I have heard of people doing that. It's probably legal, or at the least people won't complain if the controller is in the trunk.

The only down side to STU is the tire budget. The street tires I like to run are generally more expensive than the race tires.

Hell, with a good set of coilovers and race tires you can easily gain 2 seconds out there...

just my $0.02

 

I can't see how the V1 brace would be legal in STU or ESP, or SM for that matter. What rule permits changing chassis bracing to something not OEM (i.e., no available update/backdate)? I don't think there is one.

 

Well I think I've made my choices! I went ahead and made the jump into ESP for this coming year!! #33 baby! After I get my reflash money is being put aside to wheels/tires first. I pretty set on running a 17x9, either 5Zgien FN01R or Enkei RPF's. I'll probably go with the Enkeis since they are a tad lighter (16lbs) and cheaper. Gruppe-s has them for under 300 a corner and I think thats way beyond affordable for race wheels. I'm not sure about tires yet, thats the next thing I really need to dive into. What would be the best size on a 17x9, 265 or 285/35 perhaps? Would I be better off going with say the same wheels but in 18x8.5 or 9?
After those things are done, which should be by about late april-mid may, the coilovers are coming next. I've narrowed my search down to 3, HKS Hipermax Pro Performers(12kg f/r), GAB Prosso's (12kg f/r) or Toda Fightex Type DA-G (14kg f/12kg r)
There is also a set of the HKS's that are 14/12 as well. All these seem like really good coilover kits, and are all right around 2000, give or take a C-note, and they are all ride height/dampening adjustable. Is the split spring rate going to be better then the same rate front and rear, or really any difference?

 

I have the Enkei RPF's (17x9). They look really good, but are a PITA to clean. Buying a 9" wide wheel and staying in STU was a bit of a waste though. In 06 I plan to move to ESP too so I can buy something that justifies the 9" wheel.

 

EVO8LTW: I don't recall the specific rule, but I recall reading something that basically said you could add braces and stuff as long as the were lateral (going from side to side of the car) and not longitudenal (front to back). So the V1 brace would be allowed b/c it is essential a metal bar (extra weight) that bolts across the underside of the transmission.
I'll check tomorrow, but I think there is a bar there already, it just is not very big.