Ground Control Coilovers
 

I was wondering if Ground Control Coilovers can use springs other than the eibachs? I want something stiffer than eibachs for auto-x.

/edit: Before deciding I wanted GC coilovers I wanted to use ST springs.... I'm not quite sure if I want the harsher ride of the H&R's in the protege, I think I'll save that for the 7 ;)

Re: Ground Control Coilovers
 

With the GC coil-overs, you can use any spring rate you want (just about). The coil-overs use 2.5" ID springs, which are available from many sources other than Eibach.

Without removing the stock spring seats, I think you are limited to about 8" springs. Removing the front perch, and trimming the rear for access, would allow you (require in front) to use longer springs. I have 12" 250 lb front springs, and 8" 200 lb rear springs. To get the ride height I want in back, I have helper springs (which add about 0.5" when compressed).

There is plenty of clearance with the front struts for longer springs (with appropriate wheels), but the back is too tight to allow the springs to be longer/go below the perch. By leaving about 1/4" of the original perch, you have enough meat to hold the adjustment collar.

For removing the perch, a dremel with the fiber-reinforced cutting wheel works great.

I recently raised my car about 1/2" in an effort to improve the handling. The ride is much nicer with the extra 1/2" of bump travel, and that was a lot better than the previous MX-3 H&Rs.

FWIW, I also have Mazdaspeed MX-3 struts, ST front sway bar, Quickor 1" rear bar, and 205/50 Azenis on 15 x 7 rims.

No, they are a completely different beast, custom-wound racing springs, basically. That's what's nice about them, you can buy just about any spring rate you want since they're a standard size.

tom

How do the GC's w/ Eibachs compare to normal springs for the protege? Normal Eibach, ST, H&R?

When I was thinking of going with just a regular setup, I crossed the eibachs off my list because they sounded to soft. By the sounds of it I wanted something more like the ST or H&R's... just curious if its still going to be softer than a normal Suspension Techniques setup.

Thanks for the replies :)

Re: Re: Ground Control Coilovers
 

Thanks for your response. That helped a lot! Maybe its just me but I've been finding it hard to get the nitty gritty on coil over setups(for proteges, I didn't know there was a standard for coilover setups!). I'm just curious... what springs are you running... brand etc?

If the Eibachs are already good for auto-x, I won't bother to upgrade this year. If they are softer like the specific protege counterparts, I'd like to do it before the new struts and GC sleeves are installed. :)

I ran Eibachs w/ZX2 struts for about 1/2 the season this year, they are good, but i find the H&Rs better. but they are a stiffer ride for the street as well.

David is using Hypercoil springs.

The difference between the GC Eibach coilover springs and regular Eibach springs, is that the reg springs are rated more for street performance applications and aren't too stiff. They fit on stock/standard struts and can be installed without any modifications.

GC coilover springs are a standard race spring diameter, 2.5", so all the components (collars, perches, etc), are 2.5" spring compliant, so any standard race spring can be used, which is really cool, as you might need to swap springs for certain tracks and any brand could be used. They also allow for more camber/caster adjustament being only 2.5" in diameter. They aren't just meant to raise or lower the car, they allow you to prep it for different racing needs with custom spring rates and lengths.

Re: Re: Re: Re: Ground Control Coilovers
 

I wasn't refering to Eibach springs for all cars - just the protege.... GC kit with the included Eibachs. It sounds like I'll stick with the Eibachs that come in the GC kit for now.

I will be running Tokico zx2 struts, Ground control coilovers, suspension energy bushings, a front tie bar, and it looks like I'll be going with ST sways... maybe the Quickor rear? I have to do more research on that part. :)

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Ground Control Coilovers
 

Oh. Sorry, I have a think skull :p I didn't realize this as none of ths sites I've seen selling them mention this fact! Yet another complication ;)

I was thinking of the GC camber plates, but have to check the price and see if it will fit my budget ATM. If not I'll get the bolts for now.

Where's the best place to buy GC coilovers? I live close to Corksport so I was thinkin about them...

Is the coilover kit for the front and rear? On the Corksport site it sounds like it's just for the front...

the kit is for front and rear and runs around $350 - $400.

I think I just found my first modification :D

Anything else required besides the kit?

for best performance you'd probably need to replace the struts as well. GC makes a set that could be used with the stock struts, but I am not sure how good that'll perform and how long the stock struts would last under the added pressure.

The kit price is for all four. Corksport doesn't normally carry them, but can get them. You don't have to do anything to the perches if you use 8" springs. But you will have to watch for the springs becoming unseated when you jack up the car, or go over big dips.