Progress RSB for '09 Sport Due Out in 3 Wks.

[macbuddy]

Originally Posted by manxman

Progress RSB's are NOW being shipped!

I got a UPS tracking number by email today.

As you can see by the age of this thread, Progress does not tell the truth very often. At least from their photo of this new bar on their web site, they now include button head bolts to stop squeaks from the springs.

Dave,
Wow, time sure flies! Has it been 3 weeks already?
Maybe Progress mistakenly told Joey 3 weeks, but actually meant to say 3 months...mistakes do happen!
Anyway, I don't know about everyone else, but I am anxiously looking forward to your DIY post, and review of this long awaited product. I am guessing that Progress did tons of R & D to make certain that you will get the most performance possible from your GE8 (hence the long development time).
I recall hearing that the GE8 handles even better "out of the box" than the GD3 did. I am curious to learn if this RSB provides as much of an improvement for the GE8 as it does for the GD3.
Shipping the "button head" bolts in the kit is a nice addition to the RSB package. Maybe Progress will offer those as an optional kit (at a nominal cost) to us early adopter GD3 RSB owners.
BTW, when you open your UPS package, make sure that they correctly shipped you the RSB for a GE8, and not for a GD3...mistakes do happen!

[manxman]

My RSB actually did arrive today, but getting it on the car will have to wait until Friday or Saturday. It was shipped with the hex-socket-drive button head bolts.

[claymore]

OK now get out there and put that baby on........ and let the rest of us in on your hard work

[manxman]

Yessir! Yessir! One of our wolves has to go to the Vet. today, otherwise I would be under the car right now. This bar will be a little easier than the GD3 one, but the springs still have to come out. No big deal.

Another job I have to do at the same time is to put steel bushings into the lower mounts of the Monroe MA973 Air Shocks. I found the proper size bushings in the W. W. Grainger catalog/web site. The stainless steel tape that I used to fatten up the shock bolts so that they would fit the larger dia. of the lower mount eyes has compressed enough to cause some rattling. The 1/2" X 3/8" steel sleeves should do away with that problem, and it might as well be done while I am attaching the RSB.

Then my first oil change on the GE8 with the Fumoto valve installation will complete the job.

[claymore]

AH the joys of modding the Fit

[manxman]

OK- the bar is on. Initial impression- adult buyers will be very happy, as long as they are competent installers. I took photos, but I'm not going to go overboard on an installation DIY. I did that with the GD3 bar, and only got insults from the incompetent fitfreak children for my efforts.

My comments in this, and subsequent posts, are based on the fact that I was the very first buyer of the previous Progress RSB for the GD3 Fit. My springs did NOT squeak, and although the GD3 handles very well as stock, the Progress bar made the handling WONDERFUL by comparison.

The GE8 in stock forum handles somewhat better than a stock GD3, but I greatly missed the "on rails" effect of my modified GD3 when I had to buy the 2009 Fit to replace my wrecked GD. I called Progress in November of '08 and asked them to make a supplemental bar for the new Fits. I am grateful that they did as I asked, but geez! One whole year to get it shipped.

Progress was apparently insulted by the little children on fitfreak for accusing them of supplying "defective" nuts and bolts for the installation. This is apparent in the first sentence on their installation instruction sheet:
NOTE: Progress Technology products should only be installed by a qualified licensed mechanic experienced in the installation and removal of suspension components.

My future DIY will mainly discuss safety measures needed in the installation, and I will share one little secret that will make the job easier for first timers. I will not tell you what size sockets to use or any other mundane crap. If you can't figure out the simple things all by yourself, then you should follow the first sentence from Progress.

More later- I want to do a much better test drive tomorrow, and then change my oil & filter and rotate my wheels. Will post photos and advice with more test info. when I get around to it.

But briefly, the ride quality of the rear suspension is just a little more firm than the GD3 with the RSB. I have Monroe Air Shocks on the rear, and I also had Air Shocks on my GD3 with the Progress bar. The GE is just a little more stiff than the GD, but not unpleasant at all. The improvement in lessened body roll is at least as good as a GD3 with that bar. So, I am very happy with my purchase and would recommend this mod to any GE8 owner. Whether or not you drive aggressively, the bar adds safety because of greater stability, particularly in high winds.

[claymore]

YAY it's here and on the car. Very good news that it is still a good worth the money mod. Nice progress trail manxman.

[manxman]

Originally Posted by claymore

YAY it's here and on the car. Very good news that it is still a good worth the money mod. Nice progress trail manxman.

MORE Yay! Today is joy ride day in the mountains!

[manxman]

This will be my last post on this thread. Will start another thread with the photos and install tips. I "wrung out" my GE8 on some of the trickier secret side roads around Hwy. 9, Hwy. 35, and Bear Creek Road in the Santa Cruz Mountains this morning. The magic of the Progress bar on the GD3 is BACK! In SPADES, for the GE8. Buy one NOW before their first production run is exhausted.

[EXWRX]

I'm gonna pass on the 09 rear swaybar, but I already have a GD one that works great! I just reinstalled mine over the weekend and I love it in concert with the Enduratech coilovers. At the same time, I raised the rear suspension about half an inch and it feels more supple. (I think I may have been hitting the bump stops) I ran out of time to raise the front up, but soon, I will have the car sitting just high enough to not worry about those blocks in parking lots.