So, bang-for-the-buck wise, what is the best way to go?

Strut Tower Bars? Solid Bushings? Endlinks?

I'm just looking for something cheap(er) to add to the handling.

 

alignment.

 

The cheaper things would be bushings, links and M030 option parts. You could go with sways from a 951 if you have an NA.

 

The car already has a M030 kit. It is a 1984 944.

 

+1

 

Bushings if you can do the work yourself. Shocks/strut inserts otherwise. And the biggest improvement (pure grip) will always be tires (assuming you've got old tires).

 

tires is #1

 

Hoosier R6s and only three grand on the konis. Would I feel a difference by adding a strut bar?

 

I wasn't blown away by the change a strut bar made to my '88. I actually noticed the difference more at low speeds, in terms of added linearity in the steering rate. I have heard that the front lower control arm brace is really good value, though, and I suspect that the stiffer you make things, the more this kind of bracing matters. My car was made of slop, so it may not be a good reference.

 

Strut bar is better with solid strut mounts.

 

Interesting. I'm just changing the struts, now. Are the mounts a difficult swap?

 

No. You can easily do that while you are in there. Impact wrench makes the upper strut nut much easier, btw.

 

"much easier" meaning "not impossible." Getting the top strut nut off without an impact wrench OR a special tool, is pretty much impossible.

 

Ha! Okay. Noted. To keep this on topic, is there a preferred brand of solid upper mounts?

Greg, you mentioned recently that you were getting an alignment done. Were you happy with the specs you used? I've got one scheduled for tomorrow morning.

Thanks!

 

No.... The STB is a subtle difference even in on race car. It does help limit stut top flex as you can see just by lowering and raising the car, but on track it does not come into play until you address the flex in the other components, mainly bushings.

3 grand Koni's. what are you buying? Koni Yellows are less tan $800 for a complete set and an entire 944 spec suspension is only 2k or so.