Springs v. Coilovers Need some general info

[BD1]

I have to opportunity to buy some Ground Control coilovers for 200 dollars, they have been used only for a small while. I also saw some RSR 1.5/1.5 springs for 120. Do I need to upgrade my shocks when I do this mod? What is better, what are the differences, ect. New to the whole lowering thing. Thanks

 

[DSMeclipse4G63]

If the ground control were used mildly and arent damaged or severely worn they should be fine. When I lowered my civic I didnt upgrade the struts/shocks and for the first 2k miles they were fine but then it got a bit sloppy(still handled like a demon). Alot of people will tell you stock suspension is better than lowering without matched struts/shocks. Oh and for your information most springs have a good LIMITED warrenty, for example my eibach sportlines had a "last longer than your car" LIMITED warrenty. Dont think you can buy the springs and just get them replced, you will be taking a chance. But I think the ground control would be a safer and better chance then the other...and replace your struts/shocks youll be happy in the long run.
Andrew

 

[jtmcinder]

Ground Control is not like many other vendors. You can't talk about GC coilovers without saying what the spring rates are. If they are 250/175 springs, then that's close to stock, so you can keep the stock shocks. If they are 650/575, then most OTS or OE shocks will be toast in a week.

- Jtoby

ps. GC inner rings come in a variety of sizes to fit different shocks. Besides knowing the spring rates, you need to know what rings come with them, to know if they will fit your shocks.

 

[3literpwr]

YES find out the spring rates!! They need to be close to stock to run them, unless you wish to go bouncing around the street......

Also keep in mind that SPRINGS DO NOT MAKE THE CAR HANDLE!!!!
The dampers are where its all at!!!!

I built motorsport shocks for the last 4 years and can tell you that you are better off putting your money into a decent shock rather that low boy springs...

Larry
#622 scca club rally

 

[jtmcinder]

Amen. - Jtoby

 

[Turbo Shogun]

GC makes a kit for the GVR4 that has a spring rate "close to stock", I believe...

I, too have come across an opportunity to buy GC Coilovers, and a set of AGX's (used for 1k miles) for about $600. How durable are those AGX's (The set was supposedly off a stolen car)? Has anyone even blown an AGX before?

Originally Posted by jtmcinder

If they are 650/575, then most OTS or OE shocks will be toast in a week.

I never knew GC made springs with those kinda rates. Can you order those springs separately?

 

[jtmcinder]

Please - I beg you - do some research.

GC doesn't make springs. The springs that come with GC coil-overs are Eibach Race Springs (aka ERS). They are standard 2.5" ID racing springs, which come in myriad rates and lengths. When you also include all the other 2.5" ID springs that are available, such as HyerCoils (which are arguable the best out there), then you can get anything you want. Literally.

And, yes, you can order new springs separately. You can get them from GC or almost any other serious suspension vendor.

- Jtoby