Lowest 1G can go without resorting to coilovers

[wayfarer]

Searched around and the threads are actually pretty ancient, so I thought new information would be available. Basically, whats the lowest I can drop without resorting to coilovers? Coilovers are too expensive for me right now, and I'm not desperate enough to cut my springs. I heard Sprint springs are good, but I want a little bit more than a 2'' drop to fill in the wheel wells. Thanks.

 

[Redwidow]

I have the 1.5" drop megan springs and I love the way it looks and all, but any time you drop a 1G you will have some alignment issues. Especially in the rear

 

[dsmdeliveryboy]

A lot of people don't recommend dropping a 1G lower than about 1.2" because you start messing up the geometry of the suspension then so without the proper suspension modifications such as camber plates and or camber correction bolts I wouldn't go too lower or you'll actually hurt the way the handling performs.

 

[wayfarer]

So after the camber plates have been addressed, how low can I actually go without coilovers? Those megan spring drop look good on your car redwidow.

 

[viprez586]

Well, you'd need to buy struts. And if your looking for 2" or more I'd go with Koni's. Which are expensive.
You might get away with the KYB AGXs, and the KYB GR2s can't handle any lowering.

So after you factored in all the cost - the most simple solution is coilovers - since the front pillow mounts will give you some camber/caster adjustment if equipped. The rears you still have to sort out with camber and toe issues.

 

[Redwidow]

It is hard to say how low you can go, without coil overs. And I agree they look good but Im tired of eating up rear tires, and am considering going back to the stock height

 

[viprez586]

It is hard to say how low you can go, without coil overs. And I agree they look good but Im tired of eating up rear tires, and am considering going back to the stock height

I too love a lowered 1st gen. But get ready to spit some cash for the look and practicality.
I DD my 1G in winter so it doesn't make sense to lower it to "plow" snow.
I've been tempted SO many times though.

 

[Redwidow]

I too love a lowered 1st gen. But get ready to spit some cash for the look and practicality.
I DD my 1G in winter so it doesn't make sense to lower it to "plow" snow.
I've been tempted SO many times though.

I dont DD mine any more, but I still can have issues scraping the front bumper/intercooler if the drive way is even a little steep

 

[wayfarer]

Well, you'd need to buy struts. And if your looking for 2" or more I'd go with Koni's. Which are expensive.
You might get away with the KYB AGXs, and the KYB GR2s can't handle any lowering.

So after you factored in all the cost - the most simple solution is coilovers - since the front pillow mounts will give you some camber/caster adjustment if equipped. The rears you still have to sort out with camber and toe issues.

But even if I choose to go with coilovers and lower it, wouldn't I still need to address the camber issues? So in the end wouldn't coilovers come out a little bit more expensive?

 

[dsmdeliveryboy]

With coilovers if you lower it more than 2" you can adjust with the camber plates in the front, but you'll need a camber kit in the rear or your gonna have alignment issues, handling issues, and uneven tire wear. Also, the AGX's don't have sufficient rebound for the Megan Racing springs so you'd have to go with the Koni Yellows.

 

[viprez586]

I'm telling you coilovers would be a more practical and cost effective way to do things. Like posted above. You'll still need to adjust camber in the rear via aftermarket arms/eccentrics/etc.