Oh I'm not saying I want to settle for less, just like to do things in stages and slower is easier on the bank account.. With a good size rent payment, car parts dont grow on trees.. Looking to 'increase' the performance of the Evo, not necessarily max it out in one shot...

I'm more looking for say: what springs to stay away from, are people having issues running OEM dampers with aftermarket springs, does a rear strut tower bar help much, should the front lower cross braces be upgraded, how much (if any) camber can be milked out of the stock setup (i.e. w/out camber plates), etc etc...

 

was thinking about starting there.. Got a $.02 review for me?

 

What class do you wish to run?

 

I've not been able to put a full season in yet. However, I went with the Eibach Pro kit and a 25mm rear sway bar.

The reason I went Eibach is because it's an EVEN drop front and rear (1.3") not upsetting the stock balance of the car - most kits drop the front more than the rear because the car doesn't sit even over the wheel wells and they want it to LOOK even. I didn't want to upset the centers of rotation and gravity.

Also, RRE carries both for about $400 and I respect them - and the name Eibach.

I've not really had enough time on the setup to tell you about where to set the sway. On the softest setting I know I have eliminated most of the understeer tendencies of the stock suspension, which is a relief. She's a bit more fun around those corners now... =)

My issue with coilovers, besides expense, is I want a more comfortable ride option than stock ... wife says it rides like a jeep, but she'll still ride in it. I know what she's saying, but I don't really mind the ride. I'd make it more comfy if I find a way. So when the time/budget come around that will be my personal focus.

Hope this helps!

Underbracing is only stock if it uses the same mounting points and number of pieces - in other words 2 separate bars each with their own 2 mounting points - no plates, etc. for SM, which I'm running.

I'm told a rear strut bar is useless. I'm not positive underhood strut changeout is legal - it may be if it uses the same number of mounting points (3)...

Expect -1.5 max from front camber unless it's a newer model (05 only maybe?) which can reverse the bolts for more camber - use search and you'll find something on it.

 

Doesnt matter to me.. I beat everyone in SM with a stock Evo last event, so I'm not afraid to race in that class.. I'm just concentrating on building the car how I want it, and will race whichever class they throw me into.. Probably ESP this season, and maybe SM the next.. I wont be doing my modding just to stay in any particular class though..

 

Thanks for the info Kazz.. I'll research that camber adjustment.. and yup, I'm in a 2005

 

You will quickly see that anyone competitive in Autocross runs coilovers (unless you are in AStock). If you are just wanting to not get last place, then stiff springs on the stock shocks may help. If you actually want to win, you need coilovers.

In my opinion running a stiffer spring on the stock valving is a bad idea. Those shocks were made to work optimally with the stock spring rates. If you want stiffer spring, then you need to adjust the dampning accordingly. Generally speaking, for a great autocross setup you want stiff springs, low compression dampning, and high rebound dampning. The stiffer the spring, the more rebound dampning you need.

How far you go with your whole autocross setup will depend on what class you are going to run. AS, BSP, STU, SM, ??? I am surprised you didn't mention it when you asked for information.

THE SINGLE BIGGEST IMPROVEMENT YOU CAN MAKE IS TIRES! If you are not running a street tire class, and you have the budget to run Hoosier A3S05 or the Kumho autocross tires, DO IT. Absolutely huge improvement over and street tire. If you are looking at street tires, I would recommend the Falken Azenis RT-615. This tire has performed brilliantly for me, and lasted quite a long time also. The biggest tire you can fit with rolling the rear fenders and proper wheel offset is a 275/40/17, a 275/35/18, or a 285/30/18.

Please search for answers to questions like this as they have been discussed before. You will find WAY more information than what you will get on this thead.

https://www.evolutionm.net/forums/sh...ad.php?t=57489

https://www.evolutionm.net/forums/sh...ight=autocross

https://www.evolutionm.net/forums/sh...ight=autocross

https://www.evolutionm.net/forums/sh...treet+modified


Good Luck.

EVOlutionary

 

Don't mess with springs. For a budget, try an adjustable rear sway bar first.