"I just want to lower my car"
 

with so many threads about proper setup, pros and cons of changing existing setup (stock height, and tires and such). I'm quite hesitant on proceeding to change my car's current setup. I'm only using the car for daily driving and never do any tracks ( well, maybe someday but for now- its primarily used for daily driving). Its so easy to get carried away with so many choices for lowering the car- springs, struts, and coilovers. from the budget minded to anyone with the money to splurge.
I'm looking for advice on a setup that would lower my car- maybe an inch or so that would not break the bank- range of $900- $1200. whether it would be coilovers, springs or strut. got scared away with so many threads about cheap units that are made from china or taiwan that I've held of ordering till I hear from current user's of their setup.
there was a thread also that if you lower your car- it is advised to change tires that has more grip. ( i will be changing tires and wheel setup to 18 x 8.5 for the front and 18 x 9.5 rears).

advance thanks for the help guys and gals:happy0180::thanks:

1" drop with Eibach Pro-Kit w/ stock dampers. ~0.8" drop RCE yellow springs w/ stock dampers. About $250 for spring hardware.

Seems like the only available aftermarket dampers are the Koni yellow inserts at the moment. About $600 for four inserts. Need to cut/modify front OEM struts to make things work.

Cheap coilovers start at about $1000 and you basically get what you pay for. More expensive coilovers options go up to $3000 and beyond.

There's additional stuff that should/needs to be done with camber/alignment that will cost more money if you want to do things right.

I'm in a similar situation as you, but i already have my new wheels on. I also have my springs and Konis ready to be installed. Too bad the car looks so much cooler with the 1-2" drop, right?

Same boat here too. This car comes in to its own when lowered down on some plus one wheels.

I though will go the expensive coilover route. I learned from previous cars that you truly get what you pay for. The coilovers will be tuned to the spring rate and car versus piecing together off the shelf parts. True it is possible to accomplish the same and still get a good ride with the later but I want to do it once and that is it.

Once my wheels come in and get the tires I will start to piece together my suspension. The route I am thinking now is Ohlins coilovers with SPC rear lower control arms and toe arms. It might be overboard but I should be happy with the quality and ride.

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I went the RCE Yellow route since I wanted stiffer springs more than the looks. However, it lowered it just enough to fill the wheel well more and it does look much better I have to say. They're pretty cheap compared to coil overs so worth checking out - as long as its low enough for you.

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I'm running the Tein Flex and they have been great on the street as well as the track. A nice used set could be nice. Why dont you look in the classified section?

The only thing I have against springs is that you can never seem to get the drop to the perfect height like you can with coils. Just my 2cents


Jade86 has posted up a set and is in Cali as well. Seems like legit?
http://www.ft86club.com/forums/showthread.php?t=19941

I'm very happy with my RCE Yellows. I'd say it's closer to a 3/4 inch lower, and they feel stock on the highway. It didn't stiffen the ride too much and they look great. Plus, they come with replacement bumpstops to prevent premature wear on the struts.

Another vote here for the RCE Yellows. My FR-S is my daily driver, I have had mine for about 4500 miles and I love the way it feels and the drop is subtle but still gets rid of the unsightly wheel gap. (I plan on sticking with 17's when I get funds for wheels). I just went with the springs, I almost shelled out for the Koni yellows but figured RCE designed their springs to work with the OEM shocks that I will keep them for now.

Mach V spring are perfect for the look and i love it, very confortable for DD also. Check my review on this forum for more details.

H&R springs or Hotchkis I'd go with

without any first hand experience, i can say that at least the people over at rce have at least done their homework. thats more than i can say about a couple of other options.

also, its pretty cool for a person to come to the forum with a more reasonable and realistic expectation of what they plan to do with the car.

RCE seems legit they have been open and honest with the members and have many satisfied customers,

You can also Go with the STI Spring option that offers a similar amount of low, 15mm is quoted (15/25.4=.5905) or about .6"

If you go coilovers, do not cheapen out. Keep in mind if you go this route have it pro installed unless you know what you're doing. Have a pro set it up for you according to your desire (longevity or for track use). Then check your setup ever so often as pothole and hard bumps can throw off your settings.

But if you are going to dd it, i suggest just lowering springs. Cost effective and not heavy on maintenance.


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I would wait for Bilsteins stuff, I work next to their motorsports division and I hear rumors of their stuff coming in the coming months.

thanks so much guys for the input. from what i gather , the consensus is - for DD, springs is enough to achieve the drop I'm aiming for without breaking the bank. for the record- i was initially going to go with stance coilovers but decided to wait for you guy's input on this. i guess , if i had my choice with coilovers- only kw3 or tein are my preferred choices.
now comes the hard part- which springs should i get? dang , so many choices again............................................. ............:iono: