Do Eibach Springs give you better handling?

[JoshParsons84]

I'm considering buying some struts and springs and put some new tires on my 96 SW1 and the guy at Sears told me they haven't sold any Eibach Springs and he felt like they took away handling. Is this true? Also if they won't put on struts that I bring them to put on and they get the struts and put them on are Monroe still good shocks? They're gas shocks. It would be front & rear Monroe or KYB (if they'll put them on) struts and Eibach springs (if they're worth it) with 4 brand new Falken ZE-912 185/65/R14 for a little over $1,000. Are the springs good and are those struts good?

[sickcallawayc12]

Just get the Eibachs. Eibachs are the only springs to get for everyday driving anyway. They are good with KYBs which improve the ride on the front but the back is same as stock. Another company that makes struts is Springtech (available from Ebay) which improves the ride on the back, but the front isn't great. Whether mix & match is a good idea, I dunno.

[JoshParsons84]

Why do you say just get the springs? My struts are in need of replacement anyways, so I thought I'd just get it all done at the same time and save myself from having to do it later.

[sickcallawayc12]

I meant get the springs as in don't get any other brand of springs (h & r for example). Of course get some KYBs or Springtech.

[JoshParsons84]

oh yeah LOL Of course!

[Alleninpa]

As an answer to your origional question,
yes, your handling will improve.
I drive corners at the limit of the tires capabilities a fair number of times. Same tires, with Eibach and KYb will allow you to take the corner significantly faster.
It will be somewhat stiffer but not harsh, and your car will sit lower.

Since your car sits lower, it won't lean as much in the corners. This will keep the vehicle weight from shifting to the outside wheels as much. With more weight on the inside wheel, there is less force on the outside. This distributes the force on the tires more evenly, allowing for higher g force before they break free.

[JoshParsons84]

Hey thanks for the comments about the springs. I think I will do that. I just have to find somebody to put the struts and springs on for a reasonable price. Now what about wheels/tires, should I get a bigger size rim? If so, how big? Right now is 14" wheels with 195/70/R14 Hankook. I'm thinking about getting some Falken 912 185/65/R14. If I would upgrade all these suspension components should I go ahead and get bigger wheels too or leave them alone?

[Alleninpa]

Originally Posted by JoshParsons84

Hey thanks for the comments about the springs. I think I will do that. I just have to find somebody to put the struts and springs on for a reasonable price. Now what about wheels/tires, should I get a bigger size rim? If so, how big? Right now is 14" wheels with 195/70/R14 Hankook. I'm thinking about getting some Falken 912 185/65/R14. If I would upgrade all these suspension components should I go ahead and get bigger wheels too or leave them alone?

First off - Reasonable price on installation. Thats easy, you!
You can get a coil spring compressor here that works just fine.
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...temnumber=3980
Some will say the bigger the rims the better. For a great ride and widest track, I would go with 15" NON-Factory rims. Factory rims have an offset of 50mm. As an example, Motegi 15" rims have a 35mm offset, meaning they stick out 15mm farther from the car than stock. Since they do, you can use 195/60r15, 205/55r15 or my personal preference 225/50r15. Going with 16 or 17" rims, they usually have a 42mm offset, so, unless you use spacers, a 225 tire will hit the strut. My choice for wicked tires are Toyo Proxes 4.
Get them and the rims here
http://www.treadepot.com/
Oh, BTW the bigger rims, with the offset will make a huge difference.

[JoshParsons84]

All that sounds good dude really. But when I bump up to a 15" rim from a 14" rim and I go to put peformance disk brakes on will that affect anything?

[sickcallawayc12]

I don't think you would be able to put on bigger disc brakes as that may require 16" or 17" rims, but getting ones the stock size won't really affect anything but braking performance.