celsior123

I'm new to modifying suspension I have some questions.
I'm not sure if I want to go with the 1 inch drop or 1.5 inch drop from the stock ride height. Would like to lower the car to have a better stance and get rid of some wheel gap but don't want to scrape anywhere and can go over speed bumps without destroying my bumper. Which would be the better option? 1 inch or 1.5 inch? I also have a set of after market wheels on right now, just wondering after I lower the car would the wheels still fit without any clearance issue? My wheel spec is 17x7.
Other than springs would I need to change anything else with the drop in ride height?


Thanks!

RA40

iTrader: (6)

The choice to lower the car is ultimately a decision based on the road conditions you encounter and willing to deal with. 1" to 1.5" is minimal for most driving situations. If you have a particularly steep driveway, where even stock height cars scrape, lowering 1" isn't a good idea.

You'll have to give us more wheel spec (offset) and tire size so that we can advise. If say it is a 17x7" 45mm offset with a 215/55-17 or 225/50-17 there will not be a clearance problem. The slightly better fitment would be a 17x7" 30-35mm and this is conservative. Make sure the wheel has big brake clearance or you'll be using spacers to clear the front calipers.

celsior123

My tire is 235/45/17 and the wheel is 17x7 with a offset of 38mm.
I've been researching and would want to go for the tanabe springs that lowers the front by 1.8inch and rear by 1.5 inches. I'm just not sure if I have enough clearance with the fenders

dicer

Personally I think raising it is a better option. Lowering will just mess up the underside of the car from scraping over speed bumps and other imperfections found on the roads, and then there are the curbs when parking. If all you where planning on doing is running on a high speed Flat road or track then lowering is needed. For normal driving it can be hazardous and detrimental to the car.

RA40

iTrader: (6)

At that drop, that offset and tire size there will not require any fender mods. The overall diameter is smaller so your car will be about 1/2" lower in addition to the reduction in spring height. Fender mods come in when the drop is more than 3" and or the wheel fitment is aggressive.

celsior123

Thanks! I'm gonna order the springs tomorrow!

mccrimmon

iTrader: (2)

Just a suggestion here... If you have the ability to spend a few hundred dollars more, coilovers might be a consideration for you. Then you have the option of adjusting the height to where you want it exactly. Depending on the condition of your struts, if they need replacing, you will be pretty close to the cost of some Megan EZ coilovers, around $650 shipped. I have Tanabe DF210 springs on my GS and they dropped the car to a good height and ride nice but I'd like to get a tad lower. If I had to do it over again, I would have gone with coilovers to begin with. Good luck to you!