Do coilovers need "supporting mods?"

[HachiRokuX]

Hey everyone, it's no secret that I'm a car noob.

1. I was simply wondering what kind of supporting mods I would need to drop my car around 2.0"-2.5" if any.

2.Do the stock struts and other suspension related parts give out when you lower your car on coilovers that much?

3. Also, I was wondering what a good all around coilover would be. I was thinking Tein Flex A. There's a new thread discussing the BC Racing BR coils and they seem terrible as far as comfort goes.

I don't mind a rough and bumpy ride all that much, but I do want some semblance of comfort if possible while lowered 2.0"+.

[redhalo]

I can say at 2"+ of a drop you'll probably want adjustable front endlinks, i knocked like hell on slow turns until i got them. I got rear lower control arms at the same time as my Tein Flex Z's so i could adjust the camber in the rear, but depending on how much camber you want you may be able to live with just using crash bolts.

As far as comfort goes. I was happy with Tein's suggested dampener settings, nice sporty stiffness, but my girlfriend would constantly curse at me over the slightest bump. I went two clicks softer all around and it rides like stock if not still slightly stiffer but enough to keep her quiet.

[Leonardo]

Yes, coilovers need supporting mods to go as low as you want.


My plan is to get coilovers, adjustable sway bar endlinks, LCA, adjustable rear trailing arms, and front camber plates at the same time.


You can get lower control arms that have a different mounting point for the shock so that you keep some of the shock travel.

[tyler_win_photo]

1) Rear lower control arms for camber.

Possibly rear toe arms for toe.. some people get away without but personally for me I needed them to bring the toe back to spec.

Roll center adjuster if you care about suspension geometry.

Possibly adjustable end links. Again, some people can get away without them.

2) If you're replacing with coilovers you wouldn't be using the stock struts anymore. Your endlinks are going to be under tension, hence why adjustable end links are something you should look into.

3) Can't go wrong with Tein Flez Z/A.. Fortune Auto 500s go pretty low with better comfort than BC in my opinion.

[redhalo]

Originally Posted by tyler_win_photo

Roll center adjuster if you care about suspension geometry.

This is something I've been interested in for a while, except the only roll center kit I'm aware of is Whiteline's and has been discontinued. What would be other options?

[HachiRokuX]

Thanks so much for your help guys. I'm quickly realizing that this is not a "one and done" job, it's going to be a lengthy install and will be roughly $1500-$2000, just to get it done.

What if I just drop the car about 1.5-2.0 (MAX) inches on Tein Flex A coils? Would I still need all the supporting parts? I'm curious because they already sell springs like the eibach sportlines that drop the car 1.4 inches, but not sure how the ride is on those.

I already have the TRD springs but quite frankly, I don't think they lower the car enough for me. It's barely enough and my new wheels will probably raise the car a little bit.

[tyler_win_photo]

Originally Posted by redhalo

This is something I've been interested in for a while, except the only roll center kit I'm aware of is Whiteline's and has been discontinued. What would be other options?

Buddyclub and Megan make some. They're becoming more sparse though.

[BasementN3k0]

anything below -1.5", you will need to correct your steering geometry (roll center/bump steer). if you are upgrading your rear toe to adjustable, you will need lock-out bushings because the mounting holes in the subframe for the toe arms are slots (stock toe arms use eccentric bushings for adjustment). bearings, bushings, etc. will get worn out faster due to the strain that they are subjected to.

i have a set of eibach pro-kit springs (-1" drop), spc adjustable lcas, spc front camber bolts, spc adjustable rear toe arms, and spl rear toe lock-out bushings all waiting for install. this setup will allow me to get the adjustment i need without getting fucked up from normal (shitty) road conditions.

this is also my interim/backup setup before i finally get tein flex-a coils.

[BasementN3k0]

Originally Posted by redhalo

This is something I've been interested in for a while, except the only roll center kit I'm aware of is Whiteline's and has been discontinued. What would be other options?

Originally Posted by tyler_win_photo

Buddyclub and Megan make some. They're becoming more sparse though.

supposedly, whiteline is to be releasing a V2 for the roll center kit soon-ish.

[86MLR]

Don't forget to do periodical maintenance in the pillow bals on the top of the struts, I know of quite a few people who complain about worn and clunky struts, when asked if they have greased them I tend to get strange looks.

[CSG Mike]

I would correct geometry at that level of drop.

[wparsons]

Originally Posted by BasementN3k0

supposedly, whiteline is to be releasing a V2 for the roll center kit soon-ish.

I have an email from them stating late summer/fall was the target for it. Hoping they get it out soon!

[BasementN3k0]

Originally Posted by CSG Mike

I would correct geometry at that level of drop.

i wish there were more options

Originally Posted by wparsons

I have an email from them stating late summer/fall was the target for it. Hoping they get it out soon!

“soon”

[N1rve]

My car is dropped roughly 1.5 Inches with Tein Flex A. The only supporting mod you might want is rear LCA for camber adjustment. I have SPC Rear LCA with the Toe Kit and the Toe kit helped bring the toe to a slight toe in with 0.08 and the LCA helped me remove some rear negative camber (from -2 to -1).

I tried to increase front negative camber to about -2 and I kept having toe out, so I'm stuck to around -1.2 degree camber for the front with 0 toe.