Quick opinion appreciated - Whiteline 22mm Adj. ARB
07 April 2005, 06:43 AM
#1
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Quick opinion appreciated - Whiteline 22mm Adj. ARB
I'm getting a Whiteline 22m adjustable rear ARB fitted today along with solid droplinks and a fast road geometry set-up. I'd appreciate some opinions from those who've had similar as to the preferred setting for the ARB. Should I go the whole hog and set it to the stiffest, as I quite like a tight but lively rear end 
or compromise with the middle setting ? I probably won't use the softest setting as it would seem to be defeating the object. Also, I am on track on saturday so would you perhaps go for the stiff setting and then drop to the middle after for general road use ??
Opinions greatly appreciated, and apologies for not putting in Suspension but I am setting off in 1/2 an hour and would like a quick reply.
or compromise with the middle setting ? I probably won't use the softest setting as it would seem to be defeating the object. Also, I am on track on saturday so would you perhaps go for the stiff setting and then drop to the middle after for general road use ??Opinions greatly appreciated, and apologies for not putting in Suspension but I am setting off in 1/2 an hour and would like a quick reply.
07 April 2005, 07:15 AM
#2
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I had one fitted to my STI5 Type R last week. It's on the middle hole but doesn't feel especially tail happy, just well set up.
I had a front ARB, anti-lift kit, bumpsteer mod, and geometry setup done at the same time so it feels very balanced.
I had a front ARB, anti-lift kit, bumpsteer mod, and geometry setup done at the same time so it feels very balanced.
07 April 2005, 09:47 AM
#3
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It doesn't take long to adjust so you can always change your settings when the mood takes you.
I am currently running on the middle setting. I had it on the stiffest setting last year but when winter set in I put it back to the middle. I was nearly caught out a couple of times when I had to lift mid-way round a wet corner/roundabout and this made my mind up for me.
I may put it back to its stiffest now the weather is improving but it does feel great as it is.
I am currently running on the middle setting. I had it on the stiffest setting last year but when winter set in I put it back to the middle. I was nearly caught out a couple of times when I had to lift mid-way round a wet corner/roundabout and this made my mind up for me.
I may put it back to its stiffest now the weather is improving but it does feel great as it is.
07 April 2005, 12:59 PM
#4
Been through all this for 3 seasons of serious hill climbing.
IMHO the middle setting is not a compromise, it's the best setting, especially at speed/limit.
The hardest is nervey and will lift an inside rear wheel, the middle keeps the tyre to the road = grip/traction.
I'm racing on middle setting over the weekend.
Softest setting is the compromise.
Graham.
IMHO the middle setting is not a compromise, it's the best setting, especially at speed/limit.
The hardest is nervey and will lift an inside rear wheel, the middle keeps the tyre to the road = grip/traction.
I'm racing on middle setting over the weekend.
Softest setting is the compromise.
Graham.
07 April 2005, 02:57 PM
#5
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Thanks guys 
Got it fitted on the middle and it feels good
Haven't had much chance to play yet but it certainly feels much better than standard. No more wallowing around roundabouts like a lumbering buffoon 
Next step will be front links, ALK and maybe ARB and if I can get approval from the missuse, maybe some springs
Got it fitted on the middle and it feels good
Haven't had much chance to play yet but it certainly feels much better than standard. No more wallowing around roundabouts like a lumbering buffoon Next step will be front links, ALK and maybe ARB and if I can get approval from the missuse, maybe some springs
07 April 2005, 04:51 PM
#6
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Originally Posted by corradoboy
Thanks guys
Got it fitted on the middle and it feels good Haven't had much chance to play yet but it certainly feels much better than standard. No more wallowing around roundabouts like a lumbering buffoon
Next step will be front links, ALK and maybe ARB and if I can get approval from the missuse, maybe some springs
Got it fitted on the middle and it feels good
Haven't had much chance to play yet but it certainly feels much better than standard. No more wallowing around roundabouts like a lumbering buffoon Next step will be front links, ALK and maybe ARB and if I can get approval from the missuse, maybe some springs
Very interested to hear your views on this as time progresses. I'm thinking of getting a rear ARB for my MY99 with solid droplinks and prodrive geometry settings. I'd like to eliminate a bit of the Scoobies body roll and understeer, but I don't want a snappy rear end, would be nice to retain a bit of understeer to define the limits of grip.
Regards,
NS04
07 April 2005, 06:01 PM
#7
I don't think you are taking advantage of what is on offer!
If on a limited budget, go to the sponsors of this thread section, have the rear bar fitted, middle setting, get them to do the alignment/bump steer mods and enjoy the 'new' chassis.
Be a nice car.
Graham.
If on a limited budget, go to the sponsors of this thread section, have the rear bar fitted, middle setting, get them to do the alignment/bump steer mods and enjoy the 'new' chassis.
Be a nice car.
Graham.
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07 April 2005, 06:23 PM
#8
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It would be a 340 mile round trip for me. I know their rep, but I'm afraid 6 hours driving and £50+ of Optimax pushes them beyond my reach for now. When I finalise my set-up as I detailed above I will consider them if I can tie it up with a trip which takes me near. Maybe Wales Rally GB 
07 April 2005, 11:07 PM
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Just a question...
Is fitting just the rear ARB a good idea, or is a better balance achieved by also fitting a front ARB too, or will this just introduce understeer (without a geom setup)?
Will the rear feel good and the front want to wallow hence a bit of imbalance.
Daz
Is fitting just the rear ARB a good idea, or is a better balance achieved by also fitting a front ARB too, or will this just introduce understeer (without a geom setup)?
Will the rear feel good and the front want to wallow hence a bit of imbalance.
Daz
08 April 2005, 03:02 AM
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Originally Posted by dazc
Just a question...
Is fitting just the rear ARB a good idea, or is a better balance achieved by also fitting a front ARB too, or will this just introduce understeer (without a geom setup)?
Will the rear feel good and the front want to wallow hence a bit of imbalance.
Daz
Is fitting just the rear ARB a good idea, or is a better balance achieved by also fitting a front ARB too, or will this just introduce understeer (without a geom setup)?
Will the rear feel good and the front want to wallow hence a bit of imbalance.
Daz
http://bbs.scoobynet.co.uk/showthread.php?t=391884
08 April 2005, 07:24 AM
#11
People on here have found that the fitting of the rear bar only does it for them. That's fine.
IMHO the car should get all the mods developed by a specialist for the chassis relative to the car's principle use.
I race my Sti v3 in true competition so did the whole Whiteline thing and more. Killer chassis, but not really your daily driver...
I would always advocate fitting both uprated bars, but i am sure thare are others who would doubt the value of this for the way their car is used.
Scooting around on country roads/a roads etc is very different to hill climbing at 10/10ths, or any other track race, i stress the race bit rather than track day.
On the track the stock Impreza chassis is very weak, especially understeer. I used to go round corners on full lock
Not now.
Graham.
IMHO the car should get all the mods developed by a specialist for the chassis relative to the car's principle use.
I race my Sti v3 in true competition so did the whole Whiteline thing and more. Killer chassis, but not really your daily driver...
I would always advocate fitting both uprated bars, but i am sure thare are others who would doubt the value of this for the way their car is used.
Scooting around on country roads/a roads etc is very different to hill climbing at 10/10ths, or any other track race, i stress the race bit rather than track day.
On the track the stock Impreza chassis is very weak, especially understeer. I used to go round corners on full lock
Not now.
Graham.
08 April 2005, 11:03 AM
#12
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I'd totally recommend Powerstation for this sort of work. I had everything done in one afternoon (front ARB, rear ARB, rear droplinks, anti-lift, bumpsteer mod, fast road geometry setup, engine/gearbox/diff oils changed, de-cat downpipe) and they were great.
Here's a few pics I took while i was there.
Here's a few pics I took while i was there.
08 April 2005, 03:03 PM
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Iwan
Nice mate, can you describe the effect it has on the cars handling. Also if you don't mind me asking, how much did that package cost you? PM if you prefer.
All the best,
NS04
Nice mate, can you describe the effect it has on the cars handling. Also if you don't mind me asking, how much did that package cost you? PM if you prefer.
All the best,
NS04
08 April 2005, 05:37 PM
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It cost me just over a grand all-in. 
The suspension mods alone would set you back about £550 or so, the rest was for the de-cat downpipe and fluid changes that I had done. My cousin TAFF-RA had the same suspension setup done a while back (his is the white WRX RA hiding in the top picture) and we both agree it's transformed our cars for the better. Probably the best mod (well, set of mods) you can do for the money to be honest.
With the right tyre pressures, mine handles like a go-kart now.
Basically it just feels rock solid and composed everywhere, with hardly any roll round corners. But it isn't any noisier or more rattly. I haven't had it oversteering or understeering yet, but driving around the general balance seems spot on. Definately worth every penny IMO.
The suspension mods alone would set you back about £550 or so, the rest was for the de-cat downpipe and fluid changes that I had done. My cousin TAFF-RA had the same suspension setup done a while back (his is the white WRX RA hiding in the top picture) and we both agree it's transformed our cars for the better. Probably the best mod (well, set of mods) you can do for the money to be honest.
With the right tyre pressures, mine handles like a go-kart now.
Basically it just feels rock solid and composed everywhere, with hardly any roll round corners. But it isn't any noisier or more rattly. I haven't had it oversteering or understeering yet, but driving around the general balance seems spot on. Definately worth every penny IMO.
Last edited by Iwan; 08 April 2005 at 05:48 PM.
08 April 2005, 06:28 PM
#15
I honestly think getting the chassis right is the first thing to do on an Impreza (any car?) before looking for bhp.
From A to B the better chassis car will kill a powerful engined bod standard chassis car.
Graham.
From A to B the better chassis car will kill a powerful engined bod standard chassis car.
Graham.
Last edited by 911; 08 April 2005 at 06:28 PM. Reason: spelling
09 April 2005, 09:38 PM
#16
Agree with Graham. I should have done the chassis but went for brakes instead. Then power (still am) and next will be suspension.
I stuck the w/l arb and got horrible oversteer on middle setting
No other mods to suspension either so watch out!
F
I stuck the w/l arb and got horrible oversteer on middle setting
No other mods to suspension either so watch out!F
10 April 2005, 02:31 AM
#17
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Fitted rear arb and droplinks, fantastic mod!!!! Then got eibachs and geo done at powerstaion, another improvement but not as massive as rear arb. But in comparisson i hadf just eibachs fitted yo my last bugeye and it was a great improvement. £ for £ i would get the rear ARB and drop links (about£115 from demon tweeks) first, then if you have the cash do the springs!!
10 April 2005, 10:02 PM
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911 is spot on the money (IMHO). I have a rear 24mm and front 22mm fitted to my 02STi with the solid drop links. I have the rear at the hardest setting but I dont find it too bad for oversteer. I still dont know if this is a perfect setup for my car (24mm for the heavier new age or is 22mm enough??) but without doubt the car is faster and more stable in any condition. I ran it with only the rear bar for about a year and whilst it made a massive improvement, the front bar balances the car out perfectly and makes it insanely quick even for a pleb driver like me
Without doubt these are one of the cheapest and most impressive mods to make to an impreza if you want it to go faster...
I will never be able to prove this but point to point my car with a tek 2, 3 inch exhaust and performance filter would have been slower than a bog standard STi with sorted suspension.
Without doubt these are one of the cheapest and most impressive mods to make to an impreza if you want it to go faster...
I will never be able to prove this but point to point my car with a tek 2, 3 inch exhaust and performance filter would have been slower than a bog standard STi with sorted suspension.
Last edited by swaussie; 10 April 2005 at 10:05 PM.
12 April 2005, 08:34 PM
#20
Is that the new workshop at Tewksbury then .. was smaller when I was there 12 months ago when it was in Cheltenham!!
Like the carbon effect flooring!!
Erm is that a certain Fuzz in the black Subaru tp then ...
Like the carbon effect flooring!!
Erm is that a certain Fuzz in the black Subaru tp then ...
Last edited by vulnax999; 12 April 2005 at 08:38 PM.
18 April 2005, 08:03 PM
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Quick update. Firstly may I say thanks to the contributors to this thread. I am finding the knowlege and experience being shared very informative.
Well, I had the tools out for another job so I thought I'd give the ARB a try on the hardest setting. WOW ! This is how I wanted it to feel when I first had it fitted. Baring in mind that I am running standard springs and dampers, the understeer is greatly improved, with the car cornering much flatter and thus retaining wheel/tyre allignment with the road. I think the middle setting would be best if you already have stiffer springs, but on the soft floaty WRX set-up the hardest setting has brought the handling to life. I am now convinced that the next stage will be Prodrive springs, ALK and front links, all fitted and set up by Powerstation. I will take their advise as to whether I need to change the front ARB. The only other thing I would like to do to complete my desired set-up is some lightweight wheels to allow the suspension to work more effectively, but they will cost me over £1k, and I doubt I will be allowed that by the Paymaster
Well, I had the tools out for another job so I thought I'd give the ARB a try on the hardest setting. WOW ! This is how I wanted it to feel when I first had it fitted. Baring in mind that I am running standard springs and dampers, the understeer is greatly improved, with the car cornering much flatter and thus retaining wheel/tyre allignment with the road. I think the middle setting would be best if you already have stiffer springs, but on the soft floaty WRX set-up the hardest setting has brought the handling to life. I am now convinced that the next stage will be Prodrive springs, ALK and front links, all fitted and set up by Powerstation. I will take their advise as to whether I need to change the front ARB. The only other thing I would like to do to complete my desired set-up is some lightweight wheels to allow the suspension to work more effectively, but they will cost me over £1k, and I doubt I will be allowed that by the Paymaster
18 April 2005, 08:06 PM
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Originally Posted by 7 Foot
The guy in the black top is Curtis.
He had a 997 on order when I last spoke to him, anyone seen it there?
He had a 997 on order when I last spoke to him, anyone seen it there?
GT3 has now arrived.
Tried to keep up with him on the way home tonight... in the diesel.
no chance.
Andy
18 April 2005, 08:35 PM
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I'd crack the lens if I turned the other way.
How is the handling now ??
Did you get a free spanner with that wheel alignment?, as I lost one round about the time I did yours
Andy
18 April 2005, 08:44 PM
#30
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Andy,
I can’t believe (Well I Can now) that a few simple adjustments can make such a BIG difference to the handling. The handling is so much improved. Thanks mate.
As for your spanner, sorry not found anything yet, but I’m going out to check the car now…!
Criss
I can’t believe (Well I Can now) that a few simple adjustments can make such a BIG difference to the handling. The handling is so much improved. Thanks mate.
As for your spanner, sorry not found anything yet, but I’m going out to check the car now…!
Criss