2014 BRZ: TRD Springs with 2017 PP Sachs?
 

First of all, I’m 47 years old. Life long gearhead. Enjoying my 2014 BRZ, manual, 47k miles, blasting around the city with my son.

Got a deal on set of brand new, in the box, unpackaged TRD springs for $100.

Also got a lead on a of full set of Sachs suspension off of a 2017 BRZ with the Performance Package (checked part numbers off the struts and shocks, they are legit PP) with 25k miles on them. The guy wants $200obo, been for sale now for over a month so he’ll probably take less.

I have all the tools to do this, I’ve done it on other cars before.

What do you think of TRD springs with Sachs?

I’m looking for a tad bit more firmness and handling. Would be nice to lower it a bit and get a bit more cornering performance.

Was originally planning on full coil overs (MeisterR or maybe Tein Flex Z) but if I can pull this off for around $200-$250, seems like it’s worth a shot... and set my money aside to buy another newer 86!

Thanks!


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For daily driving and the price you got it for, TRD springs will be the best option. I ran TRD spring on my 2017 with non PP Shocks tho, it did feel stiffer than 2017 oem springs, but was too soft for me after a few trackdays on it, so I went with a more stiffer Swift Spec-R. 1" drop is perfect imho, very functional and livable. I'm on coilovers now and only has 0.6" drop up front and 1" rear. No point of going coilovers for DD unless you want to go super low or need the adjustability for trackdays.

Stay away from adjustable coil overs if you don't need them.

See also this thread.

Personally, I realized that PP Sachs just aren't particularly good, and decided that I'd rather buy a properly tuned in harmonious kit (pulled the trigger on CSG Spec TEIN Flex A today, yay!) instead of trying to combine cheap parts into something that's as good.

This is sound advice to me, considering you’ve already ran both the TRD springs AND coil overs.

I appreciate it!


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Report back to us.

I'm curious how TRD Springs will pair with some of the optional shocks out there.

Some have claimed the combo is too crashy.

Hey OP, I am in a similar boat. I recently purchased the PP Sachs and have been looking into the RCE springs before I install. If its a DD car with occasional spirited canyon driving, I would say for the price and simplicity of the setup, go with the Sachs since you have the TRD springs and get a swaybar and the bushings RCE recommends (Perrin steering lockdown, Whiteline rear subframe bushing inserts, Whiteline rear diff bushing inserts). I personally will probably do this setup until I can purchase some nicer coilovers for the track if I ever buckle down and make time for going.

Hey, reporting back. Unfortunately the set of Sachs didn't pan out but I did the install of the new $100 TRD springs over the weekend.

Looks: better, yes. So far it's going down only a 1/2" and I'm sure it'll settle a little bit more. Going to give it until Wednesday until I think about alignment.

The ride: not much different and I really don't know what some people are saying about the TRD springs being too stiff.

Handling: dont think I can comment until the alignment is done, but so far its really hard to tell.

- - -

Question, hope you guys all see this: I installed SPC Camber Bolts while doing the springs. What should the camber be set at for daily driving?

Would you recommend something like the Bilstein B14 (1-way adjustable, height), or just springs? I'm more worried about dampers leaking (PP Sachs) with lowering springs.

I'm on TRD springs with stock shocks (2019 86) and I run 1.5 camber in front for DD. You'll get about 1.7 natural camber in the back with the drop. For me it was also a matter of getting a flush fitment with my new wheels, but the car feels more planted with a little bit of camber in front.

I've been running this setup for a couple months now and I love it. Not to agressive that it will mess the tires, but a big improvement over stock.

If you can get the level of drop you want just with the springs, why bother with the adjustable suspension?

How long did you wait until you got the alignment done?

I’ll be at 6 days since I installed them as of tomorrow.

So far, it does feel more planted. That I’m certain of. I’m also certain that it is a tad more bumpy but I’m not complaining at all. Very easily “daily drive-able” like this.

And thanks for the answer on the camber!

Max the camber bolts for best front grip, depending on which bolts are installed where you could get over -2 degrees which should be acceptable for tire wear, zero toe up front imo. If that makes you nervous -1.5 or thereabouts is good too. A bit of toe in for the rear is generally recommended, 1/16" total or 0.15 degrees is reasonable.

From what I know, when suspension components are installed, an alignment is done immediately after..