Eibach Shocks, Struts and Anti Roll Bars fitted

melbzetec · 10-01-2011, 08:15 PM

Just had them fitted today. The Eibach pro kit springs were already installed, so everything is now tuned to match.

Hard to tell how good they are yet, as it's ****ing down in Melbourne, and my front tyres have no grip whatsoever, so I don't want to push it too hard.
(New Dunlop Direzza Star Specs being fitted tomorrow)

However, the technician who did the work today (Cameron McConville's JaxQuikfit store) is raving about the setup after his final test drive. Reckons it's the best handling hatch he's been in

First impression though is that I'm going to have to re-learn how to steer the car!!!!!!

Steering is very direct, and noticeably flatter through a corner.

If anything, it even feels a little "oversteer-y" (if there is such a word). I think the more direct steering combined with the Quaife ATB diff means if I turn too aggressively into the corner it will turn more than I expect. Basically, I don't have to steer into a corner as much as I used to. (remembering too that my shocks had gone, so the car has been wallowing a bit lately)

My overall feeling is very positive though. I think with the new suspension, stickier tyres and an ECU reset of my brain (!), it will be great!

Can't wait for a dry road to get a real sense of the improvement. I'll keep you posted.

XR5-Boy · 10-01-2011, 10:39 PM

Excellent news dude! I think now you'll see what the quaife has to offer. Lay the power down just before the apex and it will pull you through

(i'm sure you knew that already though)

I drove an XR5 with a quaife and bilsteins. Joisus. It was special!

Talldude · 11-01-2011, 12:14 PM

Nice work!

I have been tossing up between eibach sways or svt brake kit, might have to get both............

melbzetec · 11-01-2011, 05:34 PM

Got the tyres on this morning. They are brilliant!!!! I'm going to love this new setup

The car is back at JaxQuikfit for a rear camber adjustment now....and Cameron McConville drove it back from my place to the store!!!!
Can't wait to hear what he thinks of it. Says his mechanic has been raving about the handling.

DZFord · 11-01-2011, 11:13 PM

Cam drove your car!? I'm sure he would've loved it - Full Eibach kit + Direzza's = massive win.

I knew you'd be impressed with the handling. Matched shocks and springs made such a big difference to my car (to the point where I'd probably never consider upgrading springs without paired shocks in the future).

photn · 12-01-2011, 07:09 PM

Interesting write steve as I'm waiting to get mine installed as well. I got a track day in feb so it would be good to see how she handles then.

melbzetec · 12-01-2011, 09:21 PM

You'll love it Sean.

Now as I'm getting used to it, it literally is the old "handles like it's on rails"

It's direct, confident, sure footed. Just beautiful to drive

FOCUSonTHIS · 12-01-2011, 10:55 PM

Steve, need pictures of your car. Withdrawal symptoms!

DZFord · 12-01-2011, 10:59 PM

...Including pics of the new tread please!

photn · 12-01-2011, 11:52 PM

as the saying goes.... PICS OR BAN

melbzetec · 13-01-2011, 09:37 AM

Jeez.....tough crowd here!

Since I don't want to be banned....here's a couple of shots.

Here's a glimpse of the new ARB's

And some tyre tread shots

Car is filthy at the moment, but will take some new shots once it's cleaned up for the car shows in the next few weeks

Fled74 · 13-01-2011, 10:02 AM

Looking really good Steve!

DZFord · 13-01-2011, 01:17 PM

You must be so happy with your car at the moment. Looking great! Can't wait to see it in the flesh.

melbzetec · 13-01-2011, 10:05 PM

It's a big call, but I'd have to say this is probably the best mod I've made to the car. (and I've made a few!)

Every day I'm loving it more and more. The handling is brilliant and I'm loving every drive. The tyres also have stiffer sidewalls, which is also helping with the direct feel

Forget what I said about "oversteer" in the first post...I just needed to get used to it. This is a great mod.