Help with handling mods
Thread Starter
5th Gear Member
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 2,228
From: Ohio
What I am thinking of right now (besides the driver mod) is STR.Ts, Steeda Sports, Strano's bars, and a Steeda strut tower brace. Off the top of my head, that should be like 1200 dollars + install.
Do LCAs affect cornering? Honestly I am not exactly sure what they do.
Do LCAs affect cornering? Honestly I am not exactly sure what they do.
Former Sponsor
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 1,936
Looks good to me.... the STR.T/Sport/Strano Bar combo is a hugely popular one, there are many here who have it. The STB is not as critical as the other 3 things, but it's a little help with feel. But for similar money I'd recommend an upgraded adjustable Panhard bar first (or ideally a Fays2 or Steeda Watts link, but they both cost a good bit more).
LCA's aren't really handling devices. Some can actually cause you some issues. And rest assured when you lower it a lot to all of the wheelhop you probably have now will go away. If not we can deal with it then and we'll be sure you need things like LCA's changed.
LCA's aren't really handling devices. Some can actually cause you some issues. And rest assured when you lower it a lot to all of the wheelhop you probably have now will go away. If not we can deal with it then and we'll be sure you need things like LCA's changed.
6th Gear Member
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 7,635
From: state of confusion
Imagine going into a turn only a little hot, and realize that no matter what you do with the controls the car will loop on you.
Fortunately for you, you've haven't been there. That kind of oversteer or even the threat of it should scare you. If it doesn't, you may need to step away from suspension and handling tuning and find another hobby. It still scares me just remembering it from almost 20 years ago, and I was far from a newbie driver then, too.
Norm
Last edited by Norm Peterson; Oct 6, 2011 at 05:17 PM.
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 7
From: ME
front sway bar?
i was also looking at a front sway bar as my first mod. i autocross my car and am looking for a little something and an adjustable front bar is not too pricey but will it cause more handling issues or benefits. i read the article but didnt get if i would benefit from a bar or not. my car is an 11 gt stock pirellis for now almost dead tho. and tire pressure around 36 cold in front. i am in the fs stock class so i am limited to shocks and front sways. and shocks are still not out yet.
6th Gear Member
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 7,635
From: state of confusion
Set too firm and everything else left untouched, it will tend to increase the understeer.
But you don't have to start out at the firmest setting - perhaps the mid setting is good here, as you have at least one adjustment either way and can correct for either looseness or a push.
If you're just starting out, your driving is likely to improve faster if you don't tinker with it unless it's horribly wrong. Save the tuning ability for when you know what you need to do with it, or for when you upgrade other components (and likely move up in category).
I've never changed my front bar setting, and changed the rear bar setting exactly once (un-FStock).
Norm
But you don't have to start out at the firmest setting - perhaps the mid setting is good here, as you have at least one adjustment either way and can correct for either looseness or a push.
If you're just starting out, your driving is likely to improve faster if you don't tinker with it unless it's horribly wrong. Save the tuning ability for when you know what you need to do with it, or for when you upgrade other components (and likely move up in category).
I've never changed my front bar setting, and changed the rear bar setting exactly once (un-FStock).
Norm
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 20
From: CALIF
Another vote for Norm here. When I first tried autocross I had exactly the same reaction "this car is an understeering pig". I took out my share of cones by plowing into them when the car wouldn't turn. But with proper instruction and plenty of seat time I've learned a thing or two and cones no longer need fear me.
Now having said that, there are certainly changes that can be made beyond the 'driver mod'. A set of Konis will control the car's mass better. A stiffer rear sway or softer front will go a long way to taming the push. More front end camber (you will need camber plates or crash bolts or slotted struts). Better, stickier tires. The other changes - brace, pan hard bar, lower/upper control arms will make little to no difference here.
My number one piece of advice is get on a skid pad, preferably a wet one. It is an awesome training tool. You are in Ohio. Ohio is a hot bed of motorsports activity. Lots of car clubs. Look at the SCCA website and find your local chapter. Chances are they host autocross events and possibly even driving schools. Contact them and get involved. Good instruction and seat time will improve your car's performance more than any part you could possibly purchase.
Now having said that, there are certainly changes that can be made beyond the 'driver mod'. A set of Konis will control the car's mass better. A stiffer rear sway or softer front will go a long way to taming the push. More front end camber (you will need camber plates or crash bolts or slotted struts). Better, stickier tires. The other changes - brace, pan hard bar, lower/upper control arms will make little to no difference here.
My number one piece of advice is get on a skid pad, preferably a wet one. It is an awesome training tool. You are in Ohio. Ohio is a hot bed of motorsports activity. Lots of car clubs. Look at the SCCA website and find your local chapter. Chances are they host autocross events and possibly even driving schools. Contact them and get involved. Good instruction and seat time will improve your car's performance more than any part you could possibly purchase.
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