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Upgrading Suspension!--Part II
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After replacing the vehicle's struts and springs, it is important to complete the upgrade by installing tie-bars and possibly upgrading the
sway bars on the car. These items can be installed during the strut/spring upgrade, or they can be performed at a later date.
Tie-bars also known as strut (tower) bars, are an inexpensive and effective way of sharpening up the chassis response by eliminating much of the
unwanted structure flex. Many companies claim superior design features in comparison to their competition. Companies such as DC Sports and Custco often
charge premium for their product. Even NEUSPEED, the chassis experts, offer pricey tie-bars. Other than unique look of their products and a name cachet,
the claimed additional stiffness when compared to mainstream items is questionable. The additional stiffness benefit is doubtful to be noticed in most
driving conditions. The lower priced braces from companies such as Ractive, Vibrant, V-Racing, OBX-R offer a great deal of the benefit at fraction of the price.
Sway-bar upgrades offer a flatter cornering ability, less body roll and better use of high grip tires. However, sway-bars limit the independence of the suspension
(side to side) and as a result it may also affect the ride quality. Sway-bar upgrade is advised in pairs, if done independently they will affect the handling characteristics
of the car. Stiffer sway-bar in the front results in heavy understeer (running wide), while stiffer rear-sway bar results in oversteer (fishtailing or front end tuck-in) in the
on the limit situations.
Parts used:
- Ractive upper strut bars (P/N H-041/1 front and P/N H-042/1 rear) polished (also available in Red-R and Blue-B)
- OBX-R rear lower tie bar (P/N OBTX-H1005A)
- Suspension Techniques rear sway bar (P/N 51120 13/16") also available front (P/N 50135 1&1/16") and combination of both (P/N 52135 Front 1&1/16", Rear 13/16")
NOTE: Installing suspension components such as tie-bars and sway-bars, requires good mechanical knowledge. Although the upgrade is relatively simple in procedure,
it requires loosening, removal and replacement of vital suspension components and it should be done by professionals. Ensure that required maintenance and repairs are completed
before upgrading any components. These components will affect the vehicle's handling and result in a changed behaviour in the extreme driving conditions.
The strut-bars will compliment stiffer suspension set up and should be considered as an essential upgrade by anyone who replaces the stock struts and springs.
I've decided to install only upgraded rear sway-bar to induce more oversteer in the vehicle. Suspension Techniques kit proved to be comprehensive including all required brackets, bolts and bushing parts.
Due to the interest in auto-x, the ST sway bar is more desirable than a stock EX-R sway bar. Stock rear sway bar (offered only on EX-R and SE models) would be noticeably smaller and more trouble some to retro-fit
into a vehicle that wasn't equipped with one. Be sure to check out my car in the auto-x events for year 2002 as I'll test the effect of this upgrade. For secure handling characteristics, balanced on-limit
behaviour and flatter cornering sway-bars should be upgraded as a combination (front and rear). Stay tuned to see future suspension upgrades!!!
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Created on December 19th, 2001 | Last updated on January 3rd, 2002
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