i was thinking about getting the Tein S-tech springs(2.2 F, 1.8 R). I just have a couple of questions, first off, how low does it really go(after settling and all). Second, how do they ride, stiff, harsh, smooth, etc?? Next, does anyone have a stillen lip with this spring combo, and how much clearance do you have? And also, should i be pairing them with AGX or Illuminas?

I have B&G/AGX right now, and i just cant stand the front looking higher and rear sagging, just doesnt fit me. Had it for almost 3 years now, shocks are starting to go, so want to replace those well, any opinion of wether i should get AGX again or illuminas? and why?

i want a solid ride. Doesnt have to necessary glide like butter (i would like it if it can), but i want it to be solid and not harsh where every bump feels like my car is falling apart and bolts are coming loose. Just a little stiff and SOLID, to really only feel the effects of the suspension on hard curves and not in everyday driving. Ive hurd the illumina's give a better ride when it comes to that, gimme your opinion. thanks.

 

With a Stillen lip, I imagine you'd have around ~4.5" of clearance (from the lowest point of the lip). I have the H-Tech's and measured 5.625" from the lowest point. I manage to clear everything so far but did nick one of the fuel caps at a gas station.

You better get mzmtg's rear strut mounts too.

 

bonka after looking at your site, h techs are perfect for what im looking for...hows the ride on them?

 

im on Sprints same drop up front.... and i can barely fit my sneaker underneath my front lip, im a size 11 in Nikes, lol Right now for the winter my lip is off and im loving it, NO clearance issues whatsoever!!!

but trust me with a 2" drop and Stillen front lip clearance will be an issue... and i dont care how easy you drive you WILL hit and scrape.

Ant

 

well i am on s-etch up fornt and they ride very good compared to sprint whihc i have had before. my springs are not settled allt he way but there is an issue of ground clearance. A stillen lip can take a whole bunch though....so i do nto really care..

 

i have the tein s-tech springs but not the lip, all i can are that the springs do make the front pretty low and it does scrap on a normal driveway going straight down, so with a lip, you might actually break the lip off if your not careful, i can also say the drop is also the best looking drop with springs, gives a very even drop, and the ride quality is way stiffer than stock but not as bad as you may think.

 

im on s tech/agx and it rides like a dump (but it is very cold and that effects the pressurized struts) I have scraped going into my driveway (small hill)

i would say nay to the lip and stechs

 

I have S-Techs and a stillen lip, check the link in my sig for pics of how low it is.... It's a challenge sometimes to go places... I've had the stillen kit for about 4 (or so) months now and I've only scraped twice, once pulling into my driveway with a fat kid with me, and once pulling out of a parking garage in atlanta, luckily with the kit being polyurethane, it flexes and scrapes on the bottom of the lip so that it doesnt jack up the front of it....

 

I was on eibachs and had a lip and smashed the crap out of it so you lower guys are doing good!

springs do not settle!

 

Now this raises and intereing point.

I am planning on the same setup S-Tech/AGX and Stillen Lip. Never thought of scrapping issues but I'm glad I read this thread.

How are your guys ride wtih lip or without, with a full car? especially those with S-Techs its already a low drop but with 3 other people in the car that would sit the car lower, have you guys bottomed out? or scraped up your lip more cause you usually would have cleared the enterance but with 3 more a sses in the car you scrape?

 

to tell you the truth, the smoothest i've ever felt my car was with a full load of 3 other people......it just felt really solid

as for bottoming out....i've prolly done it around 3 times in the 9 months i've had the springs

 

i can see that most people have had issues with clearing on the S-techs. I have B&Gs/AGX (1.6 F, 1.6 R) and in NYC streets, i bottom out on driveways and have clearance issues with my stillen lip quite often already, and the Tein's would only be lower. The Tein S-tech's metrically do offer the lowest, and as i hear, "nicest" looking drop on the 4th gen, in terms of evenness. The reason for the word "nicest" to be in quotes is that it pertains only to ones opinions and likes. While one may think its a perfect drop, another may feel its too low for their taste, hence why there are various options available in terms of aftermarket equipment to suits each individuals personal needs and wants, for not everyone is entitled to the same opinion.
I ask for various opinions to see what the majority of individuals percieve of these springs. I want a drop in which the wheel gap is eliminated (and that is not provided by my current springs, as there is a noticeably difference in which the rear sags)however still offering some room of clearance for my bodykit. Above all, i opt for a good, solid ride. I know i will never have BMW-like handling with a max, however, attaining the best setup possibly available at my budget, would be of my optimal concern.
Hence why i asked wether most of you chose to pair them up with AGX or Illumina's. From what i saw in the posts, majority had them paired with AGX. My next question then would be, why the AGX over the illuminas?
and also, besides the motivational rear mounts, what else can i do to optimize my ride comfort in an aftermarket setup to not have to sacrifice as much ride quality for performace and asthetic appeal? I also have yet to add a RSB, or any sort of subframe connectors.
Just on a side note, i had my front strut mounts(tops) and bearings replaced a year ago. Im wondering if i should order the Energy Suspension Bushings that Cattmann offers. Im just looking for suggestions as to what i should add, as suspension/ride to me is a very critical part of my everyday driving and how much i might enjoy to drive my car.

 

adding new ES bushing and such will offer a smoother ride as those new bushing will provide less ability for parts to move cause an uneasy ride, so getting those bushing would be a good addition to your suspension so that you have a smoother ride and feel less vibration, as it will absorb more shock.

In your case in terms of wanting good spring to reduce wheel gap but have a very comfatable ride, and accomidate your kit seems but asking for your cake and eating it too. I state that due to the fact that you are in new york, and Queens I've yet to see some decent streets that wont make any suspension setup worry. Sadly you dont liev in a city with nice enough streets to enjoy a nice drop with AGX and S-techs, and with a kit and pot whole (what seems like) every 2 feet, you'd scrape bend and demolish that kit.

if you go lower you'll only have more issues, if you have it now with 1.6F,1.6R, then 2.2F,1.8R will only destroy your car parts.