Review of TOKICO ILLUMINA/EIBACH settings!! (long)
#1
Review of TOKICO ILLUMINA/EIBACH settings!! PICTURES!
I tested every setting on my struts last night. Same twisty, partly bumpy partly smooth road for each setting i tested. There were some people who wanted to hear more about this setup so i thought i would post my impressions while they are still fresh...
1F/1R: Very soft and smooth. More comfortable than stock in my opinion because it doesnt bounce up and down so much and doesnt lean like crazy in turns. Still a little bouncey sometimes. Still a good amount of body roll and car still nosedives a bit when braking. Car still prone to understeer.
1F/2R: About the same only less understeer. Car feels a little better in turns.
2F/2R: Slightly stiffer feel. This is a good deal more harsh than stock. Much less body roll and less nosedive. Still kinda bouncy. Car feels more like its on rails. Less understeer and easier to make the car oversteer.
2F/3R: Same as 2/2 but less understeer. Its kinda vague when the car will brake loose. The limits are so far out there that i was nervous to test too hard.
3F/3R: Very stiff, harsh ride. Very little body roll and practically no nose dive when braking. Feels like its on rails and doesnt understeer much at all.
3F/4R: Same as 3/3 with less understeer. I didnt push the car too hard on this setting. It feel like its better balanced like this. I mean it doesnt really understeer or oversteer without taking a really fast turn. Im not accustom to feeling like the car is going to oversteer so i need more practice with setting the rear stiffer than the front.
4F/4R: WOWWW!!! I really really like this setting. Practically no body roll. Very stiff ride but it felt really smooth for some reason. I was amazed with this setting because the car felt really comfortable for how stiff it was. The limits are so far out that i didnt want to try braking traction where i was testing.
4F/5R: Again, I didnt really brake the car loose much to see how the it felt when oversteering, but damn did it feel tight and well balanced. It eliminated the fwd, gonna understeer feeling. I need to test this setting more because i really like it its just hard to test braking it loose.
5F/5R: Ouch my kidneys..LOL. This feels great on smooth surfaces but very harsh most of the time. The car is just on rails like this. It stays nice and flat when hitting turns. I cant really even rock the car if i push it back and forth. I havent broken the tires loose much on this setting but it feels like the car wont understeer much and will easily oversteer instead with a flick of the wheel.
In conclusion i like 4/4 and 4/5 were the most. My car is set to 4/5 right now so i can get used to it. Best $700 i have ever spent!
Edit: Scroll down for pics.
1F/1R: Very soft and smooth. More comfortable than stock in my opinion because it doesnt bounce up and down so much and doesnt lean like crazy in turns. Still a little bouncey sometimes. Still a good amount of body roll and car still nosedives a bit when braking. Car still prone to understeer.
1F/2R: About the same only less understeer. Car feels a little better in turns.
2F/2R: Slightly stiffer feel. This is a good deal more harsh than stock. Much less body roll and less nosedive. Still kinda bouncy. Car feels more like its on rails. Less understeer and easier to make the car oversteer.
2F/3R: Same as 2/2 but less understeer. Its kinda vague when the car will brake loose. The limits are so far out there that i was nervous to test too hard.
3F/3R: Very stiff, harsh ride. Very little body roll and practically no nose dive when braking. Feels like its on rails and doesnt understeer much at all.
3F/4R: Same as 3/3 with less understeer. I didnt push the car too hard on this setting. It feel like its better balanced like this. I mean it doesnt really understeer or oversteer without taking a really fast turn. Im not accustom to feeling like the car is going to oversteer so i need more practice with setting the rear stiffer than the front.
4F/4R: WOWWW!!! I really really like this setting. Practically no body roll. Very stiff ride but it felt really smooth for some reason. I was amazed with this setting because the car felt really comfortable for how stiff it was. The limits are so far out that i didnt want to try braking traction where i was testing.
4F/5R: Again, I didnt really brake the car loose much to see how the it felt when oversteering, but damn did it feel tight and well balanced. It eliminated the fwd, gonna understeer feeling. I need to test this setting more because i really like it its just hard to test braking it loose.
5F/5R: Ouch my kidneys..LOL. This feels great on smooth surfaces but very harsh most of the time. The car is just on rails like this. It stays nice and flat when hitting turns. I cant really even rock the car if i push it back and forth. I havent broken the tires loose much on this setting but it feels like the car wont understeer much and will easily oversteer instead with a flick of the wheel.
In conclusion i like 4/4 and 4/5 were the most. My car is set to 4/5 right now so i can get used to it. Best $700 i have ever spent!
Edit: Scroll down for pics.
#5
I've had my Illuminas with my H&Rs for about 2 weeks now. I'm currently running 2 FR 2 RR and I think that's where I will stay. You are right, the 1 FR 1 RR setting is too soft. I love the ride of my car now. I was running the H&Rs with factory struts for about 3 months and it was bouncing all over the place. I don't regret getting the Illuminas at all. This is my second set. First set was on a 91 Mustang LX and they were great on it too. Got mine on ebay for $429 shipped.
#6
Sorry i have never lowered any car and im really interested in lowering my max. I dont understand what you mean by the ratios though. Is that the setting on the struts/shocks? Also is the price 429 for all 4 struts or just 2. And for the guys who have tried several drops is this the best option?
thanks
brandon
thanks
brandon
#10
Forgot to ask - Is there any difference between the Tokico Blues and the Illuminas other than adjustability? Any idea what stiffness setting on the Illuminas would correlate to the Blues? For instance, are the Blues about as stiff as the Illuminas on 3F/3R?
Sorry for all the questions guys!
Sorry for all the questions guys!
#11
Originally Posted by BrandonSE
Sorry i have never lowered any car and im really interested in lowering my max. I dont understand what you mean by the ratios though. Is that the setting on the struts/shocks? Also is the price 429 for all 4 struts or just 2. And for the guys who have tried several drops is this the best option?
thanks
brandon
thanks
brandon
#12
Originally Posted by housecor
2kGLE - Awesome review! Great info that I haven't seen elsewhere. You've pretty much sold me.
Does anyone have pics of the drop with the eibachs/illuminas?
Does anyone have pics of the drop with the eibachs/illuminas?
and i dunno how stiff blues are compared to illuminas. i doubt its 3/3 because that is really stiff and ppl say blues ride like stock.
#14
Originally Posted by 2kGLE
I actually took a few pics today but dont know how to post them. i dont have a cardomain site or anything so maybe someone else can post them if i email them.
and i dunno how stiff blues are compared to illuminas. i doubt its 3/3 because that is really stiff and ppl say blues ride like stock.
and i dunno how stiff blues are compared to illuminas. i doubt its 3/3 because that is really stiff and ppl say blues ride like stock.
#19
Originally Posted by housecor
Forgot to ask - Is there any difference between the Tokico Blues and the Illuminas other than adjustability? Any idea what stiffness setting on the Illuminas would correlate to the Blues? For instance, are the Blues about as stiff as the Illuminas on 3F/3R?
Sorry for all the questions guys!
Sorry for all the questions guys!
#24
Originally Posted by 2kGLE
sweet...thanks housecor for posting those. I sent you pics of the adjusters on the top of the front and rear struts if you want to post those too.
#27
Originally Posted by 2001SE
how do you adjust the stiffness on the illuminas?
Is it hard? Do you have to lift the car?
Is it hard? Do you have to lift the car?
#28
Great Post!
Thanks for this great post!
My Illuminas / Progress Springs and Kumho Tires are going on Monday...I CANNOT WAIT!!
I simply cannot imagine this car handling like it should and being dropped properly to not look like a 4 x 4.
I think I'm gong to fall in love with my car all over again next week....don't wake me!
gr
My Illuminas / Progress Springs and Kumho Tires are going on Monday...I CANNOT WAIT!!
I simply cannot imagine this car handling like it should and being dropped properly to not look like a 4 x 4.
I think I'm gong to fall in love with my car all over again next week....don't wake me!
gr
#29
Originally Posted by ghostrider17
I think I'm gong to fall in love with my car all over again next week....don't wake me!
-J
#30
2kgle,
Very nice write up. Right now for my car I have Eibachs running on OEM struts/shocks and I have the Illuminas sitting in my living room ever since CustomMaxima deal was over. I need to find time to install those puppies and I can't wait after reading your review. My question to you in regards with your installation, how hard was it to change the rear settings on the shocks during your testing? Did you have to remove the shocks all the time from the car to reach the dial on the top or were you able to do the adjustments while they were still on the car? If I recall, there was very little clearance/room to reach the top end of each of the shocks through the small hole in the trunk. Thanks.
steve...
Very nice write up. Right now for my car I have Eibachs running on OEM struts/shocks and I have the Illuminas sitting in my living room ever since CustomMaxima deal was over. I need to find time to install those puppies and I can't wait after reading your review. My question to you in regards with your installation, how hard was it to change the rear settings on the shocks during your testing? Did you have to remove the shocks all the time from the car to reach the dial on the top or were you able to do the adjustments while they were still on the car? If I recall, there was very little clearance/room to reach the top end of each of the shocks through the small hole in the trunk. Thanks.
steve...
#31
Hey guys! Sorry for the wait on the pics - I'm on-call this weekend so it's been pretty hectic.
2kGLE - Thanks for sending over the other shots. Adjustment looks pretty convenient! Here's the goods:
2kGLE - Thanks for sending over the other shots. Adjustment looks pretty convenient! Here's the goods:
#32
Originally Posted by Omegasrk
2kgle,
Very nice write up. Right now for my car I have Eibachs running on OEM struts/shocks and I have the Illuminas sitting in my living room ever since CustomMaxima deal was over. I need to find time to install those puppies and I can't wait after reading your review. My question to you in regards with your installation, how hard was it to change the rear settings on the shocks during your testing? Did you have to remove the shocks all the time from the car to reach the dial on the top or were you able to do the adjustments while they were still on the car? If I recall, there was very little clearance/room to reach the top end of each of the shocks through the small hole in the trunk. Thanks.
steve...
Very nice write up. Right now for my car I have Eibachs running on OEM struts/shocks and I have the Illuminas sitting in my living room ever since CustomMaxima deal was over. I need to find time to install those puppies and I can't wait after reading your review. My question to you in regards with your installation, how hard was it to change the rear settings on the shocks during your testing? Did you have to remove the shocks all the time from the car to reach the dial on the top or were you able to do the adjustments while they were still on the car? If I recall, there was very little clearance/room to reach the top end of each of the shocks through the small hole in the trunk. Thanks.
steve...
I use a flathead screw bit with some tape wrapped around it to change the settings. And i leave two of the pins in the trunk lining out to easily access the rear struts. I just pull it away when i want to adjust. Adjustings is easy but you might get some funny looks or questions when people see your legs sticking out of your trunk..lol
#33
Originally Posted by 2k1IceMax
I've had my Illuminas with my H&Rs for about 2 weeks now. I'm currently running 2 FR 2 RR and I think that's where I will stay. You are right, the 1 FR 1 RR setting is too soft. I love the ride of my car now. I was running the H&Rs with factory struts for about 3 months and it was bouncing all over the place. I don't regret getting the Illuminas at all. This is my second set. First set was on a 91 Mustang LX and they were great on it too. Got mine on ebay for $429 shipped.
I was really torn between eibachs and h&rs. I went with eibachs because they only drop 1.3/1.0 and because of the reviews on performance. Im just curious how this setup would look with H&Rs.
#35
With these struts on the 2/2 setting, how do they feel over big bumps/potholes? Does the suspension feel really stiff and then it feels like the car is hitting the pothole/bump really hard?
I've run Illuminas in '95 Civic and didn't like them because they were "floaty" on smooth roads and really harsh over bumps . . .
I'm just really interested to know if these feel more or less the same in a lowered Max?
Thanks!
I've run Illuminas in '95 Civic and didn't like them because they were "floaty" on smooth roads and really harsh over bumps . . .
I'm just really interested to know if these feel more or less the same in a lowered Max?
Thanks!
#36
Originally Posted by 2kGLE
Hey do you have any pics of your car on illuminas and h&rs???
I was really torn between eibachs and h&rs. I went with eibachs because they only drop 1.3/1.0 and because of the reviews on performance. Im just curious how this setup would look with H&Rs.
I was really torn between eibachs and h&rs. I went with eibachs because they only drop 1.3/1.0 and because of the reviews on performance. Im just curious how this setup would look with H&Rs.
#37
Originally Posted by ABS
With these struts on the 2/2 setting, how do they feel over big bumps/potholes? Does the suspension feel really stiff and then it feels like the car is hitting the pothole/bump really hard?
I've run Illuminas in '95 Civic and didn't like them because they were "floaty" on smooth roads and really harsh over bumps . . .
I'm just really interested to know if these feel more or less the same in a lowered Max?
Thanks!
I've run Illuminas in '95 Civic and didn't like them because they were "floaty" on smooth roads and really harsh over bumps . . .
I'm just really interested to know if these feel more or less the same in a lowered Max?
Thanks!
what kind of springs were you running on your civic? If they were really low and stiff like tiens or something, that would explain the crappy ride.
#38
Originally Posted by 2k1IceMax
Just got my cardomain site up. Check it out.
#39
take a look at this link, haven't read through it yet but went right to the bottom to see some statistics, was kinda surprised: http://www.tirerack.com/suspension/t...bach_hr_rd.htm
It's an article on "Eibach Pro-Kit vs. H&R Sport Spring Ride & Drive"
"On the track, the H&R Sport Spring equipped BMW felt the stiffest of the three" (says three because they also compared to stock suspension)
"...they also produce a little more cornering power"
"The H&R Sport Springs allowed the BMW to run lap times which were a few hundredths of a second faster than the Eibach Pro-Kit equipped car, and the fastest of the three cars tested."
what does everyone think, i was told to go with the eibach's if i wanted better handing and h&r's for more comfort, and it looks like this isn't the case
It's an article on "Eibach Pro-Kit vs. H&R Sport Spring Ride & Drive"
"On the track, the H&R Sport Spring equipped BMW felt the stiffest of the three" (says three because they also compared to stock suspension)
"...they also produce a little more cornering power"
"The H&R Sport Springs allowed the BMW to run lap times which were a few hundredths of a second faster than the Eibach Pro-Kit equipped car, and the fastest of the three cars tested."
what does everyone think, i was told to go with the eibach's if i wanted better handing and h&r's for more comfort, and it looks like this isn't the case
#40
Originally Posted by dextterity
take a look at this link, haven't read through it yet but went right to the bottom to see some statistics, was kinda surprised: http://www.tirerack.com/suspension/t...bach_hr_rd.htm
It's an article on "Eibach Pro-Kit vs. H&R Sport Spring Ride & Drive"
"On the track, the H&R Sport Spring equipped BMW felt the stiffest of the three" (says three because they also compared to stock suspension)
"...they also produce a little more cornering power"
"The H&R Sport Springs allowed the BMW to run lap times which were a few hundredths of a second faster than the Eibach Pro-Kit equipped car, and the fastest of the three cars tested."
what does everyone think, i was told to go with the eibach's if i wanted better handing and h&r's for more comfort, and it looks like this isn't the case
It's an article on "Eibach Pro-Kit vs. H&R Sport Spring Ride & Drive"
"On the track, the H&R Sport Spring equipped BMW felt the stiffest of the three" (says three because they also compared to stock suspension)
"...they also produce a little more cornering power"
"The H&R Sport Springs allowed the BMW to run lap times which were a few hundredths of a second faster than the Eibach Pro-Kit equipped car, and the fastest of the three cars tested."
what does everyone think, i was told to go with the eibach's if i wanted better handing and h&r's for more comfort, and it looks like this isn't the case
Good info!