I would be getting them for the ability to adjust rear camber. If I just wanted bushings I would get the whole set of super pro's for less than $140 new. I don't think I "need" adjustable lateral links, but if I stumble across a good deal, they would be a good thing to have and install when I get camber plates for up front. I already have a set of camber bolts that I want to try first anyway. But just for fun, guess how much each of the outside lateral link bushing are from a dealership?
I'd get the super pro's. Usually I see lateral sets go for 400-500 or so. I stick with factory alignment in the rear anyways cause I usually want it to oversteer a little bit.
Right, I would use the adjustment to reduce negative camber in the rear. Currently I have this alignment setup: Front: -1.1, -1.1 Rear: -1.5, -1.6 What I want is both more negative camber in the front and less in the rear, something like: Front: -2 to -2.5 Rear: 0 I want a more neutral suspension setup so that I can use tire pressure to dial in overtsteer for AutoX and dial out for street. I could probably just use camber bolts, especially in the rear to solve the problem, but I did find an ad for some used whiteline lateral links, so it got me thinking.
Right now I'm looking at bushing for my GF's 97 wagon, because her left lateral link bushings NEED to be replaced ASAP. The knuckle is wiggling around the lateral link mount bolt. So for now I just ordered two bushings for about $40 and maybe I'll get the whole set of super pro poly bushings for her later.
I've got Front -2.8 Rear -1.2 Unless you've just got an extra $250 to burn. You could spend that on other mods for your class
I'd get camber plates way before I'd mess with camber bolts for autox. Also I really don't think you would want 0 camber in the rear either. I used to run in my STU car 3.2 front and 1.5 rear. Also since this is your first year I would focus on getting seat time in first rather than moding your car. Changing up your car while you are still getting the basics down will not be the best way to learn. I usually suggest for people in their first year to get a decent front bar and some decent street tires. Keep in mind that if you do get increasingly involved you may not want to drop loads of money into your current car as unfortunately an impreza will never be competitive in STS. I'd say locally it would be competitive but Atlanta Region has about 5 decetly prepped STS civics that will run locally in both PRO class and open. Just some food for thought.
I COMPLETELY agree! I suck as a driver and no mod on earth will fix that. I fully realize that my CAR is never going to be competitive. I just plan on having fun with it until I can afford something really nice. The truth is this: I enjoy working on my car installing new parts just as much as I do driving it, and I really enjoy driving it. If it ever get to where I want to really be competitive in AutoX, I think I'll save up some cash and get a miata. STS is more competitive than I can handle, but its the class my car fits into right now, so there I am.