coilover questions

[soleprime]

hi guys i just recently bought my 97 240 in june and im anxious to start modding it, i was going to get tein coilovers but since im new to the modding game i wanted to know would that be all i need? i was told i would need control arms etc. if so, what would be a good brand and set to buy? i dont want the car slammed cause i live in brooklyn n.y and the streets here are horrible plus it would be my daily driver, but i DO want it fairly close to being slammed. Any advice and choices on coilover brands would be greatly appreciated thank you.

[az_240]

Search function is at the top right of your screen

[Datenshi]

Megan -> Stance -> Tein -> DG-5

Pick one, thats the order of budget and performance I'd say as a general idea. Do some research, find what suits your budget and goal and go from there.

[soleprime]

im leaning towards tein and its within my budget but what else would i need besides coilovers?

[soleprime]

so what are you saying? megan are best, then stance, tein etc.....

[eklips3]

you dont have to do any further upgrades if you want to get coilovers.
buy whatever coilovers you decide on , install them , go drive.

[soleprime]

are you sure eklips3? cause i heard if i just throw em on like that it can mess up my car and the coils

[eklips3]

yes im sure. i've seen it been done and i have done it countless amounts of time. no problems

[Tom25666]

get some ruca's too

[enkei2k]

Search function is at the top right of your screen

check out the link for SPL parts, buy everything they have. those are the parts you need/want.

[repda916]

check out the link for SPL parts, buy everything they have. those are the parts you need/want.
easy there, dont forget about pbm

[soleprime]

spl has a detailed list of parts for suspension and as im looking at the list i feel like there are some things in there that i wouldnt need, i just want my car lowered with a nice stance, sway bars i know i would need along with a strut bar, tension rod, rear upper arms. i dont know what else i would need after what i just listed, im not looking to race so any extra parts needed to give me an advantage isnt really my concern, i just want my car on coils with a nice stance, so if someone can give me a direct and detailed list of parts to buy, i'll really appreciate it, thanks to everybody for their opinions and contribution on my thread so lets keep em coming

[XxCAPTAINxX]

Powered by Max in my opinion is the best. ive had Megan and Tein and PBM are better. but get whatever you want put them on and drive. RUCAs would be a good idea. and if you go really low and have a aftermarket exhaust its a good idea to get spl exhaust hangers or just use the old worm drive clamp trick.

[repda916]

just use the old worm drive clamp trick.
whats that? share!

[soleprime]

so what im hearing is that lets say for example i buy megan coils, i can just throw them on and drive? is that safe or even practical? will that mess up my coils or suspension? help meeee lol

[codyace]

Lets be serious here Zilvia, the answer here is simple: The cheapest coilvoer he can buy. The OP isn't going to be tracking the car, so no need to spend money on anythign remotely decent.

Any coilover in the 750-850 range will be perfect for you. You can lower it to the frame rails, and it will make the car feel stiff. I'd say just get the Megan Racing or Isis ones. Don't listten to these guys that say they are shit, as their 1200 dollar Teins or Stances are realistically no better, aside from the powdercoating. Ultimatly anything under 1500 bucks, or custom is entry level/street oriented so you'll be fine with any brand. Check the Zilvia Sponers section out for the best deal going.

Also: Do you have any friends that are into cars? If not, I'd sugest you find some to help you...seems like you are very new to this.

Also: You can install your coilovers, and drive all in the same day, without issue.

[Siberian Husky]

I am glad someone else asked this question.

Aside from performance. Is there anything else suspension wise the car could benefit from on a RELIABILITY standpoint that should be installed along with coilovers? I understand that coilovers drastically change the movement of a car's suspension components and I'd imagine it being more stressful on the car. Forget tracking the car, just from a reliability standpoint.

[codyace]

I am glad someone else asked this question.

Aside from performance. Is there anything else suspension wise the car could benefit from on a RELIABILITY standpoint that should be installed along with coilovers? I understand that coilovers drastically change the movement of a car's suspension components and I'd imagine it being more stressful on the car. Forget tracking the car, just from a reliability standpoint.

The answer to this is two fold:

In reghard to stress related/damage, you will be perfectly fine puttin them on and driving. No worries here

HOWEVER

If you are going to lower the car a decent amount (persay, a finger gap from fender to tire) you should really look into getting an alignment so you don't scrub your tires off down the road. Do you need to get RUCA, or Rear Toe Arms? Maybe not....but for the cost of the lesser brand (ISIS, Godspeed) it may not be a bad idea to get them for the rear, to help with a proper alignment)

[Datenshi]

No, the list I said was in order from Cheapest to Best.

You DO NOT need anything side from the coilovers to install them. It is not really 'more' stressful to your car unless you drive over potholes all day on purpose. Rear Upper Control Arms (RUCA's) would be beneficial like other people have said, but far from necessary.

Since I doubt you'll be installing your coilovers yourself, I suggest getting an alignment at the shop that installs your coilovers while your there. If you "want" more suspension parts you can feel free to buy them.. however usually the more aftermarket and performance parts you add to your car, the less daily drivable it is. So, if you get coilovers, control arms, tension rods, toe rods, sway bars and the like.. your car WILL feel stiff as shit and not be nearly as comfortable as if you'd just bought the coils themselves. I suggest the Megan Racing Street Type coilover for you. They are about 1000$ and will be soft enough for driving daily (on the softest setting), will be sufficient for lowering your car and give you a quite a noticable difference in handling and what not.

[soleprime]

WOW! seriously im really thankful for everybody that has had something to say and some advice to give me bout this topic and im truly grateful for everything and anything you've all had to say, im taking it all in and soaking it all up as "codyace" said im relatively knew to all this, so from what im hearing i can buy coils, install them and i should be good to go seeing as how im just daily driving? im not going to a track or looking for people to race.

[chato de shamrock]

Thanks for the info fellas and thanks to soleprime for bringing this up. I'm also new to these kind of mods so I wasnt sure how much was too much for a daily driven car. As of now I have a complete set of new Stance GR+ but havent installed them because I wasnt sure if the toe rods, ruca, traction and tension rods were a must. If soleprime doesnt mind, i'd like to ask two questions. The benefit of having rucas and rods on a daily driven car would be achieving good alignment. Just how good an alignment can one get with coilovers alone? I'm asuming this question may vary depending on how low you position your car. How about what codyace said, "a finger gap from fender to tire". Second question, Datenshi mentioned the more aftermarket parts your car has the more uncomfortable it feels. I havent had a chance to ride on someone's car to feel for myself so i'm curious, if you install the toe, traction, tension and rucas, would that there give you an uncomfortable ride?

[Datenshi]

It all really depends on your definition of uncomfortable, which is really the problem it's self. Everyone on here is just giving you personal preference and their personal opinions.. what is stiff or soft to one person may be completely the opposite to another person. Just like most opinions on the internet.. :P

In my opinion it wouldn't be too bad, but that being said I have PBM Coil's and some say they are too hard for daily driving even on the softest setting, I don't really find them that way. You do not really need to install any other suspension parts, unless you are going to use the function that they provide. i.e Toe rods to adjust your caster and toe, RUCA's so you can adjust rear camber, sway bars to reduce body roll, etc..

Personally, the only thing you would normally need if you've got big wheels is RUCA's so you can adjust rear camber.. as most coilovers these days come with camber adjustable fronts already. If you're going to be slamming the shit out of your car, I would suggest more suspension parts like toe rods and tension rods as they are higher strength than OEM ones typically and they are more meant for that.

Otherwise if your just lowering your car, hardening up the suspension a bit with your coilovers and would like to enjoy a semi-comfortable ride.. just install your coils and that's it. You'll find out quickly after having your coilovers installed what your limits are, what you enjoy and what you would like adjusted and new things you should buy.

[codyace]

As stated above guys, the RUCA and Rear Toe Arms are not *needed* in the sense that the car will still drive safely....


HOWEVER

When lowing an S chassis (and I'm certain anyone with coils is easily lowering their car 2-3 inches at a minimum), you can be damn sure that your rear toe will be terrible and eat your rear tires up super quick. Sure there will be camber to deal with as well, but camber won't wear away a tire nearly as fast as rear toe.

So IMO, I'd suggest at least getting rear toe arms if anything, as you can zero out the rear toe and save your tires, while just dealing with the camber until you can get RUCA

[soleprime]

so basically the essentials if you're just trying to lower your 240 to get a nice stance would be: ruca and rear toe arms from what im hearing so far.

[Tulok]

Don't even worry about the RUCA (Rear upper control arm) unless you plan on tucking 18's on the rear.
Install your coilovers, get an alignment, if your rear toe is really far off, THEN get the rear toe arms. Coilovers are just fancy struts and springs, your suspensions basic shape doesn't change just by installing them.

[soleprime]

i am thinking bout putting 18's most likely sportmax xxr 521 so i guess i'll end up getting RUCA's then

[ManoNegra]

I would start by checking the condition of your bushings before worrying about coilovers
are your tension rods, tie rods and ball joints cracked or leaking?
are your steering rack bushings falling apart?
take care of that first

now coilovers
yes, you can just throw them on and drive
but
if you care about alignment and tire wear
you'll want to have at least RUCAs
depending on how low you are, you may want rear toe rods aswell

get an alignment after

[soleprime]

as low as 3 to 4 fingers from the lip to the ground is how low im trying to go

[GabeS14]

as low as 3 to 4 fingers from the lip to the ground is how low im trying to go
That's pretty fucking slammed!




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[soleprime]

yea thats as low as i envision that i want to go so it may be best if i do get ruca and toe arms with bushings?

[GabeS14]

I would get the rear camber arms and rear toe arms since it'll be slammed it'll make it easier to
Adjust your alignment correctly


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[Weedm]

You really dont need to get any aftermarket suspension parts if you get coilovers. the only downside to that is, the more you lower your car, the more work you're putting to the components as the suspension geometry is altered. however, the main noticeable issue when lowering your car with coils and leaving everything else alone is the naturally made negative camber that occurs when you lower your car, but that only does bad to your tire, not your entire car.

so if you have extra money laying around i'd suggest purchasing some rear upper control arms and toe arms for alignment and adjusting purposes.

[fastbackinit]

I read this last week and just now got to where I can post, haha. Anuways, if all you want is stance then forget $500+ for coilovers... Get some ebay springs with adjustable coilover collars... They work for looks and they're like $100-150. They work with your stock struts/shocks and are adjustable with smple spanner wrenches that are included. Make sure u get 3.5inch drops though, as 2.5 pro bably won't achieve what your lookin for. Just my option. Alsp get a used tire sponsor cuz drops like that are gonna kill your tires.

[Datenshi]

^ Ignore this entire post.

You still have a lot of learning to do.

[codyace]

You really dont need to get any aftermarket suspension parts if you get coilovers. the only downside to that is, the more you lower your car, the more work you're parting to the components as the suspension geometry is altered. however, the main noticeable issue when lowering your car with coils and leaving everything else alone is the naturally made negative camber that occurs when you lower your car, but that only does bad to your tire, not your entire car.

so if you have extra money laying around i'd suggest purchasing some rear upper control arms and toe arms for alignment and adjusting purposes.

Toe is what eats tires fast, not so much camber. Have you ever actually aligned a car, or driven one at specific settings to know? I have...so why not just accept what I have written.

I read this last week and just now got to where I can post, haha. Anuways, if all you want is stance then forget $500+ for coilovers... Get some ebay springs with adjustable coilover collars... They work for looks and they're like $100-150. They work with your stock struts/shocks and are adjustable with smple spanner wrenches that are included. Make sure u get 3.5inch drops though, as 2.5 pro bably won't achieve what your lookin for. Just my option. Alsp get a used tire sponsor cuz drops like that are gonna kill your tires.

You're intentions are good...the reality is, how on earth are you going to fix:

1. Riding on the bumpstops
2. Avoiding blowing the actual strut


Don't even worry about the RUCA (Rear upper control arm) unless you plan on tucking 18's on the rear.
Install your coilovers, get an alignment, if your rear toe is really far off, THEN get the rear toe arms. Coilovers are just fancy struts and springs, your suspensions basic shape doesn't change just by installing them.

Yes, riding around at 3* or more of negative camber really does a lot of good. *2 degrees max, unless the car is some sort of fashion rider.





so basically the essentials if you're just trying to lower your 240 to get a nice stance would be: ruca and rear toe arms from what im hearing so far.

Technically yes. Look at what Mano suggested as well in regard to your front bushings, as they will undoubtedly be shot as well.

To be quite honest, if you're car will see most of it's life on the street, I'd suggest going this route:

ISIS Suspension Arms Package (http://www.240sxmotoring.com/issuarpa.html)

380 dollars for the ISIS kit from 240sx Motoring...gets you the front tension arms that you'll need, as well as all 3 of the rear arms for the back (granted you won't need the traction arm 'as much' but for the cost of the kit, it's a no brainer to just simply upgrade.



As before, do you need this stuff? Not at all...but at easily 100 dollars a tire, plus mounting and balance.....after you change them twice in no miles because they are shot, you'll actually save money by just buying the arms, getting the car aligned professionally, and calling it a day.

[Weedm]

Toe is what eats tires fast, not so much camber. Have you ever actually aligned a car, or driven one at specific settings to know? I have...so why not just accept what I have written.


I just redid my alignment 2 weeks ago myself, as well as installed my rear toe links and rucas. Before so, i drove with the coils at the lowest setting, and the only difference was the negative camber, toe specs did not change, or at least not merely enough to notice. However, once I added more positive camber, both rear wheels had a bit of toe out and made the car wander like crazy, so I then adjusted them again to have -1 camber, and that fixed the wandering problem. All in all though, that was done by eye balling and using strings to measure toe.

Of course toe has a more significant effect on tire wear as opposed to camber, but most of the cars i've driven with only slammed coils and nothing else done to the suspension, are not exactly altered by toe, as it barely changes at all. It's when you put more positive camber that the toe adjusts itself.

So again, the OP want's to just get coils and slam them without upgrading other suspension components, and that would be fine, and like I stated, the only downside to that is camber wear from the natural negative camber. He shouldnt be affected by toe.


Edit: I never said I didn't accept what you have written, my intentions were to merely add more insight to the OP from a different perspective and words. Sometimes, one may grasp a concept better when given the correct information from 2 sources. All your statements and suggestions were good ones. Good day.

[soleprime]

thank you everyone for all your advice and input on this topic, as i'm sure it has shed some light to some of the other members questions as well as mine, since im so new to all this, this post has helped me a lot, in conclusion i think im going to go with tein coils and the isis suspension arms package that codyace suggested, thank you to everybody

[codyace]

Of course toe has a more significant effect on tire wear as opposed to camber, but most of the cars i've driven with only slammed coils and nothing else done to the suspension, are not exactly altered by toe, as it barely changes at all. It's when you put more positive camber that the toe adjusts itself.




Considering I align cars quite often, you'd be surprized of how much toe you'll gain by dropping a car on it's bumpstops. In most cases when guys drop their car 2"+, you'll see a total of 1/4 or more in toe change...that's HUGE. Sure it may track somewhat straight, but they are all usually darty (combined with horrible tie rod angle) and unpredictable. Trust me, once you ride in a car with good roll correction and tie rod angle, you'll know the difference.

Remember, even as little as an 1/8" will cause more scrub wear than -3* of camber...that's from my personal experience, as well as common knowledge across the board. Camber wears the tire obviously at an angle, but at an even rate...toe however will rub an edge off in no time flat, especially in an instance where there is already significant wear on the tire.


For the 100th time, does he need these things? No. Will it kill tires quickly if you don't fix the problem? Yes.

For the cost of the ISIS or Circuit sports kits, and the coilovers, it is just common sense/practice to get them and set it properly.



FWIW: Just got done aligning a car literally this evening. Front toe (never been changed this side of coilvoers) was a full 1/4 total.

[jdhariwal]

Just get some Tien's, I heard that Megan Coilovers are very low quality. If you are on a super low budget, there is Godspeed. I talked to some guys that work in the industry, and they said that Godspeed coilovers are made in the same factory and many other coilovers, their are just branded something else.

[codyace]

Just get some Tien's, I heard that Megan Coilovers are very low quality. If you are on a super low budget, there is Godspeed. I talked to some guys that work in the industry, and they said that Godspeed coilovers are made in the same factory and many other coilovers, their are just branded something else.

Oh boy, another SuperStreet reader

Oh please, let me know why you'd get the Teins. I'm sure you can recite the brochures and whatever propaganda they have on the website, but I'd like to know your 'honest' opinion.

[Datenshi]

^Rofl

No one on the internet has their "own" opinion anymore, especially with car parts. It's all regurgitated from everything they've read from other noobs. lol.

Megans VERY low quality? No, not really.

As for Godspeed's, refer to this post. http://zilvia.net/f/s-chassis/343725-s14-front-camber-issues.html

Tell me they are good quality LOL.