Back to Reality

[Matt-WRX-Import]

I had the privilege of spending 6 hours in a bugeye at the weekend blasting it around a small gravel/tarmac rally track . The car itself was standard, except for an exhaust and gearbox. I had a great time and really got to grips with last second breaking and forcing the back end out.
It wasn't until I got in to my car, a 95 sportwagon, when I realised just how bad my handling and brakes really were . the breaks aren't a problem as I'm upgrading to 4-pots anyway but I think it's time for some serious stiffening up !! I don't want a really low hard ride, but any advice as to shocks, springs, braces would be helpful.
Thanks

[Anders52]

front and rear roll bars, rear drop links (at least) and front and rear upper strut braces are a must. An anti-lift lit will also stop the car wandering. This lot will help stiffen the car up and makes the steering more direct. Quite amazing just how much of a difference it all makes.

After doing that lot i went for coilovers which now means the car drives like its on rails. Bit wild when she does let go but it takes some effort to get her there now.

[Matt-WRX-Import]

Thanks for the tip, guess I'll have to start looking around. What was the budget for yours ?

[Anders52]

I got the strut braces from ebay m8.

Front upper strut brace - £19.99 from jdmhondaparts
Rear upper strut brace - £23.95 from 800bhp

Rear anti roll bar i got from someone on here. £80 quid
Coilovers were £660 but come with incar electronic adjustment for the dampers. Thats from MYgarage in glasgow

Rear drop links are about £100 quid for a decent set.

My next mod is the anti-lift kit from ebay which comes in around 120 quid.

Its not too expensive for the braces etc just when you start swapping the suspension it starts to hurt the wallet as it needs to be set up properly. You can pretty much set it up yourself but for the final angles it needs to go into a garage for a morning at least and i dont mean kwikfit lol.

Try the front strut brace first, you will notice the steering feels a lot more direct and tighter.

[Matt-WRX-Import]

That's less than I was expecting, I think I might do it in stages that way i won't notice the dip in the bank balance. I'll take your advice and go for braces first and work my way through.
Many thanks for the advice.

[Anders52]

lmao.. i have been the same for the past 2 years m8, doing it in stages, and since ive looked through all the receipts to give you the info i have added up a total of almost 4 grand on mods lol.

FFS dinnae tell the missus lol

[Matt-WRX-Import]

4 Grand, wow. Easily done though, I'm only in the planning phase at the moment but I could be there with you soon. Mine needs a respray which is a big investment, then you start playing with the brakes, suspension, wheels and performance the cost mount up pretty quick.
looks like we're both going to be hiding the receipts under the pillow from the missus !!