Add ons for a 2008 Scion TC

Question

My 2008 TC has nearly reached its 5000 mile check up point, and I'm thinking of adding some additional options to it when I take it in. I'm looking at the quick shifter (although I should be able to test drive one of those before I make my decision) and I'm also going to look at the strut bars to lessen the body roll. Those are the only options that I'm looking at right now. Does anybody have any experience with those parts? Is the handling improved enough to justify the purchase?

Answer 1

probably a waste of money and a slap in the face of the engineers that designed the car and test everything including "handling"

Answer 2

i heard good things about the strut bars, and noticed a difference in just being a passenger. as far as the quick shifter it sounds great but haven't met anyone who invested all the money for it considering the standard shift isn't too bad.  

Answer 3

there are other short-shifters that you can get for a far better price and are very easy to install. takes less than an hour with 3/4 of the aftermarket short shifters that you can find.

strut bars make a night and day difference. you can immediately tell and the body roll is greatly reduced. it is probably one of the most important handling mods out there. however, unless you plan on autocrossing with your car you do not need the front and rear bars, you only need the rear sway bar. with a rear sway bar it helps the car hug corners better, but if you add in the front strut bar it will straighten out the car while in the middle of the turn and in most cases in daily driving you don't need that. it'll be more of a nuisance than a help.

in conclusion:

short shifter - if you really want, there are better ones out there and cheaper

sway/strut bar - greatly improves handling, there are others out there that are better but the trd one is pretty good

recommend: trd struts/shocks, trd lowering kit