Well my current set-up on my 93 CX consists of Ground Control Coilovers (400lb fr/500lb rear springs) on stock shocks (I was broke at the time). Well the ride is fairly smooth for being on stock shocks which are soon to be replaced.
To my question....
I have Del Sol Vtec rear LCA's, 4 wheel disks. I have the front and rear swaybars which I haven't put on yet. I was thinking about installing the rear swaybar and wondered if, changing my front LCA's and adding the front sway would be worth the effort with my current set-up. I hear some people say that a front bar may not really be needed with such a small rear sway bar. I hope to auto-x next season and know I'm far from it both suspension wise and driving skill (I'm a drag racer), so if you guys could help me out it would be much appreciated.

 

Nice putting the stiffer springs in the rear, that's one of the first things told to newbies.

The 92-95 CXs have no front bar correct? (not super-familiar with 92-95s). if so, a stock front bar is a good choice. Aftermarket front bars can induce understeer, and are generally not recommended. A stock rear bar is a start, but I would look into something a bit larger (22mm). This will get your car rotating around those corners. First things first though, get your shocks before upgrading your swaybars. Put the stock front bar on, stock rear, and your shocks. If you have another $150, get the 22mm rear bar. This should give you a nicely balanced auto-x vehicle to start out with.

Since your car is already modded, I can't say "Stay stock until you're a better driver.", so stick with these mods and you should be in STS, or maybe a Mod class which sucks for competitveness (sp?) ~~~> STS doesn't allow parts to be swapped from vehicles not on the same line in the rule book, right? someone will have to verify this, I don't know STS rules ~~> CRX.

 

Thanks- I appreciate someone helping me out on this.

You are correct on the 92-95 CX's not having a front bar, so I guess I will go ahead and upgrade the front LCA's and the Del Sol VTEC front swaybar.
Yeah the stiffer springs in the rear help with rear end dip when drag racing and I figured I'd get into auto-x as well -so two birds with one stone. I hear everyone say to go with the Beaks kit for the 22mm ITR rear bar unless you have stiff rear springs, I'm not sure how stiff they need to be (mine being 500lb) but I take it I should still pick the Beaks kit up if upgrading to 22mm?
Shocks are definetely one of the first things on my list to pick up- I often hear the saying "don't upgrade until you can outdrive your car", but.... if something I have planned goes through in the next month I have may have some extra cash to spend on full coilovers... just a thought.

As far as the classes go, is it based on suspension upgrades or motor size as well? I have a B16 now, which will soon be LS/Vtec but I didn't know if there are certain limitations or guidlines about motor swaps and classes.

 

You'll be in street mod. The classes are based on a combo of suspension, engine, and bodywork.

Stock - 98% stock
Street Touring (STS/STX) - some suspension work and bolton engine mods
Street Prepared - more suspension allowances, more bolton engine stuff
Street Mod - engine swaps/builds (from same company), some body work
E/D Mod - anything goes, cars can be tube framed, fiberglass body, etc

I left out Prepared because the rules are strange and the cars are usually not streetable (the other class the cars can be, though sometimes aren't).

[edit]The list above is by no means a complete listing of rules. You'll have to buy a rulebook b/c the rules are quite complex.


[Modified by Crack Monkey, 6:04 AM 12/16/2002]

 

So basically as a beginner in Street Mod or similar class, I'm gonna get fudged up for a while huh Well I guess I better learn to drive better Thanks guys!

 

You are allowed to change sway bars in STS/STX. However, if you have swapped an engine in you go directly to SM.


[Modified by Mugenlude, 3:08 PM 12/16/2002]

 

You will need, at the least, Koni yellows to handle those rates. Your best bet is pick up a set of used Koni's and have them revalved to handle those rates. You will also need adapters from GC to fit the Koni's.


[Modified by 6ghatch, 4:14 PM 12/16/2002]

 

I would (and I do) use a reinforment kit such as BSQ or Beaks with the ITR bar. Some cars are more prone to sub frame tear out then others so why risk it. I personally have tested the BSQ kit with a 23mm bar for over 2 years now and I have never had a problem.

 

Thanks for the help guys, I'll look into the Koni's. I'm in school though and wouldn't mind getting a suspension that I can "grow into", perhaps full coilovers.
But I'm not near that level.
I appreciate the info on the ITR bar and Beaks kit, I'll have to get with it and get new shocks and sways for right now
I'm sure this is just one of many questions to come for you guys- thanks again

 

By full coilovers, do you mean the shocks with the threads on the shock body? There is no difference, GCs and Konis are the best combination. It would be pointless to upgrade from GC & Konis to another setup, you would gain nothing (possibly lose a bit).

 

there is a point after which increasing rear roll stiffness hurts overall grip and handling. beleive it or not, your car actually already has the ideal balance for spring rates. if i were building the car, i wouldn't change anything suspension wise, other then get some good shocks. once you start to progress in driving skill, start to increase rear toe out, less rear camber, and more rear tire pressure.

fyi: your current setup has the same balance as the setup i used to take my 93 coupe (sans the shocks, i used off the shelf konis') to 3rd at nationals in topeka on my first try. (i've only been autocrossing 3 1/2 years) my car was a little stiffer, but that doesn't matter much as a softer sprung car is easier for a n00b to drive.

nate
pm if you want to know how i figured your chassis balance and what the limit for rear stiffness is.

 

Yeah basically I was referring to something such as a Tein or Zeal set-up. Not for the "bling factor"or anything like that, I'm not that much of a noob, but the Tein RA's and Zeal B6 recieve heavy praise for their adujustibility and the spring rates aren't that far from what I have now..... wait a second I'm walking myself right into the "exactly so just get shocks for your GC's" haha.
Solo-X you've got PM