Thread: lowering the car decision

Originally Posted by MegsCoupe

I've been thinking about if I should lower the car, a base 2.0, with the eibach pro kit or put the sequence x body kit on.... Well I think I made my decision to go with the springs. Im just not to sure what it will do to the cars handling. I want to stop the slight dipping in the car when you turn and to be able to feel the cars connection to the road when you turn as well. What do you guys think?

I think MegsCoupe wants a more responsive feel referring to stiffness. Referring to dipping, less movement in the suspension more like the Trac model. While I believe lowering will shift some of the cornering weight off the outside tires to be shared with the inside tires more, how much not sure, could only be tiny %. However the shocks will still be the same factory shock, so with stiffer springs the recoil off the bump will be less dampened causing more bounce recoil. However this can be offset by the lower center of gravity so it won't dip as much to worry about the recoil I think.

In short I think it will drive a bit more stiff, handling will be the same but if it is stiffer it will give a feel of being more connected to the road under normal driving. Unless we're talking about race tracks stiffer suspension parts at lower speeds in my opinion give more feel. Whether they perform better at high speeds is a totally different subject.

I think what MegsCoupe is looking for is opinions on what to expect if lowered with stiffer springs. Would it dip less when turning.

It's just my opinion, have not tested it, but I think stiffer spring and added lower center of gravity will reduce the dip enough to notice. I think the ride will have more bumps, but under regular street driving perform more responsive. How much is it being lowered too. Some will be ok, too much will cause performance loss.

I can also give another example. If you remove the shocks and springs leaving only tires and frame to absorb the shock of the road, the car will be connected to the road under lower speeds as if on rails. That will be the connection. Can't get better connected with out lower profile tires. However the down side is loss of connection at higher speeds because the tires will loose contact with the pavement giving the feel of bouncing off the rails.

I'd expect less dipping but more bumpy ride. Changing the shocks will reduce the bumpy ride to compensate for the stronger recoil spring.

But what I can't say is what does lowering this model do? Has anyone lowered their vehicle with springs only, did you feel any difference with the lower center of gravity?