Sorry...this is going to be a newbie question. I just don't want to go out and get stuff before I know that it will all combine into a good working system.

The Evo already has Megan springs. I would be using this setup on a daily driver that I would also be using at AutoX events, sometimes on the drag strip, and sometimes on an actual race course. I really like the cars I drive to handle well, so I searched around and found some good info, but I really need to know if all of this stuff is good, or if I should forget about certain items or go to a different manufacturer on others (staying in the same price range). Thanks!

Perrin 25mm adjustable rear sway bar OR Cusco 23mm adjustable rear sway bar (which one?)
Stock front sway bar
Stock front strut bar
Cusco OS rear strut bar
Cusco OS-T rear strut bar addon (to triangulate the rear strut bar)
Cusco Trunk Bar
Cusco Type II Lower Arm Bar
Perrin Sway bar end links (needed?)

I'm looking to eliminate understeer as much as I can, yet not create very much oversteer. Would this setup do that?

Thanks for your input, it'll help a ton!

 

Perrin 25mm adjustable rear sway bar OR Cusco 23mm adjustable rear sway bar (which one?)
Stock front sway bar
Stock front strut bar
Cusco OS rear strut bar
Cusco OS-T rear strut bar addon (to triangulate the rear strut bar)
Cusco Trunk Bar
Cusco Type II Lower Arm Bar
Perrin Sway bar end links (needed?)

All these awesome parts...and you're riding on Megan springs? Check into Ohlins or Bilstein Supension. Your springs/stock shocks with do you in on this one, bro. Don't go 95%, go 100% Research the proper coilover or spring/shock combo and then go ahead with your plans.

 

What would you recommend for a good spring/shock combo? I just can't afford the full coilover setup quite yet - how about the Hotchkiss springs with stock shocks? I read a very positive review on here from someone who had those installed. Or the Eibach Pro Kit? I would rather keep the stock shocks right now...just don't have the money to upgrade those and I'd also rather just get a good coilover setup for the amount of money I'd spend. Also, what exactly is wrong with Megan springs? Are they too low? I know they drop 2 inches in the front, and anything under 1.5 is supposed to be bad...is this why?

Also, for later on, as far as coilovers are concerned, are Tein RA's good for what I'm looking to do? I don't need to have a $4000 or $8000 coilover setup, so that's why I liked the Tein Flex or Tein RA setup...they're both under $2000. Or how about any suggestions on a good coilover setup under the $2500 mark?

 

Find a 06 mr set up barly used on here or look around put that on your 03.
Or the Ohlins as mentioned.
Get a front strut and sway bar of your choice.

 

EDIT: look down!

 

Ok, so I am taking BaseModelEvo's suggestion...I'm pulling the string out and going to go 100% and just have it all done. So, for one FINAL time please comment on/critique this setup:

- JIC Magic FLT-A2 Coilovers (read lots of good stuff about these, plus they're a reasonable price)
- Cusco Lower Arm Bar Type II
- Hotchkis Rear Sway Bar (24mm, adjustable)
- Cusco Rear Strut Bar Type OS with addon Bar OS-T
- Cusco Trunk Bar

So...from what I've read and the advice I've been given here this should make for a pretty good streetable car with some really good handling, am I right?

 

jic's are one of the good coilovers out there for its price but can get really bumpy for daily driving.have you looked at others as well?i have the buddyclubs with almost the same design as the jic but a little bit more liveable.there's also the apexi xv,tanabe,and greddy thats decently priced.

 

out of the alternatives you posted, which would you recommend the most (or anyone else recommend)?

 

AutoEuphoria, who are you?? I know you don't I??

Talk to Andy at Showcase before you buy the JIC's. He used to run those. I think there are better options out there for you. I would look at the higher end Tanabe's and also D2. I race against a guy with the D2's (yellow Evo, carbon hood) and he really likes them alot, plus they are quite reasonably priced.

Perrin 25mm adjustable rear sway bar OR Cusco 23mm adjustable rear sway bar (which one?) I vote for the Hotchkis sway bar. I have it and have no complaints, plus it is very reasonably priced.
Stock front sway bar YES
Stock front strut bar YES
Cusco OS rear strut bar I would recommend a non-hinged bar. Something that has the end mounts welded to the bar. If you do get the cusco - also get the triangulation kit (but you have to drill holes in your trunk floor.
Cusco OS-T rear strut bar addon (to triangulate the rear strut bar) Have to drill holes in your trunk floor.
Cusco Trunk Bar EVO RS bar available from Showcase is cheaper and lighter but is not as flashy. You really never see it anyway.
Cusco Type II Lower Arm Bar Not legal for any class of autocross. I know, I had the RMR lower front tie bar and had to scrap it. You can run horizontal supports and longitudinal supports, but nothing that triangulates.
Perrin Sway bar end links (needed?) Depends on how hard core you get about handling. Your sway bar will be a bit more active with these but whether it is worth the cost or not I can't say. I will probably be trying them later this year.

EVOlutionary

 

I'm Tyler I've owned many cars...FD > white turbo GSR > red Evo VIII > yellow turbo ITR + Scion xA > (soon) another Evo as soon as the deal is finalized...then you and I can cruise the mean streets of Midland together LOL

Thanks for the great info! I checked out the D2s, and they are $200 cheaper than the JICs. Personal experience is golden here, and if he likes it then I should too (I think I know the guy you're talking about...does he have the Gialla front end too?)

 

So with the Cusco Type II lower arm bar out the window, would the type I be legal? How about the GT spec?
Type I:
http://www.rallysportdirect.com/shop...roducts_id/563

GT spec:
http://www.rallysportdirect.com/shop...oducts_id/2007

Also, should the suspension bushings be replaced when all of this is going on, and if so...would the Energy Suspension full suspension bushing kit be good?

 

One more thing I guess...I was searching around trying to find a different rear strut bar because I thought about it, and I really don't like the idea of drilling holes in the trunk. I was looking at the DC Sports model, and it looks fairly solid...it's titanium and welded to the ends like you said. They also offer a matching titanium triangular front strut bar, and I was wondering if that would be worth it? I'm sure it won't do much as far as handling, but it should save a little weight, plus look a little better. thoughts?

 

Whiteline offers a 24mm rear swaybar (4 way adjustable), and I will be testing these on my RS. If anyone is interested, please PM me for info.

 

The titanium DC is what I had in mind for the rear. I think that is what Andy runs on his AX car. It is an awesome piece. As far as the front, if you want to spend the $$ on looks, it would be a good choice. Performance wise you will not see any improvement till you do alot more chassis/suspension work. Just think, Andy won the Solo2 Nationals last year with a stock front.

If you want looks, for a lot less you could send out the stock one to be chromed. Seen it done a few times and it looks sweet.

EVOlutionary

 

Thanks...I was debating about the front, but I think I'll keep it stock. I might strip it and paint it though. I'd get it chromed, but man...all that extra weight for nothing! Might just paint it silver with some high-temp paint and call it good, or see what the metal condition is like under the paint and leave it bare (I think it's just paint on there...I'm not sure...it's been a while). Thanks a ton guys, I think I finally have my setup nailed down!

- Lancer Evo VIII RS trunk bar
- D2 RS Coilovers
- Hotchkis rear sway bar
- GT Spec ladder brace (if I can run it at the AutoX events...if not, I'll opt for either the Cusco Type I or just the stock bracing)
- DC Sports rear strut bar (titanium)