Still have traction issues...

[OzzmosisDSM]

Even with a decent suspension setup I am still having major traction issues. Currently I have Intrax 1.75" drop springs, KYB AGX adjustable shocks (front and rear), Prothane motor mounts and 225/50-16 nankang tires. I also have the upgraded front axles from raxles.com if that matters. I spin the tires completly through 1st and 2nd, 3rd spins sometimes depending on the conditions. I know that being a FWD I am always going to have traction issues but what can I do to help the situation?

I would like to eventually get a BM tranny insert, however, right now I don't have the time to put it in myself nor do I have the money to pay a shop to put it in.

What are some good setting for the KYB's to help with traction? Should they be on full stiff front and rear? What's the best adjustment to get the most traction out of them? I really know nothing about suspension setups so any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

 

[rdeterman]

soft in front.. firm in rear for a good launch setup

 

[Mirage2LTurbo]

BFG

 

[UCSLugRacerX]

Your traction starts with your tires. Your POS nangank rubber tires are HORRIBLE. That I will say is your first problem. The compound on those tire are not sticky at all, and are more for impersonating the Yokohama AVS sport tread, or another tread.

Get some real tires: Higher end Perellis', or Bridgstone potenza S0-3 pole positions. Get some 245 width tires.
Next get an LSD.
Next, learn how to cope with wheel hop. And learn how to drive your car better. Wheel-spin may look cool, but it's not fast.

 

[OzzmosisDSM]

I'm actually kinda lucky, with the motor mounts and suspension setup I have absolutly no wheel hop. I kinda figured the nankang tires were holding me back. They "look" like decent tires but they don't grip at all. I guess I need to start saving up for the LSD. What should I expect to pay to have a shop install the lsd?

 

[duke52]

If your going to get a lsd, do yourself a favor wait untill you can afford a kaaz or a quaife. i have the b&m insert, and it worked well at first but after a while it got tired and loose. Now it will start out w/ both wheels grabbing then transfer to one. When you start adding more power and stickier tires the insert will give up. Save your money and buy a quaife that way you wont be stuck saving for it again like me

 

[OzzmosisDSM]

OK, I set the shocks for soft in the front and firm in the rear. Now I have some decent traction in second. It almost feels like the car lost power since it doesn't spin as easily in 2nd, but I know that's just in my head. It turns out the owner before me had the front set on full stiff and the rear on full soft, so that's why I was spinning like crazy.

I think I'll be OK for now until I begin to do more to the car but after reading up a little on LSD's I think I may take duke52's advice and just save up for the full diff rather than the insert. Would there be any benefit to getting the diff now or should I wait til I'm producing mad power that no suspension setup could put to the pavement? Thanks for the replies.