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Thread: DD Setup Q: Stock Springs w/ AM Sways and Struts

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Posts: 21-27 of 27
2012-09-20 13:01:23
#21
Originally Posted by UI
My background:

My question:
Since I want to preserve DD ability, ride height, but also want to improve handling, how about this plan: Upgrade front and rear sways moderately (already installed 19mm RSB), upgrade struts to a entry level performance model (AGX), decent AM progessive bumpstops, but leave springs stock. The effective spring rate will increase during cornering due to the sways, the struts will be able to handle the additional stress from the sways, but straight line and ride height will remain acceptable. Basically, suspension wise it would like a Stock Class SCCA Autocross car...with an additional sway.

Thoughts?


Your plan is a good match for the intended purpose of your car. I have two reactions based on the many suspension combinations that I have driven over the years as a commuter.

My first reaction is that you really don't need after market bump stops. The OEM bumps are pretty progressive, so, if they are in OK shape, I don't think that you gain much by replacing them. There are some bumps out there that are total train wrecks, so stay away from any poly stops or hard rubber ones. The Koni stops are the ones to go with if you decide to replace.

My second reaction is that the AGX struts may ride a bit more harshly than you expect. I find that they have an annoying jiggly characteristic that is evident at low speeds over road services with closely-spaced small bumps and dips. I could not eliminate this trait by adjusting the struts on stock springs. Switching to Koni Reds set just off full soft immediately resolved the issue and provided a much more enjoyable ride without sacrificing any performance.

So, I would say use your OEM bump stops and put the extra $$ toward Koni strut inserts. The Konis cost more and are harder to install, but I think they are well worth it.

Enjoy the Ride.

Bill
PS-> Regards sway bars, I would advise you to consider the White Line bars. The rear is adjustable (maybe the front too, I can't recall). But they seem to work well for a dd (at least for me).
2012-09-20 13:41:14
#22
Originally Posted by MCarp22
Originally Posted by Kyle
that is making the car understeer more.


Good?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CeBgeDcXqbg&feature=player_detailpage#t=177s


That isn't oversteer... That is input error. Just because you get the car to spin doesn't mean it oversteers.

How many times did I spin? I changed my setup from massive oversteer to massive understeer and back between the sessions... Could anybody tell a difference from outside?
2012-09-20 13:49:46
#23
Bill,

What is interesting is coming from Miatas and WRXs, AGX are considered a half step up from stock. My second Miata came with them, so I have some first hand experience with them (on a completely different platform though). A few people ran those on dynos and were not impressed with 1. The overall quality of the rebound and damping curves 2. Not impressed with how they reacted during adjustment. It seems in the B13 world they are more widely praised. I wouldn't run them if I was intending to spend significant time at track days or autocrossing. I figure for DD duty they would suffice.
Last edited by UI Vandal on 2012-09-20 at 14-42-26.
2012-09-20 13:55:29
#24
Damping, we are not moistening parts of our cars.

AGX's are widely used because the Sentra gets the cold shoulder to aftermarket support.
Last edited by Kyle on 2012-09-20 at 13-56-24.
2012-09-20 13:55:36
#25
Originally Posted by wnwright
Originally Posted by MCarp22
Originally Posted by Kyle
that is making the car understeer more.


Good?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CeBgeDcXqbg&feature=player_detailpage#t=177s


That isn't oversteer... That is input error. Just because you get the car to spin doesn't mean it oversteers.

How many times did I spin? I changed my setup from massive oversteer to massive understeer and back between the sessions... Could anybody tell a difference from outside?


Yep. I could tell for sure! Your handjob movements seemed to go from left handed "stranger" mode to right handed "familiar face" mode.
2012-09-20 22:37:45
#26
Originally Posted by UI
Bill,

What is interesting is coming from Miatas and WRXs, AGX are considered a half step up from stock. My second Miata came with them, so I have some first hand experience with them (on a completely different platform though). A few people ran those on dynos and were not impressed with 1. The overall quality of the rebound and damping curves 2. Not impressed with how they reacted during adjustment. It seems in the B13 world they are more widely praised. I wouldn't run them if I was intending to spend significant time at track days or autocrossing. I figure for DD duty they would suffice.


If you can get a chance to compare the AGX with Koni inserts on a B13 via a test ride/drive, it would be worth your effort. IMHO, the deficiencies of the AGX are more of an issue on a dd than on a road course.

But either way, I think that you will be pleased with your new set up.

Bill
2013-04-16 18:24:18
#27
Bump because I am doing the same thing as the OP with my current, stock B13.

Progress rear adjustable bar on its way and the Active Tuning Rear Strut Tower Bar as well.
@UI Vandal
Last edited by Kyle on 2013-04-17 at 15-19-50.
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