I've heard so much about how much wheel hop is reduce with the ETD but would I notice much/any gains with the Engine Torque Dampener if I don't launch my car? Would it be worth my 180$ if I get on it from a roll just not from a stop? FYI, wheel hop is not a problem for me. I have none what so ever. What gains if any would there be if I installed the ETD?

Now my 2nd Question:

Which would you guys get if you get on your car from a roll but don't launch your car? Ingall's Engine Torque Dampener or DC Sports Front Strut Tower Bar?

 

I think the ETD is worth it. It does a little bit more than just help with wheel hop. It'll keep the engine nice and stable, and, believe it or not, it made my shifts better. I guess from keeping the engine/transaxle still... I think it was worth it, and I dont do hard launches either

 

Anyone else? I know there's tons of people out there with the ingall's.

 

I'm ordering a ETD next week to help with mad wheel hop and also to smooth out the shifting. As for the DC Sports Strut Bar... that wont really help with accelleration, more with corning. I'd also highly reccomend that. I have it and I noticed a difference immediately.

 

dude you either drive very conservative or u just havent got on it u got wheel hop ever cobalt has wheel hop stock...

 

i have to ETD worth every penny..

 

I've already explained my situation and driving habits but to clarify once more, I dont ever launch the car. I feather the clutch until its in gear (which one can do fairly quickly if you get used to it) and never wind out 1st gear past 4k because I prefer not to deal with wheel hop (especially in first), axle problems, and tranny problems. As for from a roll I give it what its got in 2nd, but as for 1st gear, no I don't ever floor it and I don't wind it past 4000 or 4250 or so.

FWD cars in general aren't prime drag cars, cobalt included (my FWD 3000GT was much more tolerant than this for a launch) and I didn't buy it with that intention. My question was solely, will I notice an advantage with the ETD if I don't plan on launching agressively (dumping clutch at 3000+rpm.

Also I understand the Strut tower bar is for cornering, less body lean and whatnot, Im also just asking where you think my money would be better spent in my particular case, ETD or Front Strut Tower Bar.

Any help appreciated.

And you're saying that in regards to also those that aren't planning to dump the clutch for an aggressive launch as well? Again, wheelhop is not what I'm trying to get rid of here as it's not a problem for the way I use my car, so do you still think it is a benefit? If so, how and is it really going to be worth my 180$?

 

You'll probably notice that your shifts are better, but I wouldn't spend $180 for that. Most people have these primarily for the wheelhop-reducing benefits. Since you don't get on the car hard in first, I'd say buy the strut brace instead.

 

That was kinda my initial thought as well. I just didn't know what kind of benefits I would see to it if wheelhop isnt a concern. Thanks .

 

The primary purpose of the ETD (as you are most likely aware of) is to reduce/eliminate wheel hop. However, this product offers other advantages. You are putting less stress on the drivetrain components due to the fact that the motor is moving much, much less. Obviously this is going to be more beneficial when launching the car or really getting on it from a 1st gear roll. On the other hand, less engine movement is going to help overall in any situation. The shifting becomes more precise, and you are taking a precautionary measure to protect drivetrain components.

The alternative to this is to get a set of motor/tranny mounts, but the vibrations are very bad and the ETD is a nice compromise. Obviously motor mounts are not even relevent here.... but considering you are not concerned about reducing wheel hop, you could put the ETD on the softest setting. This would minimize vibes quite a bit and give you the advantages stated above.

As far as the front strut bar goes, I have no personal experience. Based on what I have read from others (and some fairly extensive research), it seems that this mod is probably the least beneficial suspension mod you can do since the stock struts are already very close to the firewall (ie not prone to as much side to side roll) and also because a front strut bar gives a tendency to understeer. It seems people are giving much better reviews on a rear sway bar. Together, the front strut and rear sway bar would probably help out quite a bit.

My personal input, get the Ingalls as opposed to the strut bar. .... however, that all depends on what kind of driving you want to do. While both would be ideal, a strut (or rear sway bar) would be ideal for auto-x.

Hope that helps. Sry for writing half a novel

 

Thanks