Age old question power or handling?

internalcombust

internalcombust

New member
So I having a hard time making a decision about my new FXT. Should I go with power or handling? The xt isn't a bad handler out of the box or this choice would be easy. My dilema is this. Do I spend more than what my modding allowance is right now and go with an Accessport or stay under budget and get springs, rear swaybar, and 1/4 shims? Money is tight for us right now as with everyone or I would just do both, since I cant, I ask my peers at Mainely subarus for input.
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I have done suspension mods first on both the WRX I have now and the STI that preceded it. For me there's just as much fun in a car that handles and rides how I want as there is to one that goes fast in a straight line but is handling limited. I drive my car every day. I can probably count on one hand the opportunity I get to run it through the gears each week. There's always the chance to whip it through a turn at a green light, which is fun even at just the speed limit, up an on ramp at 40-50 mph, you get the idea. Slight drop makes the car look much more appealing as well, which has an impact every single day.

 
I have done suspension mods first on both the WRX I have now and the STI that preceded it. For me there's just as much fun in a car that handles and rides how I want as there is to one that goes fast in a straight line but is handling limited. I drive my car every day. I can probably count on one hand the opportunity I get to run it through the gears each week. There's always the chance to whip it through a turn at a green light, which is fun even at just the speed limit, up an on ramp at 40-50 mph, you get the idea. Slight drop makes the car look much more appealing as well, which has an impact every single day.
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+1 get the suspension done 1st. You will get a more of a benefit in everyday driving than an occasional blast from a boost in power.

 
I have done suspension mods first on both the WRX I have now and the STI that preceded it. For me there's just as much fun in a car that handles and rides how I want as there is to one that goes fast in a straight line but is handling limited. I drive my car every day. I can probably count on one hand the opportunity I get to run it through the gears each week. There's always the chance to whip it through a turn at a green light, which is fun even at just the speed limit, up an on ramp at 40-50 mph, you get the idea. Slight drop makes the car look much more appealing as well, which has an impact every single day.
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+1 get the suspension done 1st. You will get a more of a benefit in everyday driving than an occasional blast from a boost in power.
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suspension 1st

 
i NEVER say this. but handling. the FXT wants to be lower and more agile. it aches for it.

 
I would go with handling. I should have bought coilovers for my car long before I did my headers and uppipe and then tune. I would have gotten more out of it.

 
Suspensions are good as long as you think them out and know what you want in the end. I've made cars worse by modding the suspension before, but when you get everything right then it's the best!

 
Handling. No question.

Try this with your car right now...example: on a side road..you need to get in heavy traffic moveing at a good pace...you see a opening so you rev it a bit the opening gets near you start pulling out the td04 take 1sec to spool...oh whats this? I'm trying to turn on the road but my car is now part of the wheelie club ...you have to let off ...until traction is regained...straitening car with he road...you proceed. .

I all most puked everything I drove it w/stock springs. The swifts help but I would get some thing a bit stiffer if it could keep the clearance that the swifts have. You can check them out on the 13th if you want.

 
Suspensions are good as long as you think them out and know what you want in the end. I've made cars worse by modding the suspension before, but when you get everything right then it's the best!
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I am looking at a basic spring and rear sway bar setup. I want to stiffen up cornering transitions, but still be able to haul the family and gear.

Handling. No question. Try this with your car right now...example: on a side road..you need to get in heavy traffic moveing at a good pace...you see a opening so you rev it a bit the opening gets near you start pulling out the td04 take 1sec to spool...oh whats this? I'm trying to turn on the road but my car is now part of the wheelie club ...you have to let off ...until traction is regained...straitening car with he road...you proceed. .

I all most puked everything I drove it w/stock springs. The swifts help but I would get some thing a bit stiffer if it could keep the clearance that the swifts have. You can check them out on the 13th if you want.
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I am looking at the swift springs ,with sti rear sway 20mm and front and rear endlinks. I also plan on using a 1/4" spacer in the rear to compensate for the low initial spring rate on the progressive swifts. The spacers in the back of the wagon served me well carrying gear, so I want to stick with a similar setup. I just about have myself talked into it. I also plan on getting my roatas sandblasted and painted in the next couple weeks, wich will let me put my old snows on the stock rims for rallycross.
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I vote handling cuz a FXT needs to be lowered, and I am a proponant of disciplining yourself to stay on a budget when it comes to spending on a vehicle, especially if your not single!

:party:yay responsibility...
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handling = most cost-effective performance mods

power mods = least cost-effective, esp on a vehicle you're still making payments on!

 
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