Since tax season is here and I am getting some money back I want to do some basic upgrades to my suspension. Here is what I was thinking. Whiteline 24mm adjustable rear swaybar, Whiteline 22mm non adjustable front swaybar, kartboy front and rear endlinks with front spacers and some bushings. The car basically sees the mountains a few times a month when it gets nice out. I already have HPS brake pads and new tires on it. The only thing left is the brake fluid being upgraded. Any suggestions on additional parts that would make a big difference in handling?
the best setup i've ridden in for the mountains is Jason's wrx with tein coilovers and 25mm front AND rear sway bars (Cobb i believe). very balanced and predictable. also once you have the big pieces (coilovers, sways, etc), adding little bits (bushings, braces, etc) will be good add ons you could do every other paycheck or something.
coilovers are a good amount of money for just one thing. I don't think I can swing coilovers and all the other parts at once. But I do want to do whatever will give me the best handling to start.
Sway bars and bushings are probably the biggest and best bang for buck that you can start with. I would also include Turn in Concepts "Unabombers Sexy rear end kit" and a whiteline steering rack bushing set. All make big, noticeable leeps in chassis response and are very affordable. A used set of quality lowering springs are always nice, and also has improved look if you can afford the extra $150-200. But otherwise stick with the above.
I figure I have around $650-$700 to spend. That does not include the alignment which I will get from Allpro.
I agree with what the others posted. Swaybars are definitely the best bang for your buck. Like Jason's WRX that Jake was referencing I'm running the same size swaybar front and rear. I went a little smaller 24mm front and rear and love how neutral the car is. Coilovers are nice and pricey, but you can get a spring/strut combination that will make you just as happy. The last 2 cars I've had coilovers on after I found the right height I didn't mess with it. However, I will say I wouldn't trade my coilovers for a set of springs and struts.
you shouldn't need an alignment with just sway bars. installing them doesn't require touching the adjustment points (camber bolts, detaching the control arms, etc). but if you need one, do it. in that price range i think you could pick up a nice setup USED. you could probably get sways, springs/shocks, and other bits for that price. just make sure they are in good shape. check NASIOC
I don't really need an alignment. The stock one has some room to improve so getting one maybe a little more aggressive would help also.
good to see someone knowledgeable and smart about what they're doing to their car. in a non-related note i just came across a FULL Suspension setup on a BMW forum with used coilovers (none blown or anything), sways and other misc parts for $750 + s/h, so deals are out there. just look around