suspension ?s

is it possible to replace my cars springs with adjustable coilovers w/o replacing the shocks and not sacrificing ride comfort? also, can i get a good set of coilovers for under 500?

You can replace just the spring and keep the stock shocks. The only disadvantage is that the stock shock was not designed to be used on a shorter, harder spring.

The cylinder in the stock shock is designed to dampen with longer movements (which it can never reach because the shorter, harder spring will not allow it). It's like demanding a basketball team to go out and win... then say, 'you can't take more than three steps in any direction.(representing the shocks limited movement) Oh yeah, and you can't go past half court to score.' (representing the shocks otimum dampening area.) Therefore, you are setting the stockies up to fail.

A performance shock will reach its optimum dampening with less movement. And if they are adjustable...they will be like the GlobeTrotters.

If you decide to go with a coil-over 'conversion kit' (adjustable perch) Skunk2 is the only one that I have heard of that the perch doesn't rust and get stuck.

You probably won't find a true coilover for under $500. Although, you could get a nice set of shocks and springs for well under that.

Originally posted by praxis


...You probably won't find a true coilover for under $500. Although, you could get a nice set of shocks and springs for well under that.

can regular springs be adjusted? if i cant adjust them then i really cant lower my car, i wouldnt be able to drive anywhere

First off, no you don't want to run stiffer springs with stock shocks. I has nothing to do with suspension travel, it has to do with how much force the shock can dampen under any movement. A stock shock can't handle nearly the spring pressures most sleeved spring manufacturers are producing, hence the ride quality is shit, the car is very bouncy, and the stock shocks blow before too long.

Of the sleeved springs you can buy, Ground Controls are the best IMO. They certainly don't rust or stick (unless someone can show me how aluminum on aluminum rusts), but will still require a quality set of aftermarket shocks (look to Koni Yellows or Bilstein SP's).

You won't find a set of quality springs and shocks for $500. Look to spend around $800 for a good setup, w/ quality springs of your choice and a set of good shocks (with installation).

Originally posted by texan
First off, no you don't want to run stiffer springs with stock shocks. I has nothing to do with suspension travel, it has to do with how much force the shock can dampen under any movement. A stock shock can't handle nearly the spring pressures most sleeved spring manufacturers are producing, hence the ride quality is shit, the car is very bouncy, and the stock shocks blow before too long.

Of the sleeved springs you can buy, Ground Controls are the best IMO. They certainly don't rust or stick (unless someone can show me how aluminum on aluminum rusts), but will still require a quality set of aftermarket shocks (look to Koni Yellows or Bilstein SP's).

You won't find a set of quality springs and shocks for $500. Look to spend around $800 for a good setup, w/ quality springs of your choice and a set of good shocks (with installation).

And if I may add. The stiffer the spring the more the shock has to work, and when you over work your shock the gasses or oil in the shock overheat and start to bubble - which is bad.

so lets say i get a Ground Control Coil-Over Kit and some good shocks. are tokicos ok? or should i really go for some koni yellows, i dont need the best shocks just nice ones for nice street driving and occasionally...fun. also, to adjust the drop height of the Ground Control coil-overs can i do it without jacking up my car and doing a bunch of stuff, i would like sumthing i can adjust the drop height in 10mins or less.

bump up

Tokicos are great shocks...sorry but I don't have any personal experience with GroundControl...yet.

i actually have ground control coilovers and tokico illuminas on my car right now and i love them. the ground control coilovers are relative easy to adjust but you do have to jack your car up and sometimes take the wheels off in the back to adjust the ride height depending on what kind of wheels you have. right now i can reach through the back wheels to get to it but on my old wheels i couldn't do that. but it's pretty convient overall. the shocks are also adjustable and thats adjusted with the turn of a screwdriver. overall, it rides well, definately makes for a better stiffer suspension and i would recommend it.

ok thanks everyone i got all the nfo i need :)