[Tyc0]

Hey guys, now that I've got RB turbos and I'm content with power, I'd like to get some better handling. What's the best bang for your buck for this? Bushings/mounts, sway bar, control arms, better springs? Thinking about e93 m3 front sway bar?

[nicky dj]

Originally Posted by Tyc0

Hey guys, now that I've got RB turbos and I'm content with power, I'd like to get some better handling. What's the best bang for your buck for this? Bushings/mounts, sway bar, control arms, better springs? Thinking about e93 m3 front sway bar?

M3 front control arms and coilovers. Start there.

[Vivek.]

Originally Posted by nicky dj

M3 front control arms and coilovers. Start there.

I wouldn't even say coilovers are necessary unless his current dampers are shot. Then it gets to the slippery slope (I understand this is a logical fallacy but it's pretty applicable here) of might as well upgrade the dampers if I'm going to be replacing them....and that's the most expensive part of the spring/shock combo so lets do some lower, stiffer springs while I'm at it....well if I'm gonna shell out a grand on springs and dampers might as well go for the adjustable coilovers so I can play with ride height, corner balance, and mess around with the damping. Kinda blows the 'bang for your buck' goal of his post (fwiw if I'm replacing dampers I'd just go full coils).

OP I'd go with M3 front control arms (probably all 4, not sure your mileage and bushing condition but there are benefits to each of the pairs) and then sway bars like you suggested. This is a nice incremental upgrade to get you pushing the car more, and more comfortably. I've heard really good things about upgraded rear subframe bushings, for another bang-for-your-buck suspension upgrade. Coilovers would be next after these three assuming the rest your bushings are in good condition.

[Tyc0]

Originally Posted by Vivek.

I wouldn't even say coilovers are necessary unless his current dampers are shot. Then it gets to the slippery slope (I understand this is a logical fallacy but it's pretty applicable here) of might as well upgrade the dampers if I'm going to be replacing them....and that's the most expensive part of the spring/shock combo so lets do some lower, stiffer springs while I'm at it....well if I'm gonna shell out a grand on springs and dampers might as well go for the adjustable coilovers so I can play with ride height, corner balance, and mess around with the damping. Kinda blows the 'bang for your buck' goal of his post (fwiw if I'm replacing dampers I'd just go full coils).

OP I'd go with M3 front control arms (probably all 4, not sure your mileage and bushing condition but there are benefits to each of the pairs) and then sway bars like you suggested. This is a nice incremental upgrade to get you pushing the car more, and more comfortably. I've heard really good things about upgraded rear subframe bushings, for another bang-for-your-buck suspension upgrade. Coilovers would be next after these three assuming the rest your bushings are in good condition.

Appreciate the the response, lot of good info. I have also heard a lot of good about the m3 arms so I plan on starting there.

[haaken675]

I love how no one has mentioned proper tires yet...

[neilvan]

Start there^^ Wheels/Tires first.

Beyond that, M3 control arms, pulling front alignment pins, M3 subframe bushings(rear) and then some M3 sways really.

I usually put coilover next on everything but the stock sport suspension has realllyy impressed me for daily use.

[_N54]

I have the Bilstein B12 kit, M3 front lower control arms, and Falken Azenis FK510 tires. It's a pretty solid setup.

[Tyc0]

Originally Posted by neilvan

Start there^^ Wheels/Tires first.

Beyond that, M3 control arms, pulling front alignment pins, M3 subframe bushings(rear) and then some M3 sways really.

I usually put coilover next on everything but the stock sport suspension has realllyy impressed me for daily use.

Agreed, I don't really feel the need for coilovers, stock seems pretty good to me

[neilvan]

Originally Posted by Tyc0

Agreed, I don't really feel the need for coilovers, stock seems pretty good to me

In good shape the stock suspension I feel is suited for daily use quite well.

The stock alignment settings SUCK (Hence the M3 arms and pulling alignment pins) and the bushings are too soft for aggressive driving(Hence the M3 bushings).

good Wheels/tires (non runflats) would be the big purchase(may as well do it after you change the alignment)

[tcphoto]

I would start with the suspension, control arms, sway bars, bushing and then springs, struts and shocks if you want to lower it. Only then would you know what size tires and wheels are appropriate along with an alignment. There is no need to change tires and wheels before the above mentioned are done as it will change everything.

[nicky dj]

No point in spending money on shocks and springs just to spend a couple hundred more on coilovers. Same job. And if you plan on tuning the car over 400hp, you NEED them or the ride is shit on stock shocks. Back end is so sloppy.

Tires should be a given, and yes first but anyone driving these cars with torque and hard know that. Michelin PSS or Toyos FTW.

Rear sub-frame bushings will be first on the list if they weren't such a pain in the ass to install so they take a backseat in my book.

[haaken675]

The subframe bushings aren't that big of a deal. Its a saturday job with friends, a weekend job by yourself at most. Highly recommend.

[Tyc0]

Originally Posted by nicky dj

No point in spending money on shocks and springs just to spend a couple hundred more on coilovers. Same job. And if you plan on tuning the car over 400hp, you NEED them or the ride is shit on stock shocks. Back end is so sloppy.

Tires should be a given, and yes first but anyone driving these cars with torque and hard know that. Michelin PSS or Toyos FTW.

Rear sub-frame bushings will be first on the list if they weren't such a pain in the ass to install so they take a backseat in my book.

I'm currently at 500whp and car feels fine with 595s dont event spin in second with 225's...nothing different than stock other than power, not sure where you heard this from

[nicky dj]

Originally Posted by Tyc0

I'm currently at 500whp and car feels fine with 595s dont event spin in second with 225's...nothing different than stock other than power, not sure where you heard this from

Are you on stock shocks? Doesn't sound like it.

[Tyc0]

Originally Posted by nicky dj

Are you on stock shocks? Doesn't sound like it.

I must not be, I bought the car from a guy who got it from auction so I'm not sure, but my buddy with a 335 always tells me how low my car looks for being stock..

[rev210]

Tyres are first , as someone has said. If you can't stick power down, brake or hold lateral forces because of tyres then improvements are ;
1) going to restrained greatly
2) the capabillites of tyres will alter some of the settings you wind up with.

Tyres for 600rwhp are going to be real R compound. Toyo r888r , Kumho V70s , Yoko a50 etc or drag radials (in case you want handling in a straight line). These are top choices.
Below that are mortal rubber like PS, federal and firestones (forget 2nd gear or even 3rd on the later tyres)


Suspension is horses for courses. If you are keen on just 'better' or' M3 like' then some mods already mentioned get you there without making it a rattling jarring pig on the road. My 2c is also avoid dropping the car the car low , your front bar will hate you. I have raised my coilovers to max , it's still low , to save my expensive body kit after it's taken a bashing from driveways and speed bumps.

Definitely a diff brace in there too.

[mweisdorfer]

Originally Posted by Tyc0

Hey guys, now that I've got RB turbos and I'm content with power, I'd like to get some better handling. What's the best bang for your buck for this? Bushings/mounts, sway bar, control arms, better springs? Thinking about e93 m3 front sway bar?

I'm not sure you want to try and do a complete upgrade/ make over in one shot. That's a lot of work. It's best done in stages.

1) m3 control arm kit (front & back) & new tie rods

2) Bilstein B12 kit w/ Eibach front & rear sway bars

3) m3 subframe & differential bushings + new bushings through put the entire rear subframe
A) SS brake lines while the rear subframe is out of the car.

If you do the above, you will have a suspension that is almost second to none, at least on the street.