Lowering srpings V.S. Coilovers

[koukie180]

I've been to the bay area and those roads are like the bumpy roads in Santa Ana. I will say that coilovers will not be your friend on the streets. The Tein FLEX would be an exception. Their front spring rates are either 7K or 6K depending on S13 or S14.

Koni/RSR combo is indeed a great combo. Never have to worry about passengers being uncomfortable or head bouncing. The ride is smooth and responsive.

[koukie180]

Keep in mind that the RSR springs are the stiffest and among the lowest drop you can get for performance springs.

Estimated Front Drop - 35mm(1.4in)
Estimated Rear Drop - 25mm(1.0in)
Front Spring Rate - 5.00kg(279lbs)
Rear Spring Rate - 4.20kg(235lbs)

[k3fallout]

Thanks for the advice koukie. I figured if I wanted to go as stiff as Ground Control, then I'd might as well just go for coils(though the same could be said for any spring/shock combo for that matter). The only potential road "friendly" coilovers I've read about so far are the Stance LX/GR+ Pro, Tein Flex, Dmax, and Cusco. The people who bought them for the most part said that they road nicely or like stock on the softest settings, but it may be untrue with the roads around here.

[wiggafly808]

I would say save for coilovers..
I had tein drop springs with kyb gr-2s because i found them fairly cheap ($200), but upgraded to coilovers soon after.

Wait for a good deal on coils.
I found tein ha's for $350ish, so i bought those, and the ride quality was about the same.

Somebody offered me more than i paid for them, so i sold them, got some tein hr's for around $350 as well.

If you want cheap stiff coils, id go for megans. I know everyone here bashes them, but ive had them on my car and a bunch of my friends have them with no complaints, so based on my experience id go for it.

If you want a better ride quality, spend more and get some higher up brands

[Gordo714]

i got a good one..
started out stock supension
went to eibach springs
blew out the stock shocks
got some kyb shocks and fresh eibachs from a trade...
ride was smooth but the ride height sucked
so i cut my springs like an idiot that lasted a couple of months
now im on blown shocks and cut springs = no supension = fail

moral of the story i should have saved up from the begging to get some coil overs ...

advise..save up its worth it..dont cut springs for a lower ride

[whiterps13]

I dont know if its been mentioned, because I didnt bother reading more than 10 posts down.
But, coilovers are also much easier to install than springs and shocks. Since they come preassembled, theres no need to use a spring compressor during installation.
A small detail, but yet another reason to choose coilovers.

[JAYTRON]

OP: I see that you reside basically where I do. I use to live in Sac and still go to visit but now live in San Jose and I daily with coilovers ~50 miles a day.

Once you memorize streets and how to drive a lowered car you'll eventually get the hang of it.

The ONLY regret I have is that I have lower back problems...lol

No bueno

[Enna]

I had Tein S.Tech springs and KYB-GR2 shocks on my S14. Came with the car, so no complaints there. It was better than stock for sure, but I wanted and needed coils so much more.

I have Tein Super Drift's now, its just so much better. They have great dampening adjustability and range for height. I had to pick up adjustable arms with it however. If you don't want to go cheap then I say get the tein coils. You wont regret it but make sure you do some research and see which ones are best for you.

[jay pee]

If your on a budget n r just daily driving go ahead n put springs but if u got bigger plans the go coilivers... Can't go wrong there are plenty coilovers for good prices.

[Ceepo]

Is it even a comparison, coilsover are going to do way better then strut spring combo, but it depends on your budget, coilovers will make your ride a little more harsh but you get used to it after a while...

[jay pee]

just get sum megan streets coilovers like 800 bucks new n u can find so used like 4-5 hundred bucks n they get the job done for a good price

[brunswick240]

even if you dont want your ride "slammed" (which i dont know why you wouldnt...) you can still have a nice drop on coilovers with out modifications to the body (pull/roll/wire tuck). coilovers are going to be the next best thing to an engine swap, plus youre automatically cooler if you say you have coilovers than springs. let the honduh and mustang boys get springs we rock coilovers

[Caveit]

My car came with lowering springs when I bought it and it still rides pretty nice and handles well. I'd still like to get coilovers so I can go lower, maximum performance, and so I can adjust them. It's a pretty obvious choice. I'd say stick it out for another few weeks and get coilovers instead, you'll be a lot more satisfied.

[JDMS13Louie]

I'm gonna pick up a set of Tein S. Tech springs next week anyone have experience with these? My car is all stock except for the kakimoto exhaust and Exedy stage 1 clutch. oh btw it's a S13. I was a Honda guy and my friend convinced me to make the switch and I'm already loving my car. Any other info on where I could start would be great as well.

[codyace]

A quality spring/strut combo will handle better, and ride nicer than a cheap coilover -- but it won't go 'very' low.


If you're looking for a nice cheap coilover, I suggest the Megan Racing Street series. Just remember to back off the preload, and you'll be good to go. I used the MR Streets for a year, and had 4 track days on them, without any major complaints. Great bargain coilover.

[codyace]

A quality spring/strut combo will handle better, and ride nicer than a cheap coilover -- but it won't go 'very' low.


If you're looking for a nice cheap coilover, I suggest the Megan Racing Street series. Just remember to back off the preload, and you'll be good to go. I used the MR Streets for a year, and had 4 track days on them, without any major complaints. Great bargain coilover.

[CNDC]

^Agreed. Ive found that the valving in the damper or the shock is everything.