The next wave of mods....

Discussion in '2.3L (N/A & Turbo)' started by Asha'man, Jul 13, 2004.

  1. Asha'man Founding Member

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    Alright, I've got big plans for the car this summer. I've already gotten new tires (225/55/R16 Kumho Ecsta 712's) and an Eibach Pro-Kit ($25), and they've helped a lot. Next up are subframe connectors, shocks/struts, and brakes. Probably going to go with the UPR subs, as they seem to be well-constructed and are only about $55. I'm still waiting for my free spindles and rotors, 'cuz the guy and I cannot seem to figure out a meeting time. I'm trading him an engine hoist I got for free from a friend for his old V8 spindles and 30K-mile stock rotors. :D I should be able to get those turned at work, which will be much cheaper than CarQuest. Planning on staying stock 5.0 on the brakes except for Hawk brake pads, probably the HP series (IIRC). Now the big question....which shocks and struts to get? I've thought about Koni reds, but haven't seen any deals on those in a while, and I obviously hate to pay full price ($400+). Also thought about Tokico Illuminas and Tokico HP's, but am not decided yet. Do I really need the adjustability that I'd get with the Koni's and Illuminas? My plan for the car is just a good street car, with some passes at the track every month or so, and maybe a casual autocross someday.

    I figure that when all this is done (as well as my squealing TOB and ticky HLA's), the car will be just about ready to become fast. :D

    This turned out to be a book, lol, but give me your opinions on my ideas here. :nice:

    Ash
  2. bhuff30 Founding Member

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    I love my tokico illumina struts. They might be to firm for most, but to me that are comparably soft. The SN95 struts I had were actually a much rougher ride, but these control the wheels a LOT better.
  3. Asha'man Founding Member

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    Do you adjust them much, like for street use vs. at the track?

    Ash
  4. bhuff30 Founding Member

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    I have never been to the track, but if I ever went, I would. The adjustments are definatly noticible, and very easy to make, but the thing I like the most is the way the strut controls the wheel. While braking on a bumpy or rough surface, the tires don't bark or try to lock up as much as before because the tire is staying on the road like it should. Tokico makes a non adjustable strut set to 3, which is a nice setting for the street. Most might find it kinda firm for the street, but I think that is where I left it.
  5. mr_woodster Active Member

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    You plan on doing a coilover kit? buy accordingly
  6. Red_LX Doubt I could be of much help, unless you need por

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    There's a guy on ebay that's pretty much always got Tokico HP's and Tokico Illuminas up for sale, and they're a pretty good price too. Might wanna check those out.

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