coils or lowering springs?

[Grey86]

i know there is a bunch of topics about this but the thing is i love how the stock suspension feels, i would just like it lowered.
This is where im stuck at

I know coils are better overall but i want the stock feel.
what do you all suggest ?
Cost isnt a problem (as long its not like 1.5K or something) just dont want to buy coils and have it feel wack.

[N1rve]

Originally Posted by Grey86

i know there is a bunch of topics about this but the thing is i love how the stock suspension feels, i would just like it lowered.
This is where im stuck at

I know coils are better overall but i want the stock feel.
what do you all suggest ?
Cost isnt a problem (as long its not like 1.5K or something) just dont want to buy coils and have it feel wack.

If it's just appearance, just get springs -- remember that your stock wheels will look sunken in.

If you are ever going to get any wider wheels or anything like that, just go straight for coilovers.

[FirstWinter]

Coilovers

[BlueWhelan]

Hold the phone, coilovers aren't necessarily better. What are you using the car for? Daily driver? Track? Mix?

If you just want it lower while maintaining the stock feel and not being too firm or crashy, there are a lot of people here who swear by the RCE yellows. Those lower about 20mm, but will be a bit firmer. You could go with STi pink springs for a more mild drop with supposedly more comfort. You could mate either of those with PP dampers or maybe even Bilsteins if they indeed are finally starting to get their S*** together.

[Leonardo]

It depends on what you get, supporting mods, and your alignment. But, IMO, springs are Great for DD. Since installing coils on my FR-S; I tend to DD my truck. And now my car gets driven on weekends. Coils are a compromise.

9" wheels fit perfectly with springs. Provided they have the right offset.

[Grey86]

Originally Posted by BlueWhelan

Hold the phone, coilovers aren't necessarily better. What are you using the car for? Daily driver? Track? Mix?

If you just want it lower while maintaining the stock feel and not being too firm or crashy, there are a lot of people here who swear by the RCE yellows. Those lower about 20mm, but will be a bit firmer. You could go with STi pink springs for a more mild drop with supposedly more comfort. You could mate either of those with PP dampers or maybe even Bilsteins if they indeed are finally starting to get their S*** together.

its a daily driver, i just want it mainly for looks ive already got spacers coming for stock wheels, maybe in a few years go aftermarket wheels but i dont mind the oem rims just need them to poke out a little more to get the flush lower look

[Grey86]

Originally Posted by N1rve

If it's just appearance, just get springs -- remember that your stock wheels will look sunken in.

If you are ever going to get any wider wheels or anything like that, just go straight for coilovers.

its for looks mainly but ive got spacers coming for the stock rims
im not in a rush to get aftermarket rims till much later

[Grey86]

Originally Posted by Leonardo

It depends on what you get, supporting mods, and your alignment. But, IMO, springs are Great for DD. Since installing coils on my FR-S; I tend to DD my truck. And now my car gets driven on weekends. Coils are a compromise.

9" wheels fit perfectly with springs. Provided they have the right offset.

thats what i was worried about with coils that i wont like how they feel and would hate to drive the car,its a fun little go kart right now i dont want to take away that enjoyment

[jflogerzi]

Springs for sure. Lots of good options. Don't got for anything more then a 1 inch drop. My 2 favorite sets are eibach pros and rce yellows.

Sent from my ONEPLUS A5010 using Tapatalk

[86MLR]

You need to choose carefully when dropping a bit.

It's as easy as ensuring you get the right spring rate and valving on your dampeners for what you use your car for.

My current setup (MCA street performance, 6kg F, 4.5kg R) is as compliant as OEM at low speeds, but so much better than OEM at speed, my ride height is 350mm front to rear, handling improvement from OEM is chalk and cheese ( It was the Sachs PP).

IMO, springs only are a compromise, there is more to getting a 20mm drop than just shorter springs on OEM dampeners.

Be aware that most coilovers manufactures don't have alot of options, most, for DD are way over sprung and poorly valved, maybe good for track or areas that have only dead flat roads, but throw in some bumps mid corner, or even on the straights, it will really upset the car.

In the end the only sticking point is your budget.

Me, I would rather speed more and get a complete package, designed to work together, for my vehicle, my set up and use.

Mine only cost 2kAUD, you should be able to get some good coils for around your budget.

I would speak to your local suspension shops that do custom springs and valving.

This linky is to a joint in QLD to that has done alot of R&D with the 86, and has been building suspension and racing for generations, have a look at the options and characteristics of the different choices available.

For reference only >
https://mcasuspension.com

Happy hunting

Support your local suppliers

[Grey86]

Originally Posted by 86MLR

You need to choose carefully when dropping a bit.

It's as easy as ensuring you get the right spring rate and valving on your dampeners for what you use your car for.

My current setup (MCA street performance, 6kg F, 4.5kg R) is as compliant as OEM at low speeds, but so much better than OEM at speed, my ride height is 350mm front to rear, handling improvement from OEM is chalk and cheese ( It was the Sachs PP).

IMO, springs only are a compromise, there is more to getting a 20mm drop than just shorter springs on OEM dampeners.

Be aware that most coilovers manufactures don't have alot of options, most, for DD are way over sprung and poorly valved, maybe good for track or areas that have only dead flat roads, but throw in some bumps mid corner, or even on the straights, it will really upset the car.

In the end the only sticking point is your budget.

Me, I would rather speed more and get a complete package, designed to work together, for my vehicle, my set up and use.

Mine only cost 2kAUD, you should be able to get some good coils for around your budget.

I would speak to your local suspension shops that do custom springs and valving.

This linky is to a joint in QLD to that has done alot of R&D with the 86, and has been building suspension and racing for generations, have a look at the options and characteristics of the different choices available.

For reference only >
https://mcasuspension.com

Happy hunting

Support your local suppliers

thanks for the info and the link i honestly dont know what would work best for the 86, cause like you said some can be way to sprung or or poorly valved. I dont want to fork out 2-3k for a set of coils and end up hating the things unlike $550 for lowering springs.

as for local suspension shop XD in im the middle of woop woop.

[86MLR]

Good info, shows the shop.

There are a few others but you get the drift........

Remember, it's your suspension keeping your tyres in contact with the road.

I think of the safety aspects IRT handling characteristics.

Would you trust a $600 helmet more than a $100 helmet, that's how I view suspension.

[N1rve]

Originally Posted by Grey86

its for looks mainly but ive got spacers coming for the stock rims
im not in a rush to get aftermarket rims till much later

If you plan to get aftermarket rims -- consider this, are you going to get wheels that require coilovers with the smaller spring perch? If you do -- then I would go for coilovers (Tein Flex Z / A).

Also -- consider the mileage on your existing suspension. Are you around 50-60k miles? Might as well overhaul your suspension. If you're like 10k-20k miles then I would just get springs since dampers are still good.

[JIM THEO]

Originally Posted by Grey86

i know there is a bunch of topics about this but the thing is i love how the stock suspension feels, i would just like it lowered.
This is where im stuck at

I know coils are better overall but i want the stock feel.
what do you all suggest ?
Cost isnt a problem (as long its not like 1.5K or something) just dont want to buy coils and have it feel wack.

These were my choice but finally decided to go the Ohlins route for other reasons (I buy at wholesale price).
Showa OEM comfort, reliable as the factory suspension and reasonable cost, their only downside is the lack of adjustability but this could be advantage in some cases:
http://showa-tuning.com/evolution.html