Edited because my original question was rubbish

I have a 96 STI3 RA. I don't like the handling. It seems my car has more tendency to oversteer than my previous scoob which was a STI 5 4 door. On the same roads I can not drive as fast in this car as my previous one. The back wants to step out very easily especially in these slightly slippy conditions. It seems most people are looking to remove the understeer, I want the car to be more neutral.

Why is this?

What can I do?

My tires aren't very good either, certainly in the wet, can these be the reason my car is so unstable? I accept that they may have a contribution but how much?

Ultimately I would like the daily/wet handling characteristics of my STI 5, but the ability to adjust my suspension for track use.

What is my order of changes?

Tires/Geometry/Struts?

Hope it all make sense

So any comments, advice please.

Paul


[Edited by pban - 12/30/2002 11:21:59 AM]

Still looking for some help

Paul

Hi Paul

I have a MY00 RA which I've had from new, fantastic car, BUT in the wet with the original tyres it was a serious 'widow-maker' !!. I put S02's on and the difference was night and day !

Also don't over look tyre pressures.

I eventually went to power station and had the bumpsteer / geometry / anti-lift kit. Which I think is awsome, giving very neutral and predictable handling.

So my order of preferences:

Tyre pressures
Tyres
Bump steer / geometry / anti-lift kit

Personally I haven't yet found a set of reliable suspension (no rattles, rebuild requirements etc) that is better than my standard kit, so I'm just keeping what I've got ..... let me know if you find a good option !! :)

HTH

Adam


[Edited by Adam B - 12/31/2002 12:57:51 PM]

Thanks for the advice Adam

Are you running 16" wheels still?

I think I will invest in some new tyres first and a geo setup. I'm only about 1/2 hour from Micheldevers. I'll then see what the car is like. Maybe then bumpsteer and ALK?

I would still ultimately like an adjustable coilover system. There are many to chose from and everyone has the own favorites. It also seems that most people think the damping on their coilovers is great on the track but too hard for the road even at its softest setting. I guess this is due to the fact that coilover are intended for motorsport/track primarily and road use is secondary. Another thing that seems apparent is that the STI 5 suspension is very popular (except ride height), certainly for road use. So I guess ultimately we want a supplier to make an adjustable coilover system encompassing the same valving and spring rates as the STI 5 for its softest setting, in addition height adjustable and the ability to harden up for the track. Does such a system exist?

I suppose its like all the tuning options available – its always a compromise

Hi Paul

Yes, still on 16's (Rays).

As I mentioned I haven't heard of such a system (with proven reliability).

Guess we'll just have to keep looking ;)

Cheers

Adam

Adam

Maybe a supplier/manufacturer reading this will comment

Paul