Hello all.
I tried performing a search on the best ideas for lowering my 2002 SE and did not come up with anything. What I'm trying to do is drop it a bit to give it a more sporty appearance. However, I do not want to loose the somewhat smooth ride the SE exhibits. I still have the stock 17" rims and will probably stay with them. I understand the SE model due to the sports suspension rides a little rough over bumps, and with lowering it I don't want to make this any worse than it is. Any help/suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Fred.macdowell@twcable.com

 

I am surpised the search didn't yield anything since there are a ton of threads...

Anyways, The consensus seems to be that H&R's paired with Tokico Blues or KYB GR-2's greatly improve handling while keeping the ride very close to stock. I have the H&R's with Toks for 4 days now and the ride is great.

 

I first went with Sprint Springs. They looked great, but the ride was pretty rough. I decided to change them and use the MaxSpeed springs. You can tell it has been lowered, but the ride is very close to stock. I am using the stock struts as well. I am happy with my MaxSpeed sorings and I don't think I will change again.

 

Thanks for the quick response. Are the MaxSpeed springs expensive, where would be a good place to get these? Thanks again.

 

go look at the group deal section.. i believe theres a group deal on it... i dont know if it ended already though

 

get the H&R....more expensive then the maxspeeds, a higher drop, 100% german made, a little bit softer then the maxspeeds.

i have the H&Rs now, and i just love it, the car rides like stock combined with the sturts/shocks i put on

 

Are they such thing as lower but softer ride than stock SE? 1.5 - 2" drop with GLE ride?

 

??? I am happy w/ my H&R's w/ stock struts!

 

I beg to differ. My Maxspeeds are actually lower than my buddies H&R/Tok combo on both front and rear. I also saved over $100 compaired to new H&R springs. I bought mine from the same guy as the group deal, but did not get the same price. I paid $112 shipped from sales@abtivan.com. Email them first to verify the price. I am very satisfied with the springs.

 

maxspeeds are definitely lower than H&R's....

 

H&R's with stock struts on my 2k2 SE and still going strong after 20,000 miles. The ride is firm but not harsh, and the handling improved 100%.

 

--I am the above mentioned buddy. The ride is very similar between the two, with the Maxspeeds being *slightly* more stiff. But, for the price, you can't go wrong. I would have bought em if I didn't get my H&Rs used.

 

Is that a no? Am I the only one that wishes for lower but better ride?

 

I agree, I would love to have the low ride, but yet still a smooth comfortable ride, not bouncy or rough. Max speeds seem to be the way to go, but then I don't want a rough ride, is there a lot of difference from the H&R and the Max Speed Spring?

 

Ride and drop are comparable. Max's are very slightly lower and slightly more stiff. Both ride very close to stock, with noticable less body roll. The potholes will be much more prevalent though.

I don't think there is $100 worth of difference to justify the H&Rs unless you want the name. I'm happy with mine but wouldn't have paid full price for em.

 

or how about some ground controls....
i don't regret it one bit....

 

Or some Teins..

 

I have the H&R's on stock struts and have been pretty happy with the ride quality so far. It has been about three weeks now with these springs. The drop is about an inch all around. I chose H&R becasue they have a good reputation. I like the price of Maxspeeds but who has ever heard of Maxspeeds outside this fourm. I have always known H&R to be good even before I started modding my car.

 

and I love 'em. I kept the stock struts cause I've only got 8500 miles on the car. The ride is very close to stock. The drop right now is a bit more than an inch, but they haven't settled yet. See page 3 of my homepage for a few pics.....

 

I have the H&R's on stock struts and have been pretty happy with the ride quality so far. It has been about three weeks now with these springs. The drop is about an inch all around. I chose H&R becasue they have a good reputation. I like the price of Maxspeeds but who has ever heard of Maxspeeds outside this fourm. I have always known H&R to be good even before I started modding my car.



I can tell by your signature that you are very into name brands. I personally feel that some lesser known companies make some nice stuff. Hence my choice of FrankenCar and MaxSpeeds. I know that alot of research goes into the spring design, but it is just a spring. It is not a strut or a stereo. More than likely there will be no problemsat all with a spring unless it is installed incorrectly.

 

fmacdowell... if you are interested, I have new MaxSpeeds that will fit your 2k2 (only had them on my 2k3 for 1k miles). I'll give them up for $90 SHIPPED.

Let me know.

-R

 

maxspeeds are great...not too big a drop, not too small...

 

You are right that I do usually go for name brands. When it comes to cars I am not the most auto mechanicaly inclined. I guess that it just helps with my piece of mind knowing I have a well known company behind my products. I am sure the smaller companies are just as good. It is just a matter of personal preferance.

 

Here's what I would suggest: Maxspeeds for a little drop, Tein for a bigger drop. JIC FLT-A2 if you want full coilovers.

I have the Maxspeeds in right now, but wanted to go lower, so I've got some Tein's lying around awaiting install...

Other options: H&R, Eibach, Sprint, Progress, Goldline, Dropzone, Ground Control coilover sleeves, Tein coilovers, am I missing anything?

 

If you want the best and are willing to pay for it...then there is no other option than the JIC coil over. you'll get everything you want and more. www.jic-magic.com

That's the route I'm going.

Bill