[98_TA_EMLC]

So I've been trying to email Sam from stranoparts, but he hasn't responded yet. So I'm going to post my question here to get ya'll thoughts.

I have around $1,500 to work with. I need new tires for my 17x9.5 ZR1's. Going to get Kuhmo Ecsta XS 284/40-17's on all corners. These are event use only wheels/tires. The Kuhmo's are going to cost me $725 shipped. I'm not worried about mounting/balancing costs. So I have around $775 to play with for suspension.

Car Info...
Other than a strut tower brace, my 98 Trans Am suspension/chassis is completely stock.
I drive it on the street (not my only car though), and take it to shows, but I want to set it up primarily for autox. Class rules don't apply...yet anyways.

My original thought was SLP-Biltein shocks with Strano springs and a UMI 35mm solid front sway bar totalling $829.95. I would've thought that combo with the tires would be a phenomenal improvement. But after reading up on the SLP-Bilsteins, I understand they get overworked easily and don't hold up well. Obviously Koni's are the best...however should I really blow my entire budget for $850 Koni SA's?

[creeper]

Go ahead and get the Koni's now. Eventually you'll have more money to do bars and springs, but for now just get good shocks. It'll be better to learn on a mostly stock car anyway. Better to do things slowly and right, than do things all at once but have all ehhh parts. It's hard, but patience is key.

as the old cliche saying goes "half assed = half fast"