This is a little bit out of context but thought it would be useful for some on here, I wrote this on the UKSC afte someone stated Starlets will never be able to handle well, rubbish! :beer:
"You don't need to alter the rear axle at all, the saying that Starlets don't handle is a complete myth. Yes the rear axle isn't the worlds greatest setup but it's not bad by any means. With careful attention to detail and concentrating on the right parts it will be up there with the best of them I can assure you. Most add brace after brace but neglect the most important aspect, bushes. This is why we have a full line of poly bushes coming out to go along with our poly engine mounts.
There are so many variables to discuss with handling it's untrue, the most basic of parts like ball joints/track rods if left untouched will seriously effect the disposition of the car. Couple that with 80,000 mile + worn bushes like lower arm front and rears, rear suspension arm, panhard, ARB D and link bushes, engine mounts, top mounts etc etc then it's no doubt they don't handle well. No point in adding any aftermarket chassis bits until the bushes are done. Adding a rear ARB is also essential as they don't have one as standard will make the world of difference. Wheel diameter, offset and tire choice also play another part. Anyone who has been in any of our demo Starlets will paint a very different picture.
Another fundamental aspect is roll cages, the Starlet floor plan is pretty thin, hell it wasn't designed as a track car it was a city runner. Adding even a simple bolt in will make the world of difference. The more points the better, a weld in takes things to a whole new prospective, start adding in things like front strut triangulation bars and you will be laughing all the way around the track. Couple that with the fact that they are FWD we will always have more confidence than 4WD or RWD boys as they are a lot less predictable and harder to drive on the limit, all we have to deal with is under steer and the odd cock of the leg
It's like when people compare a Starlet with a new bread van type R civic it's just not a fair comparison, they were made 10 years later. Compare the Civic of the time with the Starlet and it's pretty even Stephens. That is the case with the GT, with the Glanza civics's admitingly had moved on by then and rather than changing the design Toyota kept it to save a pretty penny which we all would have done when there is billions involved. If you look at the original civic when the GT was relased, eveident from old BM tests, the GT walks over it in a straigh line and on the bends so it really shows you they were pretty good for the time.
Add with that the countless amount of aftermarket parts available you can turn you Starlet from a shopping trolley to a track monster over night. Admintingly in stock guise it won't set any records but it wasn't meant too it was meant to be a city car. With the right application, thought and time it will be a true handling monster.
Just my 2c And Nath great progress by the way love seeing them in the flesh! Hope you get that wheel sorted as well buddy I'll keep an eye on this sorry for spamming the thread but leave the rear axle as it is!"
Tobs