Coil Spring Conversion vs Coil Overs?
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Intermediate
Joined: Jul 2006
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From: AL
Coil Spring Conversion vs Coil Overs?
Which would be the better way to go? I want a nice firm (not harsh ride), improved handling over air, and I don't want to pay for air replacement.
I have been told Strutmasters or Bistein coil overs. N=Both seem to have advantages.
Feedback please.
I have been told Strutmasters or Bistein coil overs. N=Both seem to have advantages.
Feedback please.
Coil springs with good shocks will last twice as long (if not longer) vs coilovers. If you want more firmness and the longevity go with a slightly lowered spring and KYB shocks. Tanabe is a popular choice.
Last edited by Lavrishevo; Dec 30, 2015 at 08:03 AM.
Springs will make a bigger difference in firmness then shocks. The 430 sport uses a combination of sportier springs, shocks, and control arms.
Coilovers are a self contained unit that are adjustable. Coil and shock together. Their longevity is not so great.
Coilovers are a self contained unit that are adjustable. Coil and shock together. Their longevity is not so great.
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 919
Likes: 323
From: IN
The only good coilover for the LS430 is the RSR units. They are Japanese manufactured specifically for the LS and are wonderful. The stock Lexus struts are actually KYB units. If you just want to lower the car slightly you could go that route and as set of Eibach lowering springs. The coilovers will give you the most adjust ability, however, they are around $2000.00 for the RSR Black I series.
Steve
Steve
Intermediate
Joined: Oct 2009
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From: Florida
So if i get non sport shocks and springs for a sport i will get a smoother ride. I think the ride is to stiff for me. I have owned 3 other 430's non sport and liked the ride better. If someone tells me there is not much difference between the 2 i strongly disagree.
Racer
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 1,761
Likes: 248
From: AZ
Bilsteins are going to be a harsh ride.
Factory steel springs with KYB struts will be firmer than stock but not harsh and probably what you're looking for.
Also, the larger rear "Sport" sway bar is a nice handling improvement that's cheap and easy and will probably do more to give you better handling than other more expensive options.
I really don't think it's worth trying to make the LS into something it's not with a really firm suspension. It's just never going to be a sporty car.
Factory steel springs with KYB struts will be firmer than stock but not harsh and probably what you're looking for.
Also, the larger rear "Sport" sway bar is a nice handling improvement that's cheap and easy and will probably do more to give you better handling than other more expensive options.
I really don't think it's worth trying to make the LS into something it's not with a really firm suspension. It's just never going to be a sporty car.
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From: British Columbia
Bilsteins are going to be a harsh ride.
Have you had Bilstein B14 before? Have you had any Bilsteins and on which vehicle? There is a difference between B. HD and B. Sport. Which ones did you have? Did you mix B. and aftermarket springs? Which springs did you use with the B. shocks?
Factory steel springs with KYB struts will be firmer than stock but not harsh and probably what you're looking for.
Also, the larger rear "Sport" sway bar is a nice handling improvement that's cheap and easy and will probably do more to give you better handling than other more expensive options.
I really don't think it's worth trying to make the LS into something it's not with a really firm suspension. It's just never going to be a sporty car.
Have you had Bilstein B14 before? Have you had any Bilsteins and on which vehicle? There is a difference between B. HD and B. Sport. Which ones did you have? Did you mix B. and aftermarket springs? Which springs did you use with the B. shocks?
Factory steel springs with KYB struts will be firmer than stock but not harsh and probably what you're looking for.
Also, the larger rear "Sport" sway bar is a nice handling improvement that's cheap and easy and will probably do more to give you better handling than other more expensive options.
I really don't think it's worth trying to make the LS into something it's not with a really firm suspension. It's just never going to be a sporty car.
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