[NinjaTurtle2.5]

I am looking for a list of improvements, all contained within one thread, that can become a list for those of us who would like to improve the handling of our Gen4.

I will be adding the 19mm RSB kit soon, from SOP.

Please feel free to add testimonials as well as suggestions.

 

[foxrider68]

Front strut bar, 2013 FSB, lower profile tires, and for the daring new shocks and struts.

 

[paulfolio]

I will be adding the 19mm RSB kit soon, from SOP.

Thinking of doing this too, but not sure if it's worth it for my '13

 

[mparker762]

Lighter, wider, taller wheels. Examples are TSW Nurburgring 18x8x45 from Discount Tire, ~18 lbs/wheel. Also the OZ Allegerita in 18x8x48 from Tire Rack, ~17.5 lbs/wheel.

Sticky tires (available once you get those wider, taller wheels). I've got Michelin Pilot Supersports 235-50-18. Depending on the wheel size you can also get Dunlop Star Spec's and Pirelli PZero's.

 

[paulfolio]

Lighter, wider, taller wheels. Examples are TSW Nurburgring 18x8x45 from Discount Tire, ~18 lbs/wheel. Also the OZ Allegerita in 18x8x48 from Tire Rack, ~17.5 lbs/wheel.

Sticky tires (available once you get those wider, taller wheels). I've got Michelin Pilot Supersports 235-50-18. Depending on the wheel size you can also get Dunlop Star Spec's and Pirelli PZero's.

Can we see a photo of your wheels/ car?

 

[lashlee]

Don't forget that the best way to improve handling is to replace the sway (already mentioned) as well as lowering the height. There was a post of some lowered OB's that looked phenominal as well as having larger wheels with less tire sidewall and have a softer and stickier compound.

 

[mparker762]

Can we see a photo of your wheels/ car?

There's one in the Michelin Pilot Supersports thread in the Wheels/Tires forum.

 

[foxrider68]

Don't forget that the best way to improve handling is to remove the sway (already mentioned) as well as lowering the height. There was a post of some lowered OB's that looked phenominal as well as having larger wheels with less tire sidewall and have a softer and stickier compound.

Umm the best way to rock crawl is to remove the sway not drive on roads. The outback would be like a theme park ride without it.

 

[dboz]

Can we see a photo of your wheels/ car?

Here.

http://www.subaruoutback.org/forums/461507-post23.html

 

[bradze]

if you're really serious about making your handling better, you can get legacy gt springs and struts, i also believe there are some coilovers thatll fit. i have a gt spec front and rear strut tower bar, those make a huge difference. in addition to the 19mm sti rsb, i have an underbody brace from r-rev, which has to come off but it really transforms the handling. also tires make the biggest difference. i have kumho ecsta 4x tires(235/55/17) on 17x8" wheels. i have the softer struts since my car is an '11, im kinda wondering if the new struts would give about the same results as my underbrace, i dont know. disconnecting a swaybar can give you improved results, it depends on your driving style, short of autox nationals or frequent lapping and in conjunction with insanely stiff spring rates, id say dont bother, oh, unless you want more wheel articulation when going offroad.

 

[Scoobie13]

I always hear Tires make a big difference on handling. Actually tempted to go with the new WRX gunmetal wheels. Not sure yet what Tires to go with.

 

[bradze]

oh yeah, tire pressure makes a bit of difference. i keep mine at 35psi at all 4 corners

 

[avionator]

for those of us with pre '13 gen 4s, would upgrading to '13 suspension components make sense? Or would it be more effective/less expensive to go a different route?

 

[lashlee]

Umm the best way to rock crawl is to remove the sway not drive on roads. The outback would be like a theme park ride without it.

Oops! I meant replace!

 

[Nickshu]

AFAIK the only struts/shocks available are KYBs which are not known for quality. Someone on this board contacted KYB and was told their OB struts are somewhat stiffer but afaik noone here has attempted an install or reported results.

+1 on increasing tire pressure on stock Contis. Aside from the 19mm RSB increasing to 36f/34r was the biggest improvement as far as handling that I made so far.

 

[subarubong]

Thinking of doing this too, but not sure if it's worth it for my '13

it's already 19mm on the 13.

 

[OBnube]

I put a 19mm on my '13. It's bigger than stock. My guess is stock is 17mm.

 

[foxrider68]

it's already 19mm on the 13.

Actually its 16mm the 2010-12 was 15mm. FSB was increased from 24-26mm for 2013.

 

[Nickshu]

it's already 19mm on the 13.

No it isn't. The '13 did not go to a 19mm RSB. There has been much discussion on this.

 

[lrjet55]

So is adding the 19mm RSB kit as easy as it sounds? I'd like to do this at home. Anyone have a time frame for how long it should take?