TRD springs or DIY lowering?
 

I'm about to place an order for an FR-S, and I want it lowered at least 1". But I'm not sure if I should just order one with the TRD lowered springs installed from the factory, or if I should just order with stock springs, pick up the Eibach pro kit springs, and drop it myself?

If I went with Eibach I'd be installing myself, the work is no big deal to me. But I know I'd also need to replace the shocks and struts as well, and I have no idea how much those would cost on top of the ~$250 for the springs. The TRD springs supposedly work fine with the stock shocks and struts, but cost $640.

So, I'm basically wondering which is less expensive overall: TRD springs or Eibach springs + shocks + struts?

I'm also wondering about difference in ride quality and handling. Would anybody have any idea about how these two spring sets differ in ride quality and handling?

Any advice is appreciated! Thanks!

lots of people are going to tell you to search... but you could get the trd springs for a lot less than 640. type trd lowering springs frs into google and you can find them for 230

The TRD spring are eibachs. TRD springs however come with new hardware. I bought mine for like $200 new and installed them myself.

640 includes installation at the factory i'm sure, I didn't realize you could just buy them separately. That sounds like the way to go. Thanks!

trdsparks.com check there

As for the shocks, the dealership wouldn't replace them just because you got the springs. They are also fine for a 1" drop.

i would skip the springs and get coilovers
i had swift frs spec springs(1 inch drop) with the stock struts and it was a stiff ride, drove with it for a little over a year and recently upgraded to Bilstein B14 coilovers, much better ride and way better dampening and im lower too(about 1.5 inch now)
Bilstein and ST(also good from what ive heard) coilovers can be had for under 1k

I would say swift springs + shocks would be a great upgrade, I'm quite happy with my swift + koni shock combo... but, if you can afford RSR, Ohlins, or RCE Tarmac coilovers, I would go with that.

Swift Spec r are too agressive with the stock shocks... they need koni or bilstein shocks to compensate for the added spring rate, just like the tarmac springs... the OEM shocks are underdamped, and cause a horrible ride.

I bought TRD springs for my brz and installed them myself. Very straight forward to do and they mount right on without having to cut the stock bumpstop (new ones are included) I purchased them from a Toyota dealership in CA for around 200 bucks. Just do a search.

i meant to say i got the "Swift Sport Springs FRS"
they also make "Swift Sport Springs BRZ" and the "Spec R"
the spec r wasnt released yet when i got my springs

The install is not hard. You will need a few tools. I had to go buy an open-ended socket set and a set of t-handle allen wrenches. These are for the top nut on the strut.

I have been 35,000 on my stock struts and eibach prokit. They still feel good. The TRD springs or pro kit are a moderate drop that works well with the stock struts.

Any issues you encountered while on these springs? I hear the ride is not as harsh and tighter turn in.

I've had the TRD springs and swaybars on the car for a few months now, along with Koni sport shocks. The car is planted and rides well. I'm running SCCA CS class so I can't do coilovers and stay stock legal. I will tell you this setup works really well though, and the TRD springs are only a couple hundred and come with all new hardware plus bump stops.

Mark

Are these 4 (a package) or is it 1 and I need to order 4 of them????????

[ame="http://www.amazon.com/Genuine-Scion-Accessories-PTR11-21100-Lowering/dp/B007FHEJC6/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1443330318&sr=8-1&keywords=TRD+springs"]Amazon.com: Genuine Scion Accessories PTR11-21100 TRD Lowering Spring: Automotive[/ame]