I don't want coilovers but...
 

I'm looking at buying a 2013 FR-S (out of state) and I realized from the photos that it has coilovers (looks like Tein Flex Z). I was hoping for bone stock suspension - I live in Michigan with pretty bad roads and I need all the clearance I can get and partly because I'd rather not mess with the handling the manufacturer has engineered.

That said, should this be a deal breaker for me? Are the coilovers very different from stock suspension? If I hate them would it be cost prohibitive to track down and have OEM struts installed?

Any help would be AWESOME. Looking forward to finally getting into an 86.

Drive it and see if it is livable. If not, people almost give away stock suspension.

Tein Flex Z are more comfortable (and much more adjustable) than stock in my opinion. You can set them to be less stiff than stock suspension if you desire. I'd try them out. I love mine, and I have very rough roads in IN.

Am I going to lose the tail-happy nature of the FR-S?

Depends on a lot of factors, including alignment settings.

Not just with a set of coilovers. You'd need some chunky wheels to tame the tail-happiness -- So if you are on stock tires you'll be OK.

As mentioned, you can soften or stiffen the Tein Flex Z. You'd be able to reach the same spring rates as the stock, or go stiffer/softer as desired. In general, I would call the Tein Flex Z a significant upgrade (there's a reason this car doesn't come with coilovers stock... for simplicity and to save cost).

It does come with coil overs. They are just not adjustable. The OEM set up is actually very, very well done and quality parts.

If you like the car then get it. I have no experience with the tein flex z but if you’re looking for comfort on crap roads those metal top hats will not be your friend.

It sucks to swap suspension but luckily your 2013 can run 2017 shock/spring combo which is by far the softest suspension For crappy roads. You’ll gain a ton of body roll but it’s the most comfortable option with the most road clearance.

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.

Read up a bit and form your own opinion:

http://www.ft86club.com/forums/showthread.php?t=81829

Correct. The spring rates aren't adjustable -- the wording of my post is misleading. The damper itself is adjustable.

I have the Flex Z's on my car and they do not ride as well as stock. They are firmer, but by no means are they harsh.

Like was said, buy it and try it. If you dont like it you can resell the Flex Z for more then buying someones stock suspension would cost

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.

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

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.

All spring rates are adjustable:

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

I got a set of stock struts and springs for sale

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.

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.

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

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

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 :iono:

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

If you were to take it to a shop to do the swap, then you are correct. I had just assumed it would have been a DIY swap. Alignment would be needed regardless though.

I wonder if the previous owner installed LCA's as well. I think you should just get the car, then if you don't like the Flex Z's, offer to swap them locally for a stock suspension. I'm sure there will be takers.

Just ask your self this question and be truly honest to yourself - Will I actually ever adjust them?
It has been my past experience (including myself) that maybe, on a good, day, being really optimistic, only about one person in ten ever changes the setting on coil overs once they are installed. If you are not looking to adjust or not after that certain track related setting that you can only get by having adjustment then a good set of springs and struts is plenty and they don't require near the maintenance that adjustable do.

This ^
Just make sure that if you are unable to do the job yourself you say the labour is included in the deal and you totally break even.

to be honest no lol, i would only adjust if say i go up to 18's but once i got my wheels and desired ride height that would be it for me aha, it was just trying to keep up with them is my issue as suspension and most car things im still learning about

Going to 18s would not require you to change the suspension height unless you had the wrong size tires on it. The overall diameter of the tire would be the same you just have less sidewall.

just when you think you understand basic knowledge you end up rereading lol :bonk::lol:

I think what you mean is "if I go with wider wheels" because coilovers only give wheel/tire clearance benefits when you go with something wide in the front with higher offsets.

sorry yes thanks, thats more clear with what i wanted to say lol :bonk: