Hotchkis vs. Eibach Pro Kit

[Mr.Impreza]

Hey, I'm looking to drop my cars by 1".

I've been inside a car with Eibach sportlines and the drop is nice but a little too stuff for me so I wanted to go with the 1" drop since it's not as harsh I'm assuming,

Anyways, I'm looking for a 1 inch drop with a close to oem drive feel.

What would be better? Hotchkis or Eibach pro kits?

I've searched many threads, but still a little confused on which is actually more comfortable for daily and both seem like quality springs.

From what I'm assuming, Hotchkis is more comfortable and I'm basing this on the spring rates.

Stock FRS is 2.3 in front and 3.8 in rear
Hotchkis is 3.3 and 4.7
ebiach is 3.6 and 4.9

[ryoma]

I don't think there is that much of a difference between the Hotchkis and Eibach. just go with whatever fits your budget

[Mr.Impreza]

Thanks, yeah that's why I'm sensing also, the Hotchiks are currently $100 cheaper too.

[jawn]

Originally Posted by Mr.Impreza

Thanks, yeah that's why I'm sensing also, the Hotchiks are currently $100 cheaper too.

The Eibachs come with new bump stops. With as bump stop active as these cars are, I'd only do springs if they came with new bump stops. You can trim the factory ones, but I'd rather get new bump stops to match the new springs. As far as I know, only the Eibachs, TRDs, and Racecomp Engineering springs come with bump stops. Unsurprisingly, they're all manufactured by Eibach. There's extremely little bump travel on these cars before you're into the bump stop.

[Mr.Impreza]

Originally Posted by jawn

The Eibachs come with new bump stops. With as bump stop active as these cars are, I'd only do springs if they came with new bump stops. You can trim the factory ones, but I'd rather get new bump stops to match the new springs. As far as I know, only the Eibachs, TRDs, and Racecomp Engineering springs come with bump stops. Unsurprisingly, they're all manufactured by Eibach. There's extremely little bump travel on these cars before you're into the bump stop.

Would RCE yellow be on par with being comfortable?

Or are they more harsh than the 2 sets here?

[jawn]

Originally Posted by Mr.Impreza

Would RCE yellow be on par with being comfortable?

Or are they more harsh than the 2 sets here?

To me, these cars are only really uncomfortable when the suspension completely bottoms out. Just keep the drop minimal, and pick the rates for your driving style and budget.

[ryoma]

I would recommend the RCE yellow's from a performance standpoint, but since it has a higher spring rate than the original FRS/BRZ springs it would probably ride slightly harsher. however, on my BRZ, I already feel that the stock suspension is already pretty firm when going over bumps so there probably won't be much difference after switching to the RCE yellow's. I am not sure if it is the same for the FRS though.

[twag4]

I have the Eibach pro plus kit. In december when I bought it, it could be had for less than $400 shipped. The hotchkis tvs was over $500. That is why I went with Eibach. I love it. it is a little more firm riding than before, but it looks good and handles very well. The pro plus kit includes sway bars too, so I honestly don't know what just springs would have done. It would probably be less harsh. We have nice roads in the south, no winter destruction. I find the ride still pretty nice on the Eibach, the northern roads might be a different experience. The people who talk about harsh ride on the stock suspension crack me up. This car rides nice to me, but I like a firm ride. I honestly think all three are good choices though. If the RCE springs are made by Eibach, I'd bet they are made to RCE specifications and not Eibach. I'm sure they are different somehow. The Eibach springs are variable rate. The only place I have hit the bumpstops that I know of is a particular railroad crossing I take on a daily basis. If I go too fast the rears will bottom. And they do come with different bumpstops.

[twag4]

Also:
http://www.ft86club.com/forums/showthread.php?t=97048