Guys I got a '97 GXE Stock suspension, stock 15's, and Yokohama Avid Touring Tires, I recently had the CM.com FSTB put on, and the Progress RSB put on, I can definantly feel the difference but here's the thing. Today when I was driving relative slow 25MPH or so I was yanking my steering wheel left and right, and the rear end was sliding in with the front not rolling in like it was real stiff so stiff that the rear end tires were sort of screeching to stay glued to the front. Is this normal? Before I remember the car would roll, do I have to upgrade my suspension? What will a new suspension do to eliminate this?

 

it amplifies already huge understeer

 

So what I'm describing is normal? And the only way to get rid of it would be to upgrade my suspension, and tires, and wheels?

 

click here

Nick

 

i think you mean FSTB?

 

Now getting a new suspension, lowering springs, and adjustable struts would then eliminate the sliding out problem correct? Or would it not affect the problem? Does the height of the car make a difference?

 

No, but it would help reduce it. Sticky tires help a bunch. Does height matter? Sure, a lower center of gravity helps a car corner better (reduces roll), see all race cars.

 

it doesn't amplify understeer
it attempts to eliminate it

 

You've just described exactly what a RSB does. It's entire function is to transfer more weight to the rear of the car in a corner, causing both the front and rear outside tires to carry the same amount of weight causing them both to slide at near the same time, while also preventing some suspension lean.

The only fix for your rear tires sliding... is to get some grippy tires all around, it's one of the best handling mods that you can do for your car.

 

A RSB increases OVERsteer. FWD cars typically exhibit a lot of UNDERsteer. In our cars, the RSB's addition of oversteer helps to balance out the inherent understeer, making the car more neutral.
drewm is right. If your rear was sliding at 25 mph, you should definitely look at the tires (assuming dry pavement. Any car would probably slide on wet pavement, gravel, loose dirt, etc..). It is not a problem from the RSB.

Dave

 

Yup, drewm's comment is right on. Now that you begun the trek toward changing the stock suspension settings, the next step to increased performance and safety are the tires/wheels. Right now you have a compromised suspension that you don't seem to like.

If you stay with the 15's for better ride quality (my setup), go with Michelin Pilots (at Costco). They seem to have very stiff sidewalls therefore more responsive handling. Otherwise, go to 17's and get the tires of choice. The next step is to change out the struts/shocks and springs, seals, dust boots, front strut mounts, etc.

Finally, upgrade the brakes so you can STOP cause you'll be going faster and faster into those turns!

Remember, safety first for all concerned. This all sounds like big money and it is so, if you want to play, you're going to pay!

 

I don't mean to PW but since this thread is about it could someone define "oversteer" and "understeer"?
Thanks.

 

Oversteer is when the back end wants to kick out (thereby steering too much). Understeer is when the front wants to keep plowing in the original direction (steering too little). That's a basic definition.

Dave