Suspension improvements at stock ride height - Page 2 - Toyota Yaris Forums

tooter · 05-18-2014, 11:22 AM

No, you don't even need to remove the rear wheels. The bar literally just takes a few minutes to install. It's the easiest mod that has the most effect on handling.

Greg

*Astroman* · 05-18-2014, 11:47 AM

I agree, the rear sway bar is a must for better handling! I also have the GT-Spec Rear Sway Link Brace, and tanabe front strut bar, and both of those won't mess with your ride height. There are other brands available of these on microimage (if you find it cheaper elsewhere they may even price match, and they're a vendor here.)

BobTheYaris · 05-18-2014, 12:04 PM

I also spaced out my front wheels 5mm and the rears 10mm for a slightly wider stance, and installed wider 15x7 alloy wheels with wider 195/60 Bridgestone Potenza tires. This particular wheel/tire combination is the same as the stock wheel diameter, and so retains the factory accuracy of the speedometer and odometer.

It handles like a slot car.

Greg[/QUOTE]

What kind of wheels are those, I like how they look. I've been looking at getting something around the se size when the tires I have now are worn down.

Sent from my iPod touch using Tapatalk

tooter · 05-19-2014, 01:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BobTheYaris

I also spaced out my front wheels 5mm and the rears 10mm for a slightly wider stance, and installed wider 15x7 alloy wheels with wider 195/60 Bridgestone Potenza tires. This particular wheel/tire combination is the same as the stock wheel diameter, and so retains the factory accuracy of the speedometer and odometer.

It handles like a slot car.

Greg

What kind of wheels are those, I like how they look. I've been looking at getting something around the se size when the tires I have now are worn down.

Sent from my iPod touch using Tapatalk[/quote]

They're Rota RB 15 x 7 4 x 100 +35 offset wheels. They're about $500 a set with free shipping on ebay.

They're reproductions of Panasport racing wheels from the 1960's.

I've always liked that 50 year old design. It's nothing like the style of wheels being made today.

Greg

j-san · 06-10-2014, 10:08 AM

Hey guys, so I started with new wheels and tires: 205/50R16. The new tires were an improvement over stock - better grip and the car felt more responsive to steering inputs. It wasn't a huge improvement, probably since I have a set of performance all-seasons instead of performance summer tires. I drove with that being the only improvement for a couple weeks and then installed the TRD rear sway bar. In my opinion, the car didn't feel any different turning into a corner, but while in the corner, it felt more planted and with less of the body roll. Zigzagging in a parking lot was where I noticed the biggest difference with much less roll and greater stability.

The next improvement I have planned are the shocks and struts. My Yaris has about 65k miles on it already and I know a number of knowledgable folks recommend shock and strut replacement around 60k miles. I want to keep the OE ride height and try some stiffer shocks/struts. I've read some good reviews on the KYB GR2 as well as the Tokico Blues and TRD Sportivo. As I understand, the higher performance shocks/struts are better suited to stiffer, lowered springs as the stock springs are rather soft and would likely result in a harsh ride with poor handling due to the mis-match between the springs and dampers.

I understand the KYB GR2 dampers are a step above OE spec and should play well with the stock springs. One step above that are the TRD Sportivos, and the Tokico Blues are better than those. The local Toyota dealer charges just over $1000 to buy and install the TRD Sportivo dampers and there is a local shop that is a KYB dealer/installer. I haven't called them up about their price yet, but I am certain it is less than $1000.

So, is it worth forking over the big bucks to have the dealer install the TRD dampers or save some cash and have the local shop install the GR2s. Would there be a noticeable difference between the GR2 and TRD? I'm not looking to build a track car, but I do like a car that handles well and is fun to drive.

Thanks.

justjesus · 06-11-2014, 06:08 PM

The TRDs are pretty much rebadged KYB, if I'm not mistaken. There's a thread on that somewhere.
edit: found it... link to thread

I'd go thru Micro Image to buy the shocks, whatever you choose to buy, and have a shop install them. Installing them isn't all that hard, though. If avail in your area, you can even "rent" some spring compressors for the job.

05-18-2014, 11:47 AM	#2
Astroman Modded Moderator View User's Garage Drives: 07 Toyota Yaris, 71 Galaxie Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Wenatchee, WA Posts: 3,670	I agree, the rear sway bar is a must for better handling! I also have the GT-Spec Rear Sway Link Brace, and tanabe front strut bar, and both of those won't mess with your ride height. There are other brands available of these on microimage (if you find it cheaper elsewhere they may even price match, and they're a vendor here.) __________________ Please visit my online store for computer stuff and Official Yarisworld decals!

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05-18-2014, 11:22 AM	#1
tooter play every day Drives: 2012 Yaris L 2dr 5sp Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 1,962	No, you don't even need to remove the rear wheels. The bar literally just takes a few minutes to install. It's the easiest mod that has the most effect on handling. Greg

05-18-2014, 12:04 PM	#3
BobTheYaris View User's Garage Drives: '08 Yaris HB 2 dr Join Date: May 2013 Location: United States Posts: 102	I also spaced out my front wheels 5mm and the rears 10mm for a slightly wider stance, and installed wider 15x7 alloy wheels with wider 195/60 Bridgestone Potenza tires. This particular wheel/tire combination is the same as the stock wheel diameter, and so retains the factory accuracy of the speedometer and odometer. It handles like a slot car. Greg[/QUOTE] What kind of wheels are those, I like how they look. I've been looking at getting something around the se size when the tires I have now are worn down. Sent from my iPod touch using Tapatalk

06-10-2014, 10:08 AM	#5
j-san Drives: 2010 5-door hatchback Join Date: Mar 2014 Location: MN Posts: 50	Hey guys, so I started with new wheels and tires: 205/50R16. The new tires were an improvement over stock - better grip and the car felt more responsive to steering inputs. It wasn't a huge improvement, probably since I have a set of performance all-seasons instead of performance summer tires. I drove with that being the only improvement for a couple weeks and then installed the TRD rear sway bar. In my opinion, the car didn't feel any different turning into a corner, but while in the corner, it felt more planted and with less of the body roll. Zigzagging in a parking lot was where I noticed the biggest difference with much less roll and greater stability. The next improvement I have planned are the shocks and struts. My Yaris has about 65k miles on it already and I know a number of knowledgable folks recommend shock and strut replacement around 60k miles. I want to keep the OE ride height and try some stiffer shocks/struts. I've read some good reviews on the KYB GR2 as well as the Tokico Blues and TRD Sportivo. As I understand, the higher performance shocks/struts are better suited to stiffer, lowered springs as the stock springs are rather soft and would likely result in a harsh ride with poor handling due to the mis-match between the springs and dampers. I understand the KYB GR2 dampers are a step above OE spec and should play well with the stock springs. One step above that are the TRD Sportivos, and the Tokico Blues are better than those. The local Toyota dealer charges just over $1000 to buy and install the TRD Sportivo dampers and there is a local shop that is a KYB dealer/installer. I haven't called them up about their price yet, but I am certain it is less than $1000. So, is it worth forking over the big bucks to have the dealer install the TRD dampers or save some cash and have the local shop install the GR2s. Would there be a noticeable difference between the GR2 and TRD? I'm not looking to build a track car, but I do like a car that handles well and is fun to drive. Thanks.

06-11-2014, 06:08 PM	#6
justjesus View User's Garage Drives: 2008 Liftback Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Orange County Posts: 962	The TRDs are pretty much rebadged KYB, if I'm not mistaken. There's a thread on that somewhere. edit: found it... link to thread I'd go thru Micro Image to buy the shocks, whatever you choose to buy, and have a shop install them. Installing them isn't all that hard, though. If avail in your area, you can even "rent" some spring compressors for the job.