Lowering and Coilovers

[Nstewart]

Hello,

I'm considering purchasing the FA 500 series coilovers, which I’m sure many of you are familiar with as they seem like a very popular option. While I've done some research, I haven't been able to find the exact information I'm looking for. So here's the issue, the stock fitment on the car looks terrible, and although I'm not a fan of the "slammed" look, I would like to lower it. The problem is that I really love the way the car handles, and I'd hate to compromise its performance.

So, my question is, how low should I go? I've heard that a modest drop can improve handling with the right setup. Since I haven't placed an order with Fortune Auto yet, I still have the opportunity to customize the coilovers. Therefore, I'm wondering what is the ideal height and how do I customize the coilovers accordingly.

In my specific situation, I do daily the car, but I don't mind a slightly harsher ride. I also enjoy some “spirited driving” and plan on limited track use and autocross events. Any advice is much appreciated, thanks!

TL;DR: I need guidance on specing my coilovers and lowering my car.

[spcmafia]

Perfect drop amount is around 1 inch. There's a lot of setups that can support this setup as a set and forget. A few below

Bilstein B16s
Tein Flex Z
RCE Yellow Combo
RCE Yellow Springs
TRD Lowering Springs
STi Lowering Springs



Whenever you reduce the height, you will see a change in behavior, but is more applicable to comfort. For example, I have the Bilstein B16s, even though I went exactly a one inch drop all around, handling wise, was a small improvement. Comfort wise, I can feel the road and bumps a little more compared to OEM. But the car didn't technically suffer in performance.



My recommendation, as it was the same the guys at RCE was, is to slowly introduce yourself to suspension mods. Start with lowering springs. Drive a few months with it, attend sport events, see how it goes. The move on and add more things as you see fit.



Your Fortune 500s seem to be a little more advanced for what your goal is. I would still recommend lowering springs to start.

[NoHaveMSG]

There is a whole section of the boards devoted to this subject, it would be a good idea to browse there.

The Fortune's are not super popular on this board, not to say they are bad or anything. If you go through the build threads and the suspension discussion section, they are not common.

Most people are running around -1 to -1.25 I would say.

[NoHaveMSG]

I also feel that it needs to be said. If you plan on doing some autoX check in with some local groups. You don’t want to do a bunch of mods blindly and find out it sticks you in a ridiculous class. Take a look at SSC or STX and see what the rules allow What part of the state are you in? I know quite of few people in that circle that could answer some questions you may have. It’s easy to jump into the modification rabbit hole without realizing how far down it goes. You could end up blowing a bunch of money that you don’t need to in parts you can’t use. Been there, done that

[Muffled]

I had your same criteria - want to lower for looks but minimize any negative driving impacts. I chose Bilstein B14s mostly because they didn't have sky high spring rates like all the other coilover options.

Their lowest setting gives a 25mm drop. The car is markedly stiffer than stock, but there is still some compliance (which I wanted). My biggest gripe is the rear hits the bump stops too often with extra weight in the back (ie luggage for a road trip).

On a back road/on ramp/autox with a bit of camber in the front, I LOVED how the car behaved. Sadly the coils are off while I try to get them rebuilt - I think the seals are done after 1.5 years.

My opinion is there isn't really an "ideal height" - everyone drives differently and has different demands from their car/suspension. Coilovers are a big deal, and setting them up "properly" is an art that you can get pretty deep into.

[Nstewart]

Thanks for all your advice. Im definitely not trying to go to heavy on mods and ill look into Bilstein coilovers and into the build and suspension threads. Thanks again!

[Dirty Harry]

RCE Yellow or STI Pink lowering springs get my vote. I’ve got STI Pinks on my car, brilliant, car sits flatter in the corners and ride comfort is roughly the same. But they only lower by 15mm, from a cosmetic perspective, I think 20mm would be ideal. RCE Yellows lower by 20mm I believe. Can’t go wrong with either though.

[bcj]

Ninja pirate kami sez "Dat gap yo!"