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, Mon, 31 Oct 2011 16:37:35
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The answer depends a lot on what you want and how you drive. I'm less interested in straight-line speed; what I'm after is a car that handles well at speed.
I have a 2000 Aero, and participate in a few track day events each year. The stock 230 HP/260 torque is more than enough to get me into corners way faster than I can take them, esp. with the stock suspension and brakes.
I found that focusing on the handling provided the biggest bang for the buck - better corners mean more driving fun.
First step is good tires. If sidewalls are too soft, cornering is very poor. Lot's of folks have opinions here. Pay attention to wet performance ratings of the tires; I used Nexen's for a while - OK in the dry, but wet stopping left a lot to be desired. Currently I'm on Toyo T1S, but there are many good options.
I installed Koni FSDs (major improvement) and adjusted the alignment - adding camber bolts front and shims rear, adjusted for perfromance driving (see psot on 9-5 board for settings I use now). Car handling improved amazingly. Turn in is sharper, car is flatter, cornering speeds up dramatically. This made the biggest changes.
Took advantage of a transmission bearing failure to install the Quaife LSD - The difference at the track was phenomenal when applying power out of corners.
With the increased speed on the track, the brakes need focus. Perhaps a big brake kit of some sort will show up in the future. For now, upgrading pads and rotors has served me well - The Hawk HPS are adequate for occasional track days, and work fine on the street. Serious track pads are not a good idea on the street. I suspect I'll be switching to the Goodridge braided steel/PTFE lines before too long.
I'll admit that higher HP would be a kick, but until the basic handling is optimized, it's hard to really make good use of the increased HP anywhere but a drag strip. GM's advice is sound. If you browse this page and the 9-5 page you'll find folks who can do a good tune for you.
Enjoy!
posted by 64.81.54...
, Mon, 31 Oct 2011 16:37:35, Thu, 3 Nov 2011 08:22:53
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