Stiffer springs... pros and cons?

[Shin0bi]

Hey everyone.
As someone who is newly interested in car modifications, I'm still on quite a steep learning curve. Here's what I know (or think I know)...

On a FWD vehicle, it is better to have stiff springs to help decrease weight transfer to the rear of the vehicle on hard acceleration. This in turn keeps more traction on the front wheels. Traction = good!
The lower the car is, the lower the center of gravity, which improves handling.

Am I correct in these statements? Also I'm curious to know what sort of negative effects lowering my car, say, 2 - 2.5 in would have on ride dynamics?

[AC66Bronco]

a lil rougher ride maybe. but what you said ^^^^ sounds good to me

[sl2fast]

a lil rougher ride maybe. but what you said ^^^^ sounds good to me

maybe? it is rougher, but after awhile you get used to it.

[AC66Bronco]

a lil rougher ride maybe. but what you said ^^^^ sounds good to me

maybe? it is rougher, but after awhile you get used to it.

its all relative to what your used to [img]{SMILIES_PATH}/biggrin.gif[/img]

[slowion2]

I would not go lower than 1.5-2.0" on an s-series. you get to a point where it will have an adverse effect on handling.

[GTI]

And yes, stiffer springs do help with traction, but have good tires.

[saturnracing2]

at about an 1.5+" i think it gives a slight disadvantage on a straightaway first and second gear the car shakes alot because of the axles

[slowion2]

actually it was more around 1.8-2.0" drop that you're talking about

[d3ad1ysp0rk]

So a 1.2-1.4" ish drop won't affect straight line performance much (negatively)?

[slowion2]

nope, I havent seen anyone complain up to 1.75"

[Nyce]

I would not go lower than 1.5-2.0" on an s-series. you get to a point where it will have an adverse effect on handling.

Bah its all in your heads. I dropped mine with extremes even bagged it and handling didn't feel any different. I guess it's just me I put the extremes back on and love it...

[JazzyJeff]

I would not go lower than 1.5-2.0" on an s-series. you get to a point where it will have an adverse effect on handling.

Bah its all in your heads. I dropped mine with extremes even bagged it and handling didn't feel any different. I guess it's just me I put the extremes back on and love it...

I noticed NO negative effects when I put the extremes on mine. I loved it and it handled awesome!

[dream36realms]

I love my eibachs and the baby does too.

[Jamie Q.]

What are your roads like? If they are bumpy and rough, than eibach would benefit you more in straight line(less bounce and more traction). Smoother roads and Sprint would be a better choice(don't have to worry about bounce, so more traction). It really isn't what other people run, because their roads could be different.

Don't forget your front and rear sway bars. Springs are only 1/3 of the equation for keeping tires down. You won't fully enjoy the springs until you get the bars in, and vice versa.

[SaturnKid]

What are your roads like? If they are bumpy and rough, than eibach would benefit you more in straight line(less bounce and more traction). Smoother roads and Sprint would be a better choice(don't have to worry about bounce, so more traction). It really isn't what other people run, because their roads could be different.

Don't forget your front and rear sway bars. Springs are only 1/3 of the equation for keeping tires down. You won't fully enjoy the springs until you get the bars in, and vice versa.

I agree I wouldnt go passed 2". Depends on where you live and what kind of roads. Where I live every intersection has dips for rian. If I threw on a body kit and dropped it 2.5" I woulds be able to drive it.