Just purchased an '04 and am looking at coilover/lowering options. Definitely do not want to go the air route. It's going to be a daily driver, so not going super low...

Already picked up a set of 19" Carlsson 2/6 with a conservative offset. I feel like I won't be satisfied with the drop of the Tanabe NF/DF springs, so I might as well go with the coilovers right away. I have done quite a bit of searching, and it seems like the Tein CS are EXACTLY what I want in terms of ride and drop. Unfortunately, they aren't available...

So, has anyone tried to spec out BCR coilovers with softer springs? I don't expect stock ride, of course, but also don't want a punishing ride. Thanks in advance.

Also, considering youzealand brackets and NF springs as an option..

 

If it's a daily don't ruin it, dailies should stay stock stock not slightly altered.

 

It is you car so do what makes you happy. But, cannot disagree in principle with the advice of keeping your vehicle stock if you are using your LS 430 as a daily driver. Perhaps take a look at some VIP style built SL 430 threads on this forum and ask some of the builders. You may find you could be trading off the daily driving utility with mods you may be considering.

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/bui...430-build.html
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/ls-...derstated.html
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/vip-style-188/

 

I appreciate the input, but I'm not looking to build a VIP car. Just a moderate lowering to eliminate the wheel gap, so it doesn't look like a 4x4 on the larger wheels. I understand the tradeoffs of lowering, which is why I'm asking for input on coilover spring rates.

I think my question is: What current coilover setup most closely resembles the Tein CS series?

 

i have the tein flex z - i def do not recommend it...go with BC

 

I daily my car an hour+ each way, on bc coilovers, highly recommend
Ride is comfortable, I could not deal with that floaty feeling of oem, it gave me nausea. I went with slightly stiffer springs but it's still not too harsh and the denpening is adjustable so that helps to tune it in. I'm on 20s as well.
the build quality on them is also very good, I'm very pleased with them

 

Have you looked into Tein Flex Z? ... twin-tube system for street ride comfort.
Someone has....

 

https://fortune-auto.com/coilovers/500series-2/

 

What’s with your experience when riding on flex z struts? Did you take additional effort to reset the suspension, change key bushings and do proper alignment to ensure your desired level of comfort is achieved? Missing one or several steps will easily ruin your impression and it’s always easy to blame something that may not be even at fault.

I have these Teins and I love driving my car every single day. The road feels smooth, AND these struts do straighten car in sharp turns thanks to nice and strong springs.

 

Well, I can say one thing about suspension...Once you drive on quality parts it really makes you rethink going cheap. Ive been waiting on some stupid brackets to get my Dodge Stealth twin turbo on its HKS coilovers, but my 2000 trans am is on koni shocks and I can say they do make a difference when it comes to a situation that you NEED a shock to preform.

I also dislike the stock ride height of the LS430, I know they are flat but they look like the back is sagging and if I had coilovers thats the one thing Id change. Id raise the back maybe 1/2 inch and drop the front 1/2 inch.

Personally I would rate BC and Tein the same, the Fortunes Id say are better not just because they are more expensive either.

 

Most of the coilovers in the entry level price range are all going to have similar characteristics anyways, doesn't matter the manufacturer or what they'll tell you.

 

I have it 7 clicks from stiffest, it rides harsh yet floaty. I’ve tried multiple settings and I just can’t find a good setting that provides a firm and planted ride.


i had them installed and aligned at west end alignment which is probabaly the most reputable shop in LA.

im thinking about going back to oem or Monroe struts

 

Thank you for reply. May I ask if any work was done in the suspension? In particular, upper control arms or lca bushings?

I cant recall exactly, but I believe I currently set 9 stiffness (which is softer than medium setting), and inflated tires to 39. Note, when I originally installed Teins, I did replace some bushings and made sure the suspension “learnt” the new position of control arms. Since then, I never had any single complaint about harsh ride, but I did test some stiff settings and they indeed make a big difference. I usually don’t go below 8 - I don’t think it’s suitable for daily driving.

 

I have bc's with swift spings 16k front 14k rear as well as custom valving, I have had them for two years and put about 28,000 miles on them. I have to say they are great coilovers worth the $1300 I daily my LS430 in the summer so does my wife even with the high sping rate it is not a bad ride at all still very comfortable and bumps and such do not rattle your teeth out. I is also on 20's with metal bushings as well as 90a poly on a majority of the car and it is still a very nice ride the coilovers will not ruin the ride.

Word of advice go with a higher spring rate like 12k front 10k rear the LS is super heavy so it balances out the high spring rate. I track my car and do spirited mountain driving etc so 16k/14k would be to harsh for you, most go 10k F 8k R amd really regret they didnt go higher.

Also the idea of "dont modify it if its your daily" is completely absurd theres no point in modifying your car then letting it sit there and not enjoying it that makes 0 sense to me but that is my opinion.

 

Anyone with first person feedback on the Fortune-auto coilovers?

Called up Tein today. They cannot reproduce the old aluminum bodied CS series. They do have a similar steel bodied replacement, that is a custom order item and similar specs. Mono tube. 3 months and he estimated approx $2600. Nah.