Suspension/Wheel-Tire Questions...

[top_end95]

Im just now really getting into the suspension aspect of the car, so I apologize in advance for the noob questions.

Im planning on redoing the suspension and wheel/tire setup, but I would like some opinions/suggestions first.

1) Wheels/Tires- Im planning on getting 16x8 wheels. The set Im looking at already has rubber, but in the size of 245/45/16.

2) GR-2s with Prokit springs? Im wanting a drop of around 1", dont want the "slammed" look. Im looking for an agressive stance aswell as being able to take some twisties and do well in the straights...is that possible? Do the GR-2s come with bumpstops? Previous owner forgot to put them back in while replacing the struts

3) Swaybars? Rear strut bar? Are these really needed?

[Rx3]

Click on the Suspension FAQ sticky at the top of this forum. Specifically read this:


How to plan your suspension upgrades




As for the bumpstops, you might want to do a search on that. If the GR-2s don't come with bumpstops, then I would suspect you will have to use/trim the OEM ones. Someone with GR-2s can chime in on this.

[jtmcinder]

The car would handle better with Koni Sports and stock springs than it would with GR-2s and ProKits.

There is nothing wrong with 245/45/16 for handling, as long as the tires have stiff sidewalls. If you're running street tires, 245/40/17 is better (due to the shorter sidewall); if you're running R-compounds, 245/45/16 is the most popular set-up on a DSM.

- Jtoby

[top_end95]

To my understanding the Koni sports are needing the stockers cut because the body is needed?

Im currently on GR-2s, which dont have bumpstops because the previous owner forgot to put them back on

What about the swaybars/ rear strut bar? Didnt see anything in the FAQ about them?

[Ludachris]

Originally Posted by top_end95

To my understanding the Koni sports are needing the stockers cut because the body is needed?

Im currently on GR-2s, which dont have bumpstops because the previous owner forgot to put them back on

What about the swaybars/ rear strut bar? Didnt see anything in the FAQ about them?

That is correct - the new Konis are just inserts and will use your GR2 housings. There is an install write-up on VFAQ.com that shows you how to do it step by step.

The rear swaybar is a great upgrade. I have a RMDSM bar which is 15/16". It reduces understeer a bunch. You can get a bigger one in the Suspension Techniques bar (1" I believe) but you might run into fitment conflicts depending on which catback exhaust you're running with that bar - for example I've read about people with Thermal catbacks (like what I run) not being able to fit their ST bar due to the routing of the exhaust. Once you start running custom spring rates you can have much more control over understeer without depending so much on the rear swaybar size, making the RMDSM bar a good choice.

The impact of a rear strut bar is pretty questionable (maybe not as much as the front strut bar). Many say it did nothing, a few say they noticed a stiffer chassis. I have one and will probably keep it in until I have a roll cage. It can't hurt. I can't say I've felt a lot of difference though.

[top_end95]

Thanks Chris!
One last question, the cutting of the struts, is it required for the front and rear? or do the rears come ready to bolt on?