thinking about adding h&r sport springs

[oldpunk]

Do we need any new suspension parts if we use lowering springs? Are the stock shocks going to wear out really fast. Any camber issues? I'd like to be a little more informed before I order the h&r sport spring kit.

Is the only suspension difference between the model years just updated shocks and springs?

Sorry, I know this must have been asked a 100 times already.

 

[rodslinger]

You should get a set of adjustable rear camber arms as the rear camber will be out. They are the same for the Ford Focus, Mazda3, Volvo C30 and V40. Just find a good deal on them.

I would get a set of upgraded struts/shocks while you are in there. The front struts have to come out anyway so it'll save you the trouble later. I'm also not sure how well the rebound control is on the stock struts and how they would handle the higher spring rate. I'm sure someone on here has run them on stock struts. I have the H&R's now but using Koni Yellows also. Ride is firm but not uncomfortable. I've taken road trips with the family and not had any complaints from the passengers.

Any other issues? Watch where you park. The front bumper cover will be lower than most parking curbs and sidewalks. I've had to reattach mine several times after getting it caught on something in a parking lot or a steep driveway.

 

[oldpunk]

Awesome, thank you! Springs and control arms ordered. I will update the shocks when funds become available.

I recently started another thread about the jbr rear sway bar. It was pretty clear that it is just too much and the ms3's is a better option. What about the front sway bar? Is there any benefit to changing over the front sway bar the ms3's as well.

I really just want my 5 to not lean going around corners but also need it to be ballanced and predictable.

 

[phunky.buddha]

I wouldn't touch the front bar. A stiffer front bar just means more understeer. Since the MS3 bar matches up really well to the stock front, if you upgrade the stock front you'll want to go even stiffer in the rear. Go stiffer in the rear and your front bar choices may not match up well with a rear bar like the JBR (not sure what matches best). Just keep in mind that everything has to work together- springs, sway bars, shocks- if you greatly increase the stiffness of one system without matching the same, you could end up with a very flat cornering car that needs more grip than you have available, or some other weirdly behaving suspension setup. Lack of body roll is nice, but reducing suspension compliance/travel also has problems that come with it. Body roll isn't necessarily a bad thing as long as you have control through the entire range of roll travel.

 

[oldpunk]

I just realized that I never responded here.

What I ended up doing is going with the M3 rear bar from corksport. I've got it installed anf am pretty happy with it on the softer setting. I haven't had time yet to get the springs swapped out but when I do I'm going to move to the sriffer setting. I'm just a little concerned tire rubbing though. I bought some 18x8 rims that have only 45mm offset and it looks really close.

How does one role their fenders? Lol

Edit: looks like I just need a baseball bat and a heat gun. Thanks YouTube!

 

[foxhound1979]

usually you can rent the tool to roll your fenders, sure there is a way with a baseball bat too
but personally : i'd have them done by a pro in my area,just to be sure not to mess a fender up or the paint

 

[cameradude]

I just got my fenders rolled and I have to agree to get this done professionally. The guy I brought it to came highly recommended. No cracking of paint. He used a machine and the results were great! He didn't roll it all the way so that I can clean it regularly. He said rolling it all the way can trap moisture leading to rust. I have enough clearance that I didn't need to roll it all the way.