78k miles,,can I still get lowering springs for fd
07-04-02, 11:27 AM
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78k miles,,can I still get lowering springs for fd
what would happen if i put lowering springs with old factory shocks??? I have a 93 base model..
07-04-02, 01:05 PM
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So long as the factory shocks are the Showa R1/R2 shocks AND they don't appear to be leaking...then you should be ok. The touring, PEP, and base model FD Rx7 shocks are all too soft to be used with aftermarket performance springs. Conventional wisdom says to go ahead and replace the shocks with 78K miles on them, especially since the labor will be essentially "free"
For replacements, I recommend Bilstein HD (Heavy Duty) self-adjusting shocks, coupled with either H&R or Racing Beat springs. The H&R springs are biased more toward high speed track events and public road duty; while the Racing Beat springs are biased more toward slow speed slalom racing. The difference is, the H&Rs are progressive in spring rate. Progressive springs offer more ride comfort, and load the tires more gradually at turn in during high speed events. Racing Beats are linear in spring rate. Linear springs offer a slightly harsher ride, and load the tires more quickly...which is what you want during slalom racing (autocrossing) and during quick lane changes.
The Bilstein HD shocks are more aggressivley valved than the stock Showa R1/R2 shocks, but the Bilstein HDs should be quite usable on the public roads especially with the H&R springs. Bilstein HDs with RB springs might be too much for most enthusiasts, so consider carefully what you plan to do more of (motorsports or cruising)...
Unless you're good at suspension tuning, or need the clearance for really wide tires up front (like 285/30-18s), there's no need to go with a completely adjustable 2.5-inch coil-spring-over-shock setup...These are overkill for most of you, and are a waste of your money, ESPECIALLY if you're NOT using 2.5-inch coil-over-shock systems in a motorsports application (ie, just cruising with them).
For replacements, I recommend Bilstein HD (Heavy Duty) self-adjusting shocks, coupled with either H&R or Racing Beat springs. The H&R springs are biased more toward high speed track events and public road duty; while the Racing Beat springs are biased more toward slow speed slalom racing. The difference is, the H&Rs are progressive in spring rate. Progressive springs offer more ride comfort, and load the tires more gradually at turn in during high speed events. Racing Beats are linear in spring rate. Linear springs offer a slightly harsher ride, and load the tires more quickly...which is what you want during slalom racing (autocrossing) and during quick lane changes.
The Bilstein HD shocks are more aggressivley valved than the stock Showa R1/R2 shocks, but the Bilstein HDs should be quite usable on the public roads especially with the H&R springs. Bilstein HDs with RB springs might be too much for most enthusiasts, so consider carefully what you plan to do more of (motorsports or cruising)...
Unless you're good at suspension tuning, or need the clearance for really wide tires up front (like 285/30-18s), there's no need to go with a completely adjustable 2.5-inch coil-spring-over-shock setup...These are overkill for most of you, and are a waste of your money, ESPECIALLY if you're NOT using 2.5-inch coil-over-shock systems in a motorsports application (ie, just cruising with them).
Last edited by SleepR1; 07-04-02 at 01:24 PM.
07-04-02, 01:25 PM
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Never tried them. I know that they are progressive rate springs, and they lower the FD's ride height by 3/4-inches. The H&Rs are also progressive rate, and lower the car about 1.25 inches.
07-05-02, 04:03 AM
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well I was planning to go with koni yellows and H&R's but im in the process of rebiulding my motor ,but I want lower look ..So what would happen if I put the springs on without replacing the shocks??? I have a base model..
07-05-02, 10:46 AM
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The base model shocks would be a bit soft in handling the Eibach springs. This means you might get a bit of oscillation when going over bumps, ie your dampers don't damp the springs well enough, and your car will move up and down after riding over a bump. Handling might also suffer, and the steering will feel slightly slower in responding especially during quick lane change manuevers, or if you're autocross racing...
IMO, I'd wait until the motor were done. Save up your money, and wait until you can do the suspension properly the first time...
Of course, the decision is yours to make, so do whatever makes you happy
IMO, I'd wait until the motor were done. Save up your money, and wait until you can do the suspension properly the first time...
Of course, the decision is yours to make, so do whatever makes you happy
07-05-02, 05:58 PM
#7
I can tell you that the '95 PEP shocks are too soft for H&R Springs. I put the springs on a couple of weeks ago, thinking that my stock shocks (w/18K miles) would be OK. I was wrong. Sure it looks great, but the ride is terrible. As Manny suggests, steering response feels very sloppy and is much worse than the stock setup. I have a set of Bilstein HDs that will be going on tomorrow.
Mark
Mark
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07-05-02, 11:31 PM
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Mark, welcome to the suspension/brakes/wheels/tires forum...we're honored your first post was with us
You'll love the Bilstein HDs. I don't have a set, but when my stock Showa R1 shocks finally fail, I'll also be going with the Bilstein HDs
You'll love the Bilstein HDs. I don't have a set, but when my stock Showa R1 shocks finally fail, I'll also be going with the Bilstein HDs
07-06-02, 02:27 PM
#9
Thanks, Manny. I have learned a lot from you, as well as others, on this area of the forum. Since I just had some personal experience with regards to this particular thread, I figured I'd chime in. I spent the morning putting on the new Bilsteins, and then went out for a spin. The difference is amazing. The car handles great, although it is a little rough on some of the less than perfect streets in my area. I would really recommend this combination to anyone who doesn't want/need to fool around with an adjustable setup. Next up will be an alignment check.
Mark
Mark
07-09-02, 03:28 AM
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