BMW rear shocks and Fit rear springs?

[Caramanos2000]

Im looking for ways to improve the performance of the yaris while keeping the stock height. Basically im looking to stiffen it up. I already have BMW rear shocks installed which are stiffer than oem and wont blow as easily. I saw a post on here saying that Honda Fit springs will fit the rear and that they have a slightly higher spring rate, which I assume would better match the BMW shocks. Do you guys think the Fit springs will leave me at about stock height at the rear?

[MUSKOKA800]

In your case, I would first install the dampers. They may be all you need to gain the improvement you desire. Installing the FIT springs is like rolling the dice. It may be successful or you may be higher or lower than the stock spec you desire.

[Bluevitz-rs]

What BMW shocks did you use?

[Caramanos2000]

Originally Posted by Bluevitz-rs

What BMW shocks did you use?

I have already installed the shocks several months ago. I used monroe brand BMW e46 shocks, sourced locally were around $80 for the pair. We welded a big washer were the original piston cover sits and then slid the cover over the washer. This was done because the outer diameter of the BMW shock was slightly smaller than the yaris one so I was afraid the piston would slide through the metal hole in the original cover. This is important because this cover is also the lower base for the mounting bushings. The only other mod needed was to make the mounting holes on the rear beam larger. This was done to accommodate larger bolts as the E46 mount has a larger sleeve than the OEM. Took around 2 hours to do all of it and had made a CONSIDERABLE difference, im still looking to get it slightly stiffer. It has seen some track use too

[Exiwolfman]

Originally Posted by Caramanos2000

I have already installed the shocks several months ago. I used monroe brand BMW e46 shocks, sourced locally were around $80 for the pair. We welded a big washer were the original piston cover sits and then slid the cover over the washer. This was done because the outer diameter of the BMW shock was slightly smaller than the yaris one so I was afraid the piston would slide through the metal hole in the original cover. This is important because this cover is also the lower base for the mounting bushings. The only other mod needed was to make the mounting holes on the rear beam larger. This was done to accommodate larger bolts as the E46 mount has a larger sleeve than the OEM. Took around 2 hours to do all of it and had made a CONSIDERABLE difference, im still looking to get it slightly stiffer. It has seen some track use too

cool idea , if u dont have rear sway bar that makes a big difference too ..like a TRD

[Caramanos2000]

Originally Posted by Exiwolfman

cool idea , if u dont have rear sway bar that makes a big difference too ..like a TRD

Ive thought about it, however I fail to see how adding a solid bar to an already solid bar has an impact. I simply cant understand why it would make a difference given out cars suspension design.

[MUSKOKA800]

Originally Posted by Caramanos2000

Ive thought about it, however I fail to see how adding a solid bar to an already solid bar has an impact. I simply cant understand why it would make a difference given out cars suspension design.

It makes a huge difference. The beam flexes. The bar stiffens it up. Huge improvement is stability and reduced understeer. A must have!

[Exiwolfman]

Originally Posted by Caramanos2000

Ive thought about it, however I fail to see how adding a solid bar to an already solid bar has an impact. I simply cant understand why it would make a difference given out cars suspension design.

since the yaris does not come with one from factory it makes a night and day difference , i have it on my car and its awesome ..im running the TRD and best money spend.

[Caramanos2000]

I know it doesnt come with one. My point is this: usually sway bars attach to 2 moving points, 2 points that move independently and the bar ties them together. In the rear of the yaris all your doing is connecting a solid bar to a solid bar, the stock beam is so much stronger and larger than the sway bar, why would the sway bar make any difference? Its nice like the 2 anchor points (the shock bolts) are flexing independently and somehow that little bar is gonna stop it.

[Exiwolfman]

Originally Posted by Caramanos2000

I know it doesnt come with one. My point is this: usually sway bars attach to 2 moving points, 2 points that move independently and the bar ties them together. In the rear of the yaris all your doing is connecting a solid bar to a solid bar, the stock beam is so much stronger and larger than the sway bar, why would the sway bar make any difference? Its nice like the 2 anchor points (the shock bolts) are flexing independently and somehow that little bar is gonna stop it.

the stock rear bar has lots of flex so with the sway bar u take that away..trust me and ask anyone that has installed one it changes the way the whole car drives.
I would do that before installing honda springs or even doing ur bmw shock swap .Since u have the better shocks add sway bar ...its simple physics you are eliminating unwanted flex in the suspension .

[tmontague]

Like Muskoka an Exi stated above, it increases the stiffness to the rear axle which severely reduces under steer. It's money well spent on improving handling and it doesn't change stock height. It was one of the best mods I have made so far

[Rigaud]

Originally Posted by Caramanos2000

I know it doesnt come with one. My point is this: usually sway bars attach to 2 moving points, 2 points that move independently and the bar ties them together. In the rear of the yaris all your doing is connecting a solid bar to a solid bar, the stock beam is so much stronger and larger than the sway bar, why would the sway bar make any difference? Its nice like the 2 anchor points (the shock bolts) are flexing independently and somehow that little bar is gonna stop it.

It's connected to your suspension at both ends and NOT your rear solid beam. Hence theirs your two point connection as it should be.

[NYC-SE]

Another strong recommendation for the TRD rear sway bar. Well worth it.

[rbennett2082]

Went with the Whiteline unit, huge difference no more road wander at highway speed. Also stiffens rear axle to the point when lifting car from front lift point to service brakes the rear tire on the same side almost lifts off the ground as well.