Handling mod suggestion
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TECH Fanatic
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Joined: May 2003
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From: Valley Center KS
Handling mod suggestion I'm planning on doing some handling mods to my car and wanted to get some input. I can't lower the car right now cause I already scrape on my driveway sometimes.
I already have a STB. I was thinking SFC and then some shocks would be good to start with, what do you think. I plan on autocrossing once I get into the 12s, so I'll also be on autocross tires. I don't really care about what class I'm in, I'm just going to have fun.
On the shocks, what brands do you recommend? I know that hals are good for drag racing, but can you adjust them to perform decently for autocross? Do I need adjustable shocks?
Thanks for the advice.
I already have a STB. I was thinking SFC and then some shocks would be good to start with, what do you think. I plan on autocrossing once I get into the 12s, so I'll also be on autocross tires. I don't really care about what class I'm in, I'm just going to have fun.
On the shocks, what brands do you recommend? I know that hals are good for drag racing, but can you adjust them to perform decently for autocross? Do I need adjustable shocks?
Thanks for the advice.
TECH Fanatic
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 1,248
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From: Oklahoma
Re: Handling mod suggestion This is my pure opinion (to be taken with a grain of salt):
First thing I would do if I had it to do over, would be a set of 1LE swaybars from SLP. Light, cheap, and work great. Makes a TON of difference.
Then, I would probably get a set of (again) SLP bolt-in subframes, then weld them on. The reason is; they come powdercoated (weld-ins dont), so you wont have to paint them and worry about rusting. (But, doing this youself with the weld-ins will save you a hundred bucks.) These killed most of my rattles and squeeks.
I got the cheapest, non-adj. panhard rod I could find, since I will never lower it. (I used a BMR).
If you have deep pockets (and I do mean deep, about 1100-1200 bucks worth), I have been doing some looking, and the Koni DA shocks look pretty much top of the line. I cant say anything though, I havent made my mind up.
I wont reccommend an LCA, do some searching through the various companies. (BMR, SLP, G2, etc) But check out the poly/poly for quietness, and (for what your looking for) poly/rod or rod/rod for performance.
Im sure Trackbird will chime in soon and correct me.
First thing I would do if I had it to do over, would be a set of 1LE swaybars from SLP. Light, cheap, and work great. Makes a TON of difference.
Then, I would probably get a set of (again) SLP bolt-in subframes, then weld them on. The reason is; they come powdercoated (weld-ins dont), so you wont have to paint them and worry about rusting. (But, doing this youself with the weld-ins will save you a hundred bucks.) These killed most of my rattles and squeeks.
I got the cheapest, non-adj. panhard rod I could find, since I will never lower it. (I used a BMR).
If you have deep pockets (and I do mean deep, about 1100-1200 bucks worth), I have been doing some looking, and the Koni DA shocks look pretty much top of the line. I cant say anything though, I havent made my mind up.
I wont reccommend an LCA, do some searching through the various companies. (BMR, SLP, G2, etc) But check out the poly/poly for quietness, and (for what your looking for) poly/rod or rod/rod for performance.
Im sure Trackbird will chime in soon and correct me.
Re: Handling mod suggestion
Im sure Trackbird will chime in soon and correct me.
Actually, you're doing just fine. I see nothing to correct....so far...
Teching In
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 37
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From: Cedar Rapids,IA
Re: Handling mod suggestion Just my 2 cents
Also if you have the money. Getting aftermarket front a-arms well help too. I am running Global west upper with the delalum bushings and for my lowers LG motorsports rod end type a-arms. The stock lowers are ok but have a rubber rear mounting point that will allow deflection, changing this to a rod end fix point will help deflection dramatically. Not to mention the unsprung weight savings and the ability to dial in positive caster with a touch of negative camber. Also a set of coil over adjustable shock and new springs won’t hurt. I’m putting on this weekend a set of QA1 Hal adjustable. Side note don’t get there drag springs if you are looking for handling, use a 1LE spring 350lbs or get a set from QA1 that are 340lbs springs. Also for bushings if you can handle the increased ride noise and a little rougher ride use rod ends where possible. Other wise glitch77 is right on too. If you have question e-mail, I’m glad to help. vetteemt@hotmail.com
Also if you have the money. Getting aftermarket front a-arms well help too. I am running Global west upper with the delalum bushings and for my lowers LG motorsports rod end type a-arms. The stock lowers are ok but have a rubber rear mounting point that will allow deflection, changing this to a rod end fix point will help deflection dramatically. Not to mention the unsprung weight savings and the ability to dial in positive caster with a touch of negative camber. Also a set of coil over adjustable shock and new springs won’t hurt. I’m putting on this weekend a set of QA1 Hal adjustable. Side note don’t get there drag springs if you are looking for handling, use a 1LE spring 350lbs or get a set from QA1 that are 340lbs springs. Also for bushings if you can handle the increased ride noise and a little rougher ride use rod ends where possible. Other wise glitch77 is right on too. If you have question e-mail, I’m glad to help. vetteemt@hotmail.com
Re: Handling mod suggestion id get a 35mm front sway bar. koni singe adjustable front shocks, you can put them on a lower perch if you want to lower the car just a little, but it wont lower it much at all. Then id get bilstien HDs in the back. I went with BMR weld on boxed SFCs, but ive heard they all should work about the same unless you are pushin major hp.
