FAQ - Coilovers, HFP suspension, and Springs

[glen e]

Dropping to lose the gap will still need a 3 bar camber system
Coils have nothing to do with it

[pablome]

I got the i4 coupe...any input though really for best quality and adjustment for this car???
And I need the 3 peace camber kit...not just 1 peace..
Im also gonna add the stiffer Rear sway bar.
Tein SS sound good but maybe overkill...

[pm179]

Originally Posted by glen e

Dropping to lose the gap will still need a 3 bar camber system
Coils have nothing to do with it

I do not know what other springs are available for our cars (besides the Eibachs) but I don't think they will eliminate the gaps on my car. If the gaps get cut in half that would be a lot better then they are.

Is there a standard computation to determine the point at which we have to upgrade from stock, or from the cheaper 1 bar adjustment to the more costly 3 piece camber adjustment set? Anything over 1" drop? 2" drop ... 3"????

Or let me give a specific example ... what would I have to use if I were to replace stock items with Koni shocks/struts and Eibach Pro lowering springs? Would I have to use the 3 pcs camber adjustment kit for this simple 1.4" drop??

If I definitely need it then I'll get it, as I don't want to wear out new tires, but if it is not necessary I'd like to put the $$$ elsewhere ... I just don't know what that drop point is where the full 3pcs set must be installed for correct adjustments.

Thank you for your responses

[glen e]

In general, a 1.5 drop will require a one piece camber rod.....anything more needs the 3 piece. But you have to ask yourself, why go cheap after spending all the monetary and time? A one piece gets it CLOSE to spec and not spot on...a 3 piece does.

Look at j power rods to save money. I'll never understsnd someone spending tons of money on wheels and susp then cheapening out on the underpinnings...like buying a new vette and putting on ford focus tires......go all in or go home.....

[pm179]

Originally Posted by glen e

In general, a 1.5 drop will require a one piece camber rod.....anything more needs the 3 piece. But you have to ask yourself, why go cheap after spending all the monetary and time? A one piece gets it CLOSE to spec and not spot on...a 3 piece does.

Look at j power rods to save money. I'll never understsnd someone spending tons of money on wheels and susp then cheapening out on the underpinnings...like buying a new vette and putting on ford focus tires......go all in or go home.....

I'm not trying to cheap out, just trying to determine what is needed for my minimum drop ...

... and mainly trying to find out if there are other performance spring options for my V6 sedan besides the Eibach Pro's

Thanks again for your response

[namegoeshere]

Originally Posted by pm179

... and mainly trying to find out if there are other performance spring options for my V6 sedan besides the Eibach Pro's

Eibach Pro Kit, H&R Sport, Tanabe NF210, Tein H-tech / S-tech, Megan, D2, Ground Control, Ksport, eBay springs....

[pm179]

Originally Posted by namegoeshere

Eibach Pro Kit, H&R Sport, Tanabe NF210, Tein H-tech / S-tech, Megan, D2, Ground Control, Ksport, eBay springs....

... looks like I have some research to do


I'm assuming that the shock/spring option for our cars is not a popular one these days as most folks go with coilovers. Guess I should reconsider that a bit and look into their longevity & reliability.

Thank again

[glen e]

Originally Posted by pm179

... looks like I have some research to do


I'm assuming that the shock/spring option for our cars is not a popular one these days as most folks go with coilovers. Guess I should reconsider that a bit and look into their longevity & reliability.

Thank again

Coils are nothing more than a matched spring with a shock. The reason the springs don't work is because you're stressing the stock shock because it's not made for it, so therefore, inevitably it breaks.

[pablome]

Now how about for those people that get snow ...maybe 4 months in the year lets say...salt too...or near a lake...
Would coilovers be a waste of money then...

[glen e]

It'll cost you a alignment, but thats the beauty of coils, raise them for the winter! Can't do that with springs or HFP...

[pablome]

Originally Posted by glen e

It'll cost you a alignment, but thats the beauty of coils, raise them for the winter! Can't do that with springs or HFP...

Sorry but that sound like a real b*ch thing to do lol
I heard coilovers won't resist the winter/salt beatings.
Adjusting the height every half year with alignment...what a tedious job yikes.
(Living up north ****s...)

I was told to just go with springs, if not going too low...and they should fair good with winter apparently...
(Got excited about dishing out alota money for nothing lol)

[glen e]

Originally Posted by pablome

Sorry but that sound like a real b*ch thing to do lol
I heard coilovers won't resist the winter/salt beatings.
Adjusting the height every half year with alignment...what a tedious job yikes.
(Living up north ****s...)

I was told to just go with springs, if not going too low...and they should fair good with winter apparently...
(Got excited about dishing out alota money for nothing lol)

Looks like you've "heard" exactly what you want to hear ....so let me give you a few other things that you should "hear".....like the truth
1 . Put on springs and you will be buying shocks in a few years because you will blow the shocks , and then you will have double the labor to replace the shocks.
2.I have no idea why coil overs would be more susceptible to winter weather than the shocks that you now have.

So now go do what you want?...

[jeebus31]

Originally Posted by glen e

Looks like you've "heard" exactly what you want to hear ....so let me give you a few other things that you should "hear".....like the truth
1 . Put on springs and you will be buying shocks in a few years because you will blow the shocks , and then you will have double the labor to replace the shocks.
2.I have no idea why coil overs would be more susceptible to winter weather than the shocks that you now have.

So now go do what you want?...

My personal experience:

1. Months, not years.

If you are not at all interested in adjusting height, get the HFP setup. Don't get springs.

[namegoeshere]

Originally Posted by glen e

2.I have no idea why coil overs would be more susceptible to winter weather than the shocks that you now have.

OE struts don't have adjustable parts. It's recommended that coilovers see some type of periodic cleaning/mainteance. Coilovers that are exposed to rain and snow (moisture), road salt, and other debris require more frequent cleaning/maintenance. If they aren't, those adjustable parts can rust/corrode/seize, making future adjustment attempts a PITA or impossible.

Side-by-side of rusted and seized coilover and new coilover:


Rusted coilovers:


Even if aluminum components are anodized and steel components are painted/powder coated, it's still recommended that they be regularly cleaned/maintained.

http://teinusa-blog.com/tein-damper-maintainence/

[glen e]

I can appreciate the threads going to hell without boeshield T-9 or equiv, but does the coil itself break vs a std shock/strut in winter weather?