struts and springs

[dtjackten]

i have an 02 neon, i am looking to get new struts and springs, i like the low stance that i have now with coilovers, just hate the ride, i have been looking in the sportline eibach springs but have heard that they will kill your struts and is not that great of a ride, i have gotten the KYB struts, what is a good combination with these struts the prokit (1.5 drop) or the sportlines (2.5 drop) what are better and will give me the lowest stance i can get with the best ride....thanks

i am new to this forum and like it so far

[das2123]

Do you have true coilovers or just the sleeves? A true coilover set will run you over $1000.

[dtjackten]

just the sleaves for now, i do not like them because of the ride they give me. that is why i am looking for struts and springs they distroyed my struts and i do not like them at all, but i do like the low stance that i have now, but i do not want to replace my struts every two years, and i also want a nice riding car, any ideas?

[neon_rt]

The point of Coil-Over is that you have a wide choice of springs rates and height adjustment. Why don't you select a softer spring? Factory front springs are about 150 lb per inch, try something in the range of 175 or so. Some people put in the 300 's thinking they are going to get stellar handling, all you get is a kidney jarring ride, worn out struts and bad handling b/c of poor weight transfer. Neons don't have very much suspension travel so you can't lower them very much before the handling gets worse instead of better.
Most auto cross racers I have spoken to say lowering about 1 (1st gen) to 1 1/2 (2nd Gen) inches is all you can do and still have enough travel to get the job done. One of the common springs rates is 225 lb per inch for AutoX (front).

[das2123]

Originally Posted by dtjackten

just the sleaves for now, i do not like them because of the ride they give me. that is why i am looking for struts and springs they distroyed my struts and i do not like them at all, but i do like the low stance that i have now, but i do not want to replace my struts every two years, and i also want a nice riding car, any ideas?

Thats what happens when you get the just the sleeves. Take the sleeves off unless you want to continue blowing struts. Koni's would be your only choice for a decent strut if you want to continue to run the sleeves only.

[maykelcj]

Originally Posted by neon_rt

Most auto cross racers I have spoken to say lowering about 1 (1st gen) to 1 1/2 (2nd Gen) inches is all you can do and still have enough travel to get the job done. One of the common springs rates is 225 lb per inch for AutoX (front).

That is completly right!!!! if what you like is 'looks', then the lower HARSH ride is for you, if you want better ride and handling, then use good cuality springs-struts and don't go lower than 1.5. I got the Vogland springs from howell and I love the progressive rate on them they also lower the neon ~1.5. after the springs and the prothane bushing kit, my car handles like it is on rails without the pain on the lower back

[das2123]

Originally Posted by maykelcj

my car handles like it is on rails without the pain on the lower back

If it handles like it's on rails, then you aren't going fast enough

[maykelcj]

Originally Posted by das2123

If it handles like it's on rails, then you aren't going fast enough

Right now I am going 0mph with my blown engine.

[dtjackten]

yes i do like the look of the lower stance but i would rather have a good ride and a better handling car, that is why i want to get a better springs, but all i am wondering is what a good spring is to go with? i have been thinking of going with a 1.5 drop, and eibach swaybars with all new bushings, has any of you had good luck with KYB struts i have talked to lots of people and they say that they are a great strut to go with so i got them, and now i just want to make sure i only have to do these struts once and not keep doing them, and i think i would rather have a 1.5 inch drop and a great handling car than just for looks!!!! thanks.....

[neon_rt]

MP used to have a spring for the Neon that dropped it 1" and has a slightly higher spring rate than the R/T springs. That should provide a good ride with improved handling.