I've spent many hours in search, but on one has addressed my question directly. I have a '98 max SE with fstb and rsb. This is my first fwd car, and it pushes really bad when aggressively cornering. What, if anything, can I do to give the car more neutral handling characteristics? All I have read is that handling is better with shocks/springs, but on one mentioned changes in oversteer/understeer behavior.

 

Well an upgraded suspension WILL improve the handling but you are right in assuming the basic handling characteristics(undesteering) are still there. You should have felt a fairly dramatic reduction in understeer w/ the installation of the RSB. If it's the Stillen adjustable one, you might want to adjust further.

If you are on your stock 15" or 16" tires, this could also contribute to the understeer.

How did the car handle before/after the RSB install?

 

Handeling was dramatically improved with the RSB, but its still a little scarry diving into a corner. I have the stillen rsb, but there were no instructions on how to adjust it. I put the hangers in the holes that were farthest apart assuming that would be the stiffest setting and provide maximum sway reduction. Any idea how the adjustment on it works?

I'm running stock 16" wheels. I assume that if I upgrade to 17s (don't want 18s) that the balance will not change although the grip would improve equally on all four corners due to better tires on the new wheels. Would larger wheels improve the rear follow through in cornering?

Thanks.

 

Well, you have the FSTB and RSB. The next step is to lower the car with some quality springs and shocks. That should improve turn in response quite a bit.

Upgrading your tires right now to a more aggressive tread pattern may help too. If you are running stock tires, you will see a huge improvement when moving to a good performance tire. If you are looking all season, try Bridgestone RE950 or Dunlop SP5000.

 

Adjust your RSB to the most aggressive setting, as far forward as you can possible. (past the rear beam 1-2 inches, towards the front of the car that is).

If you don't have it at that setting yet, it'll improve your handling characteristics even more.