I don't want coilovers but...

[Th3rdSun]

Originally Posted by BigTuna

Just raise them up and soften the damping. If that's not enough then swap them out. You'd actually probably make a profit selling them and buying stock coilovers.

FWIW, I've driven through Detroit a few times maxed on Flex Z's with no issues. Granted, it wasn't the comfiest ride on Michigan roads..

Pretty much what I was going to say. '13 stock suspension is pretty stiff for DD in the first place. I can't imagine that on the softest setting the Flex Z's would be any stiffer.

[PSim]

Originally Posted by BigTuna

You'd actually probably make a profit selling them and buying stock coilovers.

You think? I feel like by by the time I pay for labor and an alignment I might not come out ahead.

[Shark_Bait88]

Hey, if you end up getting this car I'm located in Chicago and will have a set of Koni Sport shocks with stock '13 springs and strut mounts (so full strut assemblies) for sale soon, they have ~15k miles on them.

Swapping suspension shouldn't be too difficult for you since everything is complete, and the coilovers should sell for pretty much the same as I'd be asking for the Koni setup (possibly a bit more). So it'd be pretty much a break even for you, just be the cost of your time to swap the suspension and price of an alignment. Shoot me a message if you're interested.

[strat61caster]

Originally Posted by PSim

I thought the spring rates weren't adjustable. I'd read the stock FR-S spring rate is 2.3K (front) and 3.8K (rear), whereas the Flex Z's have a spring rate of 6K.

All spring rates are adjustable:

1. Take apart coilover
2. Replace spring
3. Reassemble coilover

[Lunatic]

I got a set of stock struts and springs for sale

[mav1178]

Just remember, the most important question about aftermarket coilovers is whether you have the ability to inspect/maintain them every month or so.

Adjustments means that there are more things that can come apart. Loose spring perches or lower brackets are normal from usage, so it's one more thing to keep on top of.

[finch1750]

Originally Posted by strat61caster

All spring rates are adjustable:

1. Take apart coilover
2. Replace spring
3. Reassemble coilover

Doesn't mean the valving adjustment range will be able to cope with it though

[Tcoat]

Originally Posted by finch1750

Doesn't mean the valving adjustment range will be able to cope with it though

You would have to go really, really, different for the valving to be so far off that it won't be able to cope with a different spring rate.

[ImAdopted]

Originally Posted by mav1178

Just remember, the most important question about aftermarket coilovers is whether you have the ability to inspect/maintain them every month or so.

Adjustments means that there are more things that can come apart. Loose spring perches or lower brackets are normal from usage, so it's one more thing to keep on top of.

is that pretty easy to check for? what else are required steps for maintain them? im conflicted between coils or spring/shock combo

[finch1750]

Originally Posted by Tcoat

You would have to go really, really, different for the valving to be so far off that it won't be able to cope with a different spring rate.

Most entry level coils are over damped to start with though so going softer could happen. BC, Feal, etc need a few more clicks off stiff to not bounce but then they run fairly rough. I'm sure they could easily handle a fair bump up in spring rate though. Don't know about the Flex Z specifically though

[Tcoat]

Originally Posted by ImAdopted

is that pretty easy to check for? what else are required steps for maintain them? im conflicted between coils or spring/shock combo

If you want adjustability then coil overs.
If you want to set and forget then spring/shock combo (still coil overs)

[ImAdopted]

Originally Posted by Tcoat

If you want adjustability then coil overs.
If you want to set and forget then spring/shock combo (still coil overs)

im in a pickle cause i want to be able to adjust it but also dont know how i can maintain and look for things loose or broken lol

[mav1178]

Originally Posted by ImAdopted

is that pretty easy to check for? what else are required steps for maintain them? im conflicted between coils or spring/shock combo

Most people forget that the OEM hardware is supposed to be replaced after you break them loose. The bolts/nuts have a locking mechanism on them, usually in the form of a lock nut.

It's really no different than checking things in your engine bay... you take off the wheel, inspect suspension for any loose bolts, anything that has moved since the last time you checked, etc.

The OE bolts always have some paint on them out of the factory, it's because this is part of the safety/inspection as they complete assembly. A general rule is, if you want to keep your car running well, you should do something similar by marking spring perches so you can visually see movement.

Some more high-end coilovers have fancy locking perches, but that does not mean movement is prevented. At the end of the day, what you put in is what you get out of them.

(For what it's worth, many people often complain about "poor handling" after weeks/months of use of cheaper coilovers. Sometimes it's just because the spring perches are loose... )

[ImAdopted]

Originally Posted by mav1178

Most people forget that the OEM hardware is supposed to be replaced after you break them loose. The bolts/nuts have a locking mechanism on them, usually in the form of a lock nut.

It's really no different than checking things in your engine bay... you take off the wheel, inspect suspension for any loose bolts, anything that has moved since the last time you checked, etc.

The OE bolts always have some paint on them out of the factory, it's because this is part of the safety/inspection as they complete assembly. A general rule is, if you want to keep your car running well, you should do something similar by marking spring perches so you can visually see movement.

Some more high-end coilovers have fancy locking perches, but that does not mean movement is prevented. At the end of the day, what you put in is what you get out of them.

(For what it's worth, many people often complain about "poor handling" after weeks/months of use of cheaper coilovers. Sometimes it's just because the spring perches are loose... )

ah okay gotcha, i mean i could try out the coils and then just learn as i go with what part is what and what i should watch out for lol. i will have to bookmark this thread for future assistance/reference if need be lol thanks