To lower or not to lower....

[Code:Red]

Originally Posted by headlikeahole

I'm going to get blasted by all the coilover fanboys for this but.. If you simply want the car to ride a little lower but maintain its driving characteristics, then your best option is a decent set of springs.

Unless you are VERY in tune with your car's handling (lots of track/autox time) you likely wont have any problem with upgraded springs. Most guys with eibach pro kits or similar set ups will tell you the handling is nearly the same as stock only a bit sharper, the ride is nearly as comfortable and the drop is perfect if youre looking for a "factory" look. RCE yellows are also a good choice however the spring rates dont mimic the stock springs like eibachs do and they will change the handling a little more. I'm sure others can suggest lowering springs that mimic the stock ride as well.

Unless you are a suspension wiz, and you plan to adjust your set up often for different situations, coilovers are not justified or needed. The tuner world tends to hate on lowering springs because on most cars, they're not a good option. However the fr-s being nearly perfect in stock form works well with springs alone. Don't listen to anyone who suggests coilovers, then tells you to get the cheap set that's barely adjustable...*Cough* stupid *cough*

The best part is, its a small investment. Dont like it and you can go back to stock with little loss.

Originally Posted by eSOLOR

I would just get springs with a mild drop (1 inch) and try them out for a few months. That way you can go back to stock if lowered wasn't for you without burning a whole in your wallet. If you wanna go lower/higher and care about all the adjustability then you can invest in coil overs but I think 1 inch is perfect for this car

Thank you both for saying this and in this way. This is stuff I would've liked to have said, too, but you guys took the words right outta my mouth and some. For my purpose, I'll be heading down this route.

[FReSh]

Agreed with many here... Unless you plan on tracking the car a lot and fine tuning it (or want to slam the car), just go for springs. I have to say that adding the pro-kit to my FRS along with 18's and stickier 225's has made it grip a little better in corners and has allowed it to keep that 50/50 balance that you can control with your right foot. The grip increase is almost completely due to the tires, though. The springs really made a minimal difference. They just make it look nicer and reduce a little bit of the (already minimal) body roll. With springs it will ride a touch stiffer though. If the roads you like driving on are generally rough, I would consider staying with stock ride height.

[HD86]

Originally Posted by Yellow13

Sounds like the One American center. I am in there all the time (used to work there also). Any chance I am right? lol

Nope, I would tell you which parking garage it is, but don't quite want to reveal my exact location in Austin

[Yellow13]

Originally Posted by HD86

Nope, I would tell you which parking garage it is, but don't quite want to reveal my exact location in Austin

haha I do understand. I was just taking a wild guess! I do have a few other guesses but I understand not wanting to reveal specifics about your whereabouts on an open forum haha

[humfrz]

Originally Posted by Yellow13

haha I do understand. I was just taking a wild guess! I do have a few other guesses but I understand not wanting to reveal specifics about your whereabouts on an open forum haha

Yep, the Feds are watching ......

humfrz

[ronboogieon]

So is 1 inch drop the lowest you can go without significantly scraping or can you go slightly lower?

[strat61caster]

FYI since it hasn't been posted:

http://www.ft86club.com/forums/showthread.php?t=49511

All the posts in the thread seem to be lowered 2+ inches since you're only doing it for visuals any problems will be much less severe.

[Braces]

Noob question: When lowering the car ... doesn't that change the steering geometry (camber, toe-in/out, alignment) of the car? Just curious.

[Yellow13]

Originally Posted by Braces

Noob question: When lowering the car ... doesn't that change the steering geometry (camber, toe-in/out, alignment) of the car? Just curious.

Yes of course. Remember that when installing new coilovers, you should give it about a day or so to settle before getting it aligned, or else you will just have to get it aligned, again! It also never hurts to buy new controls arms, toe arms, trailing arms, etc. - There are some pretty great aftermarket products that have a wider range of motion then the factory.

I am personally about to buy some RS*R's. I am super psyched. Also going to get some AP Control Arms with it

[nyfries]

Thanks guys. I'm not re evaluating my mod priorities

[Ponwh]

Originally Posted by humfrz

I agree with @HD86 and Drive ...... the suspension is set up pretty darn good from the factory, for average driving.

Why limit where you can drive your car by making it lower ..??

How many people are going to exclaim ..... oh, that car sits awful high .. ??

Or, look at that unsightly wheel gap ... ??

As they carry 2x4s around so they can pull into their own driveway ....

humfrz

If you're worrying about where you can and cant drive your car, why not just get a 4x4 truck, or a vehicle made for off-roading?

I personally think the stock height is still pretty high. Many people like to make their car stanced and show it off at car meets or shows (because it looks super sexy in their eyes). But for obviously it depends on how low you want to go.

[jkr]

Originally Posted by Luis_GT

Lower it! I pulled the trigger on a set of ground control coilovers, which essentially make the OEM struts into coilovers giving you a ride height adjustment between 0 and 1.6" and for half the cost of a set of coil overs.

hmmm ? any more info on this ?

[Luis_GT]

Originally Posted by jkr

hmmm ? any more info on this ?

This thread may help

http://www.ft86club.com/forums/showthread.php?t=26890

[Dwood11]

I went to with the Hotchkis springs and sways. As well as lca's and the front camber bolts. Then I got a really aggressive alignment and could not be happier. The car is much more fun to drive, but it kept the same overall characteristics it had when stock.

Please please do some more research before you make your choice. Buying 800 dollar coilovers and dropping your car 2 inches is not the best decision if you want the car to maintain the balance and feel from the factory. Ya if you are going for looks and handling doesn't matter than by all means. I will eventually go with coilovers but I don't have an extra 3g's sitting around. So for now I can't tell you how happy I am with the cars set up.