speeds obtainable by using better tires. they will teach you to become a better driver essentially. they will allow for more driver involvement...and will require the driver to be smooth and more tentive in order for the car to perform better. also...better tires work the suspension and isn't good for the car overall.
i only run re92, because i think it is worth it to run the tires bald before upgrading. money is a factor also. my main point is that the tires are not as bad as people say they are. a car drives poorly because of the driver...not because of the equipment. this is to a extent of cousre. i know they dont grip well, but they grip well enough. if your autoxing or somethign liek that...they wont hold up...but for normal street driving and driving in the mountains...it is enough.
a lot of people on this board run hella good *** tires...but like...they will never ever come close to the max performance that the tire offers on the street
mabye few cities even have the roads needed to execute such extreme driving behavior.
im not flamming and dont want any flames back, but...a lot of the members on this baord are straight up newbies wiht cars and are only on this board because they heard about the wrx....thought it was different and then bought it and joined this community without any real automotive experience.
im not saying i have a lot myself, i personally feel i have a lot to learn, im trying to say that a lot of the responses on this board are not accurately supported and one should be cautious when reading posts ( mine included
)i hope i answered some of your questions
thanks
alex
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Roundhead08
Subaru General
23
03-26-2007 01:48 AM
deanh8
Suby Shopping & Maintenance/Warranty
3
08-16-2006 11:46 PM
