[JD_STI]

Got the GTSPEC Fender Braces installed yesterday.













I started out thinking I could just loosen up the fender and squeeze in there with a wrench; most people do this install without removing the fender completely. After some frustration I decided to go ahead and remove the bumper, headlights, and fenders. This is the proper way to do this install. There's just no way you could ever get all the bolts torqued evenly without taking off the fender.

The most difficult part was getting the doors & panels aligned. Doing this by myself, it was a bit of a pain to hold the door up with one hand while tightening the bolts with the other. I got it done though. The biggest PITA are the F****** cheep plastic fasteners that hold the bumper & fender liners on. Having taken off the bumper & fender liners once before helped but it was still a bit of a jigsaw puzzle.

My first drive was pretty exciting. The car feels much more responsive and the front end feels much much stiffer. Out of all the fender braces I've seen, the GTSPEC's are by far the superior design, hands down. I'll be able to provide some more feedback after some more driving.

[JD_STI]

Did I mention I ordered the zzyzx EM Sport Coilovers

[Novtec1]

sick... i gotta get those braces...
nice pick on the wheels!!!!!

[munky69]

sweet suspension setup! you got it covered if i ever get those fender braces, i'll prob take the fender off to. it's easy for me. my bumper is dorifto style and i have no fender linings

[JD_STI]

Thanks! I ordered this also:

(Picture taken from GTspec's website)

I should have it mid January, hopefully sooner.

[JD_STI]

Picked up these Gold & Black JDM lugs. The Bronze 57F’s are on their way. I’ll let you use your imagination. Bronze wheels, Gold & Black lugs, Gold Brembo’s, Black car…lookin pretty baller to me.

[T3h_Clap]

those JDM lugs only fit on RHD cars.




's j/k nice lugs.

[JD_STI]

Originally Posted by T3h_Clap

those JDM lugs only fit on RHD cars.




's j/k nice lugs.

Hey Clap, I ordered the EM Sport coils from Steve. Now that I've got that figured out do you have a better estimate of the max width I can go for tires? Steve recommended the Noltec caster/camber plates in front and Cusco camber plates for the back. I'm thinking 255/35/18.

[JD_STI]

I'm looking for some more opinions on spring rates for my Zzyzx coilovers:

Zzyzx Motorsports: EM Sport Coilovers

T3hClap & Steve have suggested 500F (9K)/400R (7K).

[CharcoalSTI]

Dope lugs mate

[JD_STI]

Originally Posted by CharcoalSTI

Dope lugs mate

Thanks!

and thanks to Brett @ Harman Motive.

[JD_STI]

bump for opinions on spring rates

[JD_STI]

I finally took the time to install the Whiteline 24mm Front & Rear bars along with the Kartboy F&R Endlinks. The front bar needed spacers. Tom @ Kartboy helped me out.

Right Side Before Spacers


Kartboy Endlink Spacers

I can never find that damn knife

Right Side With Spacers


Left Side With Spacers

[JD_STI]

Since I had to drop the subframe to get the front bar out I replaced that beast with the GTspec 3-Piece Subframe. This shed 13.25 lbs off the front of the car. Of course I gained a bit back with the larger sway bars.

OEM Subframe


GTspec Subframe




Looks like I need to do some trimming






Finally got the Whiteline bars & Subframe in








GTspec whoring


I lied a bit. I wanted to get a feel for how each part changed the handling of the car so I actually put the WL bars on, replaced the OEM subframe, drove on that for 1 week, and then went back down there to put the new subframe in.

So after installing just the sway bars I am quite angry with myself for not making this my very first modification to the car. They really decreased body roll and made the car feel much less like my Toyota land Cruiser in the turns. I can actually get the rear end to come out now. I like my cars to be a little tail happy, but only when I’m trying to break it loose, which is exactly how things are now. Before, I would attempt to push the rear out & the combination of body roll & too much power for the terribly small bars just equated to understear & absolutely no fun. So far I’m very happy with the difference but I haven’t had a chance to take her to the track to see what happens at speed.

I’ve had the GTspec Feder Braces on for about a month now. They alone seemed to really stiffen up the front end and greatly improved steering response & turn-in.

A lot of positive reviews have already been written about the GTspec 3-piece subframe, which is why I chose this subframe. I’m absolutely amazed with the improvement it has provided. Not only has it taken a bit of weight off the front end, it’s stiffened up the chassis greatly and improved upon the cars steering response & turn-in even further. It has made the car feel safer, yes safer, by making the chassis more ridged and as a result makes the car feel much more solid overall. The only negative is you cannot re-use the OEM under panel. I’m planning to fabricate an all aluminum under panel similar to the Cusco one, accept mine will be mated up to my v-limited front lip.

[JD_STI]

is everyone dead around here? no love? Maybe I should retire this thread and crawl back under my car/cave.