eBay Coilovers, what's the straight scoop?

[Quasimondo]

I've recently replaced my worn out, 150K mile suspension with some KYB AGX shocks and Eibach Pro-kit springs. The ride's fine, the handling's okay (can't really expect much on snow tires), but it sits too low in the rear. It might be hard to see in this picture, but the back end is lower than I want it to be:

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I got to searching around for some coilover perches that I can install so I can adjust the ride height more to my liking and I've found some examples of such on eBay. I haven't seen much talk here about these coilover substitutions. Does anybody know how durable these perches are? I don't care about the springs they send me, because I won't be using them. I just want to know if they'll stand up to the rigors of NYC driving with the planned occasional autocross usage.

 

[suicidal2af]

There was a thread a while back where someone ran these, and one of the springs snapped on him.

Only feedback I've heard on them, though.

 

[tstkl]

, I was thinking,... maybe I should get those just so I can fit some wider tires until I get real coil overs. If someone broke the spring though, Im not about to waste my time.

 

[pneumo]

Just make sure the upper and lower perches are made from aluminum. Most ebay coilover kits have plastic upper perches, which won't hold up a car. PerformanceDepot.com has good prices on 2.5" replacement springs.

 

[WatchItExplode]

I've talked to RRE about various coilover options. They actually recommended buying an ebay kit for the basic parts, then getting some decent springs and using their camber plates. If RRE says they work, I'd say it's worth a shot.

 

[jtmcinder]

I wonder if RRE suggests getting the sleeves and perches from eBay because GC won't sell them w/o springs anymore. In any event, that sounds like a good plan, unless the adjuster on the perches is so cheap that it snaps or seizes.

- Jtoby

 

[DSMunknown]

Please look through this thread but especially look at post #4.



Summary: Regarding knock-off performance parts, be very careful what you buy on Ebay.

 

[Quasimondo]

I wonder if RRE suggests getting the sleeves and perches from eBay because GC won't sell them w/o springs anymore. In any event, that sounds like a good plan, unless the adjuster on the perches is so cheap that it snaps or seizes.

- Jtoby

That's the only thing that concerned me. If I can find a place that's willing to sell perches without the springs I'll go to them, but for now I'll be the ginuea pig for this experiment.

 

[Ludachris]

Let us know how it works out. I'd imagine the perches would be tough to screw up if they're made out of good aluminum. The springs I wouldn't chance. Too much to lose if something goes wrong. I use my car on the track too much to chance going with something that isn't race-tested.

 

[jtmcinder]

What gets screwed up (as it were) is the locking mechanism. GC, for example, has changed their design at least once, because the original design had a tendency to seize. Even the version with the screw that clamps the perch around the sleeve has issues, but it's usually a case of the user over-tightening the screw.

I, personally, hate all perches with two rings that get tightened against each other using two wrenches. Holding the upper in place and tightening the lower up against it can be a pain, but any other method can change the ride-height during the tightening process.

- Jtoby

 

[dikdiamond]

I'm interested in a similar set-up as the OP,except I would like to try Matrix perches with another spring,maybe Megan,to keep the cost down. A friend has had Matrix coilovers on his Talon for over 2yrs with no problems,including the springs,but I want something different and still a bit inexpensive. If the cost for the springs brings the overall price for the set-up into the Ground Control range then I'll go that route.

 

[dikdiamond]

What will break? Why will it ride rough? Can't be any worse than a .130,000 mile car with the original suspension