Once the brakes are sorted on my Classic Wagon i'm considering some handling
improvements.

I do enjoy a country road blast and would like to know where to start to tighten up the handling.

I love the car but when put on the edge she seems a little unsteady into a fast corner, not sure if this is a trait of the Wagon or not, what with it having a slightly higher/heavier backend.

Your ideas/comments would be valued !!

Rob :)

Once the brakes are sorted on my Classic Wagon i'm considering some handling
improvements.

I do enjoy a country road blast and would like to know where to start to tighten up the handling.

I love the car but when put on the edge she seems a little unsteady into a fast corner, not sure if this is a trait of the Wagon or not, what with it having a slightly higher/heavier backend.

Your ideas/comments would be valued !!

Rob :)
Hi,
Start with eibach springs and possibly Adjustable anti roll bars and uprated drop links.
After that things start to get serious.
Julian

And a good specialist alignment job.
Graham :D

Think about what your main objective is because you will be changing one set of compromises for another, more personal, set of compromises.

You will not get more grip, better ride and better handling all together.
(or if you do, you will be rich within no time at all :D)

Thank's guy's - How about a front and rear strut brace, what with the Wagon having no rear bulkhead, would'nt that help also?

Rob:)

IMHO:
Beware of marketing Bling.

If you want to uprate your Wagon to freshen the resonsed yet keep it a nice supple daily driver I would suggest:

Eibach springs, lower the car 20mm max.
Full realignment
Whiteline anti roll bars
Good tyres.

That will change the chassis no end.

When you get used to that, you can join us in the next stage that really moves you away from the supple daily driver mark.

The braces anfd suchlike I feel only really come into play with more extreme mods such as (stiff) coil-overs, top mounts, harder roll bars nylon suspension bushes and much more...The body shell will be forced to flex more with that lot on, and the braces can then help.

As others have said above, be sure what you want from the car first.

Graham.

IMHO:
Beware of marketing Bling.

If you want to uprate your Wagon to freshen the resonsed yet keep it a nice supple daily driver I would suggest:

Eibach springs, lower the car 20mm max.
Full realignment
Whiteline anti roll bars
Good tyres.

That will change the chassis no end.

When you get used to that, you can join us in the next stage that really moves you away from the supple daily driver mark.

The braces anfd suchlike I feel only really come into play with more extreme mods such as (stiff) coil-overs, top mounts, harder roll bars nylon suspension bushes and much more...The body shell will be forced to flex more with that lot on, and the braces can then help.

As others have said above, be sure what you want from the car first.

Graham.
Cheers Graham - I think the problem is i am quite able at putting this particular car right on it's limit.

Iv'e driven some very quick cars (porsche 911 turbo, AMG Mercs, M Tech Beemers) all owned by my rather wealthy friend.

It's the body roll that seems to be the main problem, tyres are Toyo T1-S
which are not bad, but also have alot of sidewall flex.

I think the springs will be first, maybe graduated.

Thank's once again

Rob:)

If its just the body roll, fit a rear anti roll bar. It sorted mine.
I can't believe the transformation. It corners flat, feels solid and the ride stays supple too. Now feels more of a drivers car.
Do a search if your not convinced.

Daz

IMHO:
Daz is spot-on.
That one change alone will really make a difference. Why didn't Subaru do it in the first place?! :norty:
Graham.

as its a classic, I'd fit a rear strut brace as well\- tightens things up no end on the classic. do the arb first though.

Rob

When I owned an MY99 Wagon... I had the Whiteline rear ARB and drop links fitted, along with the geo reset.

The outcome... a total difference in the way the car handled. The steering was sharper and the cornering amazing. I know the term "goes round corners like it's on rails" has been used to describe a standard Scoob's suspension.... but now mine really did go round corners like it was on rails!

I've now got an MY04 Wagon. I had Prodrive springs fitted and geo reset a few months back, which transformed the car. I've got a front strut brace (to fit at some point) and will be getting the rear ARB/drop links fitted at the 20K service.

All these mods WILL change the handling of classic or newage completely.

J.

IMHO:
Beware of marketing Bling.

If you want to uprate your Wagon to freshen the resonsed yet keep it a nice supple daily driver I would suggest:

Eibach springs, lower the car 20mm max.
Full realignment
Whiteline anti roll bars
Good tyres.

That will change the chassis no end.

When you get used to that, you can join us in the next stage that really moves you away from the supple daily driver mark.

The braces anfd suchlike I feel only really come into play with more extreme mods such as (stiff) coil-overs, top mounts, harder roll bars nylon suspension bushes and much more...The body shell will be forced to flex more with that lot on, and the braces can then help.

As others have said above, be sure what you want from the car first.

Graham.

Currently have a MY00 wagon with eibachs which I've found rolls around far too much on the odd track day, what would be the downside (if any) of fitting solid drop-links and stiffer roll-bars?

cheers James

Currently have a MY00 wagon with eibachs which I've found rolls around far too much on the odd track day, what would be the downside (if any) of fitting solid drop-links and stiffer roll-bars?

cheers James

Got a MY99 Wagon, standard setup when I purchased it.
Main concern at first was too large tyres 225, catchin on wheel arch, so four new 215s.

Too much roll and understeer:-
Fitted Whiteline rear anti-roll bar (adjustable) on middle setting.
Along with Solid droplinks.

Transformation was noticable from the off. Well worth it and a relativley simple DIY job.

Now just had 30mm drop Eibach springs fitted, handling gone up another level again.

From here on , it can get very very expensive...
Enjoy

Yep, welcome to the roller coaster ride Club!
Graham.

I've got a '97 wagon, which is now fitted with Eibachs on KYB AGX adjustable shocks, Whiteline 22mm ARBs front and rear (adjustable on the rear, set on middle setting), solid drop links and a good geometry set up. This has made a big, big difference, and the adjustable shocks go down to pretty much standard set-up ride softness for long motorway trips etc and up to as tight as you want when you are up for it.

why would u fit just the rear arb, rather than front and rear? softer front therefore better grip/turn in, stiffer rear therefore more likely to slide a little? or am I talking complete tripe!

James