It's time I make the plunge and get this upgrade. A couple things about my driving habits: I drive long distance between Greenville SC and Raleigh NC (about 300 miles). I actually live past Greenville and into the last Co. in SC in a place that nobody had heard of.... I keep my speed at 75 to 80 MPH (indicated, the GPS says something different). Occasionally I will gun it and drive very aggressively and corner hard. Curvy on ramps will have me accelerating and trying to hold the corner. On some curvy roads, I am trying to hang on and push my car. On the highway I hit the cruise and kick back.
The Car: I have the Light Blue Hatchback Special Value manual transmission with add on AC. I put on aftermarket cruise control. Currently I have Falken crappy tires with a crappy suspension.
I want to get a good gas millage with occasional hell raising. Not acceleration (Hey it is a Chevy Aveo) but more action on the curves.
So I am thinking new suspension, front strut bar and a under the car rear anti-sway bar, new alloy wheels and new tires.
Front Strut Bar:
I found this on ebay, this is what I am going to buy first for the strut bar. Any experience with this product? Can you feel a difference?
ULTRA RACING 2-Point Front Strut Bar: Chevrolet Aveo [UR-TW2-531]
Suspension:
I have been looking around and I have not really found anything I have liked. I did look on KYBs website for the KB GR-2 struts and I could not find anything. I am considering lowering the car. Just how much I don’t know. On the highway I expect that will improve gas millage. So recommendations on how much to lower and whose products would be appreciated.
Wheels:
Everything I have read here leans towards 15 and 16 inch wheels for a balance of millage and performance. When I do switch wheels, I plan on painting the rear drums black. I am leaning towards a 16 inch wheel chrome (it goes with everything!) and 7 inch width.
http://www.discounttiredirect.com/produ ... grm.xl.jpg
Any experience with Konig Wheels? Is this a good size?
Now that I have discussed everything, I find buying tires to be a very frustrating experience. Tires wear out faster than is stated. Even with getting Alignments done regularly once the suspension goes your tires soon follow. I have noticed mechanics will not say anything until they are bald even while with regular alignments. So I would to get something that is popular (meaning a lot in stock and a lower price). Any suggestions there?