Coilover question.

[ImANerdyPunk]

Okay, so I don't have a whole lot of experience or knowledge when it comes to suspensions. I'd like to lower my car(a 2000 LX) a bit. I'm doing this on a budget and I found a set of coilover springs on eBay for what seems like a good price. Anyone have any advice/suggestions? Do I need any other parts besides this?

 

[justanotheradikt]

i know that i would not trust coilovers off of ebay, but i depend on mine a lot(autocross and road race) but i think there is somebody off the forum that has gotten them before. i think he said they just made some noise. but dont quote me on that.

 

[mumshquat]

personally i wouldn't trust any springs that cost $20 on my car coilover or not. especially not from some no name company, and on ebay on top of that. i don't think these would work with factory struts, and even if they did go onto that strut it would be blown shortly anyway. also if you seriously want to lower your car you will need a camber kit or you will be going through tires like mad...coilovers are awesom but i would suggest that you do some serious research before you make a purchase. so in order for these to work you will need a camber kit and adjustable struts that you have made sure in advance will work with these springs.

 

[xelderx]

If you only want to lower the car a bit then forget about coilovers. They are not what you want. Get some Tein S-Techs or Eibach ProKit. Both kits are under $200 and the ride is not too harsh with them.

 

[jster28]

I have a set of Skunk2 Coilovers. You do not need the camber kit. I have a full 3.5 in drop in front and rear and my tires are fine. Dont know what mumshquat is talking about, the proteges dont need it.

 

[ImANerdyPunk]

How difficult would the install be on the springs? I found both kits for about $250. I'll keep looking to see if I can find them cheaper. Thanks for the advice.

 

[xelderx]

www.protegegarage.com

 

[xelderx]

I have a set of Skunk2 Coilovers. You do not need the camber kit. I have a full 3.5 in drop in front and rear and my tires are fine. Dont know what mumshquat is talking about, the proteges dont need it.

Did you get an alignment after the coilovers were installed? Camber doesn't wear tires as bad as toe will. On macpherson strut type suspensions like ours toe is directly related to camber and cmaber is directly related to ride hieght. It is virtually impossible to lower a Protege that much without goofballing the toe up. Also just for reference...your actually pretty much riding on the bumpstops at that low of a ride hieght. Unless you have really , really stiff springs (over 500lbs), every time you turn at speed your shock bottoms out and you don't get any bump absorbsion. Sooner or later the strut will blow or you'll bounce right off the road.

 

[jster28]

The springs on the Skunk2 are really stiff, dont know the rating, but they are really stiff. No, i did not get an alignment, i can't find a shop here that will align a lowered car. As to bumpstop, are you referring to the rubber thing on the strut. I cut those in half, and i'm not riding on them. havent have anyproblems yet

 

[xelderx]

The springs on the Skunk2 are really stiff, dont know the rating, but they are really stiff. No, i did not get an alignment, i can't find a shop here that will align a lowered car. As to bumpstop, are you referring to the rubber thing on the strut. I cut those in half, and i'm not riding on them. havent have anyproblems yet

I don't suspect you'll run into any handling problems on a daily basis, but it might become an issue under extreme conditions. Also judging from your sig picture...you aren't tucking any tire so I doubt your at 3.5 inches drop. Usually stock size rims and tires will start to tuck at about 2.5-3 inches on the Proteges and you have at least 17's on there.

 

[jster28]

I don't suspect you'll run into any handling problems on a daily basis, but it might become an issue under extreme conditions. Also judging from your sig picture...you aren't tucking any tire so I doubt your at 3.5 inches drop. Usually stock size rims and tires will start to tuck at about 2.5-3 inches on the Proteges and you have at least 17's on there.

Nope, 18's on low profiles. It should be 3.5, thats was what was stated by skunk2.

 

[shane02pro5]

I am down around 3" with 18's NEX SS full coilover adjustable height not dampening or camber, perfect for me off ebay for some reason there was a brand new set in boxes never opened I bought for like $265 that sold on ebay every day for $615. Ride is perfect not too stiff. I had eibach pro kit but not low enough so I planned on tokicos with sportlines but I couldn't pass these up.

 

[TampaSport20]

I have a set of Skunk2 Coilovers. You do not need the camber kit. I have a full 3.5 in drop in front and rear and my tires are fine. Dont know what mumshquat is talking about, the proteges dont need it.

a 3.5 inch drop and no camber adjustment ???...you are just asking for trouble there...Your tires WILL wear faster...there is nothing to debate there, it's a fact.

 

[mumshquat]

a 3.5 inch drop and no camber adjustment ???...you are just asking for trouble there...Your tires WILL wear faster...there is nothing to debate there, it's a fact.

damn right