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Old 27 May 2005, 12:09 PM
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scoobfan
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Default Wagon

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
Old 27 May 2005, 09:19 PM
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jtabraham
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Originally Posted by scoobfan
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
Old 27 May 2005, 10:40 PM
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911
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And a good specialist alignment job.
Graham
Old 28 May 2005, 08:09 AM
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DocJock
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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 )
Old 28 May 2005, 12:30 PM
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scoobfan
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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
Old 28 May 2005, 06:37 PM
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911
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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.
Old 28 May 2005, 07:35 PM
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punkie
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Originally Posted by 911
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
Old 28 May 2005, 11:43 PM
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dazc
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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
Old 29 May 2005, 06:48 AM
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911
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IMHO:
Daz is spot-on.
That one change alone will really make a difference. Why didn't Subaru do it in the first place?!
Graham.
Old 03 June 2005, 11:05 PM
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RRH
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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.
Old 08 June 2005, 10:20 AM
  #11  
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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.
Old 14 June 2005, 03:56 PM
  #12  
jcullen
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Question

Originally Posted by 911
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
Old 29 June 2005, 11:35 PM
  #13  
seanks
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Talking

Originally Posted by jcullen
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
Old 30 June 2005, 06:59 AM
  #14  
911
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Yep, welcome to the roller coaster ride Club!
Graham.
Old 30 June 2005, 12:11 PM
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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.
Old 30 June 2005, 01:50 PM
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jcullen
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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
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