Another thread about Eibach/ Weitec lowering springs...

[neverweaken]

Hi guys,
I have read all the other topics about lowering kits/ coilovers and to be honest I am nearly more confused now.
I have the Rocco back from the body shop after I was hit in the side and am looking to upgrade the suspension.
The car is very original apart from the alloys and radio.
I am thinking about getting Eibach or Weitec 30mm lowering springs. I dont want to go down the route of coilovers.
Is there a big difference with a 30mm drop over standard height suspension? I use the car regularly, not just at weekends.

I have a new set of standard front shocks sitting in the garage with new top mounts.
Can I use these with the 30mm lowering springs?
I read that bump stops should be shortened/ changed? - if anyone has any details on what I should get, would really appreciate the advice.
I am going to get new rear shocks so again can I use standard shocks or should I get short shocks? If so what type would you recommend?
Thanks for your patience!
KW

[Mr Funk]

Very simply:

30mm wouldn't look all that different. The difference is 3cm. Had 40mm Boge lowering kit years ago on my old car and couldn;t really tell the difference.

I really wouldn't use shortened springs with standard shocks, but some people would. As I see it a shocks are designed for a certain amount of travel which would be greater than the height of the spring.

Edit: Just out of interest why wouldn't you want colieys? is it the expense or the ride height? Just wondering.

[the edmundator]

For a car you use regularly, I think a fixed-height set of matched shocks and springs is a sensible idea. Weitec ones ought to give a decent ride, but I'd look at brands like Koni, Avo, Spax and Gaz as well. I'd say coil overs are a waste of money unless you think you'll want your car low for the sake of looks over handling, or you plan to adjust the ride-height and damping regularly.

I would not mix lowering springs with standard dampers. The ride will be awful.

Interestingly, Classic Cars mag did a recent feature where they compared four different Lotus Elans; amongst the conclusions the road testers agreed that the nicest to drive was the one on original suspension as specified by the manufacturer. Worth considering if your car does a decent mileage each year.

[Nate]

I would not mix lowering springs with standard dampers. The ride will be awful.

...and they'll fail much earlier than normal, as they are only ever used over apart of their intended travel. jamex make short throw gas shocks to fit, and bilstein gas shocks can be used on slightly lower springs (up to 40mm iirc)

my personal choice would be eibach shocks and bilstein gas springs.

[Risocco]

I would not mix lowering springs with standard dampers. The ride will be awful.

Not at all, the ride is great! It keeps almost the same amount of comfort that standard setting give with the added bonus of being lower. Naturally body roll is an issue.

But as Nate says, expect shocks to last 6/12 months.

Again, why not coilovers?

[mr.brown]

my personal choice would be eibach shocks and bilstein gas springs.

Love them gas springs

[MJK 24]

Just completed a lot of research on this before a complete suspension/brake/steering overhaul on my Mk2.

I went with Bilstein B4 Gas dampers and Eibach 35mm lowering springs. Bilstein specify that these dampers are suitable for cars lowered upto 40mm. The the ride quality is superb. Combine the above with new bushes, ball joints, steering arms and ends, top mounts, wheel bearings and a pair of Eibach anti roll bars and my car is very comfortable over speeds bumps and pot holes but flies around corners at frankly silly speeds whilst remainig virtually totally level and feeling very stable.

I did have it all set up on a Hunter type rig afterwards which is essential. If you lower it with out adjustment afterwards, your camber will be way out and your car will drive like a dog!