Opinions on lowering springs vs coilover?

[james_ly]

I've never had any experience using lowering springs on any car. They seem like a cheap option, but is it a false economy and would you end up upgrading to (say) BCs eventually?

My main concern is track performance, I think I will try stiffer ARBs as a first step though.

[1979scotte]

For track coilovers are IMHO the second thing you fit after serious quality tyres like R888 or AD0R8.
Then get a full alignment done by someone that knows their businesses like wheels in motion.
I know people that don't run ARB on track so I wouldn't start there.

[StuC]

+1 on the tyres. Only thing keeping you stuck to the track, where you'd like to stay!

[james_ly]

Yep I think my dampers have seen better days so lowering springs would be a false economy.
RE tyres, well, I don't want to give the car too much grip as I'm a bit of a hooligan on track. AD08s the grippiest I would ever need (the best thing about them for me is the stiff sidewall and how they don't go off)

[JoeCool]

FOr Track work, AD08R's and Meister R coilovers. Job jobbed. You'll probably want to poly bush your rear arms as well to eliminate slop in worn rubber bushings once you increase the loadings going through them. GT 4Play do decent replacements which are bolt out, bolt in (although some of the bolts can be a bugger).

My AD08 R's have now lasted 2 years, 8,000 miles, 4 trackdays and ~25 laps of the nurburgring. Still going strong. I reckon I'll bake them hard before I wear them out of tread but they show no signs of that happening. Remarkable tyres. Not even lethal in the cold and wet.

[BahnStormer]

I've never had any experience using lowering springs on any car. They seem like a cheap option, but is it a false economy and would you end up upgrading to (say) BCs eventually?

My main concern is track performance, I think I will try stiffer ARBs as a first step though.

What is your budget?

For context: mine is a daily driver, but with a definite eye on doing track days as soon as I feel confident that it'll last and once I decide if I want such a new '2 to use as a track car or if I wrap this one in cotton wool and invest in a separate track rat....

I did a lot of reading and talking directly to people and there seems to be fairly strong consensus on this across the club:

1) tyres - stock sizes, but don't skimp on the brand. AD08R's are amazingly progressive, even when you find the limits (damp surfaces, etc)

2) suspension - just lower/stiffer springs are okay if your shocks are good and fresh, but while you're in there, coilovers are the choice: BC Racing BR's, MeisterR, etc Lots of options that will be FAR better than any lower springs and you'll have fresh shocks that are designed to work with the springs:
   a) install
   b) alignment/geometry check

3) brakes:
   a) braided hoses
   b) fluid
   c) pads.
Apparently some people just go for good pads + OEM disks, but I think I'll get an afteramrket alternative and do the discs at the same time as the pads as I'll replace them all at the same time - sticking to stock sizes though.

4) bracing: more of a requirement for the PFL's, but even the FL's will will benefit: F+R strut braces, plus 3 lower braces will really start to stiffen the chassis up.

After that come the big ticket / track dedicated items:
5) power: turbo/s'charge/V6
6) half-cage + seats + harnesses
7) strip the weight (note for #6, if you're serious about this, only buy one seat  )

I think I'll work my way down that list and start tracking it at #3a.

Need to decide by #5 if this will become the youngest MR2 track rat around or if I buy a PFL and properly strip it, etc.

[james_ly]

Good question. Mine's a bit ratty FL car but seems mechanically and structually sound (exactly like my first MR2 but with bad paint etc), which liberates me because I won't cry about a bit of gravel rash, brake dust killing alloys and the like. Because of this, I don't want to go crazy on the budget, on the other hand I want it to be fantastic to drive (it's good already though).

My vague plan:
Brake pads and steering wheel (ordered)
Then further down the line:
BCs or Meister
Aftermarket brace.
Tyres - probably AD08 as good wear, good grip, can handle the wet.

Then later on when I lose the plot... K20 conversion 

[james_ly]

Oh and if there's one thing I've learned from track days... the difference between mid range and high end kit isn't worth the price to me. If you're not competing then laptimes don't matter, so gaining 1-2 secs a lap from going AD08 to R888 for example.... not worth the downsides IMO.

[MR TWO]

A lot depends on whats available and who is there to help in your local car park!