nice! i just hate the way the xA body dwarfs wheels
Scion; meet the corners. Corners; fear the Scion! (56K Warning)
Several months ago I made a radical change. I traded my 2000 Focus ZTS for a brand new Limted Edition Scion xA. Some of you may remember my post in the main forum if not you can check out my before pics of my Scion here:
My Focus takes a permanent leave of absense.
Almost five months have passed since I made my pledge to turn this timid car into a corner carving maniac. So far I have kept my pledge.
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My initial plans were for a subtle drop and to lightly modify the engine for increased performance and speed through the corners. My plans changed dramatically after I put new wheels on. Originally I planned for a 1.75 inch drop but realized that wouldn't be enough for me.
This little RS2 xA now sports a 2.25 inch drop from Tananbe and shocks and struts from Toyota Racing Development. To further assist in handling the rear was given some extra help by Progress Tech. in the form of a 22MM sway bar. A front strut bar from DC Sports tightens up the steering in addition to the -1 degree of front camber. The only thing left for the suspension is a bit more stiffening in the form of a chassis brace.
The exhaust is a combination of a DC Sports header coupled with a TRD axleback exhaust. The intake is a K&N CAI and now helps to make the whole I/H/E combo work in unison and give a decent increase in power out of the little Toyota Echo engine.
The wheels are 15x7 König Next forged aluminum wheels, finished in a semi-metalic bronze finish with a polished aluminum lip. Currently they are sporting the only limitation to my fun, the Bridgestone Potenza RE92's. They will soon be replaced with 195/60/15 Falken 512's to give a wider footprint on the ground.
Well........ On to the pics!
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This is my money shot:
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The handling on this car is superb. My friend, who also owns the WRX in these pics, begs me to let him drive it. The feeling of gliding around corners at 55MPH without having to worry about body roll or understeer together with the rumble of the exhaust is pure bliss. There's nothing like cutting through the corners of the White Mountains at very naughty speeds and still getting 34MPG.
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Once a few minor details are in order, the folks at Power Enterprises will be getting a visit from me. I already have plans to put their centrifugal supercharger in for future enjoyment.
Enjoy, and feel free to leave questions or comments.
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My Focus takes a permanent leave of absense.
Almost five months have passed since I made my pledge to turn this timid car into a corner carving maniac. So far I have kept my pledge.
My initial plans were for a subtle drop and to lightly modify the engine for increased performance and speed through the corners. My plans changed dramatically after I put new wheels on. Originally I planned for a 1.75 inch drop but realized that wouldn't be enough for me.
This little RS2 xA now sports a 2.25 inch drop from Tananbe and shocks and struts from Toyota Racing Development. To further assist in handling the rear was given some extra help by Progress Tech. in the form of a 22MM sway bar. A front strut bar from DC Sports tightens up the steering in addition to the -1 degree of front camber. The only thing left for the suspension is a bit more stiffening in the form of a chassis brace.
The exhaust is a combination of a DC Sports header coupled with a TRD axleback exhaust. The intake is a K&N CAI and now helps to make the whole I/H/E combo work in unison and give a decent increase in power out of the little Toyota Echo engine.
The wheels are 15x7 König Next forged aluminum wheels, finished in a semi-metalic bronze finish with a polished aluminum lip. Currently they are sporting the only limitation to my fun, the Bridgestone Potenza RE92's. They will soon be replaced with 195/60/15 Falken 512's to give a wider footprint on the ground.
Well........ On to the pics!
This is my money shot:
The handling on this car is superb. My friend, who also owns the WRX in these pics, begs me to let him drive it. The feeling of gliding around corners at 55MPH without having to worry about body roll or understeer together with the rumble of the exhaust is pure bliss. There's nothing like cutting through the corners of the White Mountains at very naughty speeds and still getting 34MPG.
Once a few minor details are in order, the folks at Power Enterprises will be getting a visit from me. I already have plans to put their centrifugal supercharger in for future enjoyment.
Enjoy, and feel free to leave questions or comments.
12
1 - 13 of 13 Posts
I love the xA but it's amazing that it already has a 2.25" drop and still has that much gap in the wheel wells.
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These images were taken just after the suspension was installed. The suspension has had about a month of time to settle and it looks much better now. I'd say about two inches from the tire to the fender.
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Thanks guys!
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Thanks guys!
2
Re: Scion; meet the corners. Corners; fear the Scion! (56K Warni
looks awesome. could you go wider on the new tire?
As i was reading i thought the 2.25 inch drop was gonna be over zealous. but it is surprising how much is still there those things really are suv's stock
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good work sir
looks awesome. could you go wider on the new tire?
As i was reading i thought the 2.25 inch drop was gonna be over zealous. but it is surprising how much is still there those things really are suv's stock
good work sir
Re: Scion; meet the corners. Corners; fear the Scion! (56K Warni
Lookin good, but why only 15" wheels, mang?
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Lookin good, but why only 15" wheels, mang?
Re: Scion; meet the corners. Corners; fear the Scion! (56K Warni
wow its so unique i love it. can i take it for a drive
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wow its so unique i love it. can i take it for a drive
Re: Scion; meet the corners. Corners; fear the Scion! (56K Warni
I chose 15" wheels for a couple of reasons. The number 1 reason was the drop, I made a comprimise. I would rather have a smaller lighter weight wheel with a larger drop on the suspension. There is literally 1.5 inches of clearance between my tire and the lower spring support for the front struts. Second was rotational mass. The stock xA only has 108HP and bolting a heavy wheel onto a small engine was not what I wanted even if I'm at 120hp now. Third, the roads in my area suck so I wanted a meaty tire for motoring. Finally, and I find this one rather important, I really like the look of the smaller wheel. It may look a bit different in the pictures but they hare an excellent size in the flesh. I like being different.
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Sleeperlove: There is always the possibility of running a wider profile tire. My studded snow tires will be a 195/60/15 and I will be checking clearances when they are on.
For those interested here is the current list of mods:
K&N Typoon CAI
DC Sports Ceramic Coated Exhaust Header
TRD Axleback Exhaust
Tanabe DF210 Lowering Springs
TRD Sportivo Shocks and Struts
DC Sports Front Strut Bar
Progress Technologies 22MM Rear Sway Bar
15x7" König Next
TWM Performance Short Shifter
Hella Supertone Horns 300/375Hz Dual Tones (113db)
Sylvania Silverstar Headlights
Luminics JDM Yellow Foglights
LED Interior Lighting Enhancements by Luxor (RS2 std item)
Edit: added Mod list.
I chose 15" wheels for a couple of reasons. The number 1 reason was the drop, I made a comprimise. I would rather have a smaller lighter weight wheel with a larger drop on the suspension. There is literally 1.5 inches of clearance between my tire and the lower spring support for the front struts. Second was rotational mass. The stock xA only has 108HP and bolting a heavy wheel onto a small engine was not what I wanted even if I'm at 120hp now. Third, the roads in my area suck so I wanted a meaty tire for motoring. Finally, and I find this one rather important, I really like the look of the smaller wheel. It may look a bit different in the pictures but they hare an excellent size in the flesh. I like being different.
Sleeperlove: There is always the possibility of running a wider profile tire. My studded snow tires will be a 195/60/15 and I will be checking clearances when they are on.
For those interested here is the current list of mods:
K&N Typoon CAI
DC Sports Ceramic Coated Exhaust Header
TRD Axleback Exhaust
Tanabe DF210 Lowering Springs
TRD Sportivo Shocks and Struts
DC Sports Front Strut Bar
Progress Technologies 22MM Rear Sway Bar
15x7" König Next
TWM Performance Short Shifter
Hella Supertone Horns 300/375Hz Dual Tones (113db)
Sylvania Silverstar Headlights
Luminics JDM Yellow Foglights
LED Interior Lighting Enhancements by Luxor (RS2 std item)
Edit: added Mod list.
Re: Scion; meet the corners. Corners; fear the Scion! (56K Warni
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cool if you keep 195 though it will be hard pressed to hold the fury of the blower.
LSD planned with the blower too? that would improve your handling and help the tires stay hooked
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I chose 15" wheels for a couple of reasons. The number 1 reason was the drop, I made a comprimise. I would rather have a smaller lighter weight wheel with a larger drop on the suspension. There is literally 1.5 inches of clearance between my tire and the lower spring support for the front struts. Second was rotational mass. The stock xA only has 108HP and bolting a heavy wheel onto a small engine was not what I wanted even if I'm at 120hp now. Third, the roads in my area suck so I wanted a meaty tire for motoring. Finally, and I find this one rather important, I really like the look of the smaller wheel. It may look a bit different in the pictures but they hare an excellent size in the flesh. I like being different.![]()
Sleeperlove: There is always the possibility of running a wider profile tire. My studded snow tires will be a 195/60/15 and I will be checking clearances when they are on.
For those interested here is the current list of mods:
K&N Typoon CAI
DC Sports Ceramic Coated Exhaust Header
TRD Axleback Exhaust
Tanabe DF210 Lowering Springs
TRD Sportivo Shocks and Struts
DC Sports Front Strut Bar
Progress Technologies 22MM Rear Sway Bar
15x7" König Next
Hella Supertone Horns 300/375Hz Dual Tones (113db)
Sylvania Silverstar Headlights
Luminics JDM Yellow Foglights
LED Interior Lighting Enhancements by Luxor (RS2 std item)
Edit: added Mod list.
cool if you keep 195 though it will be hard pressed to hold the fury of the blower.
LSD planned with the blower too? that would improve your handling and help the tires stay hooked
2
Re: Scion; meet the corners. Corners; fear the Scion! (56K Warni
Driveline modifications will be done before the supercharger, I don't think the stock clutch and flywheel will handle the extra 40hp very well.
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Driveline modifications will be done before the supercharger, I don't think the stock clutch and flywheel will handle the extra 40hp very well.
Re: Scion; meet the corners. Corners; fear the Scion! (56K Warni
Looks great, I love it.
But, if you are going with Daily tires and want superb grip, stay away from 512's, they're just a cheap 'performance' tire.
Hankook RS-2
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- Drew
Looks great, I love it.
But, if you are going with Daily tires and want superb grip, stay away from 512's, they're just a cheap 'performance' tire.
Hankook RS-2
- Drew
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