RSB & FSTB - personal testimonial

[MrMikeL]

Well, I took my tax refund and purchased the RSB, FSTB, XM tuner kit, and mudflap kit. Had them all installed. Anyway, I was really curious if the suspension mods would make that much of a difference. I have a 2004 SLE convertible. The convertible, as you might imagine, is especially susceptible to front end shaking.

Anyway, the difference is nothing short of incredible! The front end is so tight now, and I can now take corners at 45 mph instead of 35 mph without leaning.

If you have ever wondered about the RSB and FSTB, take it from Mr. Skeptic here - it's like getting behind the wheel of a different car.

That's my story, and I'm stickin' to it!

[PhreakdOut]

This is nice to hear. I just ordered my RSB in hopes it will take out the last of the lean.

I have to agree, so far the handling is lightyears ahead of the OE setup. I have TRD springs, the FSTB (which was a marginal improvement but looks cool) and 18" wheels wrapped in 235/45/18 summer tires. (Gotta have the 45's with these rough Detroit roads.)

I now can accelerate on interstate cloverleafs and usually get up to 55 or 60 mph with minor tire squeal. I'm curious how much the RSB will help. Should be pretty significant.

[MrMikeL]

I bet the coupe doesn't benefit as much from the FSTB, but on the drop top, it's nothing short of amazing. Yeah, I get looks when I take the turns so fast now!!

[PhreakdOut]

Just installed the RSB on my Gen2. What the heck was I waiting for? This makes a huge difference. The whole suspension is tight now. I'd prefer a little stiffer in front, but I'm not shelling out for Teins. (Not yet)

I definately recommend this mod.

Thanks Reggie for the deal on the RSB! I'm one happy camper!

[swindler]

One of the things that swayed me away (excuse the pun) from the Solara originally is that it had that sedan boat ride feel to it through corners. I bought the Solara knowing that TRD and other guys had *some* performance parts available.

I did the FSTB and RSB mods a week ago and it gives the car a much nicer feel. I have the RSB on the stiffest setting. The ride might be harsh to some, but it's a tighter tactile feeling of the road I'm looking for.

This mod is highly recommended. Those with the ragtop doing installs themselves should note that there are some stiffening braces that have to be removed. But the install is still easy.

[mpvpapabear]

Hi all,

New to the group and lovin my 06 sle convertible but hate the handling. My MPV stock minivan handles better!

Just wondering if I plan on keeping a stock wheel/tire set-up will I get the most bang for the buck for improved handling by doing the sway bars front/rear or lowering springs.

I've looked over a few threads here and someone said the lowering springs are more for ride than handling. I'm just worried the lowering springs would mean alignment problems compared to just getting the sway bars.

Sounds like the convertible gets a lot of improved handling from the fstb compared to the coupe.

Any recommendations on installation places in NorCal? Preferrably Bay Area.

Fantastic site btw. You guys keep a pretty tight ship on the flames and a lot of useful info too.

BTW - anyone have a pdf for the installation of the rsb?

[slingshot]

The convertible is more affected by the RSB than the coupe. You'll find it is a huge improvement. Do that first.

[Somedude]

When I installed the RSB, I felt a 100% difference in handling. Before I installed the RSB, the car did a lot of understeering and a lot of body roll. I have it in the middle hole. I also have a TRD FSTB installed, did not make as much of a difference but it really makes my car look neat.

I might get the TRD springs sometime in the future to complete the modifying of the suspension area.

it is more noticeable with the RSB installed in the convertible because the convertible's chassis is not as tight as those of the coupe's chassis.

[dude]

i'd say the rsb is best bang for buck for handling, easily. makes huge diff in coupe. lowering spings make car look way cool, and ups the handling performance. i am not sure how the stiffer springs affect the convertible's torsional rigidity and cowl flex.

[solaraluv]

So where did you get the rsb from?

[PhreakdOut]

So where did you get the rsb from?

http://www.solaraguy.org/viewtopic.php?t=23976

[RichD978]

which xm tuner kit did you get? I got the delphi skyfi2 car kit for free

[PhreakdOut]

which xm tuner kit did you get? I got the delphi skyfi2 car kit for free

??? Is that attached to the RSB? J/K

I think you strayed off topic. (I see where it came from in MikeL's original post.)

[MrMikeL]

I got the Toyota XM tuner for the JBL head unit.

[Gorcman]

hmmm, i installed my RSB and FSTB a few months ago. I got a quick question: my steering wheel feels a lot looser after having them installed. Is this normal?