Lowering as a daily & sometimes spirited driver
 

We can agree that there are different options for lowering the vehicle while simultaneously gaining improved handling a nice stance and look, whether minor or major. For my daily driver (some spirited driving) I am looking for minor improvement in handling and a nicer overall look to the car.

Tires are spoken for - we can all agree new tires = a must for improved handling. To avoid stating the obvious lets ignore tires for this thread please.

I need some insight so that I don't compromise the handling integrity of the car with doing some premature noob stunt.

I am not planning to track or auto cross - so is it justified to spend the money on a decent set of coil overs if I am only trying to achieve a nice look and minor improved handling?

Tires used = Bridgestone Potenza S-04 - 215/45R17

option 1) Stock struts + eibach pro springs (1 inch drop) + eibach 20mm spacers all around

option 2) Koni struts + eibach pro springs (1 inch drop) + eibach 20mm spacers all around

option 3) Or just get some Tein Basis or Megan Racing EZ coil overs?

Questions I have,

1) If I were to go with Options 1 or 2, does that mean I should also get aftermarket front suspension top hats to counter the caster/camber?

2) Is option 1 viable as it stands?

3) What are the best value coil overs for around $1k or less?

4) Which option to go with given the context?

thanks.

I do the exact same driving you do and I went the coilover route. At first I had RCE yellow springs which were fine, but they did not give me the drop I wanted. I ended up with the RCE Tarmac 0 coilovers and I love them and will recommend them to anyone who does daily driving. However they are out of your budget of $1k.

You are going to get the typical "anything below xxxx amount of dollars is a waste of money on coilovers" and 10 different replies about how different setups perform on a track because people simply will not read your statement.

I would either do option 2 or 3. For budget coilovers, BC Racing and Fortune Auto 500's have worked for a lot of people and seem to be good quality at that price point. I would stay away from the Megans. Do not cheap out on your suspension and a few extra dollars on it will greatly benefit you, remember you have to deal with it everyday especially if you are DD'ing.

Thanks for the response man and for actually reading my statement lol. I am not too knowledgeable when it comes to brands, etc. but I will keep BC and Fortune in mind - or if I hold out long enough perhaps the RCE Tarmacs. I really don't mind going with Option 1 or 2, I prefer option 1 - I just want to make sure I'm not reaching for it, if that makes sense

If you're doing a drop over 3/4 inch, you should get struts. I love my RCE Yellows. It's my daily and my fun car. Ride comfort feels stock, gets rid of the tire gap, and improves handling. They're the best springs you could get, IMO.

Also, I wouldn't do coilovers if you can only pay $1k. There aren't that many good options. Your best bet is springs and struts.

Are the Koni + Eibach pro springs a good combo? - what about the need for top hats, can I stick with my stock ones? and are 20mm spacers all around safe even in relatively harder cornering?

I would definitely do some Konis, but maybe look into the RCE Tarmac springs. They lower the car more than their Yellows do. I do know plenty of people that are happy with Eibach though.

http://www.ft86club.com/forums/showthread.php?t=27873

This link might help for the spacer questions. I'm not so sure about the top hats. I know that with my Yellows on stock struts, I just have the stock top hats.

BC Racing Coils are probably your best bet. Just under $1k and that's the route I'll be taking in the spring.
I was going to get TRD springs, but the amount of hassle that comes from it, like not being able to put wider wheels up front, too much camber, getting camber kits, possible stock strut failure, LCAs, I just decided coil overs was a better option.

Just checked out page 3 on your build thread - your drop is basically what I am going for which is essentially similar to the eibachs. It looks really good! If I could have it with that modest drop and the wheels an inch wider it would be perfect

I am assuming the BR regualrs and not the extreme low? Why don't the BC's say which height adjustments there are? They don't give any numbers...

I can't believe nobody's said it yet. The perfect solution to your dilemma is nothing you proposed, but instead is KW's ST coilovers. They provide up to a 2inch drop, and will provide the smoothest ride for a daily driver. Plus at $850 a set, it seems to me a no brainer.

Eibachs springs aren't the greatest, and neither are the Tein or Megan's coilover. In the sub $1000 category for greater than a 1 inch drop, the only good options are ST and BC coilovers. The BC are good for dropping the car and the track, but will be a firmer/harsher ride than stock.

Disclaimer: I'm on fortune auto 500's.

Talk to the guys @FT-86 SpeedFactory and they'll get you setup right.

http://ft86speedfactory.com/st-suspe...r-kit-960.html

Don't cheap out on coilovers, you'll make the car handle worse for the most part. To handle well (street and track) you need good dampening for the spring rates you're running. Most cheap coilovers don't have good valving and dampening, and won't work well in either situation.

If you want to be low, any coilover will get you there. If you want ~1" drop and the best performance for under $1k total), look at RCE Yellows or Swift springs, and Koni Yellows (not needed, but will work better than stock with any spring).

I kind of wish I went with a Pro-Kit instead of Sportlines. From what I've read you don't really need to upgrade your shocks if going with a Pro-Kit. My problem with the Pro-Kit is that some pictures they look great, and then other pics I see you can't even tell the car is dropped. I think it all depends on the tire you use.

I think there have only been a few applications where the stock shocks had issues, otherwise its a pretty nice ride/setup from what I understand.