Another annoying what spring to buy question

[jkr]

Originally Posted by GT 86 Brah

i would probably go for a 1 inch drop if you dont want to ruin the oversteer.

this is how my car sits now

where did you get that front lip (though it's not a front lip... the side things on the lip....)

[vtmike]

Originally Posted by shawnperolis

I keep hearing awesome things about them as well... But I really want a bigger drop and if I can get a comparable spring that goes a bit lower I'd prefer that. The stock wheel gap on these cars is ridiculous, looks like a truck.

I believe the drop on the pro kit doesn't end up being the full 1" something like 0.8". So the difference in drop between the rce and pro kit is pretty much the same. Something to keep in mind.

I've read somewhere 20mm drop is ideal for this car from a handling prospective. The ohlin coilovers suggest a 15mm drop and they are one of if not the best suspension company around.

Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk HD

[AVM Jay]

I've modded plenty of cars as well as worked with customer on theirs. So hope my 2 cent helps and worth the weight. No guessing or Googled opinion on my part.

Lowering springs + struts is the cost effective way to lower the car, but you can't adjust the ride height. That's only achieved by going with different brands, so Eibach may drop your front 1.4", while H&R might drop 1" in the front only. Another point is that once you find the right drop, the spring might not offer the rate you want, so it will either ride too stiff or soft. It is also a bad idea to change out only the springs and not the shocks, as you put more stress on the OEM shocks, therefore, cutting their lifespan. I'm not saying the OEM shocks suck, but just don't be surprised when they are blown. One last note on the springs, once installed, some brand WILL have a settling period where they'll drop just a bit more.

Coilovers - Usually cost more, unless you go with those unbranded Ebay specials. This is the best way to go if planning for the 'slammed' look, or might be looking to change wheel size in the future. Besides adjustable ride height to preference, most premium brands also offer "dampening" adjustment. Meaning it allows you to adjust how hard/soft the car rebounds. I saw a comment above that coils are more 'bouncy'? Em... no.
Some coils-overs even allow you to change out the springs for further customization on rates. Another perk is that the spring seats on the coil-over are smaller(so far on the brands I've sold or used), so you could go with wider tires and not worry about rubbing when turning. While lowering struts tend to have a bigger spring seat (the part of strut that flares out, where the spring sits on).

Worst thing you can do is cut OEM springs. >_<

[CaptainSlow]

RCE Yellows. Not too expensive, good reviews, stock-like ride quality, and a good drop (0.75")

[shawnperolis]

Originally Posted by AVM Jay

I've modded plenty of cars as well as worked with customer on theirs. So hope my 2 cent helps and worth the weight. No guessing or Googled opinion on my part.

Lowering springs + struts is the cost effective way to lower the car, but you can't adjust the ride height. That's only achieved by going with different brands, so Eibach may drop your front 1.4", while H&R might drop 1" in the front only. Another point is that once you find the right drop, the spring might not offer the rate you want, so it will either ride too stiff or soft. It is also a bad idea to change out only the springs and not the shocks, as you put more stress on the OEM shocks, therefore, cutting their lifespan. I'm not saying the OEM shocks suck, but just don't be surprised when they are blown. One last note on the springs, once installed, some brand WILL have a settling period where they'll drop just a bit more.

Coilovers - Usually cost more, unless you go with those unbranded Ebay specials. This is the best way to go if planning for the 'slammed' look, or might be looking to change wheel size in the future. Besides adjustable ride height to preference, most premium brands also offer "dampening" adjustment. Meaning it allows you to adjust how hard/soft the car rebounds. I saw a comment above that coils are more 'bouncy'? Em... no.
Some coils-overs even allow you to change out the springs for further customization on rates. Another perk is that the spring seats on the coil-over are smaller(so far on the brands I've sold or used), so you could go with wider tires and not worry about rubbing when turning. While lowering struts tend to have a bigger spring seat (the part of strut that flares out, where the spring sits on).

Worst thing you can do is cut OEM springs. >_<

haha yes, I know how springs and coils work... I was more asking if anyone knew mechanically if the FRS can handle the 1.4" drop. I like the rates of the Eibach Sportline springs and I think that amount of drop is perfect for aesthetics, but I don't want to negatively impact handling in any way. I plan on getting Koni shocks after my OEM ones blow.

[euroshowoff]

i've had a lot of setups on previous cars from h&r coils, eibach pro-street coils, to a spring/shock combo with bilsteins. Best suspension came from a set of springs matched with bilstein shocks. I never once touched my coils after the initial ride height was set so it was a total waste.

That being said, i'm looking into the eibach pro-kit or H-Sport springs for now...then later koni yellows, or bilsteins if they get made...

[shawnperolis]

Originally Posted by euroshowoff

i've had a lot of setups on previous cars from h&r coils, eibach pro-street coils, to a spring/shock combo with bilsteins. Best suspension came from a set of springs matched with bilstein shocks. I never once touched my coils after the initial ride height was set so it was a total waste.

That being said, i'm looking into the eibach pro-kit or H-Sport springs for now...then later koni yellows, or bilsteins if they get made...

Thanks! I don't need the adjustability, I just want my car to be as low as possible with the best handling as possible, with handling being the most important factor. I figure once I put the springs on my stock shocks will last me at least 20-30k miles, so it would be pretty wasteful to replace them right away considering they only has 4k miles on them right now.

[ftc~brz]

I bought my wheels off of a shop car and the pro kit was thrown into the deal since he had it set up for those wheels and it was just easier to do it all together. (I heart sweet deals)
I can say that the ride with these springs and stock shocks is less jarring than the oem set up. Even the one person I stuff in the back said she could notice the difference in the ride and she likes it better now. It's still tight and responsive and didn't change the handling as far as I can tell and I dd it. I did hate the lifted jeep look of the stock tires and well gap.

I will probably switch to coilovers in the future but for now the price was right, I achieved the look I wanted sooner than I had planned, and I can save for other mods iso just coilovers.

[naikaidriver]

Originally Posted by 636

Just get coilovers, springs are pointless imo.

After seeing how you improperly installed your coilovers I don't think you are qualified to be making this statement.
http://www.ft86club.com/forums/showp...98&postcount=7

Scott

[naikaidriver]

Originally Posted by shawnperolis

Thanks! I don't need the adjustability, I just want my car to be as low as possible with the best handling as possible, with handling being the most important factor. I figure once I put the springs on my stock shocks will last me at least 20-30k miles, so it would be pretty wasteful to replace them right away considering they only has 4k miles on them right now.

Shawn,
I keep a pretty good tab on the suspension section and follow very closely many of the conversations regarding this. Between other's experience here and my own experience with my own cars, I wouldn't recommend using springs only for the amount of drop you are looking for. The stock struts just weren't designed to work in that ride height range.

If you were bent on using springs I would recommend the RCE's with a set of Koni struts. I don't think you will get all of the drop you are looking for but you won't be compromising your car's safety, ride quality, or longevity of your suspension components.

Honestly though, if 1.4 inches is what you TRULY want, you're just going to have to bite the bullet for the coilovers. DO NOT CUT YOUR SPRINGS!!

If you only do an occasional autocross and are not a serious track racer, I would recommend the Buddy Club Racing Spec coilovers. They can be found for around $1300 all around the web.

Scott

[636]

Originally Posted by naikaidriver

After seeing how you improperly installed your coilovers I don't think you are qualified to be making this statement.
http://www.ft86club.com/forums/showp...98&postcount=7

Scott

Rookie mistake. Everyone's endlinks knock until they realize it.

They be baller as fuck nao, so it aint no thang i got money idgaf ye.

Oh yeah, how are your coilovers doing?

[naikaidriver]

Originally Posted by 636

Rookie mistake. Everyone's endlinks knock until they realize it.

They be baller as fuck nao, so it aint no thang i got money idgaf ye.

Oh yeah, how are your coilovers doing?

I'm just busting your chops like I would with any "rookie"!

At least you posted your mistake like a BOSS where most would have hidden it!

Bravo!

Scott

[raul]

Originally Posted by 636

Just get coilovers, springs are pointless imo.

A good set of springs, if he replaces shocks, can be better than a set of coilovers. I'll take a set of RCE Yellows, Swifts, Eibachs and Konis over things like BC, Stance, K-Sport, Megan or any sub $1500 coilover.

[fender9530]

Why not Swift springs? I believe they're lower than RCE but not too low.

+1 for RCE though since I just installed mine.