Protegenic

In order to lower a vehicle without worrying that struts will, in time, wear out. What should be done? What exactly are coilovers? Let's just say I'm very eager to learn

Installshield

Struts will always wear out in time, lowering with stiffer springs will just speed up their decay...

A True coilover system replaces everything from the upper suspension mount to the suspension knuckle, with a adjustable damper and integrated spring. The spring and damper assembly are designed to be used together and purchased as one, meaning the spring rates and damping force are matched for each other, giving the best performance and life span (+ a lot of coilover makers will rebuild the damper if problems pop up). Also the ride height is adjustable by a spring perch that threads onto the damper body, which allows you to adjust the ride height of the vehicle, something that cannot be done with a ordinary strut/spring assembly) Be careful however, not all "coil over" kits are a true kit. Company's like Ground Control and Skunk2 sell kits that I believe use the stock struts with new springs and an adjustable perch, that allow you to adjust the height like a true kit. The benefits end there however and these types of systems will rapidly destroy stock struts.

If you are concerned about strut life you should look into a stiffer strut to accomidate stiffer springs. The better you match the rates of these the longer the life and more complient the ride (no ghetto bounce). This is a much cheaper alternative to a true coilover set, which start around $1350 and sale up and above 2k prettly quickly, depending on what type of kit you want.

wheelguruuu

when you go to say gc's with kyb's you are already spending close to a grand on parts and labor. there are a lot of factors in the suspension process. the biggest is what are you using your car for?

PM me or call me at the shop.

Sean
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408-947-0505

Installshield

Very true, if you buy new struts and springs at the same time, you won't be that far from Tein's Flex kit ($1350???, can't remember) which is a complet coilover kit...

neuromancer

With coil overs you can adjust the ride height, correct? This adjustment is done by compressing the spring? If that is the case how are the struts that come with adjustable coil overs matched to something that is adjustable?

Or maybe I'm just not getting it. Time to google.

Jay

carguycw

Adjusting the ride height does not change the stiffness of the spring; the ride height is adjusted by moving the lower spring perch up or down, NOT by compressing the spring. A strut that works with a certain spring will always work with that spring regardless of the ride height.

However, almost all coilover manufacturers offer different springs to tune the car's handling; if you get different springs, THEN you will need to adjust the strut stiffness. Most Protege coilover kits actually have owner-adjustable stiffness (Tein, JIC). However, some kits have to be sent back to the manufacturer to be revalved in order to accomodate stiffer springs (AWR).

neuromancer

There ya go. Thanks for the info!

Jay

wheelguruuu

Actually with the JIC's the ride height has nothing to do with the spring. there is a lower spring perch that allows you to set the preload. then there is a bottom collar that shortens the actual strut body. along with 15 ways of adjustment, very trick! here is a link that shows both perches.

http://www.jic-magic.com/

very informative. read up!
Thanks,

Sean

Protegenic

If new springs and dampers cost the same as a complete coilover kit one should go for the coilover? I'm looking for something that will last and won't break on me.

Protegenic

Does anyone know if the Eibach Sportline Spring Kit will be compatable with the Eibach Pro Dampers? Or are the Pro Dampers best only with the Eibach Pro Kit Springs?

Installshield

Alright dude, go to www.mazdastuff.com and check the Tokico dampers and Racing Beat springs. That in my opinion would be the best setup for you. I don't know exactly what you are looking for, but I don't think you do yet either. This setup would be less than half that of a set of JIC-Magics. this would also be a lot simpler than a coil over set, seeing how you will not be able to adjust ride height or damping levels. You can just install them and stop worrying about it. They are basically exactly what MP3 has stock and will give you a great handling protege, plus allow you to upgrade your swaybars if you feel like it later. They also will last as long as the stock setup more or less. If you have tons of money, get the coilovers, but from your above posts it looks like your are most interested in longevity, not adjustment and absolute insane performance.

Protegenic

I want performance and longevity. Is it possible to have both? I would like to drop about 1.75-2.5 inches. I will settle with "ok" handling, it doesn't have to be Nascar hehe. I just want to be able to surprise competitors every once and a while