Fixing the Suspension on my Evo X - Build Episode 3

There's nothing technically wrong with the suspension on the Evo X, but we can make it better. This thing was set up for highway pulls and I think that's doing this car a disservice. We're going to refresh the coilovers, set them up properly, install roll center correction, sway bars, and as many new bushings as possible. All of this is going to tighten the car up and make it a lot more fun to drive!
Thanks to MAPerformance for sponsoring these parts! Check out MAPerformance at www.maperformance.com/
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Music:
“Loose Tension” - Reel Life - 73BZMOSIRGYVWR6X
“Don't Touch The Sky” - Matthew Sievers - GYREI52LYAPQL5BW
“Michigan Ave Freestyle” - Sam Barsh - BAWUALV6FNQIB75X
“No Going Back” - VAULTZ - ZULFVRI4C0CLAM7I
“Throwback” - King Pong - 6OWQXZIWQOS7AGPG
“Endless” - Noah Smith - OIEP00S9I1O2BKWS
00:00 - Intro
00:36 - Coilovers
05:44 - Sway Bars
08:50 - Control Arms
12:02 - Final Touches
15:41 - Test Drive

[@zmarko]

Ben: "I don't plan to take this to the track." Also Ben talking about endlinks: "we can dial it in at the track." Busted. 🤣

[@joshbrown384]

Ya love 'ta hear it

[@michaelblacktree]

Yeah, I think there's some cognitive dissonance going on there. 😛

[@scalefreakgaming]

I think what's he's REALLY trying to say is, "We don't have any scheduled track days yet"

[@5PYZ3R]

I think he meant he doesn't plan to make it a track car

[@dillonbouma768]

As a fellow X owner with a car in the shop being built, watching these helps me pass the wait until I get back home and can finally go pick it up so thank you for that

[@rikkatheconure2395]

Post up some videos when you get it XD it's always cool to see peoples builds

[@tanthaman]

Cool story

[@RICARD01]

Yours is bought...not built. Big difference, my friend.

[@dillonbouma768]

@@RICARD01 ah yes, just how he bought his completely built, swapped some parts so far and is at a shop currently who is redoing the engine for him? I never said mine was built not bought but thanks man

[@RICARD01]

@@dillonbouma768 someone is DOING YOUR WORK....lol. that is BOUGHT, lame ass. I'm addressing YOU...not this video.

[@PiroFyre]

11:35 The reason why you can move it around very freely like that is because it's a spherical bearing. All Evos in the US have that bushing and are all spherical. I'm glad you're replacing it with another spherical like the Whiteline as many MANY other owners replace it with the Energy Suspension poly bushings and that alone limits the up and down movement of the control arm. Like the Energy front inner bushings are actually a downgrade from OEM.

[@thandokwenda7083]

Ben gives money pit a new meaning. Love the videos you guys make 🙌

[@iyot1020]

its not a money pit on an evo cause resale is really good

[@charliemaybe]

@@iyot1020 Whos gonna buy that for nearly 80k lol

[@Coolguy992]

@@charliemaybeRight? 😂

[@hamsterbrigade]

@@charliemaybe If you think he's paying full price for any of this I have a bridge to sell you =) I'm almost 100% sure he's getting deep discounts on most of this stuff.

[@charliemaybe]

@@hamsterbrigade that would make sense. I just made an estimate based off the car, not thinking about what he would actually sell it for

[@ahmedirfan9614]

" The steering on Evos is really smooth " "This is really nice " 'Yeah,Wow this is incredible " "Everything just comes together and Mann this is really nice " Yup He's Oficially in love with his new Evo .

[@jaymac8354]

I never got the Evo until I drove it. You reminded of that day. Never intended to buy one but yep.... still got it. 8 years later.

[@bamboosho0t]

Shout out to MAPerformance. I remember those guys back in the mid-00s in Cottage Grove MN when they JUST started their business. To see where it has come in 15+ years is amazing.

[@therealpickleahoy]

2" rear travel on Ohlins seems like sacrilege. I think long term you need to decide if this thing will ever be tracked and cut fenders, or if it will remain as you envisioned to get rid of fake flares and get properly sized/offset wheels for the stock fender.

[@bluej511]

Finally someone who knows a front rear sway should be soft and rear stiff. Respect.

[@SWATROLLK9]

He’s a honda guy, he likes it that way 😂 I’m jus kiddin, works pretty well most of the time.

[@Coolguy992]

@@SWATROLLK9🤣

[@Patrick94GSR]

Except Miatas. Those guys like to run BIG ASS HUGE front sway bars, and stock or even no rear bar.

[@SWATROLLK9]

@@Patrick94GSR holds the car together 😂😂😂 jk rear wheel drive makes a good front sway bar really beneficial

[@theplaguedoctor142]

the way ben smiles driving that evo shows me he's starting to really get what wavelength asian ben is on. Brings a tear to the eye :,)

[@emilionaranjo5894]

I don't think the Ben's understand: we WANT super technical details in terms of suspension, even more so than the CTR set-up video. There just simply isn't enough good information on KZbin, at least to the caliber at which your guy's videos are at. You guys also do an exceptional job at breaking down concepts and presenting pros and cons. Just my opinion ofc

[@GearsandGasoline]

Engineering Explained does a better job explaining that kind of stuff than we can.

[@JanandAnn]

Ben is loving the Evo life 😉

[@turbo_brian]

Couple notes here. The tie rods do not adjust the roll center. The tie rods are needed because the roll center adjustment kit induces bump steer. The tie rod cancels out that induced bump steer to bring it back to oem levels. There's no such thing as "no bump steer" but you can get it down to imperceptible levels. Regarding the rear wheels and the bump stops, while yes your solution can be and often is better (soft dampers with correctly set bump stops), if the bump stops engage mid corner at the threshold you'll very likely spin, so be aware of that. Effectively you're sending your spring rate too the moon when that happens. Regarding the caster kit and the oem bushing, the oem bushing is actually very high quality. It is a spherical bearing molded into a rubber bushing. The part you are moving around is a spherical, which should have effectively zero resistance. You'll notice those oem bushings have ball joint boots on either side because the spherical is greased. The whiteline unit is obviously stiffer as it is a spherical in an aluminum puck. Also, the install instructions say to put it at an angle such that it aligns with the outer ball joint. This isn't necessary as it's something done on toyotas because toyota doesn't understand suspension systems. Here you're reducing the amount of caster gain you could have had by the cosine of the install angle, aka basically nothing. Regarding the height of the rca kit, it would be a combination of what the ball joint supplier already had off the shelf and or what could fit the oem wheels. No math was done to determine what would be optimal for what ride heights etc. Same goes for the tie rods (match the rca kit) and the caster bushing (what physically fits).

[@emilionaranjo5894]

Thoroughly enjoyed this comment 👍

[@oskrrrt]

Can you fix my Evo nothing is wrong with it i just feel like you would find something

[@EnvyCT9A]

Really really appreciate that you're building this car right. A properly set up suspension package on an Evo is just magical and you don't need insane power to make it a beast where it counts, in the hills.

[@fatale3497]

its a good day when G & G post

[@edgerat]

I remember the first time I test drove an Evo8, it was like nothing I had felt. We didn't buy it back then, 15 years later I have a VA WRX for a fun car, its good but still have that Evo itch.

[@DreamOfWeed]

Y’all have been making my weeks so much better

[@mohamedashry3337]

Special thanks for mark he is professional..First time see 295 tires on evo..ohlins really top struts can evo achieve in every where..Special evolution x

[@kaiarnenygard4464]

Hi Nice evo. Just have 2 comments. Corner weigthing should be done without end links connected. And end link should be mounted with the 4 wheels on ground. Endlinks should then run free inn and out of bolt Hole(adjust)

[@clydevillanueva2241]

That is my dream car. Evo is the best of all

[@dotcom624]

Love the tires. I have similar Continentals on my CR-V during the summer. Absolutely love how sticky they are and how they feel on the road. Took me a minute to get used to the higher aspect ratio of my stock sized winter tires. Recently started summer/winter switching and I’m impressed! Never thought winters would make that much difference, but mind blown 🤯. I will never go back to all-season only. Looking forward to spring when I can have my wonderful summers back! And looking forward to your next video!

[@sooyster4033]

The car looks and feels so sleek and smooth now

[@davevq]

You can get a portable and tons of cup sizes hand press setup for reasonably cheap to keep at the shop. I use it all the time with simple hand tools, its never too difficult and I have pressed out countless bearings and bushings.

[@fatale3497]

Mannnn, this build is coming along so so nicely.

[@koltrountree5219]

Content has been killer lately,im loving it,thanks G&G!

[@DoctorHoque]

Each and Every video is a masterpiece !

[@dennis20839]

I love this channel mostly enjoying this Evo build

[@gsent56]

It's good to see Ben giving some love to the evo. I always prefer sti over evo, but I never dislike evos. I have an sti, would be nice to have an evo as well 😁

[@LOSisBEAST2]

I'm the exact opposite lol I'd love to own a hawkeye sti and keep it stock with a nice exhaust as a daily and a built-ish evo x for fun. What makes you prefer the sti more?

[@gsent56]

@@LOSisBEAST2 may not be the best reason, but because of the rumble. I mean, the awd is nice too lol.

[@LOSisBEAST2]

@@gsent56 lol that's my reason tbh. Good enough for me.

[@ispitrealshyt]

Love these videos ❤️

[@luckduck5031]

That thing is moving on those back roads

[@zimble]

Another awesome video

[@lilantha10]

This evo is fire. I can’t imagine the feeling driving a car like this. I have a 09 ralliart not the same but I really love driving it. One day I’ll get an evo.

[@tomjansen629]

love the vids!!

[@savothkeo1354]

So clean!

[@Rylan_808]

Looks menacing going down the mountain roads🔥

[@insaneKGandJB]

I really like how this car is evolving. How about a roadtrip to Mexico along the Subie or perhaps something we haven't seen yet when you're done improving it?

[@BjornFSE]

Love the detail and knowledge shared

[@yabasta13]

Great video

[@rabbon-ithegenesis7169]

Car just looks right!

[@elwindewitte]

I've been saving up to get Ohlins for my Miata, can't wait to feel the difference! Just bought some new swaybars and currently replacing all the bushings, hoping to get it to drive a lot better as well.

[@sklyrovka]

Buy Xidas. NA/NB Ohlins have trash implementation, not enough rear travel. NC Ohlins are OK, but you may as well just buy Xidas.

[@elwindewitte]

@@sklyrovka I know, I've heard about it. But honestly, they literally have the same amount of travel as stock. Have you had them before? I want to go with a stiffer ride anyway, so it doesn't matter that much to me.

[@WarriorsPhoto]

Congratulations Ben. That EVO is coming together very well. I'm excited to see some track time. I wonder when it'll start doing that?

[@PANTYEATR1]

When i lowered my cars with coilovers, i set them with 2 finger widths of fender to wheel gap. I also buy the proper weight coils after weighing the car. Good video🏆

[@Pharaoh_The_Great]

It would be cool to see this on a road trip 💯

[@manoloinme]

Love it!

[@Kyushha]

Seriously been loving these new videos and you trying to switch it up with your taste in vehicle modification, I love evo's even though a lot of people think they are shitty

[@boybandit6129]

Awesome!

[@Smithson52]

Ben “These coilovers are quite old” Me and my 2000 Acura TL with 186000 miles on its original coilovers 😅 Love how much Ben takes care of his cars 😊

[@jub2650]

W channel

[@604h22a]

sick build

[@MrLincoln87]

Keep em coming, can't wait to see evo v evo =)

[@RonaldCiubuc]

Damn good!

[@swaytv.]

Evo x gang!

[@istekulindoy]

Evo life!

[@JayyCopeland]

that's a nice lake beside you as you're driving

[@anything_automotive]

I would re-think your rear bump-stop methodology to increase your suspension travel at the expense of your fenders. When you bottom out your suspension at speed, bad things happen.

[@GearsandGasoline]

Bump stops have a progressive hit. At least they do on these ohlins. It wont just immediately spike the spring rates, but having your wheel contact the fender and bottom out that way WILL be an immediate spike in spring rate.

[@jecksonng]

Please do a road trip with this Evo 10😊

[@shepardgEOD]

Rte 33, from ruckersville to Harrisonburg! Wonderful drive no doubt. If you guys are ever in/around Charlottesville and need any sort of support hit me up! Love the channel!

[@scalefreakgaming]

Great timing on this video. As I sit at the table planning out my engine parts order for winter upgrades, you reminded me that I really should handle the suspension first. It’s 98 tech upgraded to the best there was in 2007, but it’s old and tired. Time to bring it all up to date with new tech from another 24 years of performance development. Have to keep Mustangs from doing Mustang things. #crowdpleaser

[@elijahbarrett798]

👏🏻

[@vinhtran123]

Pretty sure this dude can buy an exotic car by now with the amount of money he puts into his cars.

[@GearsandGasoline]

I’d rather have a bunch of hondas

[@lordraiden5398]

I have a similar press from Harbor Freight that I used to change a wheel bearing on my son's Mazda 626. I have only used it once but the press and bearing was way cheaper than paying a shop to do it and I have a press if I ever need one.

[@Dallasjcutler]

The WL ball joint is 5mm longer than stock. The effect on roll center is pretty negligible. But what it is useful for is when adding caster the 5mm fixes bumpsteer for about 2 degrees extra. That also means you do NOT want to run the toe-link if you've added caster.

[@GSekong]

I’m lowered on fortune autos on my evo x and I’ve found no need for a roll center kit as well

[@comet30265]

Very nice sir

[@SWATROLLK9]

Ben you made the X community raise an eye brow.

[@MMC_Galant]

Mitsubishi all day ❤

[@roberthall4651]

Bro´s got the infinite money glitch💀

[@ftmr]

remember that Ben and Ben dedicated years of grinding on this channel to be able to do this.

[@roberthall4651]

​@@ftmr I love this kind of content and apprechiate the time they dedicate for us to enjoy ofc

[@feedingfrenzy123]

I have to say the Evo X has aged really well. Still a good looking car all these years on

[@sklyrovka]

Thank you for not putting the same old dumpster grade FAs on it

[@patrickvanherk]

Would love something on the alignment equipment and a walk through of the process.

[@Roomsaver]

Donut Media has a video about that same method that they did on their project Miata a while back. You can get pretty close results but a shop with a laser alignment machine is going to be better, plus some shops offer lifetime alignments. If you can get a lifetime alignment it’ll be easier and faster than DIY

[@patrickvanherk]

@Roomsaver Well I know that video, only it was very time consuming and here they seem to get it done quite quickly

[@Roomsaver]

@@patrickvanherk I think it only looks like that lol, if you’ve watched the other videos in the Evo series Ben will say that he spent 7 hours doing something but they’ll cut it down and make it look like 10 minutes.

[@patrickvanherk]

@Roomsaver Well that could be, but I feel like they got a pretty good DIY alignment going on and I'm interested in seeing how they do it.

[@fredc.8527]

I think someone is becoming a Mitsubishi fan...

[@iyot1020]

at least you dont have to deal with blown boxer hahahahahha

[@burhanuddin7782]

Putting the suspension to full soft, is that band for the suppression? Please advise you have the best channel! Respect man!!!

[@angelgomez7917]

Just one day on the track, just because 😂

[@TheJMedia]

Bet the Evo x handles on rails now!

[@4773N.]

Waiting for you guys to take the evo and the mr2 on a road trip video, hopefully 😅

[@Hybridesque]

14:54 - Make the NOIIIISSSEEE!!!

[@paladin9933]

Woot to the IKEA of suspension! #justsayin

[@thomaschung5623]

get em Ben ...

[@cornpop21]

tall ben loving new evo loving short ben

[@rayjhay8624]

Did I hear that right? “taste the rainbow” lol jk

[@GearsandGasoline]

ITS A SKITTLES AD

[@rcravincase]

Curious about corner balancing. If the coilover has ride height and spring preload adjustment, which do you change first and why?

[@chalmers_88]

Ben got an Evo and Mighty from MCM got a Golf Gti. What are they actually planning?

[@Odd_Redneck]

boop goes the headgasket

[@imicybro]

Good luck driving home. I thought we were going to have a meet at RS Motors. 😢

[@StricklandAssistantManager]

I kinda wish they *had* shown the alignment. Doing alignments on a lowered widebody car changes things up quite a lot and there aren't a ton of good, in-depth videos on that process.

[@tsujimasen]

With 295/35/18 on 10.5 +15, did you have any front spring to tire clearance issues? I was slightly rubbing on 295/25/19 on 10.5, +15 as well, using Nitron coilovers.

[@martangelbautista5079]

👌👌👌

[@haggencharman]

Ben has found his new guilty pleasure lol

[@s15jason]

Next week - Ben drives to Alaska in the Evo X

[@arielsaga]

👍👍👍👍👍

[@donderbassie]

Soft in the front, stiff in the rear. Nice

[@sitawney5914]

take a shot every time ben says packers

[@tsujimasen]

You don't need upgraded sway bars if you're running Ohlins, unless you're going for some 60 TW / Hoosiers or stickier. All those sway bars will do is make your car less compliant over bumps. Full softs on the upgraded sways will still be stiffer than the stock sways. Sway bars are a good compromise for the street where you don't want to run stupid stiff spring rates. You also don't need to use rear sways to take away grip from the rear to rotate the car.........you have a brake pedal for that. What you gain in rotation, you lose in rear traction when accelerating. Also, missing rear toe arms and two rear bushings........

[@srsg-wy8tr]

Wish tall ben had the same cool content as short ben

[@BrokeWrench]

More response and a fatter powerband sounds like you need a stroker. A 2.4 should scratch that itch. It will also help WHEN you want to upsize the turbo too

[@ralphymathew2744]

16:34 🙏🏼😍🥰

[@kovacspis]

I wish you'd go deeper into details about suspension alignment, settings, their relation to one another, fixes and typical issues and wrong solution practices in general.

[@GearsandGasoline]

We have a video about that with the civic!

[@jjwa5410]

This is definitely a give away car

[@AR-ps7qh]

Ben is prepping for WTAC 2023 maybe? 🤔

[@brettro8210]

I've always gone full soft front and medium rear. So much so that I've stopped putting front swaybar in now.

[@NateLairdn7plus1]

Hey Ben - do you preload the suspension before torquing down suspension components to prevent premature bushing wear?