No, chassis stiffening serves to stiffen the chassis (a bit obvious I know) which in turn allows the suspension to work better. Throwing on strut bars and related items is what you do after you've got your suspension at least partially sorted out. Start with a rear sway bar and go from there.

 

My advice is to either try a better alignment first AND/OR get better tires

 

Don't waste your money on the braces. You have other areas to adjust first.

 

would changing the suspension dramatically changing the improvement without the strut and brace?

 

? Are you asking whether changing the suspension would make the braces or struts more worthwhile?

 

If we try, I think we can figure out what he is asking.

I actually think he is asking whether dramatically changing the suspension would make an improvement even without the strut bars and braces. I think...

From what I've read, Mueller (a reputable suspension tuner) feels that just an alignment and adjustment to the factory suspension will make major improvements in the handling characteristics of a Lancer (EVO, Ralliart... doesn't matter).

 

Yes, an alignment, even on a stock car - will make a difference.

 

I didn't have much trouble with understeer at the auto-x I drove at. There is some for sure, and the stock alignment encourages understeer. For me, loading up the front under breaking and steering inputs made it pretty easy to control. I was actually quite suprised how easilly the back end can be roatated at low speeds with the throttle.
My only dissapointment was with the sst in auto sport versus an MR with auto super sport. Mine seemed to upshift too soon if you let off the throttle a little. Also, the MR is much more agressive at downshifting under braking.

 

A little trail braking goes a long way.

 

Very true

 

what about a coilcover upgrade?

 

It'll allow you to fine tune the setup so you can stiffen up the rear but a good coilover setup (ie. not the entry level offers by Tein, Megan, Ksport, etc) will cost a good 1500$-5000$.

 

Don't put any money into upgrades just yet, go with an instructor next time. I've run two Autox (8 runs) and a decent instructor can be a big help. If you feel generous let an instructor drive your car once so you can get an idea of what it can do, pay attention to that and you will learn.

The car has a lot going for it as it stands, use what you got first before you go after the next level with mods.

 

+1

The best performance part you can buy for a car is professional driving lessons.