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Is a drop REALLY worth it?

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Old May 25, 2009 | 04:36 PM
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Default Is a drop REALLY worth it?

I have a Black 3GS. I planned on putting a mild drop with Tanabe NF210s for now, let them sag a bit, then put on 20's in a few months when my tires need replacing anyway. Lowering looks great and I was ready to get it done, but I drive ~350 freeway miles a week.

1) Is the uneven inner tread wear gonna cause me to change tires every few months?
2) Are my long commutes going to be a lot more uncomfortable?
3) Will it look good even though I planned on a non-staggered 20" setup? I planned on Chrome 20"s like the following in the future. I like the rivoted, 5-spoke look. [I still like the idea of rotating the tires]

In the end...is it really worth it? Thanks for you input.
Attached Thumbnails Is a drop REALLY worth it?-screen-capture-16.jpg  
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Old May 25, 2009 | 05:02 PM
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Yes a drop is worth it unless you want to look like a ghetto DUB.

If you worry about tire wear on the inside, get a camber kit when you lower the car.

Yes the ride will be a bit more harsh... less bouncy, stiffer ride. Depends on how wide your wheels are, it might rub when you make a U-turn. Gotta slow down on the speed bumps, watch out for the pot holes, etc.

Road noise might be a factor, depending on the type of tires you have.

It is up to you if you like the look being dropped with 20's. I prefer the VIP floss look, with the Vienna Dish, or Work Euroline DH.

If you wanna raise/drop the height via a push of a button, get some air bags.

Last edited by 3000; May 25, 2009 at 05:06 PM.
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Old May 25, 2009 | 06:15 PM
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Yes I would get a mild drop if you plan to put 20" wheels on the car. The tire wear will not be that bad just get an alignment 2 weeks after you drop it. The 2 weeks will give the springs time to settle.

You will lose some comfort but that is how it goes when you go with 20's and lowering springs. If you want maximum comfort with a drop then get coilovers, set them to a mild drop and set the damper to the easiest setting.

If your not going to drop it than just keep the car stock. 20" wheels with no drop is not even worth it in my opinion. Its like having peanut butter without the jelly.

Last edited by Chancellor; May 25, 2009 at 06:19 PM.
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Old May 25, 2009 | 06:20 PM
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Honestly with the low price of the Tanabes, its a no brainer to me. We are talking $500 to give your car a completely different look. The car will also handle better.

The main drawback is you have to be careful with driveways/bumps and if you add a bodykit, you have to watch for scrubbing if you have a full load.
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Old May 25, 2009 | 08:36 PM
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Originally Posted by 3000
If you worry about tire wear on the inside, get a camber kit when you lower the car.
currently there is no camber kit available for the 3GS.
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Old May 25, 2009 | 08:44 PM
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You're thinking about all-chrome 20s, non-staggered, with no drop?

That's a triple fail.

Welcome to 1995.
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Old May 25, 2009 | 09:06 PM
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Originally Posted by Stormforge
currently there is no camber kit available for the 3GS.
Dang, that's right... But this might help a bit... the K-sport coilover kit's camber can be adjusted... here --> https://www.wesellcarparts.com/store...idproduct=6921
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Old May 25, 2009 | 09:12 PM
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Originally Posted by 3000
Dang, that's right... But this might help a bit... the K-sport coilover kit's camber can be adjusted... here --> https://www.wesellcarparts.com/store...idproduct=6921
that's an interesting product, thx for the link. i'm surprised that teins and other coilover manufacturers don't have this camber adjustability....
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Old May 25, 2009 | 09:33 PM
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Originally Posted by Stormforge
that's an interesting product, thx for the link. i'm surprised that teins and other coilover manufacturers don't have this camber adjustability....
imho everything is for a reason. it's just like asking why the gs does not have camber adjustment at all anymore. the 2gs have camber adjustment both front and rear, and over the years one complaint i heard a lot was alignment out of whack after driving
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Old May 26, 2009 | 12:44 AM
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Originally Posted by SoCalSC4
You're thinking about all-chrome 20s, non-staggered, with no drop?

That's a triple fail.

Welcome to 1995.
Quadruple, if you also count just having the idea to do that in the first place.

Yes, it is worth it if you want your car to look right. Otherwise, I think there's nothing wrong with keeping it stock. Stock looks better than loooking raised up on 20's.

BTW, those wheels look good just the way they are in the pic. Why get them in chrome? Maybe gunmetal or machined, but not chrome. Just my opinion.
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Old May 26, 2009 | 09:16 AM
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Just to clarify, my thought was never to do some and not all of the above. I either do everything or leave stock. Regarding the wheels, I always thought chrome looked best on a black car. Maybe I'll look into other finishes. Is chrome out of style or what?
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Old May 26, 2009 | 09:21 AM
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Originally Posted by silo113
Just to clarify, my thought was never to do some and not all of the above. I either do everything or leave stock. Regarding the wheels, I always thought chrome looked best on a black car. Maybe I'll look into other finishes. Is chrome out of style or what?
some people think that chrome is played out. depending on your wheel choice, chrome would look good. in the end, it's your enjoyment that counts. if you like chrome, go for it.
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Old May 26, 2009 | 09:54 AM
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Originally Posted by silo113
Just to clarify, my thought was never to do some and not all of the above. I either do everything or leave stock. Regarding the wheels, I always thought chrome looked best on a black car. Maybe I'll look into other finishes. Is chrome out of style or what?
your money, your choice. if you like chrome then get them in chrome.
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Old May 26, 2009 | 11:35 AM
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Originally Posted by IXI187IXI
your money, your choice. if you like chrome then get them in chrome.
agree, ultimately it's your car and money, do what you truly like. asking here will usually get your a million suggestions for me lowering the car is usually my first real mod to the car
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