Newbie in the suspension class...
 

I'm looking into lowering my car a little bit. I'm not a weekend AutoX warrior. It's my daily driver and I am a college student looking to make the car look meaner. I AM a newbie, I already stated that. Alright...

Should I do coilovers or springs? Now I was looking at the springs because they seem to be a little more affordable. Like I said, I am a college student. The budget is vital for me. I'm looking for a drop that will just make it look more aggressive. Give me feedback...and I don't mind the bumper scraping club, or the NOFATCHIX club.

TEIN S-Tech springs for you.

Do springs and shocks at the same time you'll save money since you need to take them both out to install the new springs.

How much would I be looking at for the shocks and springs? I was actually looking at the Tein S springs. That's why I made this thread

Springs will be in the 160-250 range depending on what you get. Shocks will be around 500-650 also depending on what you get.

What I would suggest is just get the springs for now, and save the rest of your money for later down the road. When the stock shocks start to go, then you can either replace them with aftermarket and have a good setup, or go for a full coilover setup.

I suggest the Tein S-techs, they are a good spring. They will help handling a little, but they will mostly even out the front and rear gaps so the front won't be higher than the rear like it is stock. Plus they are on the cheaper end of springs at about 170.

Alright...I was looking on eBay (shame on me) and I saw them running 130-200. I also need to get the car realligned once they are settled right?

^it'd be your best bet to get an alignment.

Alright cool, thanks for the help. Will I join the NOFATCHIX club even though I don't have a bodykit or Appearance package?

No, you'll be fine with ground clearance on the S-Techs. The only thing I did differently when I had mine was go over speed bumps slower and at a slight angle. And yes, once the springs have settle to their final ride height you need to get an alignment.

I go over them slow as it is, so it shouldn't be a problem. How long does it usually take to settle...how will I be able to tell?

Depends on if you tighten the upper control arm bolts in the front while on the ground or in the air. If you tighten them with the full weight of the car on the suspension then it will only settle maybe another 1/8 inch or so and will be dropped right from the get go. If you tighten them with the car raised then maybe a few weeks before the final drop is acheived. The rear will drop as soon as the springs are on and drop maybe another 1/8 inch when they finally settle. Also, just so you know, there are alot of people that make fake Tein S-Techs, so make sure you buy from a reputable dealer and check out the tein usa site for how to spot a fake.

EDIT: You should measure the ride height now, with the stock suspension and then measure again when the springs are on. Just take a tape measure and measure (on level ground) from the ground to the highest point in the wheel arch. Do it for all 4 corners and record them. Then compare that to what you get when the springs are on.

Which would you prefer? Tightening while it's in the air, or back on the ground? I've seen some on eBay that also have the box that say the Tein S-techs.

There has been a rash of fake Tein stuff on E-bay.

You might want to buy them from a reputable vendor......

^Agreed about the E-bay stuff. I bought mine from DPE about 2 years ago, but they have since moved on.

I prefer to tighten the bolts while the car is on the ground. It only takes an additional 5 minutes and it will be really close to the full drop (like I said maybe 1/8 inch of if not less). This also helps when you have to get an alignment as you can get an alignment a week later and not worry about the springs settling more and messing the alignment up.

if you are going to buy shocks/springs at the same time you are just better off getting tein basic coilovers. If you just want a drop get the tanabe GF's as they lower the rear more than the tein s-techs do and drop the front just as much.

Yeah, I pretty much want the drop. Like I said I'm not a weekend Autocross warrior. I love making my cars look GOOD. Don't get me wrong, NO RICING!! I'm going to school right now for automotives. I want to get into tuning or customization. Who knows. So Tanabe GF's? What's the pricing?

cheaper than the s-techs. if you wanna see pics ask dominion i know they have a few pics of how good the car looks on them. i'm personally trying to ditch my new set of them in favor of the tein basics because I decided I wanted stiffer spring rates. If you want em I'll give ya a deal on em.

How's the ride on them? I wouldn't mind having a stiffer spring rate. That would give it more response right?

yeah, nothing super dramatic, but no spring is going to give you a super dramatic change in spring rate.

https://www.rx8club.com/showpost.php...7&postcount=13

thats the tanabe GFs

no miles, they are new in the box with the original packing and plastic on them.

Price?? And where are you located?

im in NY... I have them up for sale in the parts for sale section, PM me if you are interested maybe we can work something out.

If you need help installing your springs, let me know. We've done a fair share of them with AZMC

As soon as I get a new source of income I'm going to get the springs. His springs if he still has them. I could DEFINITLY use the help, I don't have a spring compressor. I have access to garage if you guys need a place, or whoever has access to a spring compressor. I can bring drinks...I'm under 21...Jones Soda Co. anyone?? or Kaliber beer?

What about the Tanabe DF210's? They're a lower drop than the GF210's right? Any input?