Trav

My car has seen 200k miles now and the suspension is pretty 'loose'. So I'm looking to upgrade the suspension and tighten it up. I want something that is nice and tight and grippy on the street. I don't mind somewhat of a stiff feel. I used to have an FD, so that's the kind of ride that I'm familiar with. I'm looking for something a little bit stiffer, w/o sacrificing a ton of ride quality. I'm also not looking to break the bank, but not afraid to spend a little money to get the right components. Here's what I'm thinking, so tell me what you think...

* Ground Control coil-over kit -- I like the adjustability for ride height. Comes w/ Eibach springs right? linear or progressive? And what kind of rate do I want? ~$400 full kit.

* Adjustable dampers -- Looking at Konis, but open to options as long as I can afford them. Obviously want something adjustable. However, since it's a 'vert, I need something that is adjustable on the side as opposed to the top of the shock in the rear, right? Top adjustable desired for front. ~$100-$200 per shock/strut

* Energy Suspension master polyurethane bushing kit. -- ~$90 just to tighten up all of the joints.

* Anything else?

I think with everything mentioned, I can get a full suspension for just under $1000 or right at...
I'm not really looking for a huge drop in ride height. I've probably got about .5 to 1.0 inch already just because of age of existing components. If I end up at the same point or slightly lower, I'll be happy. I'm really looking to increase the grip of everything and feel like I actually have some control over my ride...

What am I missing? Any thoughts?
thanks!!

downwinddave

Aloha,
Please let me know what you end up doing.
Mahalo,
Dave in Hawaii
91 vert 145k

Trav

Wow, no comments at all? Must be the perfect setup...
Actually it sounds like maybe the KYB AGX would be the better buy for dampers?

RETed

Personally, I think the GC set-up is a bit overkill, and ride quality will suffer.&nbsp I would just go with a set of Eibach Pro-Kit springs instead of the GC stuff.

Now, Eibach will tell you they do not make springs for the convertible - just order the ones for the turbo (or stiff suspension), and you should be fine.


-Ted

Trav

Don't think the adjustable coilovers would be worth the $160 difference? I'm thinking just the ride height adjustability might be worth that...

How much ride quality are we really talking though? I thought the Ground Control came w/ Eibach springs anyway? Apparently not the same ones as the pro-kit?

Obviously right now autocrossing is not in the immediate future, but would defintely like to do a little bit. Wouldn't the coilovers give me a lot more tunability to get more grip?

RETed

The Eibach Pro-Kits are the "best" riding aftermarket spring for the FC3S due to their progressive design.&nbsp The ride will be very comfortable until you start really pushing the turns.

The Ground Control coilovers use Eibach "ERS" springs, which are race springs - more accurately, they are 2.5" linear rate springs which are available in many rates (for tuning).&nbsp Yes, this is the option to go when you're going for serious racing and tuning.

Yes, the coilovers will allow you to "slam the car to the ground".

The Ground Control coilovers are not a true "drop-in" kit.&nbsp I believe the current "kit" requires you to cut the "notch" for the front shocks.&nbsp The shock shaft may or may not have to be machined to fit into the top "hat" for the fronts.



-Ted