Question of mod order

[spookyz]

Hey all,

I'm pretty new to the modding scene and I'm trying to gather as much information as I can. But I have a quick question for the more experienced.

I have pretty much a stock 2014 BRZ and once I'm out of my break-in period I am looking to sit it down about ~1" and slap some new wheels and tires (looking at 57xtremes 18x8.5 all around) on her. My question to you fine folk is I'm looking at the ST / Bilstein B16 / or KW v1s or perhaps RCE Yellows + Koni Yellows. But, my question is less which one to get (I've been reading those discussion in other threads) and more which one to do first.

Is there any reason to get the coils first on the stock wheels/tires and let them settle in? Or is it advisable to do both (Rims+Tires and Suspension) at the same time? Or does it really not matter in the long run?

Last thing, this is for a daily driver, so I'd really think I only need a set it and forget it type suspension setup as I think anything more than that is unnecessarily complex/expensive; but I don't mind paying a bit more for quality.

I'd be very interested to hear your input.

[FR-S Matt]

I did my wheels/tires first then did coilovers. I really don't think it matters honestly. Most importantly is making sure your wheels clear your spring perches on the coilovers, which in most cases it does.

That's why I got the Tarmac 0's for my DD. Set the height, forget it and drive! Gave me a good 4 inches of clearance on my 18X9.5's +38 offset.

[spookyz]

Originally Posted by FR-S Matt

I did my wheels/tires first then did coilovers. I really don't think it matters honestly. Most importantly is making sure your wheels clear your spring perches on the coilovers, which in most cases it does.

That's why I got the Tarmac 0's for my DD. Set the height, forget it and drive! Gave me a good 4 inches of clearance on my 18X9.5's +38 offset.

Thanks for the info.

For a DD, would the ST / Bilstein coilovers be good choices where ride quality (just don't want anything TOO harsh), durability, reliability are my main focuses while being able to maintain a 1"-1.5" drop and clearance for most modest wheel setups? Or is there a better direction to go?

Also, I'm a bit lost on how negatively the camber is affected by the above mentioned coilover options. Will I need to worry about camber adjustments with either of those sets at a 1"-1.5" drop? Or will they be fine installed without any camber adjusting plates?

Thanks a lot.

[FR-S Matt]

Originally Posted by spookyz

Thanks for the info.

For a DD, would the ST / Bilstein coilovers be good choices where ride quality (just don't want anything TOO harsh), durability, reliability are my main focuses while being able to maintain a 1"-1.5" drop and clearance for most modest wheel setups? Or is there a better direction to go?

Also, I'm a bit lost on how negatively the camber is affected by the above mentioned coilover options. Will I need to worry about camber adjustments with either of those sets at a 1"-1.5" drop? Or will they be fine installed without any camber adjusting plates?

Thanks a lot.

Bilstein B14's are my other choice. Great price, reliable too. Nice drop but nothing slammed. Ride quality should feel real nice.

[suaveflooder]

Why not get the springs for now and wheels, then swap to the Koni's if/when your stock suspension is done? I've been driving on my eibach pros for a year with no issues. I don't think I'm going to have any issues with them blowing, but if they do, I'll upgrade then.

[spookyz]

Originally Posted by suaveflooder

Why not get the springs for now and wheels, then swap to the Koni's if/when your stock suspension is done? I've been driving on my eibach pros for a year with no issues. I don't think I'm going to have any issues with them blowing, but if they do, I'll upgrade then.

Ya, I think I may be over complicating it a bit with coilovers, I just have always had a "do it right first" sort of mentality when it comes to cars (especially given it's my DD). Though, I'm not even sure coilovers are that much of a better bet given I don't really plan on pushing the car that much at all.

I really am still a bit confused when it comes to any camber adjustment issues. Can you just drop springs and/or coilovers in and remount the tires and everything will be fine?

[bkblitzed]

a good set of springs and strut combo will always beat crappy coilovers. I just have swift springs and i autox and track my car.

[spookyz]

Originally Posted by bkblitzed

a good set of springs and strut combo will always beat crappy coilovers. I just have swift springs and i autox and track my car.

On stock struts?

[bkblitzed]

Originally Posted by spookyz

On stock struts?

yup

[spookyz]

Originally Posted by bkblitzed

yup

Great, thanks for the info.


I imagine they're these? Would you recommend this for a daily driver?

[bkblitzed]

yea i just got the frs version since i have an frs. I DD my car, but people say it's a little stiff, and a little bumpy, but im use to it from my other car. Also my car is about an inch and a half to almost 2 inches lowered i think. I know im lower than my friend and he's on eibach springs

[spookyz]

Originally Posted by bkblitzed

yea i just got the frs version since i have an frs. I DD my car, but people say it's a little stiff, and a little bumpy, but im use to it from my other car. Also my car is about an inch and a half to almost 2 inches lowered i think. I know im lower than my friend and he's on eibach springs

I don't mind a little bit stiffer than the stock ride. Curiously though, those Swift springs linked are quoting an inch drop, are you saying it is more than that in reality? Or did you do any further mods that put you lower?

Thanks again for your help.

[bkblitzed]

Originally Posted by spookyz

I don't mind a little bit stiffer than the stock ride. Curiously though, those Swift springs linked are quoting an inch drop, are you saying it is more than that in reality? Or did you do any further mods that put you lower?

Thanks again for your help.

nope no other mod. At first it was an inch drop, but after time i guess it got broken in more and sat a little bit lower haha.

[spookyz]

Originally Posted by bkblitzed

nope no other mod. At first it was an inch drop, but after time i guess it got broken in more and sat a little bit lower haha.

Woah, pretty crazy going to double where they're quoted!