Henrik

iTrader: (5)

My current suspension set up on my 46k mile 03 wrx is:

jdm coil overs (They're actually AST/Aragosta units) with 8/6k spring rates
cusco 22mm rear anti roll bar
solid drop links (cdf racing)
The wheel-angles, whilst I can't remember the actual figures, is laser aligned to be a fast road/track set-up.

The coil overs are not *mega* hard but a lot, lot harder than standard - on track there isn't a lot of lean etc in corners judging by pictures.

I'm fairly happy with the balance as it is at the moment, the tail end only kicks out on sharp bends where the track drops away, or if the car gets unsettled by undulations etc. Paddock Hill at brands is such a corner, where if pushed too hard, the car will start oversteering.

I'm also happy with the level of oversteer, as I don't want a car that I don't feel I can push without it starting to fight me, but it would be nice if the turn in could be made crisper.

I've also got a (new style) mini cooper, and the steering response on that is making the subaru feel like a bit of a bus. The subaru handles much better at higher speeds, but the steering response is much better on the mini.



So, my wish list for the setup is:

* keep balance similar to what it is at the moment
* improve turn-in


I've also recently added a full weld in cage, but it hasn't been on track since, so don't know what it will have done to the handling. Got a track day booked for the 9th of December, so will know after that what it feels like, and all other changes will wait until after then.



Is the next step to change the bushes to harder ones? I don't really want to add a stiffer roll bar at the front, as it may increase understeer and reduce overall grip (and I'm not sure the car needs it anyway - there's not a lot of roll as it is).

daz1968

iTrader: (13)

Can you fit a jdm quick rack as that may be of benefit.

Henrik

iTrader: (5)

ah, I should be able to fit a spec-c quickrack or something similar, i suppose...

I wonder if the standard rack can be rebuilt to be faster as well

turninconcepts

Suspension pickup points. either better bushes or go to bearings.

bonesetter

iTrader: (9)

Bigger front (& rear) arb will sharpen turn-in

Henrik

iTrader: (5)

Turninconcepts, I'll definitely be getting some of your bushings in the new year.

Bonesetter, Would roll bars actually do that much if the suspension is fairly stiff already?

bonesetter

iTrader: (9)

You've got a bit of a bit of a mixed set-up with 'firm' coilovers and what would seem not enough anti-roll, giving you have a rear wheel drive biased set-up.

If you run decent tyres, a 24mm adj rear set to 25mm and 22mm front bar will increase front AND rear end grip as well as rear traction in most situations. Sometimes this is perceived as increase in understeer, but the reality is that the increased rear traction can now 'push through' the front end grip. The overall grip will be higher, you will achieve much better turn-in and the car will have a more benign balance.

If you go too big on front bar, you will reduce grip, but 22mm is by no means too big if you have decent tyres and road/track biased biased spring/damping rates.