So guys, I'm on the fence about whether I should spend the money on the D-spec shocks or should I just go with the HP's? I really want this thing to handle as best it can as I have just got into Auto Crossing and will be into it for sometime.

 

I strongly suggest reading Jazzer the cats suspension guide. As far as handling at its best it depends on the money you want to spend. He sent me to look at a grip box which is a full kit front to back. Bit pricey though.

 

V6.... have you been AX'ing yet and, as phoenix touched on, what kind of investment are you willing to make? Think about this question VERY carefully, as the shocks/struts/springs you may buy now, might not meet your goals in the future!

Jazzer

 

I actually just went a week ago, LOVED IT I plan on going as often as I can and I've joined my regional group. So obviously I'd like my final set up to give me as much advantage as possible towards AX. This is my DD, but I'm not overly concerned if my ride gets harsher because of upgrades. Now money wise, I dont have enough to go to coil overs and have the watt/panhard set up, but I'm still willing to spend a good amount on my suspension.

Here is what I was thinking:

FLSFC from UPR
LCA from UPR, Jazzer approved of course
4 bolt C/C from UPR
Bumpsteer from UPR
New Iso's from UPR
Steeda x2's
Tokico D-specs
H and R Race springs

And after I get all that set up and get a feel for it I should be able to get a 98 GT Rear sway bar from a friend; If I need It.

What are your Opinions?

Oh also, I was looking around and I found a rear shock tower brace for a decent price. Is this a worth while upgrade? I figure I might through it in since I'm doing everything else.

 

And one more thing, I was wondering about upr's coil-overs. Are they any good? Do they fire with any shock? These would probably be the only ones I could afford.

 

Edit, and first off - Seat Time, tires/wheels, everything else.

Your biggest early improvements are going to be coming from having more seat time. No flame intended, but right now the car is probably more autocross-capable than you are. Better tires is next, chosen based on the class you see yourself competing in for a while. Be careful here, as it's better to learn on your choice of performance summer street tires so that you're less likely to learn bad habits (that sticky tires can cover you for until you get faster).


I'd be wary of buying coilovers based as heavily on price as that sounds. For starters, do you know if the damping is suited to hard cornering or is it intended mostly for the drag-race crowd?

If you're at all concerned about what class you'll be put in, read the rulebook carefully. Some mods will send you off to either Street Mod or C Prepared all by themselves. In a region that doesn't have much competition in those classes it may not matter from that point of view, but after a while it does get old being the only entry in your class.


Norm

 

I was doing more reasearch and it seems upr is more of a drag racing oriented company, so I'll pass on the coil overs.

I understand the whole, I need more practice on my car before any mods follow, but my shock a pretty much blown right now. So I figured I might as well do everything else I wanted to do all at once.

Oh and I have sumitomo p01 on right now 17"

 

FWIW, the D-specs were the shock/strut of choice for the S197's, back before the Koni yellows became available for that chassis. I'd at least expect the design and valving decisions for the dampers for your car to have been made with the same intent in mind, if not by the same individuals.

Adjustability will eventually be your friend.


Norm