'17 Toyota 86 - 1st suspension purchase

[sam.eightsix]

Hey all,
Having trouble deciding between 3 different coilovers and have a few questions. Usage is for my daily, wanting to lower it about 1.2 inches.
Located in BC, Canada, so I buy pretty much all of my parts from ft86motorsports - to save duties/customs - and there's a promo running that puts all of my top options in the same price category:

1. BC Racing BR Coilovers $1,261.49 (https://www.ft86motorsports.com/prom...-brz-6019.html)
2. Megan Racing Street Series Coilovers $1,208.99 (https://www.ft86motorsports.com/susp...-fr-s-brz.html)
3. Tein Flex A Coilover System wqith Hydraulic Bump Stop $1,298.99 (https://www.ft86motorsports.com/susp...-fr-s-brz.html)

So my questions are:
1. Is it felt unanimously that any one of these is superior? Can anyone note a serious drawback about any one of them?
2. The BC racing have +$200 option to add aluminum damper bodies - why would I want to do this? is it just weight reduction?
3. I won't be tracking the car yet, but friends have been teaching me how to drift a little (as safely as possible on empty rural backroads) so I'd like to know if one stands out for performance - I've read poor things about TEIN for performance, and then read poor things for BC on quality.
4. It is my understanding that rear lower control arms and rear toe arms are a must at the same time - can anyone weigh in? And is there anything else I'd be missing?

Thanks all for your time, thoughts, and advice!

[strat61caster]

1. No and not really
2. Heat transfer, but most use coated steel for cost and longevity
3. ymmv
4. Factory toe arms are sufficient unless you want to stance the car. Spc camber arms will help keep rear alignment even and allow you to adjust camber properly. Some people get lucky and their car is even and lands where they want with factory parts but they are cheap parts to get it right on the first alignment.

[wparsons]

None of those are great options. What are your priorities with the car? Just having it low? Good ride quality?

[Westen86]

Apexi EXV
Fortune Auto 500
Tein Flex A

BC and Megan can go rust on a civic.

[ZDan]

Originally Posted by sam.eightsix

4. It is my understanding that rear lower control arms and rear toe arms are a must at the same time - can anyone weigh in? And is there anything else I'd be missing?

IMO you do not need either rear LCAs or toe arms. Ive been streeting and tracking on the stock ones for 4 years at -1.25" ride height on Swift lowering springs (w/ Bilsteins), 40 track days and approaching 60k street miles.

[Poogchomp]

1. If I was forced to pick one from your list I'd go with the teins. BC and Megan are, no.

2. Weight reduction, heat transfer, and corrosion resistance.

3. You might be happy with the teins, or you might be better off saving for something better for future track use. As someone previously stated, your mileage may vary.

4. Toe arms not necessary unless you go crazy with negative camber. Rear lca will be necessary if you want the adjustability. Spec rear lcas are fairly cheap so why not. You might want to get front camer bolts if you don't go with an option that has camber plates or slotted mounts if you want front camber adjustments.

This is just my usually incorrect opinion though.

[ZDan]

Rear LCAs are IMO overprescribed. Rear camber will most likely be about where you want it when lowered anyway, if lateral grip is a priority. For sure there's no reason to get them until you see where you are with the stock arms.

[Calum]

Originally Posted by ZDan

Rear LCAs are IMO overprescribed. Rear camber will most likely be about where you want it when lowered anyway, if lateral grip is a priority. For sure there's no reason to get them until you see where you are with the stock arms.

And a set of camber bolts can get you enough adjustment to even things out of you run into a minor side to side difference.