I have a 2000 1.8L
17" with low profile
rather large stereo setup in trunk
I have a 1" diff in height from front to back....back 1" lower
all stock suspension
I am looking to get a completely new suspension and I am looking for all suggestions.
I would like to lower the car 1"-1.5" and get a lil more comfortable ride to compensate for the low tires.
No intention of racing.....car is mainly for show and fun
Have looked at the TEIN and JIC kits but starting to think its more then I need.

Please Help???

I also cant have anyone sit in the back seat.....or any lil bump will cause the back end to bottom out....
dont know if its the stereo or the shocks or the low profile tires
in the trunk is two amps mounted to back seat and one 12" solo baric sub in enclosure.....about half trunk.

 

The the Eibach spring kit for the P5, it lowers the front more than the back. It lowers 1.4 in the front and 1.2 in the rear.

Here is the part number: 5541.140

Don't worry about it being for the P5, it will fit fine in your sedan.

 

so does everyone out there experience rubbing with people in the back seat (those with low profile tires).....and will lowering springs make it worse?

 

First off, if you have a stock suspension 2000 ES with the rear lower than the front, your sub bow is way too heavy. The stock springs should results in the rear of the car being higher than the front, with considerable more suspension travel in the back. Second, you want a 1 to 1.5" lower suspension with low profile tires, a heavy sub box in the trunk, and a more comfortable ride than stock? That's not likely to happen. Lowering that car reduces the suspension travel. Stiffer springs/struts are required to keep the car from hitting the bump stops. Stiffer springs/struts or bump stops mean less comfortable ride, not better.
When you say the back end bottoms out, do you mean the tire rubs against the fender, or the suspension hits the bump stops? If the tires are rubbing, you have the wrong offset wheels or you tires are just too wide for the car. If the suspension hits the bump stops, you carrying around too much weight in the back.

 

The tires are rubbing the fender......i have 17" fittipaldi flames 17X7 4-100/114 40SM
and 205/40ZR-17 84W B matching yokohama parada-2
What do you mean by wrong offset....is this bad or typical with low profile wheels....I dont think its that
I'm thinking its box.....so gonna have to take it out and see

ok aside from the box causing rubbing......what does everyone recommend for
springs and struts.......remember not racing car.....and want softer ride without rubbing if possible....or adjustable struts

 

Sounds like the MP3 suspension would work for you- lowers the car a little, but doesn't make an uncomfortable ride. If you aren't racing or into hi performance driving, adjustable shocks is kind of a waste. The MP3 Tockico's are a little stiffer than the stock ES suspension and the Springs aren't too stiff.
As far as rubbing.. I don't know..
The box may be causing the rear to rub, but maybe also that your shocks could be worn, causing the back of the car to sag. If that box really does weigh alot- like 100 lbs or more, that can't be good for your suspension to drive around with that weight all the time.

Later

 

gonna take out the box tonight and ill post weight......see if back end goes up after box comes out

 

The MP3 suspension is very nice, but still not softer than stock.

 

ok I understand that anything lower will be stiffer ride b/c of less travel.
I thinking the eibachs with new struts.

I took out sub and fake wall----total weight is about 70lbs
is this too heavy?

now that sub is out there is only 0.5in diff between front and back....front being higher......was about 1in before

so what you guys think struts go bad from weight.. would after market struts be better or just too much weight in trunk.....cause i have seen more elaborate stuff in trunks. like tanks for nos and airbags plus subs and amps.....

next step to drive with someone in back seat see if still rubs

 

well i'm almost def. its the low profile wheels....reducing the movement and the 70lbs from the sub enclosure doesnt help....guess i just wont be driving alot of people around.

 

the wheels i have now are 40mm offset....what is setting for stock wheels 2000 es?
and have been reading other posts.....will spacers help....like 2-3mm?
anything to help with rubbing

 

No more replies needed found reason for problem......most likely struts not offset of wheels