Lowering springs: how much difference? Options

[shaunrichard]

I am looking at some Tein S-Tech springs. They indicate they lower the front height by 1.5" andd the rear by .9". While I have a pretty good grasp on physics, I am not sure how much of a difference this really makes in performance. Is it really noticeable? For those of you who have lowered your cars, how satisfied are you with the results?

Just curious. Thanks in advance for your replies.

[94TRDcelica]

Yeah you notice it around corners at 100 mph LOL! :-) (Less roll) But its more for looks IMO!

TBH If you do the springs get new shocks too and then you will really notice the ride stiffen up and handle tonnes better!!!! Also a rear and front strut brace all helps!

The most beneficial suspension upgrade though, by far, and I can quote from many other GT4 owners that i have spoken too, the single best upgrade to the suspension you can do on our cars is the bushings!!!! IMHO!

[_mikeE]

Would be a good idea to upgrade your shocks too since you're taking everything out.

[808celica]

hmmmm satisfied????? heck yes
before




after







car sit way lower cuz of my skirts and my old shocks which will be replaced............soon i hope

[bccentaur3]

It does wonders for looks. And yes because the car is lower the the ground it can take corners better, but you won't feel too much of a difference until you start stiffening up the suspension either with sway bars, struts, bushings or strut bars.

[Rusty]

TBH If you do the springs get new shocks too and then you will really notice the ride stiffen up and handle tonnes better!!!!

what shocks would you suggest? wouldn't it be cheaper to get shocks & springs as one package?

[bccentaur3]

You can go with bilstein. I really think if you want to go with stiffer struts with springs you might as well get a set of adjustable coilovers.

[808celica]

yup yup. full coils will be the best. but if you just want some performance and alot of looks then drop springs and shocks.

[_mikeE]

I got KYB gr2's shocks/struts for my tein lowering springs and some cusco pillowball front mounts for now..no money, i'll probably just get some TRD rear mounts later on.

[shaunrichard]

Okay, so shock (or strut) replacement is strongly recommended. But you guys are talking upgrade, here, not just newer OEM, right? Also, are there specific models that are better than others? Really, what I am shooting for is better performance, but trying to keep costs at a minimum. I don't like the $1G+ pricetag on the coilover systems that I'm seeing and even once I add up struts and springs it's a pretty hefty cash layout, but I just want to make sure it's a necessary cash layout. Knaaamean? Thanks again.

[bccentaur3]

If you want to save money and want some type of performance, just stick with the gr2s which is an oem replacement but some say is a little stiffer than oem and get the springs of your liking.

[shaunrichard]

Sounds good. I appreciate the info.

[94TRDcelica]

Yep +1 for KYB GR2's and I recon combine that with the Tein SS tech or Eibach springs for height drop!!!

Further down the line I reccomend doing the busings too! And strut bars are always good!!!

[shaunrichard]

Yeah, I'm looking at strut bars already. But what bushing are you talking about? Also, is there such a thing as a "performance bushing" or do I just need to replace them now and again to keep them functioning optimally. Sorry if I sound like a moron, but I have not done any suspension work up to now, so I need all the help and advice I can get. I promise I'm smart on other stuff, though. Or at the very least, smart-assed!

[808celica]

dont feel like a noob. this is after all a forum to learn and ask away..........

yeah what bushings????

but then again when i put my teins on i didnt have bump stops from the start

[terqui]

Bushings are what connect your suspension at certain points. They're usually rubber which is squishy. Polyurethane bushings are basically solid.

Unless you drive on perfect roads i recommend just replacing all bushing that have horizontal movement. Stiff vertical bushings would give a pretty harsh ride.

This post has been edited by terqui: Apr 21, 2008 - 9:30 PM

[94TRDcelica]

What I mean by bushings is simply replace the olde ones with new ones as rubber can become brittle and fall apart over time, they are in-expensive and wil always improve handling and feel!

In terms of up-rated bushings I'd just replace the rear trailling arms (4bushings).

I get all my suspension stuff from these guys: http://www.fensport.co.uk/products.htm

[shaunrichard]

Thanks for the tip. Good link to have on file.

[BonzaiCelica]

What I mean by bushings is simply replace the olde ones with new ones as rubber can become brittle and fall apart over time, they are in-expensive and wil always improve handling and feel!

In terms of up-rated bushings I'd just replace the rear trailling arms (4bushings).

I get all my suspension stuff from these guys: http://www.fensport.co.uk/products.htm

hey i have a questions that one website fensport is the blitz link the only one that you can buy suspension and performance parts from??

[808celica]

dude your in cali. isnt importrp in cali???

[BonzaiCelica]

dude your in cali. isnt importrp in cali???

what do you mean is import in cali??

[GriffGirl]

Import RP

[96bluevert]

dude your in cali. isnt importrp in cali???

ImportRP is in WA not Cali...but that is another site to look at if you need parts, very reasonable prices.

[shaunrichard]

Okay, back to the bushings. Contact with two of my local Toyota dealers has yielded the following results:

"There is not much available for the front suspension on this Celica. The control arm bushings come in the control arm only. The sway bar frame mount bushings are listed separately. The run $7.06 ea and the vehicle requires two."

and

"There aren’t really many bushings available for the suspension on this vehicle; most of them have to be ordered with the suspension part.

Front suspension:
Stabilizer bar bushings: $12.83 each
Stabilizer end link $73.17 each

Rear suspension:
Stabilizer bar bushings: $9.72 each
Stabilizer end links: $60.00 each
Rear suspension bar #1 bushings : $43.30 each ( this is the bar located in front of the rear strut and rear steering knuckle)

There are two options on the front stabilizer bar bushing and we will need a VIN number to make sure the correct ones are ordered."

So does any of that cover what I'm going to need? Or does anyone have part numbers or a reliable supplier who knows what specifically is needed?

Again, trying not to be a noob about this, but just want to know more. And in case you're wondering, yes, I was the kid in school who dragged every lesson into eternity asking endless questions. Also, the teachers could never say my name without sighing first. My almost-4-year-old son is now carrying on the tradition.