delturcious

I recently picked up a 2005 Shinka, and the stock springs and shocks are shot in the rear. They have to be replaced regardless. I've been pouring over suspension threads--I think I'd prefer just a simple adjustable shock and lowering springs, but I've pretty much settled on Flex-Z coilovers. Here's why:

• Bilstein aren't compatible with lowering springs
• Bilstein B14 aren't adjustable in the rear unless you remove them
• Koni/H-tech are recommended, but I hated the Konis I had on my NA Miata--they were incredibly harsh
• Ohlins have weird spring rates?
• I don't know enough about Feal/Fortune to intelligently pick options
• TEIN Basic don't have adjustable damping
• Stance seems like a decent option, but considerably more expensive than Flex-Z
• Megan, Raceland, etc... just no.
• I have TEIN Street Advance on my MSM that I've been absolutely thrilled with after getting the ride height dialed in. But then again, I've never owned Xidas.

This will be more of a weekend spirited-driving type of car for me. Maybe I'll do some autocrossing here and there, but I'm not competitive. Are there other options I'm missing here for an adjustable shock that's accessible when installed, lowers the height just a smidge, but doesn't overwhelm with spring rate and valving options?

Loki

iTrader: (1)

Adjustability isn't all that. I'd rather have a well tuned unadjustable set than a budget adjustable one. Case in point, the Bilstein B14.

How much are you looking to spend? Ohlins/Feal/Fortune are overkill if you're only planning for street driving.

That's not to say Tein is bad, I'm sure it fine, but given those options I'd go Bilstein first.

delturcious

I was thinking the basic B14 was adjustable, but that's the PSS9. Apparently I've looked at so many options I can't keep them straight anymore. Agreed--simplicity is good since I'm not concerned with tenths of a second on the track. I was not impressed with the stock Bilsteins on my MSM, but that would have been way softer and less refined than what the B14 would be. I'd also like the shocks to be matched to the springs--both Bilstein and TEIN meet that.

As far as price goes, I'm looking around the $1k range, but that's not set in stone. B14 seems to be $1150 which is fine. It'd be nice if whatever I get comes with mounts (TEIN does; Bilstein doesn't), but that's not a dealbreaker. Certainly appreciate the suggestion--the only option totally off the table for me is Koni.