Lowered CX-5 Appreciation: Show us your drop!

[AL Cx5]

Here's a side profile showing the Corksport 2" drop.

View attachment 329413

I can see what @AL Cx5 is saying with wanting more in the rear. Corksport set their springs so that they would be level when an adult sits in the back or something of similar weight is loaded in the cargo area. Knowing they will come down when loaded, they could potentially sag in those cases. And since spring travel is already reduced quite a bit, I think this is a fair compromise.

Nice looking! The larger diameter wheel fills the wheel wells nicely. My 24 T is almost a twin, same color paint and gun metal wheels. We stayed with 19" wheels.

A side note concerning coilovers. The spring and dampness range of motion don't change as the vehicle is raised or lowered. The is little chance the shocks bottom out with a load...

My coilover parts arrived. I assembled the front strutes and will install in a couple of days. After a week of tests, lower it and get another alignment.

Then on to making tip turning vanes. Weee

 

[N7turbo]

I'd really like to ride in a car lowered the same amount with coilovers. I have no idea what the difference in ride quality would be. Others with aftermarket shocks have indicated that it's pretty firm, and that's how I'd describe mine. The tires have doubled down on that sensation being a sporty tire, which has me driving around all the dips/holes in our roads here.

 

[AL Cx5]

I'd really like to ride in a car lowered the same amount with coilovers. I have no idea what the difference in ride quality would be. Others with aftermarket shocks have indicated that it's pretty firm, and that's how I'd describe mine. The tires have doubled down on that sensation being a sporty tire, which has me driving around all the dips/holes in our roads here.

I had coilovers on our Accord. Lowered as needed. It had 20 different firmness settings. This was my wife's grocery getter and trip car. It was a pleasent car to drive and was responsive.

Not all coilovers are created equal. Some are for off road racing, others to hit a price point. How they are adjusted makes A big difference. A sample of 1 may not tell the entire story.

I picked BC Racings BR street car coilovers not on price but features. When I had them on the car, I could adjust the ride to suit. It's not OEM ride but has a wide range of adjustment. Like any mod, it improves some areas and hurts others. These coilovers seem hit the middle of the road balance.

Our front and rear Megan sway bars with urethane bushings greatly improved handling. The ride over uneven pavement reminds the driver to slow down. Our Megan bars are not as sever as the Accord with Accura SI bars and urethane bushings. As mentioned, we can stiffen them by moving the end links.

Tires are the same deal. I think I have a tire picked that will be a middle of the road ride vs handling. Ride quality kept us in a 19" wheel at the expense of look and handling.

When we had the coilovers with stiffer sway bars on the car, my wife had to make an evasive maneuver to avoid an accidentnt. She was impressed how well the car responded. It did what I had intended.

I encourage my wife to slow down over rough roads and drive around pot holes. Our lighter wheels are not bullet proof like the OEM wheels. The ball joints and bushing will last much longer. I do the same with my 2500 series truck. My ball joints and tie rods went 265k mi.

I like that the car jostles the drive awake to drive consciously.

Here are some BC Racing videos.

https://youtu.be/xvZ1DIZvfhs?feature=shared

https://youtu.be/lt4YmA7XX_Y?feature=shared

 

[sm1ke]

My experience is limited to a 1999 Honda Accord as that's the only car I lowered with springs first, then moved to coilovers. Springs were Eibach Pro Kit (1.5" and 1.7" drop), and eventually switched to AMR Engineering coilovers with upgraded Swift springs because I wanted to go lower.

The ride on the Eibachs was comparable to OEM with the added benefits of a lower center of gravity. Still very comfortable, but a bit sloppy feeling paired with the OEM dampers. Switching to the coilovers firmed up the ride noticeably, and the car felt more composed, tighter. But the ride quality suffered, and the increase in stiffness meant a bit more discomfort dealing with minor road imperfections like road seams/transitions and train tracks. Thankfully I was able to adjust the damper stiffness to find a happy middle ground.

 

[AL Cx5]

My experience is limited to a 1999 Honda Accord as that's the only car I lowered with springs first, then moved to coilovers. Springs were Eibach Pro Kit (1.5" and 1.7" drop), and eventually switched to AMR Engineering coilovers with upgraded Swift springs because I wanted to go lower.

The ride on the Eibachs was comparable to OEM with the added benefits of a lower center of gravity. Still very comfortable, but a bit sloppy feeling paired with the OEM dampers. Switching to the coilovers firmed up the ride noticeably, and the car felt more composed, tighter. But the ride quality suffered, and the increase in stiffness meant a bit more discomfort dealing with minor road imperfections like road seams/transitions and train tracks. Thankfully I was able to adjust the damper stiffness to find a happy middle ground.

I considered Swift springs with coilovers on the CX5 and decided to pass. Like you said, you went even lower. I'm limiting how low bases on parking curbs and such...

 

[N7turbo]

My experience is limited to a 1999 Honda Accord as that's the only car I lowered with springs first, then moved to coilovers. Springs were Eibach Pro Kit (1.5" and 1.7" drop), and eventually switched to AMR Engineering coilovers with upgraded Swift springs because I wanted to go lower.

The ride on the Eibachs was comparable to OEM with the added benefits of a lower center of gravity. Still very comfortable, but a bit sloppy feeling paired with the OEM dampers. Switching to the coilovers firmed up the ride noticeably, and the car felt more composed, tighter. But the ride quality suffered, and the increase in stiffness meant a bit more discomfort dealing with minor road imperfections like road seams/transitions and train tracks. Thankfully I was able to adjust the damper stiffness to find a happy middle ground.

That's what I'm afraid of--coilovers being even stiffer. These springs made the ride noticeably harder and even before changing wheels and tires it was borderline. I'm pursuing some adjustable sway bar end links and I'm curious to see if those will improve ride quality by relaxing the sway bars during straight-line driving.

Our front and rear Megan sway bars with urethane bushings greatly improved handling. The ride over uneven pavement reminds the driver to slow down. Our Megan bars are not as sever as the Accord with Accura SI bars and urethane bushings. As mentioned, we can stiffen them by moving the end links.

I'm pretty sure I'll keep the stock sway bars to avoid making the ride even harder

 

[sm1ke]

That's what I'm afraid of--coilovers being even stiffer. These springs made the ride noticeably harder and even before changing wheels and tires it was borderline. I'm pursuing some adjustable sway bar end links and I'm curious to see if those will improve ride quality.

It can depend on the coilover brand and model. Most companies offer different types. Some companies prioritize comfort. I'm not familiar with coilover offerings for the CX-5 but there should be more options to choose from, compared to the 2 or 3 options available for the CX-9.

Historically, Tein has always offered a "softer" coilover. This would have been the route I'd suggest if they offered an off-the-shelf option for the 2017+ CX-5, but it doesn't look like they do. In your case, I think Ceika Type 1M coilovers could be a good option. They offer more customization than most other manufacturers, as shown here. You can also just contact them directly via email - in my experience, they were very responsive and patient with my questions.

 

[AL Cx5]

That's what I'm afraid of--coilovers being even stiffer. These springs made the ride noticeably harder and even before changing wheels and tires it was borderline. I'm pursuing some adjustable sway bar end links and I'm curious to see if those will improve ride quality by relaxing the sway bars during straight-line driving.


I'm pretty sure I'll keep the stock sway bars to avoid making the ride even harder

If your sway bars have some load from the links it may make the ride a bit stiffer. My experience the steering is not neutral driving down the highway. That is, I made constant adjustments to stay in my lane. When I modified the links it road somewhat better and tracked much better.

What is a TOO stiff is subjective for sure. Our CX5 feels like riding around on a cloud compared to my 2500 turbo diesel pickup with a few suspension mods.

As you are finding out, the items you have tweaked relate to each other. There is not much adjuatment with lowering spring, thus the price point.

From a price point and ride, lowering springs are the entry level. Then coilovers offer a wide range of comfort and handling. Coilover dampened and springs are designed to work as a unit within the ride height limits. The trick is buy a unit that fits ones style.

I did lowering springs one time. Like the other post, they were stiff and rough from the moment I installed them. I even had to proper shocks for the ride height. Stock shocks would botton out, ride even rougher and not last. They looked good. They hurt weight transfer to the rear tires. I was drag racing. They came off and I found a buyer.

Comparing loweing springs to coilovers is mixing Apple's and oranges...

Did you trim the rear bump stops as one guy suggets?

 

[N7turbo]

As you are finding out, the items you have tweaked relate to each other. There is not much adjuatment with lowering spring, thus the price point.

From a price point and ride, lowering springs are the entry level. Then coilovers offer a wide range of comfort and handling. Coilover dampened and springs are designed to work as a unit within the ride height limits. The trick is buy a unit that fits ones style.

Everyone I have seen do coilovers says the ride is more firm than before, so they've never sounded like an upgrade compared to springs alone, and are only done for longevity and adjustability reasons. I don't bottom out. There may be hope in kits like the one posted above, but I would not expect comfort from BC Racing based on what I have read. I will keep all of this in mind and see how my thoughts evolve as I drive the car more. I was fine with the ride quality until the tires were swapped.

Did you trim the rear bump stops as one guy suggets?

Definitely--it's not just one guy, it's part of the install instructions.

 

[AL Cx5]

Everyone I have seen do coilovers says the ride is more firm than before, so they've never sounded like an upgrade compared to springs alone, and are only done for longevity and adjustability reasons. I don't bottom out. There may be hope in kits like the one posted above, but I would not expect comfort from BC Racing based on what I have read. I will keep all of this in mind and see how my thoughts evolve as I drive the car more. I was fine with the ride quality until the tires were swapped.


Definitely--it's not just one guy, it's part of the install instructions.

We don't seem to ever agree on very much.

I have first hand experience vs reviews. You seem to know what's best without first hand experience....

Comfort is another warm and fuzzy discription and not easy to quantify. It's another subjective.

If my coilover experience, +6 years on the Accord was not positive, I'd either have lowering springs with matching shocks or stock ride height.

Tires is another subject all together. 20"with smaller side wall vs 19s will make a big difference in ride quality, as you are experiencing. I had 20s on a car and sold them for 18s. I was way happier with the ride and the performance I was looking for, ie drag racing.

Did your research suggest a decrease in ride quality with 20s? I know from first hand experience 20s are a stiffer ride.....

I hope you find a solution and are happy with your part selections so you fully enjoy you ride. Your car looks stunning...

 

[N7turbo]

I have first hand experience vs reviews.

Just going off what others have said in the other threads and I don't see a reason to discount their first-hand experience with their cars.

The springs were $270 and the ride was more firm, but I was able to live with it. It helped handling and looks 100x better.

Combined with the tire change, it's too much. But again this is not an SUV touring or drag racing tire, and the size is different. So this is more than a spring discussion. And it also depends on your road quality...

I agree, the car looks awesome

And it feels great on smooth roads. So what I'm probably experiencing is just bad roads. We'll see.

 

[N7turbo]

Danger, Captain...

 

[AL Cx5]

Just going off what others have said in the other threads and I don't see a reason to discount their first-hand experience with their cars.

The springs were $270 and the ride was more firm, but I was able to live with it. It helped handling and looks 100x better.

Combined with the tire change, it's too much. But again this is not an SUV touring or drag racing tire, and the size is different. So this is more than a spring discussion. And it also depends on your road quality...

I agree, the car looks awesome

And it feels great on smooth roads. So what I'm probably experiencing is just bad roads. We'll see.

I installed the front BC Racing struts today on the front and test the parts before lowering.

The front ended up 1/2" lower than stock. The dampers have 30 settings. I set them 7 clicks firmer from zero.

My road tests confirmed the parts WORK. I started with five clicks but the car was porpoiseing so add 2 clicks.

The car passed the supreme test, "princess and the pea" test. My wife drove the car around town over rough roads and confirmed it road like stock.

My tests confirmed it rode nearly stock, with 20 pounds less unspung weight it was more responsive.

I'll install the rears in the next 5 days lower the ride about 1.75 to 1.5 inches...

 

[N7turbo]

It can depend on the coilover brand and model. Most companies offer different types. Some companies prioritize comfort. I'm not familiar with coilover offerings for the CX-5 but there should be more options to choose from, compared to the 2 or 3 options available for the CX-9.

Historically, Tein has always offered a "softer" coilover. This would have been the route I'd suggest if they offered an off-the-shelf option for the 2017+ CX-5, but it doesn't look like they do. In your case, I think Ceika Type 1M coilovers could be a good option. They offer more customization than most other manufacturers, as shown here. You can also just contact them directly via email - in my experience, they were very responsive and patient with my questions.

View attachment 329444

I appreciate the recommendation and am looking into adjustable coilovers to round out my research. However I am hesitant due to the maintenance needed over the longer term. So the next thing I need to find out is how good can a replacement set of struts be compared to an adjustable coilover setup, since they will be more "set it and forget it" solution without worry of seizing up or needing to be rebuilt.

Looks like most people praise Bilsteins. B4 is the OE replacement (10% stiffer than stock) while the B6 is stiffer, more sporty, and less comfortable. The B8, which is a shortened B6 for lowered cars, is not available. The thing is, the car does not seem underdamped as it is, just crashy on ruts and joints, like I don't have a lot of suspension travel. And I can hear it at the same time I feel it. Makes me wonder if I'm hitting bump stops but I haven't seen anyone else with this issue. So I'm not saying I'm definitely going to get new struts, but will consider them if I can't find fix my ride quality issues.

 

[AL Cx5]

I appreciate the recommendation and am looking into adjustable coilovers to round out my research. However I am hesitant due to the maintenance needed over the longer term. So the next thing I need to find out is how good can a replacement set of struts be compared to an adjustable coilover setup, since they will be more "set it and forget it" solution without worry of seizing up or needing to be rebuilt.

Looks like most people praise Bilsteins. B4 is the OE replacement (10% stiffer than stock) while the B6 is stiffer, more sporty, and less comfortable. The B8, which is a shortened B6 for lowered cars, is not available. The thing is, the car does not seem underdamped as it is, just crashy on ruts and joints, like I don't have a lot of suspension travel. And I can hear it at the same time I feel it. Makes me wonder if I'm hitting bump stops but I haven't seen anyone else with this issue. So I'm not saying I'm definitely going to get new struts, but will consider them if I can't find fix my ride quality issues.

You could mark with a white marker on one side of the bump stop, go for a ride and and inspect.

 

[N7turbo]

You could mark with a white marker on one side of the bump stop, go for a ride and and inspect.

Unfortunately front bump stops aren't easily accessible. All the issues I'm feeling are up front currently.

 

[AL Cx5]

Unfortunately front bump stops aren't easily accessible. All the issues I'm feeling are up front currently.

Rears, lift up the rubber dust boot and there is the bump stop.

Is it crashing on the front/rear or both??

Easy is another one of those what is easy for one is difficult for another term.....Good Luck.

 

[DanDro]

Droped on H&R

 

[:: Gusto ::]

That's what I'm afraid of--coilovers being even stiffer. These springs made the ride noticeably harder and even before changing wheels and tires it was borderline. I'm pursuing some adjustable sway bar end links and I'm curious to see if those will improve ride quality by relaxing the sway bars during straight-line driving.

I'll tell you. I had Megan CO's a few years back. They looked great. Once they settled the ride was HORRIBLE!!
Full soft sucked .. medium sucked .. I had a 6mo baby in the car, it seemsd cruel. Before the settled fully the ride was great.
I couldn't stand the ride. Had them installed for like 2mo & swapped them for h&r springs ...
H&R springs have been on for 5+yrs...

I'm finally looking for a change now... Since I daily it, I'm a bit tired of the stuff ride. Looking for something else suspension wise ...

 

[AL Cx5]

Here is our 2024 turbo we took last weekend to the mountains.

It's lowered 1.5" front and 1.75" rear with BC Racing RC coilovers, Megan front and rear sway bars, Prothan urethane sway bar bushings. 19" Enricii spun forged wheels. It still has factory A36 tires. Also changed out squeaking front brakes to high performance pads with drilled and slotted rotors.

We are in our 70s and not looking for a Tuner ride. These BC coil overs give us fine height adjustment and the ride quality we like. The car was a joy to drive on the twisty mountain roads and rock solid on the interstate highways.

I've made a few hard braking and turning to avoid an accident. This suspension setup is a dream under these conditions.

I installed all of the above parts. The front sway bar was the biggest challenge until I learned the trick.

This 2.5l turbo averaged 32.6 mpg over the weekend, including daily trips of less than 3 miles. Tuned Ecu and a few of my own engine mods. Not a hot rod. More like a sport mini SUV.