Lowering my Talon, have a few questions.

[Outrun Talon]

I have a 95 TSi AWD Talon that I would like to lower. I did some research and used the wonderful Search bar and found all sorts of helpful threads. From these I've gleaned quite a bit of info, but I still have a few questions.

Let me start off by saying I do not track my car. I have a pretty dismal budget so I can't afford to do it the right way with some nice $1000 Koni's etc, so lowing is more for useless looks rather then track performance. I would love to put the best of the best on my Talon, but I honestly just don't have the money. I hope you guys can understand that.

I've decided to use lowering springs instead of coilover kits. Lowering springs are cheaper and I have a embarrassingly low budget. I've read many positive posts about H&R Specialty Springs company, so I'm going to buy springs from them. But which ones should I get? They have two options for my car. They have a "Sport Spring" that will lower the Front 1.7 inches and the Rear 1.4 inches. The second option is their "Race Spring" which will drop me lower for the same price. The Race Spring is a drop of 2.0 inches in the Front, and 1.75 inches in the rear. Is 2 inches in the front and 1.75 in the rear too low? I only drive 40 miles a week and I drive alone so if the lower option is going to be a rougher ride or more noisy etc, that's not a problem. Both H&R spring options are going to be around $210 shipped.

I also understand I am going to need an alignment kit. From what I've read if I drop 1.75 inches or so, I should only need an alignment/camber kit for the rear. What if I go with the lower option and drop 2 inches in the front and 1.75 in the rear? Do I need a camber kit or whatnot for the front then?

Also, when/if I install these springs can I use my stock shocks for a little bit while I save more money for better performance oriented shocks or would that totally not work.

And last but not least:

Lowering Springs
Alignment / Camber kit

Do I need anything else?


Thank you in advance and sorry if this is a repeat of all the other lowering threads, I swear I did research first!

 

[Bud92gsx]

The only problem with lowering spring and stock shocks is that the shocks will go out sooner than you want..Most people run coilovers but, since your on a budget and know you have to replace the shocks soon.It shouldn't be a problem.

Now depending on the roads you drive on that should make up your mind..If their rough and have alot of potholes ets than go with the first option..You could always go out and measure what the drop would look like on your car from stock rideheight..

Also If you decide on coilovers down the road you can always adjust the ride height from their, on the first set of springs..It will ride a little rougher cause you compressing the springs..

Also the camber kit I would suggest..Cause your going to need an allignment anyway after installing the springs...

 

[Outrun Talon]

The only problem with lowering spring and stock shocks is that the shocks will go out sooner than you want..Most people run coilovers but, since your on a budget and know you have to replace the shocks soon.It shouldn't be a problem.

Now depending on the roads you drive on that should make up your mind..If their rough and have alot of potholes ets than go with the first option..You could always go out and measure what the drop would look like on your car from stock rideheight..

Also If you decide on coilovers down the road you can always adjust the ride height from their, on the first set of springs..It will ride a little rougher cause you compressing the springs..

Also the camber kit I would suggest..Cause your going to need an allignment anyway after installing the springs...

Thank you for your input. I only have a 5 mile (one way) trip to work and the roads are nice and smooth all the way there, so the lower option sounds doable.

Anyone else have any input?

 

[97gst_spyder]

Look at the Tokico match spring/strut setups on Extremepsi.com. They're under $550, and lifetime warranty.

 

[Outrun Talon]

Look at the Tokico match spring/strut setups on Extremepsi.com. They're under $550, and lifetime warranty.

That seems like a good deal, but unfortunately that is over my budget. I will keep them in mind though, I may decide to save up for them but at this point just lowering springs seems more within the realm of possibility for me.

 

[gusu]

That seems like a good deal, but unfortunately that is over my budget. I will keep them in mind though, I may decide to save up for them but at this point just lowering springs seems more within the realm of possibility for me.

Those are also on Ebay all the time for around 299. I've seen them go for as low as 199 used.

 

[97gst_spyder]

They have a cheaper set also. $4xx.

 

[Outrun Talon]

Those are also on Ebay all the time for around 299. I've seen them go for as low as 199 used.

I could do used for $200 or new for $300, but when you start getting into $400 - $500+ my budget goes all to hell.

 

[96awd]

I would save up. Wait til you have the extra cash, then lower your car. You wouldn't regret it.

 

[Outrun Talon]

I would save up. Wait til you have the extra cash, then lower your car. You wouldn't regret it.

I'm thinking you are right. There's other things I want to do first anyway, like buy and install a used 2gb bumper.

 

[Jaxness]

My budget wasnt alot either when I lowered my car.

I went with Megan Racing springs for a 2" drop. I was going to stay with my stock struts, but when I took them off, I found all 4 were already blown, so I had to replace them on the spot with Gabriels, .

I didn't buy a camber kit, I just got an alignment right after I was lowered to get rid of any toe.

 

[96awd]

I'm thinking you are right. There's other things I want to do first anyway, like buy and install a used 2gb bumper.

That too! Must love the 2GB bumpers.

These cars don't like when owners are cheap. That's why everything breaks. So save that money for down the road and do it right, man! You'll be fine.

 

[Outrun Talon]

That too! Must love the 2GB bumpers.

These cars don't like when owners are cheap. That's why everything breaks. So save that money for down the road and do it right, man! You'll be fine.

It's so hard to treat this car right on a budget, but I'm giving it my best shot.

My end goal is to have a nice CLEAN Talon. I do NOT want to be one of those ricer kids with the huge ass park bench spoiler on their front wheel drive civic, and the 30,000 decals on their car for parts/brands they don't even have installed. It would be such a disgrace to rice out any DSM. Smooth, clean DSM = happy DSM in my opinion.

 

[96awd]

It's so hard to treat this car right on a budget, but I'm giving it my best shot.

My end goal is to have a nice CLEAN Talon. I do NOT want to be one of those ricer kids with the huge ass park bench spoiler on their front wheel drive civic, and the 30,000 decals on their car for parts/brands they don't even have installed. It would be such a disgrace to rice out any DSM. Smooth, clean DSM = happy DSM in my opinion.

Couldn't agree more.

 

[jtmcinder]

If I were in the OP's situation, I would cut the stock springs, use washers behind the upper rear arms to bring the camber back down, and do a string alignment. Result: a lowered 2G for $5. If I had enough to pay a shop to check my alignment afterwards and wasn't confident in my string alignment, I'd do that next.

OK. I said it: cut the stock springs. Have at me.

 

[96awd]

If I were in the OP's situation, I would cut the stock springs, use washers behind the upper rear arms to bring the camber back down, and do a string alignment. Result: a lowered 2G for $5. If I had enough to pay a shop to check my alignment afterwards and wasn't confident in my string alignment, I'd do that next.

OK. I said it: cut the stock springs. Have at me.

How dare you!

First time in my life I've heard a wiseman say, "cut the stock springs," and mean it.

 

[TrevorS]

Since you're asking about lowering, I guess it wouldn't hurt to mention the option I took with my '90 GSX. My KYB "OE replacement" struts/shocks (actually a little stiffer than OE) were very young and so I kept them and switched to Eibach ProKit springs plus camber bolts in the front. Rear camber is OE adjustable with a modest drop. Here's how it looks:

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The variable rate springs and KYB struts/shocks provide excellent control and stability and a distinctly lower center of gravity, and yes, the ride is definitely much firmer than OE. Personally, I wouldn't want to go any lower since I do have to consider driveway and parking lot entrances, speed bumps, and such.

 

[99gst214]

Don't forget that H&R also offers their "OEM style spring" which only lowers the car ~0.5-0.75inch. Not a huge noticable difference, but will improve handling given the lower center of gravity and stiffer spring rate. Also I would suggest this option if your going to stick with your stock shocks. They will take less abuse compared to a more severe drop.

 

[96awd]

if I remember correctly, 1g's came stock with KYB shocks? Please correct me if I'm wrong.. May just be the '90's though. I pulled my shocks/springs a week ago and they were KYB's.

 

[Boostinsideways]

You can cut your springs... Most people don't both to look up how to do it right, and just cut off too damn much to get that "SLAMMED" look. http://www.svtperformance.com/forums/how-230/626015-complete-how-cut-your-stock-springs-thread.html

I realize... its a mustang forum. But really this guy knows what he is talking about. You can achieve a minimal drop and still retain ride quality. I would even consider those .75 inch drop springs. Not worth the money.

 

[TrevorS]

if I remember correctly, 1g's came stock with KYB shocks? Please correct me if I'm wrong.. May just be the '90's though. I pulled my shocks/springs a week ago and they were KYB's.

I've no indication whatsoever my '90 OE were KYB, I'm pretty certain they had Mitsubishi part numbers. My guess is your '90 struts/shocks had been replaced before.

 

[jtmcinder]

I've no indication whatsoever my '90 OE were KYB...

Almost all OE shocks on Mitsus are made by KYB. The only exception that comes to mind are the Bilsteins on Evo MRs. What you have are KYB GR2s that were repackaged as OE for your car.

 

[jtmcinder]

You can cut your springs... Most people don't both to look up how to do it right, and just cut off too damn much to get that "SLAMMED" look.

Ah, a kindred spirit in a world mostly peopled by the Great Unwashed.

This makes up for several of your recent posts.

Well, begins to, at least.

 

[gofer]

WTF I'm confused.

 

[96awd]

WTF I'm confused.

+1.

Please elaborate to further my understanding of why you should/should not cut your stock springs? Still a suspension/handling n00b.