Lowering my FR

[Hudson]

Folks,

I've done a bit of reading on this matter and have a few questions to ask.

My car looks out of place on the standard 17s with standard FR suspension and I'm think a drop of 20/30 mill is in order.

If i go for springs what sort of complications can i expect (i'm not well versed in the suspension side of things - but a quick learner). What sort of job is it to do the springs, what additional things should i replace whilst doing it - will putting lowering springs on eventually knacker my suspension.

Coilovers, now I understand that this is the prefered option but I didnt realise they were that exspensive. What sort of benefit will i see form getting coilovers rather than lowering springs. What complications can I forsee with coilover and what other items should i look to replace whilst getting coilovers (if i go that way).

Also where and who should i trust? I obviously need to order parts but I have no idea on trusted brands or suppliers for that fact.

Sorry for the essay but as with my last mini project not enough information leads to disaster leads to money and time wasted.

H

 

[DamianPM]

It's always best to get matched springs and shocks when lowering as it'll give you a better ride quality and also better handling.

Most springs and shocks kit will lower the Ibiza 6L around 30mm which usually isn't enough for most people and that's where coilovers come in.

If you stick with a good brand you'll be fine and shouldn't have any problems. The likes of AP, Weitec and Eibach are all very popular.

Damian @ DPM Performance

 

[Mattwood]

To be honest - it depends what you want to get out of lowering the car. If you want better handling - but aren't a serious track day-er - then matched shocks and springs will do the job for you (DPM ^^^^ sell a great looking -50mm shocks and spring set that I'm after next month - although the price has now inevitably gone up to £250). If you're wanting to go super-low (and improved handling)then coilovers would allow to go lower than shocks and springs, but may not ride as well (depending on brand and how low you're intending to go).

Personally - I have been looking at the ebay special coilovers (about £150) but I'm starting to shy away from them as I know I won't keep on top of the maintainence side of coilovers and the quality of them is a matter of debate. If you must have coilovers, they'll do - but I would advise lookig at the AP coilies as a base set.

 

[christoff]

The problem I had with springs is all the companies offer an equal drop front/rear yet on my FR the back needs lowering more than the front to get it sitting level. Coilovers are the only way to achieve this.

 

[FRdubzy]

Hello,
I've just ordered a set of AP coilovers from DPM performance for £392.40 (free delivery, yay!)
My FR isnt really a track weapon, so i'm only going for a mild drop. I didn't want to go for springs and shocks in the end as i know i'd be kicking myself when/if i wanted her lower. I'm looking forward to playing about with the ride height to find out what suits my driving style... Hope its not so stiff its unbearable... :S

I'll fit them this weekend and do a few before/after shots. I'll try and give an explanation of how it handles in comparison to the standard suspension.

(long time reader - first time poster.. hello everbody)

 

[knight85]

i went with matching springs and shocks but wioth a 50mm drop...ride is bit firmer but looks a load better.

and also half the price of colies

FRdubzy...where bouts in beds are you...?

 

[christoff]

Hello,
I've just ordered a set of AP coilovers from DPM performance for £392.40 (free delivery, yay!)
My FR isnt really a track weapon, so i'm only going for a mild drop. I didn't want to go for springs and shocks in the end as i know i'd be kicking myself when/if i wanted her lower. I'm looking forward to playing about with the ride height to find out what suits my driving style... Hope its not so stiff its unbearable... :S

I'll fit them this weekend and do a few before/after shots. I'll try and give an explanation of how it handles in comparison to the standard suspension.

(long time reader - first time poster.. hello everbody)

Same here just ordered my APs from DPM. I thought the same about regretting going for springs and shocks if it didn't quite sit how I wanted. Anyone have any idea how low you can go before you need shorter drop links?

 

[great_kahn]

Im looking at the AP X coilovers with adjustable damper rate from DPM, seem to be what im looking for. Question to Damien, whats ride quality like from softest to hardest compared with stock?

 

[wedgie27]

Chris you wont get the AP's low enough to need shorter droplinks. Max drop is approx 65mm, mine is dropped 65mm on back, and near that on front. Didnt require shorter droplinks, n i kno maz is abt 80mm all round n he didnt need em either!!

check sig pic.......

 

[christoff]

Thanks for the info wedgie, thats the sort of drop i'm after. Can't wait to have a car that doesn't look like its on stilts.

 

[mazzerati]

Yer 80mm front and it's 70 rear on mine is fine but I think it largely depends on where the arb bracket is, cos vmaxx are in a different place all together and require droplinks no matter what the drop


I'll let you know Im getting some smaller profile tyres tomoro and wind down hopefully about the last 20mm of threads at weekend if it's possible without mega rubbing (oh and the rubber spring tops are coming out at the back because I've found a rubber cup at work that's like a mil or 2 thick which will fit )

 

[Joens]

H&R provides an even drop to front and rear with their springs. They came out bit over year ago and are suitable for FR and Cupra only. I've had H&R springs and they offer very comfortable ride.

 

[FRdubzy]

Got the shocks fitted!
Soo happy with them, IMHO i think the ride is actually better than the standard suspension.. and the reduction in bodyroll is stunning..
I didn't go massively low, I wound the rear "cups" (not sure what to call them, but you guys know what i mean ;P ) all the way down. and the front has still got a sensible amount of room left.. I'll sort some before/after pics out...

Knight85 - I'm near biggleswade mate, in a village called Langford.. U local? I've always got me eyes peeled for fellow modified 'Beeza's

 

[knight85]

Got the shocks fitted!
Soo happy with them, IMHO i think the ride is actually better than the standard suspension.. and the reduction in bodyroll is stunning..
I didn't go massively low, I wound the rear "cups" (not sure what to call them, but you guys know what i mean ;P ) all the way down. and the front has still got a sensible amount of room left.. I'll sort some before/after pics out...

Knight85 - I'm near biggleswade mate, in a village called Langford.. U local? I've always got me eyes peeled for fellow modified 'Beeza's

yeah mate i know it well

i work for the local planning department...dealing with the wind turbine applicatiuon in langford actually!

im based all over based but work in shefford and dunstable and bedford

 

[danny_]

hi my ibiza is lowered and would prefer normal springs as speed bumps are a nightmare round here, willing to swap if interested

 

[Mattwood]

hi my ibiza is lowered and would prefer normal springs as speed bumps are a nightmare round here, willing to swap if interested

What you got matey - and where are you based? might be interested

 

[danny_]

i have a 03 ibiza 1.2, from st.helens ( inbetween liverpool and st.helens )

 

[Mattwood]

Fair enough - not to worry about it then mate, as I don't think your springs would be suitable for my 1.9tdi FR and i'm down in southampton to boot.

Cheers for getting back to me though

 

[danny_]

not a problem, would my springs only be suitable for other 1.2z ?

 

[Mattwood]

Honnestly, I'm not sure, but I know they probably wouldn't do the diesel as the deisel engine is far heavier - yours may be suitable for 1.4's as well?