Love my 2000 9-3 Conv. 185 HP US with 17" ASA rims and 215/45VR17
Continental tires but I suspect this car could feel better grounded IMO.
Pros and cons for steering rack clamp and brace versions from Taliaferro vs.
MP Performance vs. Abbott, etc. Prices vary widely between vendors. Also
any experience with the respective sway bars? TIA
- Bob - - 24 Jul 2004 22:14 GMT
>Love my 2000 9-3 Conv. 185 HP US with 17" ASA rims and 215/45VR17
>Continental tires but I suspect this car could feel better grounded IMO.
>Pros and cons for steering rack clamp and brace versions from Taliaferro vs.
>MP Performance vs. Abbott, etc. Prices vary widely between vendors. Also
>any experience with the respective sway bars? TIA
I haven't seen anyone compare them back to back. Both Abbott and
Taliaferro are very helpful. I would not hesitate to use the Talia
version for less $'s. DO you have a link to MP Performance ? I am not
familiar with them.
You might also consider a set of Koni adjustables. Try the rack brace
first and see how the car feels.
Andy - 25 Jul 2004 00:22 GMT
http://www.mpperformance.com/
> >Love my 2000 9-3 Conv. 185 HP US with 17" ASA rims and 215/45VR17
> >Continental tires but I suspect this car could feel better grounded IMO.
[quoted text clipped - 9 lines]
> You might also consider a set of Koni adjustables. Try the rack brace
> first and see how the car feels.
- Bob - - 25 Jul 2004 03:42 GMT
>http://www.mpperformance.com/
Their clamp appears to be less substantial- but I like their story on
their improvements. It sounds like they've been paying attention.
Also, the brace itself is probably more important to reducing movement
than the size of the clamp once you pull out the rubber. So, it seems
like a good arrangement. Lastly, the price is better, even with the
changes. I'd go for it.
Fred W. - 01 Aug 2004 14:22 GMT
> Love my 2000 9-3 Conv. 185 HP US with 17" ASA rims and 215/45VR17
> Continental tires but I suspect this car could feel better grounded IMO.
> Pros and cons for steering rack clamp and brace versions from Taliaferro vs.
> MP Performance vs. Abbott, etc. Prices vary widely between vendors. Also
> any experience with the respective sway bars? TIA
Mark,
You didn't mention if you had done anything else to firm up the front end.
You also did not mention how many miles you have on the suspension.
The improvement you will get with the rack clamp & brace is pretty subtle
and would likely only be noticed if everything else is tight.
I would consider this approach:
1) If the shocks and struts are original (and especially if they have more
than about 40k miles on them) replace them. I have used Bilstein HDs and
many others recommend Konis. You won't go wrong with either.
2) While doing the front struts, consider replacing the soft rubber bushings
at the rear of the stancion arm with urethane performance bushings. This
will reduce the trendency for the wheel to move for and aft when hitting
bumps.
3) Before you start, check the condition of your balljoints and tie rod ends
for looseness. Front balljoints are replaced by replacing the control arms
(which come with two new bushings and the balljoint). These could be easily
replaced during the front struts too.
4) If all the above parts and bushings are already in good shape (ie you
have very low mileage on the car or have recently replaced all of this
stuff) go ahead and try the clamp and brace.
Disclaimer: I went through all of the above on a 2000 9-3SE Convertible and
when I was done I was still not happy with the suspension and steering
performance. I ended up selling the car and buying something else that
better met my needs (desires really) for a tight handling convertible.
-Fred W