I need some advice here from you guys. Right now I have some swaybars, and some RA-1's on stock touring wheels (245/40/18 and 225/40/18). I got my brakes, so my next 2 steps will be suspension (90% set on Zeal coilovers) and some lightweight, wider 17" rims (probably RPF-1 17x9 all the way around, and run RA-1's on those).

Neways, what would you guys recommend to get first? The rims will come in around $1500 with tires, and teh Zeals are around $2200ish, so, being a cheap bastard, I'm thinking wheels first, but am VERY open to all suggestions. Thanks!

 

A full set of RA=1's is going to cost you around a grand, so are you sure that those rims and a set of rubber is only going to run you $1,500?

It is kind of a toss up, but lightening the unsprung weight, while it will help a bit with turn in, and acceleration, is unlikely to add as much additional benefit to the handling of the car as an upgrade to the springs and dampers will, so for maxing out the return for the buck, I would trend towards the coilovers. I assume you are going to also lower the car about an inch when you do the suspension, so that the center of mass will be reduced, yes? This can have some positive effect as well.

 

lets stick with the 2200 benchmark for your total cost. I'd buy some koni yellows 600 enkie rpf1's 900 a set of kumho v710s 275 all around for 800 or if your buying for street driving a set of kumho MXs 275 all around for 600. Thats right around your budget and will make for an all around faster car. Add some springs if you want to lower the car for around 150. I'd personally rather have the konis then Zeals any day.

The Zeals maybe a slightly better suspension but when your waiting to get them 3 months while they get revalved. You'll probably wish you had the koni's. This is just my opinion but I'd never put coilovers on a street driven car and If i where putting then on a track car Zeals wouldn't even be on the list.

 

Thanks for the responses so far guys. As far as tires-- my boss has a connection over at Toyo, so that's why I'm going toyo.

Any other responses would be greatly appreciated. Thanks again!

BTW, Del105-- How about I just trade you my Z for your Elise Sounds like you have quite the garage!

 

I've been meaning to take the elise off my sig. My neighbor bought it. It was going to be my auto-x car this year but I was having alot of problems with getting it set-up to be competetive. So he bought it since he likes picking up girls more than winning events.

 

Get an Ariel Atom. Twice cheaper than Elise and twice faster.

 

Sosa - I would go with the suspension. Since you already have RA1s on your car right now, and because the suspension will make a lot more of a difference than the couple of pounds you shave off with the wheels. I just put my JIC coilovers on and I really like them a lot. I have not taken them to the track yet though.