improved fast-road handling on TERRIBLE roads!

[RS Sprint]

Guys, especially Blade as you seem to be highly knowledgeable on what suspension settings work for the Evo. ;)

I went on a fun-run this morning with 3 Porsche Turbos and 2 Ferraris, plus 4 Evo's (myself included).

Unsurprisingly we kept up with them on the uphill part of our run (which was the focal point), with the torque of the Evo helping us pull-through. :) I plan on doing more of these in the future, as it is easily done compared to a track-day (which we plan to do next weekend though! LOL!:) ). So I wanna build up the suspension towards this particular scenario.

The OE suspension (what I still have) is pretty close to perfect for these conditions (yep, the roads are that bad). The suspension had to be pliant enough to absorb lots of bumps at high speeds on winding roads. I plan to lower the car a bit using new springs (progressive, improves the damping on bad roads on fast speeds, more traction for me on very bumpy corners).

My question is, what can I do to minimize roll further? And before anyone tells me to get OHLINS / DMS / Proflex / Reiger, I wish I could, but sadly, no money no honey. :D

I'm interested in the rear sway-bar upgrade Blade said. What else? I have a set of tarmac-spec rally GAB dampers I got from a friend (slightly shorter stroke, unbelievably cheap price!) and plan to put these on with the progressive springs. I'm trying to follow Blade's recommendation of heavy damping but light springing on my suspension set-up.

IMHO the OE alignment specs are just spot on for me as well, as I don't wish to go more aggressive (no need, the feel is just right for me) and since the car is used daily.

I know this sounds unbelievable and impossible, but I am working on a really tight budget. Any suggestions / ideas? :D :D :D

And if all else fails, please, no one tell me to sell my car! LOL! :D

Cheers! :)

[Blade]

The right progressive spring may be all you need. Coupled with uprated anti-roll bars.

Is it only roll you are trying to correct? In which case the latest Eibachs and a set of front/rear dampers will make a big difference.

You should also get 3 point front/rear braces, and the lower braces too (5 point and 2 point from cusco). This will make an amazing difference to the rigidity of the car, and help the car grip on uneven roads (by keeping the geometry intact).

Don't bother putting cheap dampers on - the OE ones are pretty darn good.

Uprate the bushes too - group N or Powerflex for the front wishbones, and uprated topmounts (either group N) or even pillowball for greatly improved turn in. All you need on the road really.

You should experiment with geometry even if you like what you have. For a road car, I would try 1 to 2 mm of rear toe in, and either 0mm or 1mm toe in at the front, with 2 degrees negative front camber and around 1 to 1.5 rear.

[evo400]

if your on a tight budget then just try the simple things first

use powerflex bushes in your anti roll bars .
also get some rose joints to replace the drop links . cost around £5 each .

next are the antiroll bars to strong ???? if they are drill the bars ,if not try bolting another section of roll bar across the middle . this will make the roll bar stronger .