So as the title states I would like to know what ppl do for small handling upgrades. In the $250-500 range.

Also I would like opinions on these rims.

With Kuhmo Ecsta SPT. Would I have to go up a size for the 18x8 ? Like 225/45-18 instead of stock 215/45-18 ? Also I can't make heads or tails of the sticky for sizing and spacers. Would I need a different offset ?

Thanks in advance.

 

Whiteline rear sway bar.

 

Easy install even for a butterfingers like me ?

 

sadly no, not at all

you can't upgrade much on just $250-500

just save up

 

From what I've heard you gotta drop the diff to get the bar in... not an easy install. I would go with Swift or Eibach springs.. will make the car look better,especially with new rims while also adding a bit to the handling dept.

 

Does any company out there do the anti-roll kit for the RA ? Was going to get that for my impreza but then I just upgraded to the RA

 

Cheap, easy handling upgrade for RA: Front camber adjustment bolts, and a good wheel alignment.


It looks like you're onto the wheels-and-tyres thing. That's good! Getting quality 235-wide rubber on my RA helped a lot. Old rims and tyres went the way of eBay...

Rich

 

Well I got my swift springs for 150 here on the forums and that was probably my best handling improvement next I got my Rota p45r 9.5 inch rims with 235 tires for 900 then got some evo x enkies for 250... Damn I miss my rotas my car would never slide with those rims

 

I think it's easier than installing springs. I did have to drop the rear to get it in, but it's not that bad if you have a friend helping you out. You'll have to get an alignment if/when you get the springs done. The rear sway bar doesn't need one.

 

No other comments on the rims though ?

 

BTW, I really do apologize about derailing this thread. As it turns out, I may know more about dead body disposal than "cheap" handling modifications. My advice would be to develop a list. Lay out where you eventually want to be in-regards to the total package. Do you want RWD-like oversteer? You need to think about the whole thing. Maybe that means saving up for coilovers and upgraded Koni sport shocks with stronger springs. You need to take certain things into account when choosing how stiff to go with swaybars (both front and rear).

Yes, it is possible to fully upgrade your rear differential. That is something that I have on the docket. I also have to figure out how that modification is either going to work with or against the setup that I do finally go with. Suspension, wheels, tires, and brakes are all things that need to be done correctly. You will pay for making mistakes, in the long run.

 

I have actually been on a ride along, some people thought I was a cop.
This is when I realized I dont want to deal with other people's personal problems.
Especially, domestic violence calls. Everybody has problems.

Back on topic.
If you want better handling, upgrade to wider tire for more grip.
It will reduce oversteer from stock 215 so you would upgrade sway bar to oversteer.
that would be the one of the cheapest route. imo.

Also brass *****. two is good, three is better.

 

I think some ppl got the wrong idea about my small mods thing. Just was wondering if there was any small things I could do when I upgrade the rims and tires. I will most likely have a little extra cash left over from a work bonus. The main upgrade will be to 225/45R18 Rubber and 18x8 rims.

I was actually hoping for more comments on that then the small stuff. Thanks for all the comments though. It still helps in making future choices.

 

One thing you can do to improve handling for cheap is to increase the width of your tire and rim pkg. I'm running 18x8.5 with 245/40R18. Keep in mind, you will need to roll fenders if you go this wide. If you go ahead and roll your fenders, I'd recommend a set of lowering springs since you've already done the work. These two upgrades will make quite a difference. You'll need an alignment, so make it work for you. Have the shop set your camber to somewhere between -0.5 and -1 degree. I have mine at -0.8 degrees. This will also help keep the car stable at speed and in corners, though it does cause some extra wear on the inside outer tread block on your tires. You can even solve this by getting tires with outer tread blocks designed for this problem. I know the Hankook Ventus V12 Evo tires have a tread block designed for that (which is one reason they're on my car).

Wider tires, wider rims, fender roll, custom alignment and lowering springs will cost less than $500 above what you'll spend on rims and tires in the size you're looking at. It will be a night and day difference, however.

 

I would recommend 235/40/18 for 18x8. Slightly more grip and the speedo won't be off as much.