Hello ladies and gentlemen,

I've been lucky enough to acquire a 2012 WW GSR, which I'm now completely in love with. Coming from a 10-year-old car, it's like night and day. I'm trying to understand the stock setup and components of my X, but given how much information is on this forum, I'm getting a little lost. So, I'm hoping for some quick answers and pointers in the right direction.

First, I'm trying to identify what stock suspension components come with my X. If I read correctly, non-rebuildable KYB struts and Eibach springs. I also obviously see the front tower strut bar. So, first a few questions.

1. The X has no stock front or rear sway bar, correct?
2. Is there a rear strut brace or anything to stiffen the chassis in the back?
3. What is the opinion on the front strut bar? Is it worth upgrading?
4. If there is a rear one, same question as #3

Currently, the X is my daily driver, though I'm a motorcycle guy, so it's mostly a weekend canyon carver. Until I get the engine tuned with some bolt-ons, I don't plan to race it, cross it, or anything like that. But... once I do have more power, I may want to try those things. So... the second set of my questions.

I hate the high ride height, so I'm going to first get a set of lowering springs. I'm thinking either H&R or GTWORX, leaning more towards the latter. In about 6 months to a year, I'll probably get the KW V3 coilovers and sell the springs. I'll only be getting the coilovers if I decide to compete with the car, which like I said I may want to.

So, questions:

1. If I go with lowering springs first, should I also do a rear sway bar?
2. It is my understanding that a front sway bar is useless. In which case would a front sway bar on the X make sense?
3. What additional suspension components would I want BEFORE I get the coilovers?
4. Once I get the coilovers, what additional components would I want?

I'm not looking for a brand war or anything, I'm simply trying to understand the dynamics of the car. For instance, when would a roll center adjustment kit make sense?

Apologies about the long post. I'm coming from a 10-year-old VW that's been riding on H&R springs, Bilstein struts, with a 28mm Neuspeed rear sway and front strut tower bar. That car is completely different, so I'm looking to learn more about the X.

Thank you in advance to any suspension experts willing to answer my long post

 

The car has a stock front and rear sway bar, with the rear being a much easier upgrade. Good springs (like GTWorx Tarmac springs) are awesome and the best bang for your buck.

The strut bars are not nearly as useful, but can stiffen the chassis a slight bit, I would say not worthwhile.


The RCA will be most necessary if you go with a huge drop, I've found it unnecessary on springs but would likely be necessary if you go too low with the coils. It certain can help but I haven't found it necessary.

 

1. upgrading the rear sway bar without upgrading the front will change the current balance of the car. this setup will induce more oversteer, if that is what you are after. it might make more sense in tighter A/X but probably not in road racing.

2. the front sway bar isn't useless. most people don't do it because of the install. it is tough (or expensive) to do.

3. if you are getting coilovers, i wouldn't buy springs in the interim.
save the $300, the install time (or money), and the alignment costs unless you want to do coilovers way down the road.

4. stop here and try to enjoy it. that setup, hell, even the stock setup should be plenty enough to keep your hands full unless you are a complete track junkie. save money for tires and brakes.


i will add my own thoughts here:

after 1 track event in the car on springs (swift spec-r) and stock everything else, i was very pleased in the setup.
i do feel like there is enough body roll that i want to upgrade the sways, but there was no point were i felt like i needed more oversteer, so i will do front and rear at the same time. this is down the list a bit though, i feel like the best area to improve the car is tyres and brakes so that's what i will address before my next outting.

personally, as much as i want to be on the track, i dont forsee myself actually attending more than 3-4x events per year and as a result i wont be doing coilovers at this point in time. i'm am quite happy with the springs on stock shocks. one day when i feel i'm faster than my suspension, then i will look for mechanical answers.

 

I appreciate the candid response. I hear what you're saying. So, the reason I planned on going with coilovers in the future is two fold.

First, from what I've read, it would be a worthwhile upgrade for any non-daily-driver activities (track days, auto-x, etc.).

Second, I'm expecting to blow the stock struts with the lower springs (even the GTWORX) at some point in the near future, and I'd rather replace those with coilovers than to spend money on new stock shocks or Bilsteins.

Having said all that, I may be perfectly happy with just new springs and I may not blow the struts anytime soon. I may drive on that combination for a while and be more than satisfied. I do, however, need to lower the car a bit. I can't stand the wheel gaps as they are stock. Ugh.

 

3 & 4 seem like conflicting statements

I would go with the latter and just get GTWorx springs and enjoy. i've raced with them for over a year now, and if I wasn't so competitive, I would probably just keep them (on JRZ RS1 now)

you could always try my sig link for ideas (shameless self plug)

 

well i just meant in #4 he is asking what to do BEYOND coilovers. i'm just suggesting if you get to that point to stop modding and start racing! once you start racing, you will know what part needs to you need to fill.

 

I'll agree with that

I think getting GTWORX springs for now will hold me over while I put some money into the engine. Then I'll go back to the suspension to help keep that power on the road.

I really appreciate the responses, thanks!

 

you really don't need engine mods to track it, sounds like you'll be new to the track, in that case the stock evo is already to fast if anything...

 

Isn't power a bit of a subjective thing?

On a serious note, I'm not saying you're wrong, but I do want to release a bit of the car's full potential before I bring it in for show and tell. I'm not a flashy person, so it's bad enough I have a huge spoiler now that screams "race me". But, I'd like a little more oomph under the hood to go along with the looks. I wouldn't have bought an Evo if I wanted to drive a stock car

As a side note, I'll be following a similar path to yours and driving down to English in a few weeks for some bolt-ons and a tune. Glad to see another WA man in the crowd.

 

just saying if you're new to tracking your car its always better to learn on a slower car, a fast car will mask mistakes cause you'll still be going fast, a slower car will make you work to go fast.

i'm not saying you have to wait to do mods, just saying driver mod is more important than car mods... (not that i necessarily followed my own advice, but my track tune is only 280whp)

 

yep

if you're new to tracking and racing, you will be hit with so many other things to think about besides power. don't get ahead of yourself