Up until this point, all of the mods have been on the lighter side. Most of that was to try and retain as much of the factory warranty as possible, but another part was just wanting to be able to hop in and go for a ride. But when Black Friday came in 2011, my (now) wife went on perhaps the biggest shopping spree of all. Grant it, there were some really good deals but she ordered just about every BMR suspension upgrade available at the time along with a set of Pedders Xa coilovers. I wish I would have taken a picture of all the boxes stacked up in our living room. But they sat there over the next few months until the weather would get warm enough. Starting on March 17, 2012 and going until June 8, 2012…I would stop at my dad’s shop every weekend to work on the suspension upgrades.
Driveshaft Safety Loop
Subframe Connectors
Rear Trailing Arms
Rear Toe Rod
Pro Bushing Kits
Lower Control Arms
Pedders Xa Coilovers
Rear Sway Bar
Front Sway Bar
The only thing that was ordered at that time but still not installed is the Strut Tower Brace. It's currently sitting on my workbench in the garage and plan to getting it installed this year.
Most of the installs were fairly easy…although it always helps having the right tools and access to a lift. I’ve seen where people do this in their driveway, I have to give them mad props! The only part I remember struggling with were some of the bushings. I think the differential bushings put up a fight.
Here are some of the pictures I snapped along the way:
When all was said and done, the ride height was lowered about 1.25 inches from stock. But, the traction and handling is on a whole new playing field. I’ve never tried autocross and only been to the drag strip a few times (with this car) but on the street I’ve launched pretty hard, even when turning from a dead stop, and I haven’t broken the tires loose.
Before (Stock Height)
After
