corradoMR2

Update. My dealer was generous enough to order new front struts under warranty. I need to make a decision over the next several days. Would like to hear your thoughts on options?

- I don't want to spend $4-5K on coilovers. (In Canada, prices with exchange rate + duties double the cost compared to the US)
- I don't want to go back to stock springs since the wheel gap is eye torture to me. Wheel gap elimination is the priority above all else (ride, handling, track)


OPTONS?
1. Keep the RSR springs installed on the new OEM struts? If no one else has leaks, perhaps I've just had bad luck with a bad batch of OEM struts? (Note, my rear OEM shocks are fine)
2. Get Swift Spec R springs (slightly stiffer) installed on the new OEM struts, if this will make any difference?
3. Aftermarket struts (Bilstein B8??) with my existing RSR springs?
4. Any other options?

Thanks for your input!

4TehNguyen

iTrader: (1)

need to get aftermarket struts that can handle lowering and higher spring rates, its just going to happen again

ROK

Man up and get a proper set of adjustables, adjustment kit etc. do it right or stay stock. Maybe this car is too much of a stretch for you and for many others who slap on springs that never should be paired with stock shocks.

Kira X

iTrader: (24)

I used to hear this was a problem with the older Lexus' when lowering springs would get put on the factory shocks. The only exception was the MKIV Supra's shocks since a lot of SC guys paired them with lowering springs.

I figured it wouldn't be a problem for the RC-F since I have seen newer Lexus' with a similar setup. Is there any cheaper options for coilovers like BC Racing, Fortune Auto, or Megan available for the RC-F.

CobraGSF

iTrader: (2)

This is something I always live by. Whether its with my car or in life. Do it right the first time! if you want to be lowered get Coils. I practice the same mentality on my GSF. Pay a little extra do it right the first time and you'll have peace of mind (which is worth more than anything). I cut corners with my 14 IS350 and ended up hating it in the long run. I would recommend getting the coils which are build to handle a lowered car.

corradoMR2

Thanks for the comments guys. If no further comments, I'm leaning towards replacing the OEM struts under warranty mounted on the RSR springs. Here's why:

1. So far no one has come forth with leaking shocks on their lowering springs and there are a few owners with RSR and Swift springs in this forum... which makes me wonder if there wasn't already an issue with my front OEM shocks to begin. Remember, I have only had my springs on for 4k miles, 99% of it casual city/hwy driving and I never bottomed out or hit a bump hard so the leaking is not normal even for lowering springs. To note, my RC F was purchased as an executive-driven "demo" with 4k miles so who knows what it went through then.

2. Was hoping there is a set of aftermarket struts/shocks (i.e. Bilstein, or any other) available designed to be used with lowering springs but no one has mentioned these (yet).

3. Coilovers are likely out as good ones are too pricey for what I am willing to pay on what I want to get out of the car (wheel gap reduction). I have Neo Motorsport coilovers on my current IS - not impressed on the noise they make over the slightest road imperfections - car sounds like an old car in need of new shocks yet I've heard even some pricier coilovers make noise. Not willing to risk making the RC F sound and feel cheap unless anyone can vouch for an entry-level set such as BC or Megan coilovers which is the max I'd be willing to spend the money on.

Thanks!

Weapon F

I understand why you can't justify the expense of coilovers solely for cosmetic reasons. If you do decide to go for coilovers I would not go with BC or Megan Coilovers they are cheaply made. Several ISF owner have used BC with swift springs. The feed back has been mixed, some have reported saying they felt ride quality was not what they expected while some reporting the ride quality felt cheap while others felt that the ride quality was acceptable and not bad at all. So the BC coilovers with swift springs has no definitive answer for me it comes down to expectations of each individual owner.

So if you decide to go with coilovers I would go with either RR Racing's $3400 or KW starting $ 2800 and up. Either of those two coilovers would most likely guaranteed really good ride quality everything that your looking for with any guesswork.

Now if you do decide to go with lowering springs I would go with Swift Springs why because I've driven ISF's that had Eibach and another with Swift springs. I preferred Swift Springs why? ride quality was just better. Whereas the eibach felt alittle floaty I preferred the ride quality on the Swift Springs.

The drop on swift springs are 1inch F and .6 inch in R. If you do some reach you'll see that just about all OEM shocks can withstand up to a 1 inch drop but any more than that you risk failure of the shocks. When you consider weight difference between your old IS and your new RCF with that big V8 in the front there's a huge difference. If you didn't have more than one inch drop in the back that maybe reason why they didn't fail.

There are few ISF owners with Swift Springs and Bilstein shock setup that seem very happy with this configuration.

Sorry for the long post I hope this helps

GetKinetic

Thats weird. Swift advertises a 1.3 front and 1 inch drop in rear.

Weapon F

My bad your correct, I forget that RCF utilizes the Swift Spring Spec-R 1.3F & 1.in R while ISF utilizes Swift Spring Sport Line 1.F & .6R. I would still go with Swift Spring they design their lowering springs to utilize each cars usable stroke. The original OP should go to the Swift site do some reading check out all the car forums to see how other people like swift springs in comparison to other companies out there such as eibach etc. Try to get as much feed back as possible. It's just really strange to see to shocks go out with such low miles at the same time.

tarponman

I was getting an alignment done earlier today and low and behold my rear passenger side shock is leaking. I am on swift springs. I figure I'll buy 1 shock and have it installed for around $200. Keep an eye out guys.

Paunguye

hey guys i have a 2017 RCF. Just recently installed swift springs in them. After install i've notice rattle sounds when i go over bumps in the rear.... Is that to be concern? Im getting my guy to check it out next week.... He also did alignment after the install and everything looks good.

Lexura1414

iTrader: (6)

Do you you have adaptive suspension? Any member here, please correct me if I wrong but are lowering springs not compatible with this suspension?

Paunguye

Yes i do! I heard coilover wouldn't be good for the Adaptive suspension.... I spoke to Figs and they said springs should be fine.

16GSF00336

iTrader: (2)

I'm relieved to report...That all 4-Stock OEM Shocks on the GS-F are defective FREE...

mjn88

Do whatever you want. If you don't want to get coils, then don't. Do what makes you happy and what you're capable of doing. People are OBVIOUSLY going to tell you to get coils as I would but I don't know your financial situation so you should just go with your gut.