Does anyone have coil-overs on there IS300? If so which ones did you get? If possible, can you provide a link to the manufacturer web site or a web-site of someone who sells it (preferably in the Toronto area)? If you do live in the Toronto Area, please tell me how much it cost you.

Also, with the coil-overs, is it possible to reach the same height as the stock springs on the IS300?
Only asking because I want the regular ride height during the winter.

 

There are several good coilover systems for the car.

First, coilovers are by design shorter than the OEM spring shock assembly so most systems will be at least 1" shorter.

Some of the companies currently making C/Os are:

HKS
GAB
H&R
Tein
TRD
Apex-i

You should be prepared to spend at least $1,000.00 and be prepared for a ride that is noticeably stiffer/firmer than stock.

You can check:

Shinkairacing.com
Rod Millen
UPRD

 

ok it looks like its going to cost closer to $2000 for coil overs.

I'm probably going to just stick with lowering springs for now.

Now my question is how low can I go yet still be drivable in the winter? 1 inch perhaps? Will that be enough to make the car look more badass (you know thats the only reason why I and most people do this)?

 

IMO a one ince drop isnt low enough... One inch is usually not enough to notice

 

I've completed my suspension using the following.

Eibach Pro Kit springs (drop rate about 1")
TRD 5-way adj. shocks
TRD race sway bars

This set up rides unreal. I had the chance to finally put the system through its paces and it held the turns really well. The Eibachs are firm enough at extreme loads, yet quite comfortable when driving at slower speeds.

I really didn't dial up the shock settings and just drove w/my "comfort" settings, but the car still drove well.

I took the car through a twisty desolate country road that dropped 3500 feet in elevation. The ride was controlled at all times and I didn't notice any understeer or oversteer. Very controlled drive.

IMO, if you go too low, the OEM shocks can't handle the drop so you may have to drop less. You can tell a 1" drop, I definitely notice it on my car.

Remember ride quality and handling should be more important than appearance.

 

I can't afford to replace everything right now, so I am just going to change the springs.

I was thinking the Eibach pro-kit springs as well. 1" is enough for me.
Will the stock shocks be okay with a 1" drop?
Will the car still be driveable inthe winter?

 

You should really try to just wait and Install new shocks with your springs. It will be worth it. Your stock shocks will not last very long after you lower it...

 

wing,

You should look at replacing the sway bars first and ride on the OEM springs and shocks. IMO the sway bars will make a greater difference in handling than just changing the springs. Springs are more for looks and don't create that much handling improvement over stock unless you are going to change out the entire spring/damper system.

I agree w/Black that changing the springs should also result in a change to aftermarket shocks. You'll get better results on the handling side and not just the looks side.

Moreover, aftermarket springs and their stiffer spring rate may cause some undesireable ride characteristics when paired w/OEM shocks (i.e. oscillation/bounce).