Are there any options for improving the handling of a '94 GXE without going the lowered route? Can you just replace the front struts with SE struts?

Actually, as mushy as mine feel, just putting new ones on may do the trick...

 

Don't be afraid of lowering for it is your friend.

 

I didnt want to lower my car either, but I used a set of eibach springs (the have the least ammount of drop) and I am one happy camper.

 

If you don't want to drop the car, then get some Koni shocks, ST sway bars, and some of my other suspension goodies.

www.mattblehm.com/suspension.html


but honestly, you really won't see much improvement in the handlind without upgrading your springs. Eibach springs are some of the stiffest and least drop of the ones out there. they'll provide the best handling for what's on the market now..

 

go ahead and get some Eibachs the drop isnt drastic and the ride will not be too bad. I had Eibachs but wanted the lower look so went with Intrax.

Here is a picture of Craig Bs car next to my stock GXE for comparison. He has Eibachs and the GXE has stock suspension. As you can see the drop is noticeable but not drastic. I wanted to get a picture of my SE with those 2 cars too but I kinda have it in pieces so I couldnt LOL.



and another pics

 

I had taken a look at your stuff, Matt. VERY cool! Nice work.

I just got this GXE, and there seems to be a lot of body roll. I had an '89 SE before, and it was much stiffer. I think the front struts are shot on this car. If I go with aftermarket springs, will I have to do front and back to make it look right?

 

Btw, I'll be doing mostly highway cruising in this car, so I'd like it to have a decent ride.

Not asking too much, is it?

 

Highway cruising with Eibachs is great. you won't be dissappointed.

And yes, you should replace them as a set. you have to buy all 4 anyway, so you might as well install them.
For struts, go with either Koni or Tokico.

Also upgrade your sway bars- that will drastically help with the body roll.

 

If you mate those Eibachs with some good shocks and struts the ride will still feel nice. Konis would be great, but if you're on more of a budget Tokicos will work just fine also.

If you're not happy, you can always make at least most of your money back by selling them on here.

 

so what set-up do you guys think is the best? as far as moderate drop and stiff handling?????
i need some new struts bad!!!! mine as well get springs too..

 

we just told you what we like best....

 

Matt he wasnt listening

the best for a small but nice drop and great performance would be

Eibach + Koni. for a less money Eibach + Tokico

 

Also look into WSP's subframe connectors. They seem to get forgotten about a lot, but most people (like Matt) seem to notice a big difference with them.

www.warpspeedperformance.com

 

Just add Matt's link to your favorites list, like me!

 

you mean you dont have it memorized?

 

Yeah, it's burned into my memory, but just in case.

 

Hey, thanks for the input guys.

Ok, so where can one get the best prices for Eibach, Koni, and Tokico?

Thanks again!!

 

Brian (internetautomar) has some of the best prices on that kind of stuff that I've seen.

 

Thanks Matt, I'll check him out.

After browsing through the forum a bit, I have another question...

Is there something unusual about installing the Koni struts that makes it more difficult than others?

(Shox.com has a Koni shocks/Eibach Pro-kit spring package for $669.00 Sounds pretty good...)

 

Just cutting the old struts apart on the front.

Have you checked my prices yet?

 

Looks like yours comes to $680 for springs & struts. How much for shipping to 36526?

 

too much
I just ran it through the calc and it comes out to like $75
hmm.. I'll have to check my costs tomorrow and see if I calculated something wrong.

 

Whew! Yep, that's pretty steep. Let me know if you figure something else out. I'm not quite ready to order yet anyway, though.

 

Well, as long as they are running that special, I can go $660 and shipping will be $40.
Let me know if you or any one else is interested.

 

brian, i will get with you soon on some struts. i just have to figure out what i want.

 

Ok, I've been doing a little research... just how harsh are the Eibach springs? Say, compared to 3rd gen SE springs? I don't want my teeth jarred... and I'm in my car for around 2 hrs each day.

I know the stock 3rd gen stock SE setup is a lot nicer than the GXE I have now. I'd just like to get close to that, maybe a little better. You guys say that the Eibach springs aren't too harsh paired with the Konis? Just want to make sure I'll be happy with things before putting out that much $$.

 

I'm waiting for matt to do the coilovers.

 

Coilovers? What's the lowdown on these??

 

nothing I say nothing

 

Ok, sooo... you're just yanking my chain, right?

hmmm... or is the diabolical genius Matt working on something new...

 

My lips are sealed

 

hey if you just want SE springs I have some I can sell you pretty cheap. $30 and you pay shipping. I would give them to you but I have to pull them off of my parts car so I want a little for my work.

 

If you go with Shox.com make sure you let them know you are a member of the .ORG and they will give you a better price. I purchased my Ebiach / Tokico setup from them.

 

It is more work to install the Konis. But it's pretty easy. I just got done installing mine. Here is a link:
http://scott92282.tripod.com/scomax/koni.html
A few differences though. I only got about 1-3/4 turns from loose/tight. I used one turn from full tight on all 4.
Fronts. To cut open the strut, I used a sawzall. Worked well.
Rears. To get the big nut off, use a large pipe wrench. It also worked well to tighten the Koni nut back on. So you don't have to make a tool like Scott did.

 

Hey, I may just take you up on that! I may try that to start with, anyway. Put some Konis on with the SE springs. They should fit the GXE with no problem, right? awsm66, do you ever get down towards Hattiesburg? Instead of shipping, maybe I could meet you somewhere. I'm in Daphne, AL (just across the bay from Mobile) I get up to Hattiesburg fairly often. Let me know what you think, and maybe we can work something out.

Jeff,
Thanks for the link!

 

Yeah I got to hattiesburg at least once a week. I have a few customers down there...Puckett Machinery, MS auto auction, and a couple of smaller accounts. Just let me know and I will be glad to meet you down there. I can meet you on a weekend or weekday...doesnt matter.

click my name in my sig to email me.

 

Dude, you forgot your sig!

 

LOL yeah but its up there a couple of posts up. I like to only do the sig 1 time per page so it doesnt load slow for those with dialup because of my pics.

I will go back and edit it though just to make sure LOL.

 

Here is the deal. The eibach and Tokico are somewhat harsh. I don't know why, but it felt like there was no finesse. The Koni and Eibach combo, with the Koni's set to 3 clicks from rock hard is not really as rough. Koni's control the body movement better, and give a smoother ride along with better handling. Tokico's with stock SE springs are good, but the handling is not 'as good as it could be.' With other bolt on mods, you would do quite well. I've ridden in (but not owned) KYB with Sprint, other than being in the weeds, its a harsh ride for the benefit. Not bad, but the bads don't outweigh the goods.

Now, if I were you, being concerned about the ride, I wouldn't go with the springs. I would put on the Tokico's, FSTB, RSTB, and either the ST Front and rear kit, or the (can't remember the name) RSB. Then, get a good set of tires. Get 16" or 17" rims, and buy a set of 'real' tires. You won't get much of a warranty (40K or so) but your handling will increase in an order of magnitude. This will preserve the car like ride, but stiffen the body a bit, and stick you to the road.

 

Very well said.