uratewl

WOW! What a difference lowering the P5 makes. I will post pics soon and some feedback on the coilovers.

I know the old adage "You get what you pay for", but I couldn't pass up the opportunity to try a set of coilovers that only cost $107 to my door. Initially they seem to be working out quite well.

gcs118

Are they much stiffer than stock? I've only heard bad things about them, so tell us: how was the install? Ride quality? Height lowered? And any other good stuff you wanna throw in. Thanks.

uratewl

Well it's been three days, and so far all is well. The ride is very stiff, but I've never driven a lowered car that didn't provide a stiff ride.

The install was pretty straight foward, however I did have issues with removing the bolts on the strut that require the alum wrench. I'm not sure what that piece is called (although I gave it a few names over the course of the install ). It was very dificult to break the bolt loose and of course the last one rounded. The coilovers themselves seem to be pretty well constructed. Granted they are not as nice as GroundControl coilovers, but they are also a fourth of the price.

The springs are advertised as providing up to a 4 inch drop. I have lowered it about 2 1/2 all around.

I have noticed that the struts need replaced. I need to purchase some struts that are made to work with a lowered car. I have also noticed a feeling that the front wheels feel light. It's hard to explain, but it feels kinda like driving on ice. Like the front wheels are going to slip. Not sure if this is due to the allignment or a camber issue. Anyone have any suggestions?

Again, I feel that for someone that is trying to save a little money, yet still have that agressive stance, that these are a great buy. As I said earlier, I've driven a number of cars that have been lowered, using all kinds of approach to lowering (Eibachs, Intrax, Ground Control, cut springs) and they are all rough rides. The only lowered car I've ridden in that was comfortable, was my buddies Impreza but he spent $1300 on a full suspension.

Due to the weather we have been having this week here in Ohio, I haven't had a chance to take pics, but I will post as soon as the weather breaks.

gcs118

It is supposed to rain for a week straight. We're so lucky!

Jas00x

The light feeling is probably alignment related. However it could be a number of things- Toe, Caster, or Ride Height.

1. I have noticed when changing shocks that if you lower the car, or try to get more camber via camber bolts, the front end seems to want to toe in.

here is a quick and dirty way to check the toe without taking it to a shop- all you need is a tape measure, 2 coke cans, a relatively flat surface (maybe a parking garage if it is raining).

http://www.protegeclub.com/forum/sho...+can+alignment

A real alignment is probably necessary after changing springs, you might need to do it again after changing the shocks too.

2. Another thing to look at is the Caster. The caster can be adjusted by rotating the upper spring perch. There should be a white paint mark on one part of the strut top indicating the corner. With more caster, you will feel more feedback on the steering.

3. Finally, the last thing is ride height. if the back is lowered more than the front the balance of the car will be shot and will cause major understeer. If you measure from the ground to the jacking point of the car behind the front wheel, then measure from the ground to the jacking point in front of the rear wheel - the measurement in the rear should be .5" to 1" HIGHER than the front. Keep in mind that this adjustment does effect handling the higher the rear, the more oversteer you get.

Good luck!! Let me know how it goes. Did you just get your springs on Ebay? I'm trying to find them- they are sooo cheap!

TeamRush

Hi Jason,
For the Caster part. Do you know where is the white dot shuld be? I have had the same kit for months with no problem at all the only thing in my head is that I still don't know where should those white dot goes. Thanks