What can I do with $500-$700 for improving handling?
03-31-2009, 08:50 PM
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What can I do with $500-$700 for improving handling? (2001 Firebird Formula)
This is a babied summer car that will never see a race track, so performance in the sense of drag track performance is not important to me. What I want is to improve handling around curves in daily driving - meaning reduce the flex and boaty feel. I would ideally like to see it lowered a little too - but that's more for looks.
(Compared to my friend's Z06's handling and taking corners at 60mph, I feel like I am driving an SUV.
Of course I won't complain - I could have that in my Formula if I wanted to drop $7-$8k on suspension parts, but I don't care that much and don't have that much dough)
I bought 17" American Racing wheels with summer performance Kumho tires last year and that's the only "mod" my car has.
So... I realize I can't do too much with my current budget but that's what I would like to spend right now. I will do the work myself, so I'm talking only about parts. Should I start with a spring kit and new shocks or should I focus on something else to achieve what I want right now?
Can you advise me as to what I can do to get some noticeable improvement in this area at least to start with?
Thank you very much!
This is a babied summer car that will never see a race track, so performance in the sense of drag track performance is not important to me. What I want is to improve handling around curves in daily driving - meaning reduce the flex and boaty feel. I would ideally like to see it lowered a little too - but that's more for looks.
(Compared to my friend's Z06's handling and taking corners at 60mph, I feel like I am driving an SUV.
Of course I won't complain - I could have that in my Formula if I wanted to drop $7-$8k on suspension parts, but I don't care that much and don't have that much dough)I bought 17" American Racing wheels with summer performance Kumho tires last year and that's the only "mod" my car has.
So... I realize I can't do too much with my current budget but that's what I would like to spend right now. I will do the work myself, so I'm talking only about parts. Should I start with a spring kit and new shocks or should I focus on something else to achieve what I want right now?
Can you advise me as to what I can do to get some noticeable improvement in this area at least to start with?
Thank you very much!
03-31-2009, 08:55 PM
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sway bars, subframe connectors, or brakes
I don't think it'd cost $7000-8000 to keep up with a Z in curves, I'd say it can be done for less than $3000
I love formulas btw
I don't think it'd cost $7000-8000 to keep up with a Z in curves, I'd say it can be done for less than $3000
I love formulas btw
03-31-2009, 08:57 PM
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If you save a bit more up you can get a set of Koni 4/3 shocks and that is the single best mod one can do for handling for these cars. You can also lower the car 1/2" with the stock springs all around with Koni's. The Koni's give you a lower perch up front and you can do the hose mod in the rear to get the 1/2" drop back there as well.
03-31-2009, 09:04 PM
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If you save a bit more up you can get a set of Koni 4/3 shocks and that is the single best mod one can do for handling for these cars. You can also lower the car 1/2" with the stock springs all around with Koni's. The Koni's give you a lower perch up front and you can do the hose mod in the rear to get the 1/2" drop back there as well.
03-31-2009, 09:16 PM
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really, 500 to 700 is a bit of a tight limit, however if is slightly variable, then the first option should be...
high quality shocks, and not just some replacements that are "just better."
high quality shocks, and not just some replacements that are "just better."
03-31-2009, 09:19 PM
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But in short, the shocks will be your biggest improvement that you will sense from your seat and hands.
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04-01-2009, 07:45 AM
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04-01-2009, 08:23 AM
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i was VERY impressed with how my BMR sway bars improved the handling of the car.
you might be able to get some good bilstein shocks and some sway bars for around your budget.
ANY decent shock is better than the crappy stock units.
but yeah...Koni's would be a GREAT upgrade.
you might be able to get some good bilstein shocks and some sway bars for around your budget.
ANY decent shock is better than the crappy stock units.
but yeah...Koni's would be a GREAT upgrade.
04-01-2009, 08:33 AM
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Thanks for all the replies!
So... if I were to buy the Koni SA's, does StranoParts.com have the best price on these? You can PM me if you're afraid of Sam's wrath
So... if I were to buy the Koni SA's, does StranoParts.com have the best price on these? You can PM me if you're afraid of Sam's wrath
04-01-2009, 08:46 AM
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If you order from Sam you'll get invaluable tech assistance from him in regards to installation and setup of the shocks. So take that into account when looking for the best price even though I think his current Koni sale price is the best.
04-01-2009, 09:15 AM
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If you save a bit more up you can get a set of Koni 4/3 shocks and that is the single best mod one can do for handling for these cars. You can also lower the car 1/2" with the stock springs all around with Koni's. The Koni's give you a lower perch up front and you can do the hose mod in the rear to get the 1/2" drop back there as well.
after that
Springs (with a adj. PHB) or Sway Bars
He might not be the very cheapest, but he is not the most expensive, his price is very reasonable. You pay for all the advice he gives you and tech support, trust me it is worth it. I have bought from him and would (will) do it again. He is having a sale on Koni right now anyway I think.
04-01-2009, 11:30 AM
#18
(2001 Firebird Formula)
This is a babied summer car that will never see a race track, so performance in the sense of drag track performance is not important to me. What I want is to improve handling around curves in daily driving - meaning reduce the flex and boaty feel. I would ideally like to see it lowered a little too - but that's more for looks.
(Compared to my friend's Z06's handling and taking corners at 60mph, I feel like I am driving an SUV. Of course I won't complain - I could have that in my Formula if I wanted to drop $7-$8k on suspension parts, but I don't care that much and don't have that much dough)
I bought 17" American Racing wheels with summer performance Kumho tires last year and that's the only "mod" my car has.
So... I realize I can't do too much with my current budget but that's what I would like to spend right now. I will do the work myself, so I'm talking only about parts. Should I start with a spring kit and new shocks or should I focus on something else to achieve what I want right now?
Can you advise me as to what I can do to get some noticeable improvement in this area at least to start with?
Thank you very much!
This is a babied summer car that will never see a race track, so performance in the sense of drag track performance is not important to me. What I want is to improve handling around curves in daily driving - meaning reduce the flex and boaty feel. I would ideally like to see it lowered a little too - but that's more for looks.
(Compared to my friend's Z06's handling and taking corners at 60mph, I feel like I am driving an SUV.
Of course I won't complain - I could have that in my Formula if I wanted to drop $7-$8k on suspension parts, but I don't care that much and don't have that much dough)I bought 17" American Racing wheels with summer performance Kumho tires last year and that's the only "mod" my car has.
So... I realize I can't do too much with my current budget but that's what I would like to spend right now. I will do the work myself, so I'm talking only about parts. Should I start with a spring kit and new shocks or should I focus on something else to achieve what I want right now?
Can you advise me as to what I can do to get some noticeable improvement in this area at least to start with?
Thank you very much!
Everything else can be added, the shocks are the key.
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18 SCCA National Championships in house, many more for our customers prove we know our stuff.Talk is cheap, results matter.
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www.stranoparts.com --814-849-3450
18 SCCA National Championships in house, many more for our customers prove we know our stuff.Talk is cheap, results matter.
Check out our KONI prices, our Master Cylinder Brace, and new Xtracker Hub/wheel bearing upgrade kits!