I want to start upgrading the suspension on my stock 2.0, For some spirited street and canyon driving Options

[levonfarra]

What are some upgrades I should consider (shocks, springs, sway bars, turbo tie rods, etc. ?) and in what order ? what is the best bang for the buck?

My car currently has 195/65/15 tires, stock springs, shocks, and front sway bar.

thanks,

Levon

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

[Chris Pincetich]

Front anti-roll bar (sway) is critical! You may want bigger than stock. Since you have holes and tabs, if you have $$, get a bigger one (19-21mm).

140 lb springs, 50 series tires (205/50 with rolled fender lips or 195/50s like me with 4k rpms at 80 mph) that have good grip (<200 UGT treadwear).

Then drive. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/driving.gif)

Then you realize your suspension bushings are so tight and gone that even perfect spring and shock rates result in dull thuds. Elephant polybronze is worth it, done right plastic is great.

Then drive. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/driving.gif)

New shocks. Now you can feel the new shocks! Actually I felt mine with old bushings, but I know I need bushings BAD and they are on the shelf waiting for the off season.

Drive some more. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/driving.gif)

Autocross racing has taught me it is 50/50 driver and car, sometimes more the driver than car. That is why I said "drive" so many times. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/beerchug.gif)

Spring rates are kind of a function of use and style. Some like soft better, I do. More compliant in bumps may be best for street. So much of the handling characteristics can be balanced by driving style, so again, use and style.