Ok I'm sure I'll get flamed for starting this, but I've searched searched and all the info seems to be confusing me. What is a good strut to run with my used maxspeed springs? Is it necessary to buy illuminas? I dont have crappy roads out here so thats not a issue. My car has nearly 70k so I wont have it more than another 40 to 50k max. Will non adjustables ride fine? I highly doubt I will ever autox. Someone help me out here.

 

Tokico "Blue" Struts

 

no dont buy the blues...I had blues with my H&Rs and the ride was harsh as hell and H&Rs are comparable to Maxspeeds. So I went ahead and bought illuminas and the ride was much improved...and blew my rear strut 3 days ago

 

every person is different.
i have H&R with blues and my ride is perfect...not harsh at all

 

Ugh - here we go.....

TIRES boys. TIRES make a HUGE difference in your Ride quality.
Nobody EVER mentions what tires they are running with their setups, and what SIZE!!!!

I was running Kumho Ecsta Supras 235/45/17 on my Progress/Illumina combo, and it was HELLA-harsh!
After about 10-15k the susp. settled down a bit, but I changed to Falken Ziex 512's 225/50/17 and it is 100% less harsh / more compliant than before.

I'd say the blues should be fine with Maxspeeds if you want to save the $$$ and don't need the adjustability.
gr

 

I've got GR2's on Maxspeeds and they ride just fine. I'm inclined to agree with ghostrider, however.

Everytime i start feeling like the car is riding harsh and the ride gets bouncy, the first thing that comes to mind is "there goes my struts". Long story short, apparently it's only due to low tire pressures.

I had 245/45/17's before and the ride was nice and firm, with 245/40/18 it's a little rough but still firm and the GR2's seem to handle rebounds just fine.

 

I have Maxspeed with Illuminas.. like the ride and you can adjust them

 

Sorry to take this off topic, but how are Blues with stock springs vs. Illuminas with stock springs? I think it may be worth the extra $ since how often do people buy shocks/struts.

On the other hand, most people including myself might not know which setting to set the Illuminas on.

 

I have Blues with stock springs and the ride is comfortable. If I hit multiple bumps or uneven roads it feels very sloppy (left & right), my tires got 50k so maybe a problem with this but Less body roll on the highway ramps or turning corners. Before with OEM shocks I couldn't handle the boaty feeling and it actually felt dangerous.

 

I'd like to thank you guys for your suggestions. I went ahead and bought some new Tokico HPs off ebay. Today I installed them on the front with maxspeed springs. I'll do the rears when I have time again. I think both of the stock front struts were blown because I can push the piston in and it doesn't extend back out. It actually rides better than before but thats probably because the other struts were blown. Anyways, thanks again!

 

make sure u get an alignment for the fronts. Glad u like the maxspeed.

 

Yeah they're great! As of right now, I can't see why anybody could ever complain about the ride quality with this setup. I'm sittin at 26.75" on the pass. front and 26.85" on the driver front. I have OEM RE92A Potenzas on right now so im not too concerned about wearing these tires down. I need to get some good all seasons since I'm coming into winter and when I get those, I'll get it aligned.

 

I agree with ghost rider...
i got blues with eibach and i have a set of basher 18 enkie wheels with low profile tires ( z rated ) and my stock 01 16" wheels ( forgot tire size). With the enkei's the car rides better than stock,,, one of my wheels has a dent,,, and when i put stock wheels with the stock big tires =...MY BACK IS NOW KILLING ME! as soon as i got the money i will buy some wheels and better tires ...lol

 

From what I recall - that Maxspeeds are VERy similar to stock, but I don't recall the spring rates. If you like the drop, then they should be a good upgrade to the ride and handling with the Hp's.

Now get RID of the Blowtenzas ASAP, especially before WINTER!!!!
Those tires are GREAT on dry pavement, and they SUCK on anything that is wet, cold, snowy, or icy!! You have been WARNED!
gr

 

Ya the drop looks better than before but it didn't drop much. I guess with the two front struts already blown it was sittin low already. its right at 26.75" in the front both sides. thats 1" lower than before.

I'm still trying to decide what all season tire to go with...apparently the wheel and tire forum doesn't get visited often. I'd try the contiextremes but I'm not sure how well they will perform in the summer.

 

How long have you had it? Give it some time to settle. Although, having had OEM struts paired with the Maxspeeds first myself, i can agree that it did sit lower with that set-up than with my GR2's.

For the all-seasons, i vote for either Proxes 4 or the General Exclaim UHP's.

 

I have maxspeed with kyb gr2's as my suspension setup. To me the ride is very nice and not harst at all. Alot of people that took a ride in my car said it felt like stock but lowered.

 

Go to Tirerack.com and read the reviews....it's too much info - but really THE best db for that info. although HIGHLY subjective.
The contis were well-rated, but obviously more stinted towards winter driving.

i have Falken Ziex512s, and they are capable cheap tires. Not so great in the wet, or the snow, however. It's ALWAYS a compromise.
Were I to stay in the midwest - I'd get TWO SETS of dedicated wheels/tires for the seasons for sure!
gr