Need help

[jcreel]

Hi,

I didn't know if this question was for this forum or the wheels forum because it pertains to both but decided this one was more relevant.

I am looking to get new wheels. I'm currently stock and decided on the Gram57 xtreme wheels. My question is for someone who doesn't track and uses their car as a DD what would be better for me, coil overs or shocks and springs? Budget is about 1k and I know that's only enough to get entry level coil overs which all the forums I've read said was a downgrade. Only thing I'm trying to achieve is lowering my car, have enough room for the new wheels, still have a "comfortable" ride and keep the handling characteristics as stock (or better). Can I achieve that without coil overs and just smaller shock and spring setup? This is my 1st vehicle so even the most basic information would probably be new to me.

Any recommendations are appreciated

[cjd]

Just springs on OE shock/strut bodies for now, unless you stumble over a good deal on a set of used coilovers.



Lots of "rides amazing [sic]" on setups that do not, in fact, ride well. Lots of stuff people rave about that I wouldn't put on the shelf in my garage, let alone the garbage bin right outside - too close for comfort. Then again, there seems to be an awful lot of noise in the system, brand sniping between reputable vendors, and the like, so I have no idea any more.

[jcreel]

Originally Posted by cjd

Just springs on OE shock/strut bodies for now, unless you stumble over a good deal on a set of used coilovers.

I was under the impression the OE shock/strut was too big to be able to put say 18x8 wheels on. If thats not the case and I can just get springs I will go that route. I'm also at 60k mileage which is another concern about OEM suspension even though no problems as of yet.

[Leonardo]

Unless you have an unlimited budget, putting your self in a position where you have to buy suspension parts to make wheels fit, is going to create a compromise in some way that negativly effects performance.

You have not told us enough about which exact size & offset of that wheel you want, to offer more help.

My suggestion to anyone with a budget is to get 1" or less drop springs.

[jcreel]

You have not told us enough about which exact size & offset of that wheel you want, to offer more help.

My suggestion to anyone with a budget is to get 1" or less drop springs.

I want a square setup and as flush as I can get with 18x8.5. The forum says with a 43 offset on the front to sit flush with a 1 inch drop.

[Leonardo]

You can use +35 to 43 offset. 18x8.5 +40 is close to 18x8 +35 which is fairly flush.

I'd get 225/40/18 all around on those wheels.

offset calc.

https://www.willtheyfit.com/index.ph...8-5&offset2=40

[jcreel]

Originally Posted by Leonardo

You can use +35 to 43 offset. 18x8.5 +40 is close to 18x8 +35 which is fairly flush.

I'd get 225/40/18 all around on those wheels.

I can have this setup with just 1 inch lowering springs?

[Kaotic Lazagna]

Since you won't be tracking your car, I'd look into the Tein Flex Z coilovers. That's what I got, and they ride pretty comfortably. They will probably cost the same as a good set of lowering springs and dampers, but at least the dampers are valved for the springs on the Flex Z. I used to DD my FR-S, so that's why I got the Flex Z.

If you can attend a meet or two locally, I'm sure you can get a ride in someone's twin that has coilovers and springs (with either OEM dampers or aftermarket) to get an idea on what feels better for you.

[Leonardo]

Originally Posted by jcreel

I can have this setup with just 1 inch lowering springs?

Yes. You probably will want front camber bolts too.

[Leonardo]

Originally Posted by Kaotic Lazagna

Since you won't be tracking your car, I'd look into the Tein Flex Z coilovers. That's what I got, and they ride pretty comfortably. They will probably cost the same as a good set of lowering springs and dampers, but at least the dampers are valved for the springs on the Flex Z. I used to DD my FR-S, so that's why I got the Flex Z.

If you can attend a meet or two locally, I'm sure you can get a ride in someone's twin that has coilovers and springs (with either OEM dampers or aftermarket) to get an idea on what feels better for you.

Flex Z are not rebuildable. 1" drop springs work with stock shocks. I have 65,000 hard miles on my 1" eibach spri gs and stock shocks.

Additionally, Konis or billsteins (b6 or b8) are valved to work with drop springs.

You are correct about them costing the same upfront. Infact, if you need tophats/camber plates - FlexZ are cheaper.

[Kaotic Lazagna]

Originally Posted by Leonardo

Flex Z are not rebuildable. 1" drop springs work with stock shocks. Additionally, Konis or billsteins (b6 or b8) are valved to work with drop springs.

You are correct about them costing the same upfront. Infact, if you need tophats/camber plates - FlexZ are cheaper.

Yes, not rebuildable, but you can just swap out the dampers when they blow. But I'd imagine it'd probably cost as much as a new set. haha.

The nice thing with the Flex Z (at least for the twins), is they have camber plates for the front, so you can that in.

Do they state how much of a drop and spring rates those dampers will pair well with? I ask since I've seen quite a few people complain about their ride with "upgrade" springs on their coilovers since the pairing is no longer matched to the dampers on their coilovers.

[Decep]

Looked into the RCE yellow springs? They got rid of most of the wheel gap for me. Theyre definitely stiffer than stock and sharpen up the front while still giving a decent ride on stock shocks.

[meWant]

I am on stock struts with RCE Yellow springs on 18x8.5 +35 wheels. fit fine without any rubbing at all. You may want to take that into consideration.

I have some pictures of my set up in the XXR 555 thread in the wheel/tire section of the forums.

Edit: heres the thread
http://www.ft86club.com/forums/showthread.php?t=115699

[wparsons]

Originally Posted by Kaotic Lazagna

The nice thing with the Flex Z (at least for the twins), is they have camber plates for the front, so you can that in.

Camber plates aren't the right solution for everyone, they add maintenance and some will never be quiet. I personally went with group N front mounts on my V3's instead of camber plates for that reason (plus it's winter driven).

Originally Posted by Kaotic Lazagna

Do they state how much of a drop and spring rates those dampers will pair well with? I ask since I've seen quite a few people complain about their ride with "upgrade" springs on their coilovers since the pairing is no longer matched to the dampers on their coilovers.

There's a bunch of info in threads on here with good combos for springs/shocks. Most decent coilover manufacturers will tell you what range of spring rates an off the shelf coilover will work well with. If you're doubling the spring rate, it's no surprise that the valving is way off.


If you go with something like an RCE yellow or swift sport spring on stock shocks, or a bilstein shock you'll be in good shape.