flattire

Im going to be entering an autox event where there are sharp turns and corners. I have a 2006 is250 RWD and I already have H&R springs with spacers and just put on new tires. I'm trying to find a under $100 way to improve my handling a bit! I was thinking a front strut bar that goes under your hood? I read that getting new sway bar bushings help a bit? I don't really know which direction to take. Do you guys have any ideas on what I should do here? Thanks for the help!

Was lookin at this strut bar that goes under your hood any thoughts?
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Manzo-Front-Upper-Strut-Tower-Brace-Bar-Lexus-IS250-IS350-06-07-08-/111210780223?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&fits=Make%3ALexus%7CModel%3AIS250&hash=item19e4add63f&vxp=mtr#ht_2468wt_1363

UniSlayEX

From what I've read and the direction I am going, I feel adding sway bars will help you more than the upper brace.

flattire

Arnt they kinda expensive though? haha

Jeff Lange

iTrader: (1)

The IS doesn't use struts, so using a brace like this is not nearly as effective as on a car with struts. There is almost no lateral forces on the upper mounting points in a double wishbone setup, almost entirely vertical.

It would stiffen the body slightly I suppose, but if you want better handling, look into sway bars among other things first. Adding bracing would probably be one of the last things on your list.

Jeff

flattire

Are you sure the IS doesn't have strut mounts? Because I remember unbolting mine when I installed my springs. My engine bay looks like this http://stwot.motortrend.com/files/20...0-engine-1.jpg

Jeff Lange

iTrader: (1)

Of course it has the upper mounts for the shocks and springs, but they are not McPherson struts which benefit most from this type of brace.

Jeff

WylieKylie

iTrader: (2)

Yes, Jeff is absolutely sure the car doesn't have struts. As are the rest of us who know the difference between a strut and a double wishbone (front) or multi link (rear) suspension.

Just because there is a place in the engine bay that the shocks mounts doesn't mean the car has struts.

Edit: D'oh! Jeff beat me to it.

But while I am editing you shouldn't spend a dime on anything to make your car "faster" for your first autocross.

Sportskid1

iTrader: (1)

Just install a rear sway bar. The best bang for the buck by far. The front sway bar helps a bit but not nearly as much as the rear.

UniSlayEX

I hate saying it but "You gotta pay to play, brutha".

Anything less than $400 for the pair is about right. Some argue you only really need the rear (~200). You can always look in the classifieds too!

NYKnick101

the best way to better handling is to not buy ****ty tires! DONE!

reyoasian

iTrader: (2)

springs/shocks or coils
sway set (front benefits 250 more than 350)
figs bushings
2012+ isf steering ecu
steering damper
control arms (figs, megan)
michelin pss
light wheels (rpf1, wedssport, etc.)
etc. etc....

you pick what's more important for you first

redspencer

iTrader: (1)

This (or something similar) will probably be the best performance mod for you at the autox event (especially for your price range of under $100):
:

Sffd103

iTrader: (16)

I had all the suspension mods and to be honest, the best thing was the sway bars (both). I had coils, seats, strut bar, f sport chassis brace, front upper and lower braces, and more. You gotta pay for the sways.

idoke1

iTrader: (5)

+1. After buying PSS tires, the handling TREMENDOUSLY improved! But thats a $1k plus budget if your seriously into it.

mililani00

iTrader: (1)

Just get the f sport sways and thank us later. It's very good on corners !