CoilOver vs. Lowering Springs
11-24-2003, 05:19 PM
#1
CoilOver vs. Lowering Springs
Is Coilover system worth it for the price? Or is there any reason lowering spring suspension method is better?
Cost wise coilover system costs about 3 times more than lowering springs system. I wouldn't mind going with coilover system as long as my money is well spent. In terms of ride quality, performance and longevity which of the either systems make sense? Does Coilover system (for example Cattman) live upto the hype? Does lowering spring suspension system come close to coilover system in terms of performance and reliability?
Cost wise coilover system costs about 3 times more than lowering springs system. I wouldn't mind going with coilover system as long as my money is well spent. In terms of ride quality, performance and longevity which of the either systems make sense? Does Coilover system (for example Cattman) live upto the hype? Does lowering spring suspension system come close to coilover system in terms of performance and reliability?
11-24-2003, 05:22 PM
#2
Guest
Posts: n/a
IMO...unless you plan to race or show your car, coilovers are useless. I have them on my SER and on my max i have the TEIN/GR-2 combo. Would i like to have the TEIN coilovers, or the JICs or the CATTMANs...damn right. But, my max is not a race/show car, so im happy with what i got. If you got the $$ to spend get coilovers. The adjustments are AWESOME! But, if your driving to work and home, IMO its a waste of $$...
11-24-2003, 05:28 PM
#3
Wild at Hurt
Join Date: Jul 2003
Posts: 580
It looks absolutely beautiful no hype I'm sure on cattmans coilovers. Polo did a great write up with pics. if search is not working just go 3 or so pages into the posts and you will find it. Yeah it is 3-4 times more but that is what i am going to do in the spring. I would do it now but could be a possibly harsh Chicago winter. Boy do these guys drop the salt.
11-24-2003, 05:34 PM
#4
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2002
Posts: 2,836
Originally Posted by Mick Max
It looks absolutely beautiful no hype I'm sure on cattmans coilovers. Polo did a great write up with pics. if search is not working just go 3 or so pages into the posts and you will find it. Yeah it is 3-4 times more but that is what i am going to do in the spring. I would do it now but could be a possibly harsh Chicago winter. Boy do these guys drop the salt.
11-24-2003, 05:49 PM
#5
Originally Posted by 92 SE-R 02 SE
If you got the $$ to spend get coilovers. The adjustments are AWESOME!
Also, I plan on using my car for atleast 5-7 years so reliability is big factor too. How long do coilover system last? Lifetime of the car? If I am paying high price for suspension system (like coilover) don't you think its fair to expect that?
Related question. Compared to coilovers, how long does lowering spring system last?
11-24-2003, 06:03 PM
#6
I would think either springs or a coilover should last 5+ years if taken care of. Spring sag should only happen on cheaply built ones. Performance struts should only blow if you lower than designed.
The combination of just lowering springs and performance struts has proven very competitive in autox. That's usually plenty for daily handling needs.
I'm getting rid of my Koni/Eibach setup this week. I want the extra drop and custom height adjustment available with coilovers. Stiffer springs was also a big plus for me.
The combination of just lowering springs and performance struts has proven very competitive in autox. That's usually plenty for daily handling needs.
I'm getting rid of my Koni/Eibach setup this week. I want the extra drop and custom height adjustment available with coilovers. Stiffer springs was also a big plus for me.
11-24-2003, 06:06 PM
#7
Wild at Hurt
Join Date: Jul 2003
Posts: 580
CharlieKilo3,
Well, starting out in the spring gives me at least a few months of them being pristine.
we may be back to a 3rd vehicle next year as my wife wants a convert besides her van.
I am going to talk to Brian and see what material or plating they are. some materials hold up.
And these guys are right that coilovers are not for everyone. But you have to make a careful choice of spring and strut from what I keep reading. And a lot of guys say they have klunking type noises.
Well, starting out in the spring gives me at least a few months of them being pristine.
we may be back to a 3rd vehicle next year as my wife wants a convert besides her van.
I am going to talk to Brian and see what material or plating they are. some materials hold up.
And these guys are right that coilovers are not for everyone. But you have to make a careful choice of spring and strut from what I keep reading. And a lot of guys say they have klunking type noises.
11-24-2003, 09:56 PM
#9
Coilovers are not useless, but they're not always the best option. Just depends on your application, which has too much variability for me to go into.
Bottom line though, it depends on your budget. $1800 for JIC FLT-A2's vs. $400 for Teins/GR-2's...
Bottom line though, it depends on your budget. $1800 for JIC FLT-A2's vs. $400 for Teins/GR-2's...
11-24-2003, 10:30 PM
#10
Oh hi....
Join Date: Jul 2003
Posts: 751
I sprung for the JICs. I'm not made of money, but i wanted as quality a setup as possible. No I don't race(autocross)....yet 
Even though i only go back and forth with some spirited driving, I do not regret paying for these. They are sick. I've driven around in plenty of peoples Integras and Honduhs with coilovers and were bouncy as hell. I was apprehensive about getting mine. No worries with these. Nice and stiff. As for drop, i had to raise mine up, was bottoming out on a few speed bumps at work. but hey 3inch drop is fine with me for now. sorry kinda long.
Even though i only go back and forth with some spirited driving, I do not regret paying for these. They are sick. I've driven around in plenty of peoples Integras and Honduhs with coilovers and were bouncy as hell. I was apprehensive about getting mine. No worries with these. Nice and stiff. As for drop, i had to raise mine up, was bottoming out on a few speed bumps at work. but hey 3inch drop is fine with me for now. sorry kinda long.
11-25-2003, 04:30 AM
#11
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2002
Posts: 348
Originally Posted by BEJAY1
I would think either springs or a coilover should last 5+ years if taken care of. Spring sag should only happen on cheaply built ones. Performance struts should only blow if you lower than designed.
The combination of just lowering springs and performance struts has proven very competitive in autox. That's usually plenty for daily handling needs.
I'm getting rid of my Koni/Eibach setup this week. I want the extra drop and custom height adjustment available with coilovers. Stiffer springs was also a big plus for me.
The combination of just lowering springs and performance struts has proven very competitive in autox. That's usually plenty for daily handling needs.
I'm getting rid of my Koni/Eibach setup this week. I want the extra drop and custom height adjustment available with coilovers. Stiffer springs was also a big plus for me.
I can say that I had my Eibach/Tokico blue setup on my 89 5spd SE for over 11 years with no problems. I drove the car very hard all the time. Track time too. I never blew out a strut or noticed any spring sag. The car did ride like crap though. That is why I am so apprehensive about lowering my 03. I would love to do Teins or H&Rs with the GR-2s, but I am afraid of the ride that may result.
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