new coilover question

[2gGst98]

Does anyone have any imput on megan racing EZ street series coilovers? I was originaly going to go with the tokico illumina's but I saw theese.
Megan Racing EZ Street Series Coilovers - 2G DSM 95-99 Eclipse - 2G DSM Coilovers - 2G 95-99 - Suspension - DSM Performance Parts | DSMparts.com
I hope the copy past thing works. I just like the price for them, and that they are 15 way adjustable.

now bust a solo

 

[jtmcinder]

Im pretty sure its the cheap springs that make it bounce. Actually i know it is.

I stopped reading right there. On the assumption that you didn't write "I was joking about it being the springs" in some later part of your post, let me say that you are almost definitely wrong. Yes, it's not impossible for it to traceable to the springs (or, if you wish, the contribution of the spring's quality to the bounciness is not zero, merely under 1%), but the huge majority of the issue is the damping. To be clear: if the springs are causing you to slam into the bump-stops and you describe this as being part of "bounciness," then, OK, springs play a role. But if you are talking about the kind of bounciness that most people mean by the word, then it's the shocks.

 

[Revmoto]

Im pretty sure its the cheap springs that make it bounce. Actually i know it is. I made the mistake of using ebay coilovers like these. And #### did they bounce, had nothing to do with the shock.

Coilover Spring Lower kit Honda 92-95 Civic CRX 88-91 R | eBay


Just so we're on the same page here. We're not talking about those kind of "coilovers"

Quote from S&R performance

"They are light weight. the threads are all Teflon coated, the assembly is all 1 piece aluminum and i love how the adjustment dial clicks with every turn. Also the adjustment dials can be locked into place or removed."
You need to do a little more research my friend as dampeners play a huge roll in suspension. I am now riding around on Ohlin road and tracks with 12k/14k rates and on the softest setting they ride just as well as my stock shocks did and they were 5k/6k rates. Yes JIC's are great if you compare them to Megan or Tein but if you compare them to something in their category they aren't what you guys think they are.
vrspeed

"most jackasses don't realize that 95% of import related products are built by the same company in god knows where Asia and just rebranded with another company's name on it with claims of millions of hours of research and better quality materials and blah blah blah."

Ive never heard anything bad about them, on any platform.



Ive never heard anyone say that before.



O i totally agree here, i just dont think 1" is enough, specially if you have some weight removed.

I have 300lbs removed from the front of my car and it sits almost higher then the rear, i dont think a drop spring would take care of that. I did alot of searching and planned on getting the megans for ride sometime this winter.

I suggest you do a little more research as dampeners play a major roll in suspension. I am now riding on Ohlin Road and Tracks with 12k/14k rates and on full soft they drive just as well as my bilstein shocks did and those were digressive with 5k/6k rates. Yes JIC's might be good if you compare them to megans or Teins but compare them to a nice set of coil overs and they become the cheap set. Also 1" drop may not be enough for YOU but to your car it is plenty. If you drop your car where the suspension parts are already sitting at the end of their range of motion they can't do their job.

 

[Ludachris]

I just bought and installed these coilovers and the next day I drove down to the shootout.. Alls I can say is WOAHH!! I love these things. Whether or not you track your car is a good question. You may not need these.. But then again that is how I came to decide on these instead of the regular Megan Coilovers. I dont NEED 32 ways of adjustment.. Hence why I went with these!

I think (or hope) what the person was suggesting is that if the OP is planning on tracking their car, Megan coilovers (EZ or otherwise) will not be as good a choice as the Koni/Ground Control solution. If you just want a cheap way to lower your car and have control over the height and/or stiffness, these will be as good as any lowering spring solution. But it's not considered a "racing" coilover, or anything you'd want to use for competition purposes where actual handling improvements (beyond just a sporty feel) are desired. It would be fine on the street.

The EZ coilovers are a cheap way to gain adjustable height, nothing more. If you're not serious about good handling (meaning, you're completely happy with the performance of lowering springs), then you'll be happy with them. But if you want true handling improvement and care about tracking your car or competing, the Koni/Ground Control option is going to be your cheapest option.

 

[91stocker]

I stopped reading right there. On the assumption that you didn't write "I was joking about it being the springs" in some later part of your post, let me say that you are almost definitely wrong. Yes, it's not impossible for it to traceable to the springs (or, if you wish, the contribution of the spring's quality to the bounciness is not zero, merely under 1%), but the huge majority of the issue is the damping. To be clear: if the springs are causing you to slam into the bump-stops and you describe this as being part of "bounciness," then, OK, springs play a role. But if you are talking about the kind of bounciness that most people mean by the word, then it's the shocks.

Thats funny, i changed to eibach springs and the bounce went away Same agx's. And it was bounce in the most exact definition of the word, BOUNCE. It felt like riding a pogo stick down the road.

The EZ coilovers are a cheap way to gain adjustable height, nothing more. If you're not serious about good handling (meaning, you're completely happy with the performance of lowering springs), then you'll be happy with them. But if you want true handling improvement and care about tracking your car or competing, the Koni/Ground Control option is going to be your cheapest option.

At nearly double the price, i would hope so . How do the shocks included with the megan kit compare to other budget shocks. Agx or better equivalent.

I do like that the koni's are rebuild able, which is nice.

 

[Revmoto]

Thats funny, i changed to eibach springs and the bounce went away Same agx's. And it was bounce in the most exact definition of the word, BOUNCE. It felt like riding a pogo stick down the road.

What was the ride height on both springs and what were the rates? A dampener should be valved for a certain rate. Having said that if the cheap springs you had installed dropped the car too low you completely negated the opportunity for the dampener to do its job. Another factor would be coil bind from a very cheap spring. These are all reasons why you shouldn't skimp out on suspension parts.

 

[Ludachris]

With the eibach/yellows combo your stuck with whatever the ride height is out of the box correct?

If you're asking about Konis with Eibach lowering springs, yes. But that's why people are suggesting Konis with a Ground Control kit which includes Eibach springs - but not the Eibach springs you're thinking of. The kit includes adjustable height perches/sleeves so you can adjust the height like you want, and it's a better handling solution than the K-sports, Teins, Megans, and any other sub $2k coilover currently available for a DSM (from what many of us road racers/autocrossers have found) due to the shocks being Konis.

A step up from the Koni/Ground Control kit would be a set of Muellerized JICs - I don't know that I'd do regular JICs though, a set of RobiSpec KWs.... or some form of Ohlins or Penske coilovers if you really had some extra cash to spend. And this is just my opinion, as others believe JIC and KW are still considered crap, just more expensive crap. But I believe that if you see it used more in club and pro racing, then it must be pretty decent. We had a member here named Greg Collier that did pretty will with JICs on his 1g while competing in the NASA Pro Racing series.

 

[Ludachris]

At nearly double the price, i would hope so . How do the shocks included with the megan kit compare to other budget shocks. Agx or better equivalent.

I do like that the koni's are rebuild able, which is nice.

Which begs the question, how good can the Megan EZ be when it's so much cheaper than a Koni/Ground Control combo, which is widely considered the best cheap option, yet not as elegant in the eyes of many, available for real handling on a DSM. Most people automatically think that a "true" coilover equals a better solution.

Last time I did a comparison I think the total price for GC/Koni was just over $1k when I priced it all out from one of our vendors, maybe $1100... aren't the EZ kits in the $700 range?

How do the cheap coilovers compare to the cheap shocks? They're probably pretty similar - which means many will have good experiences with them others (like me) will have seen premature failures. If you're okay with taking that risk as so many DSMers seem to be, then who cares. So long as there aren't any widespread complaints about failures, which we haven't seen for any shocks on the market for our cars, you'll likely be okay. The better equivalent to the AGX would be the Koni by the way.

Sadly, you'll see DSMers save up a few hundred more for a bigger turbo to get more power all the time, but won't do the same thing for handling. I suppose it's because of that mentality we're all forced to settle for inferior options and/or limited availability when it comes to quality suspension parts in the DSM market. The more EZ kits that are sold instead of other better quality kits, the more we seal our own fate. Koni has already discontinued rear shocks for the 1g, it's only a matter of time until they discontinue all options for our cars because people are buying up the cheaper crap. The aftermarket will only supply what we buy. Keep that in mind people.

 

[91stocker]

Sadly, you'll see DSMers save up a few hundred more for a bigger turbo to get more power all the time, but won't do the same thing for handling. I suppose it's because of that mentality we're all forced to settle for inferior options and/or limited availability when it comes to quality suspension parts in the DSM market. The more EZ kits that are sold instead of other better quality kits, the more we seal our own fate. Koni has already discontinued rear shocks for the 1g, it's only a matter of time until they discontinue all options for our cars because people are buying up the cheaper crap. The aftermarket will only supply what we buy. Keep that in mind people.

O like the DGR's you bought for your 2g jk jk. Where do the dgr's stand on that list? Since they sell the same $50 ebay radiators just with their name on it and resell for $200. Id imagine they are right on par with bc,megan, etc?

Most people automatically think that a "true" coilover equals a better solution.

That was my assumption. Are the koni's still available to the 2g's?

 

[Revmoto]

The more EZ kits that are sold instead of other better quality kits, the more we seal our own fate. Koni has already discontinued rear shocks for the 1g, it's only a matter of time until they discontinue all options for our cars because people are buying up the cheaper crap. The aftermarket will only supply what we buy. Keep that in mind people.

x100000

 

[Ludachris]

O like the DGR's you bought for your 2g jk jk. Where do the dgr's stand on that list? Since they sell the same $50 ebay radiators just with their name on it and resell for $200. Id imagine they are right on par with bc,megan, etc?



That was my assumption. Are the koni's still available to the 2g's?

The DGRs are still too new and untested, which is why I didn't mention them. I figured I'd try them out and see firsthand if they're any better than the cheap alternatives, or with any luck, as good or better than the Koni/GC option. I'm still skeptical, but hopeful at the same time. The nice thing is that it looks like DGR is open to feedback and willing to improve the kits as we go, which is something we haven't had in our community in the coilover market in a while. It sure would be nice to have another decent option to choose from for suspension. And I'm not serious about the 2g anyway, so if they end up being just a cheap kit that isn't that great, oh well. That's why I'm not getting them for my 1g right away.

Yes, the Konis are still available for the 2g front and rear. The 1g only has the fronts available now, the rears were discontinued earlier this year I believe. Glad I got mine when I did. I also picked up one of the last 26mm rear swaybars from Whiteline before those got discontinued.

Good suspension parts are drying up fast in the DSM market, and what's scary is that nobody is noticing - they're all excited about the new cheap EZ coilovers, thinking that coilovers are just getting cheaper - when in fact, cheaper options that aren't made as well and aren't designed for true handling are simply being introduced, while at the same time, the high quality, and yes more expensive parts are starting to get discontinued because people are assuming the new cheap options are just as good. I'm doing everything I can to point people in the direction of the good suspension stuff, but it's getting drowned out by all the budget builders buying the cheap suspension parts and blowing their load on the big turbos and other horsepower parts. I know I'm fighting a losing battle but I'll keep trying for as long as I can. And then I'll do what others like me have done - move on to another platform that has more enthusiasts willing to pay for quality suspension parts.

 

[Revmoto]

The DGRs are still too new and untested, which is why I didn't mention them. I figured I'd try them out and see firsthand if they're any better than the cheap alternatives, or with any luck, as good or better than the Koni/GC option. I'm still skeptical, but hopeful at the same time. The nice thing is that it looks like DGR is open to feedback and willing to improve the kits as we go, which is something we haven't had in our community in the coilover market in a while. It sure would be nice to have another decent option to choose from for suspension. And I'm not serious about the 2g anyway, so if they end up being just a cheap kit that isn't that great, oh well. That's why I'm not getting them for my 1g right away.

Yes, the Konis are still available for the 2g front and rear. The 1g only has the fronts available now, the rears were discontinued earlier this year I believe. Glad I got mine when I did. I also picked up one of the last 26mm rear swaybars from Whiteline before those got discontinued.

Good suspension parts are drying up fast in the DSM market, and what's scary is that nobody is noticing - they're all excited about the new cheap EZ coilovers, thinking that coilovers are just getting cheaper - when in fact, cheaper options that aren't made as well and aren't designed for true handling are simply being introduced, while at the same time, the high quality, and yes more expensive parts are starting to get discontinued because people are assuming the new cheap options are just as good. I'm doing everything I can to point people in the direction of the good suspension stuff, but it's getting drowned out by all the budget builders buying the cheap suspension parts and blowing their load on the big turbos and other horsepower parts. I know I'm fighting a losing battle but I'll keep trying for as long as I can. And then I'll do what others like me have done - move on to another platform that has more enthusiasts willing to pay for quality suspension parts.

It doesn't help that one or two experienced users recommend the right part and then ten or twenty inexperienced users recommend a bad part where then the confused buyer then leans towards the majority.

 

[RadDsm]

Not to go off too much in another direction, but what are your opinions on Teins? I have a set of their Type Flex with EDFC that I used on my 2G, and I liked them a lot. The car wasn't tracked with them, but they seem nice.

I see people say they aren't very good, but never an explanation on why.

 

[91stocker]

Good suspension parts are drying up fast in the DSM market, and what's scary is that nobody is noticing - they're all excited about the new cheap EZ coilovers, thinking that coilovers are just getting cheaper - when in fact, cheaper options that aren't made as well and aren't designed for true handling are simply being introduced, while at the same time, the high quality, and yes more expensive parts are starting to get discontinued because people are assuming the new cheap options are just as good. I'm doing everything I can to point people in the direction of the good suspension stuff, but it's getting drowned out by all the budget builders buying the cheap suspension parts and blowing their load on the big turbos and other horsepower parts. I know I'm fighting a losing battle but I'll keep trying for as long as I can. And then I'll do what others like me have done - move on to another platform that has more enthusiasts willing to pay for quality suspension parts.

That is some good news that dgr is looking to do some r&d with the dsm's. They look top notch and the price is right. Cant wait to hear/see the reviews.

It doesn't help that one or two experienced users recommend the right part and then ten or twenty inexperienced users recommend a bad part where then the confused buyer then leans towards the majority.

They're sure alot of good reviews on the megan pieces. I guess most people arent expecting much. Or just that replacing thier 20 year oem's with something new is that much better .

 

[Ludachris]

They're sure alot of good reviews on the megan pieces. I guess most people arent expecting much. Or just that replacing thier 20 year oem's with something new is that much better .

That's pretty much the case. I'm hoping we'll get more DSMers to learn more about what a good suspension is supposed to feel like so they'll look for better parts. Most seem to be happy with a sporty feel and stiffer ride than what they had before.

 

[jtmcinder]

I see people say they [Teins] aren't very good, but never an explanation on why.

Really? I'd swear that I've said why at least twenty times. On the grounds that twenty-one is widely considered to be a lucky number: they have too much high-speed compression damping.

 

[2gGst98]

wow that was alot I had to read but I read them all. I understand what you guys said about more kids buy the cheeper coil overs than spending money, I think its because most new dsmers like speed. But I like to handel and drive my car more than straight. but I just dont make that much money and I do need them quick. I have about 1100 saved up. I am getting bushing kit and upper controll arms cause they are beat up kinda bad from the bushing being bad. I didnt want to spend all of it on coils but o well I guess. I will probably be happy in the long run right?

Now the car is mostly going to be driven on the street but 1 to 3 times a month I will be in a auto cross or road race (dont no if that makes a diffrence). And I do want to see some beter times. I want them as low as I can befor I start upping the motor.

Off topic but does anyone know if I can buy a hand press to press out my bushings. I dont have an actual press.

I did re-read my writing, I hope i didnt do too bad on gramer. I am illiterate but I am trying to write better.

What about the Megan Racing Street Series Coilover Damper Kit for 2g DSM. I think some said something about them but I cant remember. And im not rereading it just quite yet it took too long the first time

 

[Ludachris]

wow that was alot I had to read but I read them all. I understand what you guys said about more kids buy the cheeper coil overs than spending money, I think its because most new dsmers like speed. But I like to handel and drive my car more than straight. but I just dont make that much money and I do need them quick. I have about 1100 saved up. I am getting bushing kit and upper controll arms cause they are beat up kinda bad from the bushing being bad. I didnt want to spend all of it on coils but o well I guess. I will probably be happy in the long run right?

Now the car is mostly going to be driven on the street but 1 to 3 times a month I will be in a auto cross or road race (dont no if that makes a diffrence). And I do want to see some beter times. I want them as low as I can befor I start upping the motor.

Off topic but does anyone know if I can buy a hand press to press out my bushings. I dont have an actual press.

I did re-read my writing, I hope i didnt do too bad on gramer. I am illiterate but I am trying to write better.

What about the Megan Racing Street Series Coilover Damper Kit for 2g DSM. I think some said something about them but I cant remember. And im not rereading it just quite yet it took too long the first time

Didn't like my suggestion I guess - still stuck on the Megan Racing coilovers... I tried.

 

[Revmoto]

wow that was alot I had to read but I read them all

I don't think you did.

 

[91stocker]

I don't think you did.

Probably not.

It seems megans are fine for street cars, but if you care how it rides then koni/gc's are the best budget set up.

 

[Revmoto]

Probably not.

It seems megans are fine for street cars, but if you care how it rides then koni/gc's are the best budget set up.

they are fine if you are comparing them to blown struts

Didn't like my suggestion I guess - still stuck on the Megan Racing coilovers... I tried.

I am giving up as nobody on this forum wants to hear proper functioning parts they want somebody to come on here and give the green flag so they can go ahead and order a set of these. Ludachris you are a dying breed on these forums and I wish you luck. If you wish to sell your car and pick up an Evo we will welcome you with open arms and have many members passionate about bettering themselves and their vehicles.

 

[2gGst98]

Ok well I was just woundering about those. I did see alot of good reviews about them but i will save my money for 1 or 2 more pay checks and get the koni yellows with ground controll kit. Is their some where I can see how these shocks are made. How do you compare the racing street series to blown out shocks. I dont understand they are 900 bucks, 2 to 3 hundred less then the koni with the GC. can it be that big of a diffrence. I am not trying to compeete with what you guys are saying I just want to know how are they that much diffrent. Just trying to get my facts right.

I do appreciate everything I am reading that you guys are saying. Keep it comming I am learing and my car is the only thing I dont want to be a cheap with.

And Ludachris I agree with what you said, and take in what everyone says. I dont want cheep suspencion, I want a nice handeling ride, at the same time I dont want to spend 2k on it. Its just that I guess most of the reviews I read is from the people you where talking about. That just want a sporty ride, not a well handeling ride. That is whay I am doing my suspencion then maby a big break kit down the road then upgrade the motor (power doesnt make you go fast around the turns). I want to be able to handel my car well befor I loose it with 250-300hp. building a motor I can do. I just never did any big research on suspencion. Just looked at reviews and basted my decision on those. Witch is now making me see that the new younger people dont know whtat they are doing. they have an idea but dont know exactly. Now I am young I am 22 and this is my first car I am building for myself. its taken a year to get to this point with the car but their is no time limit on it.

I forgot to ask this but if you lower shocks that are not made to lower cant you blow them prematurely? I read that the GC kit allows you to set your ride hight, do you need to take them out to set it? Can you set it too low for the koni yellows?

I hope these are not dumb questions, I just want to know. I worry about the little things.

Also does any one know part numbers. I cant seem to find them. I have a way to maby get them cheeper throught a guy at work that owns a parts store. He said he will try for me.

 

[Ludachris]

they are fine if you are comparing them to blown struts



I am giving up as nobody on this forum wants to hear proper functioning parts they want somebody to come on here and give the green flag so they can go ahead and order a set of these. Ludachris you are a dying breed on these forums and I wish you luck. If you wish to sell your car and pick up an Evo we will welcome you with open arms and have many members passionate about bettering themselves and their vehicles.

It's not just this forum - it's DSMers in general. You see it everywhere in the DSM world, they skimp on the suspension stuff but buy a huge turbo. Poor planning in general and buying cheap parts only to have to replace them later, spending more in the long run while trying to save a few bucks.

To the original poster - buying the Megans is like buying a cheap chinese knock-off turbo. Why spend ANY money on inferior parts just so you can be sure you'll have to replace them later? Chances are you'll want better handling later, and then you'll be selling the Megans and buying the Konis. Why take the loss? The Koni/GC setup will be almost exactly the same price but come with much better shocks. You don't have to take them off the car to adjust in the front, you do in the rear. The reality is, you rarely ever have to adjust them. Leave them on full soft in the rear and you'll be happy (at least this is the case on the 1g, not sure about the 2g).

The Koni shocks are the only ones on the market with shorter shock travel, which means they'll work better than all the others with lowered cars. My AGX shocks blew after one year on a lowered suspension - none of the KYB shocks are designed for anything lower than stock ride height, which is why you hear about premature failures. Buy the right part the first time, otherwise you'll spend more in the long term. That's the lesson I've learned over the years building this car.

 

[H4G64T]

It's not just this forum - it's DSMers in general. You see it everywhere in the DSM world, they skimp on the suspension stuff but buy a huge turbo. Poor planning in general and buying cheap parts only to have to replace them later, spending more in the long run while trying to save a few bucks.

To the original poster - buying the Megans is like buying a cheap chinese knock-off turbo. Why spend ANY money on inferior parts just so you can be sure you'll have to replace them later? Chances are you'll want better handling later, and then you'll be selling the Megans and buying the Konis. Why take the loss? The Koni/GC setup will be almost exactly the same price but come with much better shocks. You don't have to take them off the car to adjust in the front, you do in the rear. The reality is, you rarely ever have to adjust them. Leave them on full soft in the rear and you'll be happy (at least this is the case on the 1g, not sure about the 2g).

The Koni shocks are the only ones on the market with shorter shock travel, which means they'll work better than all the others with lowered cars. My AGX shocks blew after one year on a lowered suspension - none of the KYB shocks are designed for anything lower than stock ride height, which is why you hear about premature failures. Buy the right part the first time, otherwise you'll spend more in the long term. That's the lesson I've learned over the years building this car.

I understand not buying the coilover setups, but for your average DSM, especially a 2G, Konis and GCs are overkill, especially for someone who can't ordinarily afford the setup. They are nice-to-have's but not always need-to-haves.

I personally think the OP would do well with Tokico Illuminas and Pro Kit springs by Eibach. The Illuminas can support up to 1.75" of drop and the FWD Pro Kit springs are 1.5"~ and it will only run you around $700.00 total. It will give you a nice, but not excessive drop, comes with 5 levels of stiffness select-ability and are pretty well proven on daily driven DSMs.

If you plan on road racing or autocross, you really can't go with any less than Koni/GCs.

 

[jtmcinder]

Disagree. Konis and cut OE springs are cheaper and an order of magnitude better than Illuminas and ProKits. I've autocrossed both, albeit not on identical tires.

 

[Ludachris]

I understand not buying the coilover setups, but for your average DSM, especially a 2G, Konis and GCs are overkill, especially for someone who can't ordinarily afford the setup. They are nice-to-have's but not always need-to-haves.

I personally think the OP would do well with Tokico Illuminas and Pro Kit springs by Eibach. The Illuminas can support up to 1.75" of drop and the FWD Pro Kit springs are 1.5"~ and it will only run you around $700.00 total. It will give you a nice, but not excessive drop, comes with 5 levels of stiffness select-ability and are pretty well proven on daily driven DSMs.

If you plan on road racing or autocross, you really can't go with any less than Koni/GCs.

Your average DSM doesn't need anything bigger than a 16g... or cheap street tires as opposed to drag radials... or stock seats as opposed to racing seats... etc, etc, etc - but does that stop people from going beyond? Nothing is a need-to-have in this hobby. So why sell yourself short and take short cuts on suspension? Why limit yourself to the shitty lowering spring solution? Why spend any money on parts that you will likely end up replacing later because you actually want better handling instead of a sporty feel that "seems" like better handling? To me that's like venting a knock-off BOV just so you can hear the sound - or buying a beat up used 16g with shaft play because that's all you can afford - save up a little longer and buy the right parts the first time and do the build right. If you can't afford it, wait until you can. But again, that's the mentality in this community - take short cuts and do everything on the cheap. And that's why we won't have quality parts available for us for much longer.

GC/Koni kit is about the same price as people are spending on some of these cheap true coilovers that are meant for the street (any of the sub $2k coilovers) and they aren't as good as Konis. That's the point I'm trying to make. There's this misconception that a true coilover is "better" than a GC/Koni kit because it's a complete package. Lowering springs really is a cheap way to lower the car, but it's not ideal for handling. As Jtoby said just before me, I'd rather have the Konis and cut stock springs rather than cheap shocks and lowering springs.