Stomps 08GT... Snail upgrade time

[Stomps]

So, installed the new gear today...

Few things to report...

1- I'm not sure how many of you have installed the AVO rear sway bar mounts... this may be common knowledge, I dunno... but the mounts don't fit flush and 1 hole has to be redrilled.. the pics below show what I mean..





Not that it's hard to do though.. drilling included the whole job took less than 10 mins once the car was up..

While I was at it I fitted the white line rear swaybar links as well as the front swaybar... yet to take it for a drive, will report in how it feels later on..

[Stomps]

so.. took the car for a good thrash around Karawara special stage last night... verdict:

sooo good!

ok, in detail- the addition of the whiteline rear swaybar a few weeks back was a noticeable improvement. lots more rear end grip..

having said that, after fitting the AVO rear mounts and whiteline end links, the improvement is more noticeable again.. i would say going to the mounts and links, there is actually a more noticeable gain than going from stock to WL swaybar alone.. It's hard to describe the feeling, but the easiest way to put it is in push/pull terms.. the usual AWD feeling of pull from the front end and push from the rear is emphasized... but it feels like the balance has shifted more to the rear with the push feeling out of corners feeling a lot more forceful, there is lots more grip...

as for the front swaybar.. i cant believe that some people say it's not necessary.. maybe for those who already have stiffer front struts or springs it's not as noticeable, but with stock KYB gear up front, the difference is profound.. lots more front end grip, less understeer (which actually goes against what a heavy front swaybar normally feels like...in RWD cars).. the turn in was fantastic... i now cant wait to get my front caster kit and make it even better..

Found out that my front links are nearly fucked out so i will order a set of WL front links as well..

IMO, for the cost of the upgrades.. it's the best bang for buck suspension upgrades you can do.. i got the rear sway 2nd hand, but even new..

*ish prices
Rear sway: $150
Front sway: $130
Rear links: $130
AVO Mounts: $140

for under $600 total.. the handling improvement is immense..

[Grrl]

so.. took the car for a good thrash around Karawara special stage last night... verdict:

We have a few of those special stages up our way too... great too see you are enjoying your car. Might have to have a bit of a chat to my hubby about getting sway bars fitted to mine ... being he's a mechanic sure he wont mind fitting these if they just 'appeared' one day

[bosc0]

Good work, but it seems stupid as shit that you have to drill a hole in an item like that.

Comments aimed towards AVO, not yourself.

[Kekotic]

We Didn't have to do that on Bruces car?

[bass_straitener]

We Didn't have to do that on Bruces car?

Yes, research and a bit of "google time" would show there are two different types of AVO HD mounts for our cars.

Seems he's bought the wrong ones. Hence the drilling.

[bosc0]

Might not be such a "HD" mount any more

[Stomps]

We Didn't have to do that on Bruces car?

Yes, research and a bit of "google time" would show there are two different types of AVO HD mounts for our cars.

Seems he's bought the wrong ones. Hence the drilling.

hey.. i specified the model i had when i spoke to AVO.. didnt know that there were multiple mounts.. i guess they sent me the wrong ones..

Might not be such a "HD" mount any more

To be honest drilling a small hole hasnt compromised the integrity of them what so ever.. having a good look at the mount, it's basically just a thicker bit of metal than factory designed to prevent flex..

the worst thing that could possibly happen would be the bolt loosening slightly and the swaybar becoming a bit loose.. given that im under the car inspecting things and looking for improvements pretty much on a weekly basis, i dont think that will happen.

Anna- i highly recommend it.. IMO they are the best bang for buck upgrade.. considering whiteline ones are stupid cheap anyway, i say do it.. dont buy directly form whiteline though.. they have an EPIC markup on their site.. i got mine through a mate at WA suspension.. $130 for the front bar.. the rear i got 2nd hand, but i would say new it would be around $170.. if you do it, definitely get the AVO mounts too.. when you see the stock mounting points you will understand..

Installation is a piece of piss also.. with basic hand tools (ratchet spanners, basic socket set, axle stands) it took me 15 mins to do the rear and about 20 for the front.. (the front has a shitload of shielding and bolts to remove).. as your husband is a mechanic i'd say he could do both in under 30 mins no problem..

[Stomps]

So.. I've decided that I'm gonna make myself an exhaust.. only a cat back system and only mild steel.. but going on previous experience I can't see the cost being over $100.. I'm basically going to copy the original exhaust shape but go to 3" main and 2.5" after y pipe... the only question will be what mufflers to run..

Hopefully it will sound alright.. if not then I've only lost some spare change in piping...

Will hopefully get started soon..

[jslayz]

Thinking about some 2.5inch dynomax vt.......allegedly no drone wiv these so may be perfect for our autos.

[Stomps]

Thinking about some 2.5inch dynomax vt.......allegedly no drone wiv these so may be perfect for our autos.

any idea on price or local suppliers?

looks interesting but im not keen to pay $400 per muffler just to reduce drone..

[PinkK]

We Didn't have to do that on Bruces car?

Yes, research and a bit of "google time" would show there are two different types of AVO HD mounts for our cars.

Seems he's bought the wrong ones. Hence the drilling.

Bruce, do you know the part number of your mounts? This will be something I will be looking at doing in the next few months and would rather not have to modify the mount.

as for the front swaybar.. i cant believe that some people say it's not necessary.. maybe for those who already have stiffer front struts or springs it's not as noticeable, but with stock KYB gear up front, the difference is profound.. lots more front end grip, less understeer (which actually goes against what a heavy front swaybar normally feels like...in RWD cars).. the turn in was fantastic... i now cant wait to get my front caster kit and make it even better..

Good to hear that from someone who I know has tried it, I was getting told the same thing so wasn't sure if I would upgrade both but I think I may now.

IMO, for the cost of the upgrades.. it's the best bang for buck suspension upgrades you can do.. i got the rear sway 2nd hand, but even new..

*ish prices
Rear sway: $150
Front sway: $130
Rear links: $130
AVO Mounts: $140

for under $600 total.. the handling improvement is immense..

Geez good prices, the best I found on eBay was $225 to my door, hopefully I can get it closer to that price through my mate fingers crossed.

Thinking about some 2.5inch dynomax vt.......allegedly no drone wiv these so may be perfect for our autos.

any idea on price or local suppliers?

looks interesting but im not keen to pay $400 per muffler just to reduce drone..

Try here free shipping in Aus

[Stomps]

cheers for that mate..

yeah, dont go through ebay.. find someone that works at a suspension shop and get trade prices or better.. retail is for suckers..

as for the exhaust.. my plan was to leave the dump pipe section etc.. alone.. then just go straight thru pipe from dump back up to just 2 rear mufflers.. pretty much like the ultrex one..

im not really interested is chucking additional mufflers down the line.. will see what happens though.. i was having a look at the stock system last night.. then at my welder.. it doesnt seem too hard to basically recreate the system out of 3"/2.5".. will see.. i might just start out by making replacement sections for where the stock middle mufflers currently sit.. see what that does to the noise.. then play around with rear mufflers.. dunno.. i dont really want to spend lots of money on an exhaust right now.. not while there is still suspension work to be done..

just got an email telling me that my anti lift kit and roll centre kit have arrived.. ill grab them on thurs and install soon after.. hopefully the bilsteins dont take too long to get here..

[Stomps]

Went and picked up more goodies today..



Won't fit them straight away.. will wait until I have more bushes etc... then fit it all at once..

Still waiting on the bilsteins too..

While I'm waiting for suspension gear.. I might get the dremmel out and make a mesh style grill out of the factory wings one..

Gotta source a front lip too.. I reckon I'm gonna go the ultrex one coz fuck paying $500+ for a genuine sti one..

Anyway.. update over, time to get back to work

[cruisn]

Buy this one......

Highy recommended.

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/08-09-10-Sub ... 1e70178cec