Hi all

I've been questioning myself with these comparisons. I got this car about 3 weeks ao and I absolutely love em. I got base model, so I've installed security and HID's coming on the way, along with window tint. My next step would be an exhaust and ....lowering....and this is where my questions surface.

1. I've had lowered protege5 with eibach prokit and I loved em. The ride got a bit rough, but overall I was very happy with the performance and the looks(The ride quality wasn't horrible, I was fine with it). Can I expect that same with 8? I have much faith in eibach since I had experience with them

2. Some people tell me that this car is so well balanced that if I lower with just spring, that it will tip the balance and I will make the car perform worse...I actually disagree. Only part I agree is that it will make the ride on a bit rough side...what you think?

3 Some also suggested that I go with full suspension kit. Now for me, I am not pure enthusiast, and I don't want to spend like 1-1.5K on the kit. I don't autocross(though I am interested) and I mainly like to take this car to winding mountain rode and enjoy. Is it better to get the whole kit? I was looking at MS struts and springs....but...

4 Do you think eibach is bad? I'd like to know people's experience with different springs. I like em because of it's characteristics. It doesn't lower crazy amount, and it's progressive spring. I can push the car and spring reacts to the way I drive. I'd like to know what people think of other springs, as I am interested in Tein's luxury springs as well.

Thanks bunch, as all opinions are appreciated.
Ray

If you really don't want to get shocks, but maybe just a better ride throuogh the springs then go for the Racing Beat springs. They are specially tuned to work with the stock shocks. Also their whole suspension package (front & rear Sway Bars & Springs) are like $800 (I would recommend you get the front sway bar endlinks too). Handling will be greatly improved. I honestly would be cautious of springs that drop the car more than .5"-1" without changing shocks. At that point you are changing the compression & flex angle of the shock a bit too much. I have the RB, & like you rarely autocross, more for spirited mountain driving. Ride is minutely rougher, but handling is much better.

MS is really nice stuff, but you have to get the shocks with the springs, that will easily be around the $1500 price point you were talking about, possibly more.

The MS shocks and springs will be a lot less than $1500 for the parts. More like $700 + install if you do not do it yourself. Check out Rosenthall and others.

Sorry, my bad I meant the shocks & springs & F/R Sway Bars (something similar to the RB suspension package) that would run about $1200, with labor it would be around $1500, maybe a little more. Would be a very nice suspension package though. the RB Suspension package (Springs & F/R Swaybars) run about $516 on their website. Does not come with shocks though (But they are testing Konis to work with them).