Best lowering springs?

Type-R Discussion - Discuss general ITR/CTR information, technical information (including requests for technical/mechanical help/assistance), modifications, tuning, etc.
ITR822
Posts: 57
Joined: Sun Aug 13, 2017 8:25 pm

Best lowering springs?

Post by ITR822 » Fri May 25, 2018 1:39 am

Hey guys

My R is completely stock. Looking for a slight bit less “wheel gap”. I want to keep it as OEM as possible, with just a bit lower look. Not looking to slam it on the ground, just want to go a little bit lower than stock. With this being said I am looking for everyone’s opinion on lowering springs. I had H&R’s lowering springs on my previous 98’ and it was slightly too much. I want something in the middle. Suggestions? Thanks!

User avatar
coolhandluke
Posts: 3360
Joined: Sun Aug 13, 2017 11:26 am
Location: US
Badge Number: 98-1040
Contact:

Re: Best lowering springs?

Post by coolhandluke » Fri May 25, 2018 10:55 am

What is the intended use case(s)?

I refrain from referencing "best" in work or hobbies. What is recommended is dictated by use case. A daily driver use case may vary wildly from an AutoX or track use case. There are always trade offs.
Type-R Expo
Current: 98-1040 Stolen 12/22/21
Previous: 98-0197, 01-0187, 98-0731, 97 #00171

User avatar
g3teg97
Posts: 407
Joined: Sun Aug 13, 2017 6:24 pm
Location: Florida
Badge Number: 98-0379
Contact:

Re: Best lowering springs?

Post by g3teg97 » Fri May 25, 2018 11:08 am

Coolhandruke is spot on. Waste of time and money to put something on now and then upgrade later. Just good advice to consider.

I've had Eibach Pro-Kit and Twin S-Tech springs on my old DC4 and they were great. Tein springs were a little lower. Eibach was just about 1.3-1.5". Extremely nice, close to stock feel but a little firmer. I switched to Twin S-Techs because I wanted the wheel gap a little lower with my 16" wheels. I'd have to dig up some pictures if you're interested.

User avatar
JDMJNKY
Posts: 401
Joined: Sun Aug 27, 2017 12:05 pm
Location: Socal
Badge Number: 0874

Re: Best lowering springs?

Post by JDMJNKY » Fri May 25, 2018 11:50 am

Are you opposed to buying new suspension? I have a possible option if you'd hear me out. 3rd option, I do have access to Mugen "sport suspension," consisting of a non adjustable shock body and spring. They are silver in color; not the gold ones.

User avatar
Gotin
Posts: 136
Joined: Mon Aug 14, 2017 6:07 am
Location: Ohio
Badge Number: 01-1112
Contact:

Re: Best lowering springs?

Post by Gotin » Tue May 29, 2018 12:45 pm

Another option to consider could be using the Koni "yellow" strut in combination with the OEM springs. When mounting them, you can use the lower perch for a slight drop and, what I would assume, and OEM ride.
-BJ-

User avatar
RTW DC2R
Posts: 566
Joined: Sun Aug 13, 2017 6:21 pm
Location: Dirty Jersey

Re: Best lowering springs?

Post by RTW DC2R » Tue May 29, 2018 1:29 pm

You might have had the H&R RACE springs previously, because the H&R SPORT springs are not low at all.
98-0034 (sold)
00-XXXX (sold)

practice chaos to develop control.

User avatar
AssPenny
Posts: 61
Joined: Mon Aug 14, 2017 12:26 pm

Re: Best lowering springs?

Post by AssPenny » Tue May 29, 2018 2:41 pm

I second the Koni yellow and push for the GC setup.

https://groundcontrolstore.com/collecti ... a-type-r-1

I had this on my car for a long time and it's a very versatile setup. 1) You can set the height to what ever you want given the adjustable collars. 2) The springs are standard eibach springs so you can get soft/stock rates and change later to heavier rates if you get into more track oriented driving. 3) Koni single adjustable lets you dial in the ride so you can have a more spirited setup with the turn of a knob.

Craig - who loved his GC/koni's

User avatar
white rocket
Posts: 135
Joined: Mon Aug 14, 2017 5:55 pm

Re: Best lowering springs?

Post by white rocket » Wed May 30, 2018 12:09 pm

I would support the Koni/GC option when compared to aftermarket lowering springs on OEM shocks. I am not a fan of the latter and feel that it reduces shock travel and makes the car a bit floaty. Just my opinion. I currently have the Koni/GC set-up in my R and I am switching over to the Spoon fixed damper and progressive spring combo as I drive the car on the street want the most comfort possible. Seems silly to some to pay double the price and lose both height and dampening adjustability but I feel that this set-up will offer the best street driving experience, both in comfort and feel, while also closing the wheel gap that the stock suspension produces. Also #becausespoon :moneyburn: :moneyburn:

My suggestion is to try a lowering spring(H&R Sport, Eibach, Tein S.Tech) on the stock shocks first and see how you like it. You may find it completely suitable and get the wheel gap closure you are looking for and it won't break the bank. If that doesn't satisfy you, then step up to the Koni/GC as a comparison and sell the lowering springs to recoup some costs. You could try the Koni shock with the stock spring but even on the lowest perch I don't believe it will give you the "low" you are looking for. I think it's only a 10mm drop. Perhaps that step can be done before you buy the entire Koni/GC set-up but I'm not sure how each compare when purchasing new(perches are different I think).

Good luck!
"The bitterness of poor quality remains long after the sweetness of low price is forgotten"

User avatar
coolhandluke
Posts: 3360
Joined: Sun Aug 13, 2017 11:26 am
Location: US
Badge Number: 98-1040
Contact:

Re: Best lowering springs?

Post by coolhandluke » Wed May 30, 2018 4:45 pm

I appreciate the community feedback, but I don't think the OP has chimed in on the use case(s) yet. That information is critical.
Type-R Expo
Current: 98-1040 Stolen 12/22/21
Previous: 98-0197, 01-0187, 98-0731, 97 #00171

Dave7CDMTYPER
Posts: 1096
Joined: Tue Aug 15, 2017 2:17 am
Location: US
Badge Number: 01-1322

Re: Best lowering springs?

Post by Dave7CDMTYPER » Wed May 30, 2018 10:12 pm

white rocket wrote: Wed May 30, 2018 12:09 pm I am switching over to the Spoon fixed damper and progressive spring combo as I drive the car on the street want the most comfort possible. Seems silly to some to pay double the price and lose both height and dampening adjustability but I feel that this set-up will offer the best street driving experience, both in comfort and feel, while also closing the wheel gap that the stock suspension produces. Also #becausespoon :moneyburn: :moneyburn:

Good luck!
Please let us know how you like the spoon struts and progr. springs. :trophy:
ITR CDM 01-1322
2001 GS-R
I have badge #00-1259 in hand.

Post Reply

Who is online

Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 5 guests