Handling/braking/fuel Economy/etc

[nippysweeties]

I swore I'd not spend a penny more than necessary on this car, but I seem to be veering toward the slippery slope that leads back to the gloomy pit of bankruptcy and destitution!

I have a wagon and need to keep good ground clearance, reasonable comfort and reasonable fuel economy, so:

1. Seeing you guys have a huge collective knowledge can you give me ideas on whether the handling can be sharpened up at all without sacrificing everything else? Especially ground clearance.

2. Are there perfomance mods that give a little more grunt when required, but allow me to keep some fuel in the tank when I'm taking it easy in the back of beyond? I seem to have a flat spot/lumpy area around 3,000+ plus revs, so I was thinking a tune up might be an idea anyway.

3. According to other posts I read today it sounds like a pad upgrade is all I'll require for the stoppers. Am I as well to wait until the existing pads wear out, or is there a big enough difference to swap out early? The car has only done 8,800 miles so far.

Thanks in advance,

Steve.

[nippysweeties]

Inspired by the current Forester threads I thought I'd join the 'cyber' modding crowd with a new set of wheels first

Can you tell I got bored quickly?! Maybe I'll finish the brakes another day...

Before

After

Steve.

Edited September 10, 2007 by nippySweeties

[RA Dunk]

I have a wagon and need to keep good ground clearance, reasonable comfort and reasonable fuel economy, so:

1. Seeing you guys have a huge collective knowledge can you give me ideas on whether the handling can be sharpened up at all without sacrificing everything else? Especially ground clearance.

whiteline ARB, drop links, anti lift kit

2. Are there perfomance mods that give a little more grunt when required, but allow me to keep some fuel in the tank when I'm taking it easy in the back of beyond? I seem to have a flat spot/lumpy area around 3,000+ plus revs, so I was thinking a tune up might be an idea anyway.

full decat, air filter remap, + it will sort yer flat spot

3. According to other posts I read today it sounds like a pad upgrade is all I'll require for the stoppers. Am I as well to wait until the existing pads wear out, or is there a big enough difference to swap out early? The car has only done 8,800 miles so far.

how do you drive the car? unless you do trackdays or drive like its been stolen then pads should be ok, ferrodo ds2500`s being order of the day

[Green Hornet]

Steve,

Pretty much as Acid says but on the brakes I'd add two things:

1. As above, what set up you go for will be dictated by how/where you drive. Assuming it's a faster road set up, wait until you've done the other bits and see whether the OE pads need replacing immediately. While they're (IMHO) really not too great, you may feel with the level of mods on the car that they'll be OK until they wear out. Then defo upgrade as you'll be renewing anyway IYSWIM.

Obviously if they're not up to the job it's quick and easy to change to upgraded pads.

2. On that note, have used both now and while Ferodo DS are really good reckon the Pagid RS4.2.1 'black' is the best pad I've ever had on standard calipers. Simply awesome (also don't sqeak and a lot less dusty too!).

Give ASPerformance a call and have a chat to Alyn there. He's currently doing both both pads at the same price and what the man doesn't know about brakes isn't worth knowing - helluva nice bloke to boot!

Cheers,

Stewart.

BTW - Nice wheelz

[nippysweeties]

whiteline ARB, drop links, anti lift kit

full decat, air filter remap, + it will sort yer flat spot

Cheers Ac!D. Much appreciated. Not too costly either. Is it best to bang all the suspension parts on in one go, or buy a bit here and there? I still have almost 2 years warranty left, so I may have to get Subaru to fit the parts. What do you reckon?

Steve,

Pretty much as Acid says but on the brakes I'd add two things:

1. As above, what set up you go for will be dictated by how/where you drive. Assuming it's a faster road set up, wait until you've done the other bits and see whether the OE pads need replacing immediately. While they're (IMHO) really not too great, you may feel with the level of mods on the car that they'll be OK until they wear out. Then defo upgrade as you'll be renewing anyway IYSWIM.

Obviously if they're not up to the job it's quick and easy to change to upgraded pads.

2. On that note, have used both now and while Ferodo DS are really good reckon the Pagid RS4.2.1 'black' is the best pad I've ever had on standard calipers. Simply awesome (also don't sqeak and a lot less dusty too!).

Give ASPerformance a call and have a chat to Alyn there. He's currently doing both both pads at the same price and what the man doesn't know about brakes isn't worth knowing - helluva nice bloke to boot!

Cheers,

Stewart.

BTW - Nice wheelz

Thanks Stewart. Again, much appreciated. Have read a lot of people saying the Ferodo pads are the dogs, but never heard mention of the Pagid. I know the brand, but not with regard to Subaru. I'll do as you suggest and keep that on a back burner until all else is done. I have a feeling the pads will need replaced early'ish anyhoo judging by the amount of dust left on my wheels after a trip to Sainsbury's!

Seems like good advice all round lads, so thanks