For those of you who have only upgraded sway bars, not spring and shocks, what do you think of the cars handling now? How do you like the steering response? How about body roll? Ride quality? Are you planning to modify more suspension parts?

 

The sway bar has been the most noticeable improvement I have done. I am extremely happy with it.
There is a crisper feel to it.
MUCH less than before. the difference is night and day.
There really is no change (unless you hit a speed bump at an angle )
I have been VERY happy with the Tanabe parts and I am waiting to buy the Sustec Pro SS coil over suspension when it is released (hopefully before next years autoX season begins).

 

I have a question about this too. Do sway bars totally eliminate understeering? The feedback I have heard from others is the car feels like its more prone to fish tailing at turns, is it true?

 

Yipeeee! Sounds like I should get some sway bars. LOL

 

Oversteer is when the backend tries to catch up with the front end. :p Normally going with a stiffer front bar on a rear drive car would produce more understeer. But from what I have heard on this site is the stiffer front bar will help keep the stock suspension off of the bump stops and actually reduce understeer. I've really noticed the understeer in tight 180 degree corners and higher speed sweepers on the auto-x course.

Alex: Did you just replace the front or install both ends? Or will just replacing the front get rid of the push?

 

I started with just the front, but when I switched from B-stock to STU I got the rear bar. It definitely helps you rotate the car easier

Keep in mind that the bars were not the only thing I have done... I am on my third alignment and I adjust the pressure at every event.

If you focus on just one part, you are putting a band aid on a cut. You need to wash the cut, slap on some Neosporin and then the band aid if you want to heal it.

Suspension needs to be fine tuned using all its elements. When the Coil over becomes available it will be another dosage of alignment and tweaking rebound settings. (oh boy! :D )

 

Alex,

did the front bar alone help with the roll and steering?

 

yes, dramatically.

 

As far as suspension mods go, I have MS front and rear sways only. I am very happy with the handling improvements I have, and have no intentions of doing anything more until/if I lower my ride.
Cornering is much more precise, and the front feels a little stiffer (I like it tho.). The car actually 'fishes' significantly less, and the 1st thing to go is the front which lets go in a very controllable way.
I would recommend this mod. to anyone. Best 'Bang per buck' I've spent...

 

the only suspension mods I have are the front and rear RB sway bars. I took the car to Laguna Seca last month for the Mazda event and felt like the car turned in to corners very well. yes, great bang for your buck mods!