I am in the market to buy some springs and have been reading up on them here on the forum. One thing though, which will give a better quality (read comfort) ride? Eibach or Intrax. Intrax are more of a drop but progressively wound... thanks!
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03:20 PM
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joebaldie Member
Posts: 235 From: new jersey united states Registered: Oct 2007
I've ridden in cars with the Eibach and Intrax. I currently have the Suspension Technologies lowering springs up front with KYB's. In my opinion they are all acceptable AS LONG AS YOU cut your bump stops to the proper length. If you put any of those lowering springs on and don't cut the bump stops you'll have a teeth jarring, frame hammering ride. You can got to the West Coast Fiero site for instructions on cutting them.
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03:52 PM
KaijuSenso Member
Posts: 911 From: Westland, MI Registered: Jan 2007
I don't believe so. It's needed only if you are lowering the ride height since you don't want to be slamming into the bump stops all the time. Stiffer springs and shocks are probably going to keep you off the bump stops but of course give you a stiffer ride as well (less compliant I would think).
[This message has been edited by Darrelk (edited 12-06-2007).]
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06:05 PM
KaijuSenso Member
Posts: 911 From: Westland, MI Registered: Jan 2007
I was unclear in my last post, i meant if you installed the 1" eibach lowering springs and used stiffer shocks/struts, would you still need to cut the bumpstop? would there be enough of a difference between stock/worn-out shocks on higher springs and new stiffer shocks on a 1" drop
If you're going for more of a drop go for the suspension techniques. Their design and construction is most like the stock springs. Their inexpensive, and they ride better than the Intrax with a negligible difference in ride height. The Eibachs of course are going to be the best for ride, and they will improve your handling, but they don't give you the same aesthetic benefits that a suspension techniques or intrax kit will. Either way you go, when you do it get new shock/struts and make sure the rest of your suspension is up to par. If you go with either the intrax or the suspension techniques make sure you cut your bumpstops down as already mentioned. I have the suspension techniques springs, and over harsh bumps they are a little rough but normal streets their fine. They aren't nearly as bouncy as the intrax, and in my opinion are a good contrast between the eibachs and the intrax, and you seem to be wanting something in between so there it is. Thats my experiences and opinion on it anyhow.
------------------ --180* t-stat, cams, 96-97 intake swap, FFP pulley, A/C Idler, P/S idler, ported exhaust mani's, ported lower intake, flowmaster exhaust, EGR delete, K&N filter, Darth Chip-- --13.8 @ 99 (before cams full street trim)-- --Check out the Fiero Kingdom!-- Beater: Flat black 90 CRX with a JDM D15 VTEC <--ballin'!
If you're considering lowering springs, keep in mind it's more than just the extremely lowered cars that can encounter some problems. Consider the following, for example.
Off-street parking entrances in my area sometimes make an abrupt and somewhat steep transition from the street. That would make parking by those stores impossible if my car was really slammed, but it's not. Nevertheless, even with just the modest 1" lowering springs I have, trying to successfully navigate some of those entrances without hitting the air dam can be a major nuisance, even when I enter the lot at an angle.
Then there are those places where, when you park, you may need to park pulling directly forward toward a concrete curb. I once worked at a place which has a parking lot like that. Before installing the lowering springs, the front fascia of my Fiero would clear the curbs. Afterwards, it didn't. (Don't ask how I learned that.)
I'm not saying you should forego lowering your car. I'm merely suggesting that before you install lowering springs, consider all the aspects of where you'll be driving the car (something I hadn't done) --- even if you're only lowering your car 1" as I did.
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09:58 PM
Dec 8th, 2007
Fieroseverywhere Member
Posts: 4242 From: Gresham, Oregon USA Registered: Mar 2006
There is one bonus to the suspension techniques springs. They are sold in pairs. This allows you to just buy the front in the case of going with coinovers in the rear. They are also available in both 84-87 and 88 springs so those with 88 cradle swaps have an option also. Just thought I'd toss that in there.
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11:46 AM
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Dec 9th, 2007
mploucha Member
Posts: 44 From: Canton, Michigan, United States Registered: Jun 2006
Oh boy, this could be an interesting ride when I fianlly finish my suspension. I ended up buying the intrax springs because they were lower and cheaper at the time than the eibachs. And my new shocks are just stock monroes. I really don't know anyone who can provide me with a welder to relocate those bumpstops. This is problably going to suck A#$ on our michigan roads.
hey you live just down the road from me (not so much but lol) i know what your talking about im putting intrax and some kyb shocks... hopefully im not jaring around on my way to races....that would totally suck if i find a welder or you find one we should share the info
[This message has been edited by antinull.com (edited 12-11-2007).]
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09:44 AM
rogergarrison Member
Posts: 49601 From: A Western Caribbean Island/ Columbus, Ohio Registered: Apr 99
I also thought that the Eibachs are more like a 1 inch drop where suspension techniques are closer to 2 inches. Also just out of curiousity i was wondering if anyone could post the colors of their lowering springs. I know the Eibachs are powdercoated black, what about the other brands? Thanks.
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08:31 PM
Fiero2m8 Member
Posts: 1928 From: Niagara, Ontario, Canada Registered: Feb 2006
I purchased the Intrax springs and installed them. I also cut my front bump stops and reversed my rear bump stops. My first impressing....AMAZING. Not only does it handle amazing, the ride is so much smoother than I expected. It actually gives a smoother ride than even my stocks did. And with 1.8 inch lower, the car looks so much better. Needless to say, I am very happy and impressed.
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01:46 AM
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sjmaye Member
Posts: 2468 From: Hendersonville, TN USA Registered: Jun 2003
There is one bonus to the suspension techniques springs. They are sold in pairs. This allows you to just buy the front in the case of going with coinovers in the rear. They are also available in both 84-87 and 88 springs so those with 88 cradle swaps have an option also. Just thought I'd toss that in there.
i have the intrax, and i can shake the springs when the asembly is together, they are way too small. i dont think they were designed right or mine are defective. either way its a rough ride and not at all pleasing. untill you take a turn.
I purchased the Intrax springs and installed them. I also cut my front bump stops and reversed my rear bump stops. My first impressing....AMAZING. Not only does it handle amazing, the ride is so much smoother than I expected. It actually gives a smoother ride than even my stocks did. And with 1.8 inch lower, the car looks so much better. Needless to say, I am very happy and impressed.
I also went with the Intrax springs, (1.8 drop), and 18 X 8 HP EVO wheels. Cut bump stops and the ride is as smooth or smoother than stock. Handling is Fantastic.
Daytona March, 2008
Daytona March, 2008
[This message has been edited by randye (edited 04-10-2008).]
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09:53 PM
jconnor34 Member
Posts: 494 From: morton, il 61550 Registered: Oct 2005
I agree with Project34. Based on the driving you'll do and the areas you have to drive through, lowering can be an issue. For my own part I have Eibach with 1 inch drop, heavy duty shocks and struts, poly all around and rear sway bar. Totally happy with handling but if you're a comfort freak the ride can be a little harsh. Did not have to modify bump stops nor have I ever bottomed out.
I put intrax on atfirst they seemed to short but you need to set them into the grooves on the spring towers properly after weight is on them they are fine The ride is actually not as jagged as my stock springs were and my body roll is reduced (prob from my poly mounts)
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10:58 AM
doublec4 Member
Posts: 8289 From: Oakville, Ontario, Canada Registered: Jun 2003
87 GT Monroe Sensa-Track struts and shocks Intrax Springs, 1.8 inch drop HP Design EVO 18 X 8 wheels, 38mm offset Nexen P225/40ZR18 tires
I can just put my thumb between the tire and the unmodified rear strut spring perch, (approx. 1/2 inch clearance, but enough) No rubbing or other problems. The ride is a wee bit stiffer than stock, but very comfortable. It would probably be even better with a 17" wheels and 50 series tires. No jounce or undesirable road characteristics. Steering effort is a little higher than stock with the big wheels and tires, but not too bad. Body roll is greatly reduced. I still need to add a rear sway bar, which should bring it all together for what I was looking for in handling and appearance.
[This message has been edited by randye (edited 04-21-2008).]
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08:35 AM
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Intel Member
Posts: 752 From: Helsingborg, Sweden Registered: May 2002
I'm also running Intrax 1.8 all around with KYB's and full polly. The front also has Rodneys 1" drop ball joints and upper adjustable ball joints. I'm running 17x8.5 rims with 235 in front and 255 in the back. I have 4-5 mm between the spring perch and rear tire. I didn't cut the bumpstops and the ride is pretty smooth.
BTW I just love the photo posted by Randye
[This message has been edited by Intel (edited 04-21-2008).]
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10:06 AM
DarkRanger4200 Member
Posts: 186 From: Rochester, NY Registered: May 2007
I had Eibach 1" drop with KYB at all four corners worked fine for me with the stock bump stop if you don't go over really rough roads or big pot holes constantly you should be fine. i rarely bottomed out and still would have on a stock suspension anyways. I like the 1" drop cuz i can still go over most curbs and speed bumps with out tearing my front end off.
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02:59 PM
Pyrthian Member
Posts: 29569 From: Detroit, MI Registered: Jul 2002
So far the ride doesn't seem to be to bad on the intrax. But I really haven't had a chance to really drive it since my rear passenger brake locked up on me and caught the brake line on fire. I should of heard it problably except I've had a real bad exhaust leak just behind the drivers seat. Guess it's now time to upgrade the rear brakes and change the brake lines now. A little advice. WATCH OUT FOR THOSE (refill ports?) AT THE GAS STATIONS! I had one scrape the bottom of my car. Oh and let me know how those KYBs turn out (antinull was it?) IT be pretty interesting to compare our rides handling side by side.
I had Eibach 1" drop with KYB at all four corners worked fine for me with the stock bump stop if you don't go over really rough roads or big pot holes constantly you should be fine. i rarely bottomed out and still would have on a stock suspension anyways. I like the 1" drop cuz i can still go over most curbs and speed bumps with out tearing my front end off.
I live in Seattle U-District, our roads suck pretty bad and we have some big dips, pot holes, very steep hills, speed bumps and curbs. I have never bottomed out once with my 1.8 inch drop and I don't drive any differently than i had before (other than taking corners at a much accelerated velocity). To get into the alley behind my house there is a short but very steep incline that my buddy can't take his lowered wrx over without scrapping. However, I can cruise over it no problem. The only annoying thing is my doors sometimes cant open when i parallel next to a tall curb. Anyways I am still loving it.
Question: Is it normal for the springs to make a tiny bit of noise? it sounds like it is going away, do they need to break in?
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02:15 AM
LZeppelin513 Member
Posts: 761 From: Lake Stevens, Washington Registered: Aug 2003
Anyone used the non-lowering stock replacements from the fiero store? I want the smoothest (non jarring) ride I can get. Opinions?
With the Intrax springs, I absolutely have a smoother ride than stock. The guys that think it is less smooth also add low profile tires with tall rims and poly bushings. I have the same setup before and after, only changing my springs and it is, for sure, smoother than stock.
Note: Perhaps, though, my original springs were wearing out and a new set of stockers would have also improved ride quality. But going from original springs to new Intrax was an improvement in ride quality, even with the 1.8 inch drop. Also, although my suspension setup did NOT change before and after the spring swap, I have all new rubber bushings, ball joints, links and am running KYB dampeners. Again, this was the same before and after, so it is a fair comparison of 20 year old stockers to new Intrax
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02:24 AM
doublec4 Member
Posts: 8289 From: Oakville, Ontario, Canada Registered: Jun 2003