I've just booked my '2 in for it's 20,000 mile service for the 5th August. When it's in it'll be getting the "Sports Lowering Springs" fitted (from the Toyota MR2 accessorries, same as the TTE lowering springs).
Many thanks to Liz for her opinions and pictures on this mod. I'll feedback my opinions, observations etc soon after.
BTW my dealership is doing this fitting for £270 including parts, labour and VAT. I think this might be a bit more than Liz paid, I can't quite remember, but it's a great dealership and I'm not about to go shopping around so I hope they live up to their normal leverls of good service.
More news to come...
--H--
Quote from: "Hardcore"BTW my dealership is doing this fitting for £270 including parts, labour and VAT.
does that include your service... if not then they saw you coming! s:wink: :wink: s:wink:
s:lol: :lol: s:lol:
Thanks Kris!
No it doesn't include my service.
I'm not bothered really, their price is their price. I want to get it done and they're the only decent dealership within reasonable travelling distance (I've tried a couple of others and I'm not haoppy with them at all).
Hey, it's only money, you can't take it with you!
--H--
I cant remember exactly how much i was quoted, but i think it was under £200 (about £170 inc fitting i think, which i thought was super cheap!). I'll dig out the price list anyway - im probably wrong! LOL!
I felt like I was paying more than I had heard, but not enough more to put me off, if you follow!
I'd gladly pay a bit more for the peace of mind I have with this particular dealership anyway.
I'm feeling generous (to myself anyway) because I've nearly paid for the '2 completely now. It'll be a happy day in a couple of months when I finally completely own her!
--H--
Thats fair enough - will have to think twice about going back to my local dealer!
Ohh, i have a few years to wait till i pay off my '2.... but in the mean time, i'll just have to enjoy driving her knowing im paying loads of money for the privilage... and is it worth it... HELL YEAH!!!! s:D :D s:D
Quote from: "krisclarkuk"... and is it worth it... HELL YEAH!!!! s:D :D s:D
It sure is!
s:D :D s:D
--H--
Quote from: "krisclarkuk"Ohh, i have a few years to wait till i pay off my '2.... but in the mean time, i'll just have to enjoy driving her knowing im paying loads of money for the privilage... and is it worth it... HELL YEAH!!!! s:D :D s:D
OK - time to let the cat out of the bag .....
My '2 is just about 2 years old it's not yet paid for - but - I've just ordered a 2003 model and managed to save a few quid on the monthly payments to boot!
Do I feel happy - HELL YEAH s:!: :!: s:!: s:!: :!: s:!: s:!: :!: s:!: s:!: :!: s:!: s:lol: :lol: s:lol:
(or should this have been posted under 'Next Mod' elsewhere on the forum s:) :) s:) )
Quote from: "Hardcore"Many thanks to Liz for her opinions and pictures on this mod. I'll feedback my opinions, observations etc soon after.
I am sure that you will think it looks great, I only find it bumpy when I am coming home after night turn and I am tired - its like the car is jostling me around to keep me awake, I am sure that it has got autopilot!
Just checked my costs it was £255.24 with discount for being a member of MR2DC. Money well spent though, just considering my next mod, thinking of the short shifter at the moment...ho hum what to spend money on!! s:?: :?: s:?:
Quote from: "Liz"Just checked my costs it was £255.24 with discount for being a member of MR2DC. Money well spent though **snip**
That makes me feel better, not that I was having any reservations, but if I'd found you had it done for like £100 cheaper or something I might have be bothered!
Cheers!
--H--
Core, Make sure they re-do your alignment as part of the ftting.
Liz, I have the &M if you want to try it out before you order let me know. I beleive Phil is about to order one so you might try getting a deal for 2.
Mark.
Cheers Mark, it has been a while since I put a mod on the car, I quite fancy the idea of the short shifter! Will get in touch with Phil
Sorry to dig up and old thread...
Quote from: "Liz"Just checked my costs it was £255.24 with discount for being a member of MR2DC.
I've just been quoted exactly the same by Marshall Rolfe, Southampton, breakdown as follows;
Parts: £124 (.something)
Labour: 2 hours @ £59/hour
MR2DC discount: -10%
VAT: 17.5%
Oh, and another hour labour for 4-wheel alignment, once I asked (ie optional)
make sure you getback your stock springs.
Good point.
I'm still deciding i) whether I want them or not (ok, perhaps I mean "can afford", not "want" s:) :) s:) ), and ii) if I do, whether to do it myself, given the recent discussion in another thread.
well you know my view.
but for the record, buy the eibachs there cheaper, change them yourself (you'll be more careful) Then buy Kerry dinner with what you've save and everybodies happy.
What about a group buy on the Eibachs and then we all meet up at Mark's where he fits them s:lol: :lol: s:lol:
Well were doing Steves this weekend, so if you want to pop in and see how easy it is (cue major cock up now I've said that) feel free.
With any luck (both fingers crossed) The Monocraft should be operational (at a huge additional cost) by Saturday. I wouldn't mind having a look at how the springs are changed, as I need to change them myself.
I also have the de-cat pipe to put on s:wink: :wink: s:wink: . BTW I have a spare O2 simulator if anyone needs it!
Adam
Any chance I can get in on that? I'd love to see that Mono...
Mark are you doing the springs at yours or Steve's on Sat / Sun?
mine, though I need to speak to Steve tonight to confirm for definate and which day.
Well I've just come back from having my 20,000 mile service and the lowering springs fitted.
My initial thoughts are these (bearing in mind I've only driven about 10 miles on them so far!):
There's no real noticable increase in stiffness and the ride on smooth, straight roads, i.e. the motorway, if pretty much the same as before so there's no huge bone shaking effect thankfully!
Under heavy cornering there is noticably less travel and the suspension does feel stiffer with less body roll. I couldn't judge on the brief trip back wether cornering ability was any better or not but the feel is much better with less roll and bounce.
In visual trems the car now looks more like a proper sports car. It seems to sit more than the prescribed 30mm lower, but doesn't look like some muppet machine with the wheels slammed up under the arches. Very nice!
All in all a decent mod, worth the price Toyota charge? Well it's too early to tell, but even from the first impressions it's definately worth doing if you can do it yourself.
More to follow...
--H--
Mark, is it ok for me and mono' admirers to rain down on you at the weekend?
That is subject to it running okay!
Cheers Adam
No harsh ride then. I always feel close to the ground in my car until I pass an Elise!
If the ride is ok and the cornering feels better then I'm up for these. Although I wonder what the insurance think about these? Any increase in premium H?
Anyone know the cost of a set of Eibachs shipped to the UK?
Adam,
I need to confirm for definate but if it's running the go for it. Looks like there may be Phil and Comer as well yet
Wd more than welcome too.
but please lets not make this a public unvailing where absolutely everyone comes over or I'll get shot, I haven't told Chris yet :-) :-) :-)
Quote from: "Comer"No harsh ride then.
Well it's all relative, barely any harsher than stock. I'll have to drive around a bit more to get a really good idea, but initial thoughts were that it was not noticable on good roads, and let's face it the '2 is pretty harsh on bad roads anyway!
Quote from: "Comer"Although I wonder what the insurance think about these? Any increase in premium H?
My insurer (Direct Line) didn't ask for any increase in the premium or excess, although they did specifically ask if these were manufacturer approved and fitted parts, which in my case they were.
--H--
front strut core. That'll make it smooth over bad roads.
Quote from: "Comer"No harsh ride then. I always feel close to the ground in my car until I pass an Elise!
If the ride is ok and the cornering feels better then I'm up for these. Although I wonder what the insurance think about these? Any increase in premium H?
Anyone know the cost of a set of Eibachs shipped to the UK?
eibachs can be got from demon tweeks for £145, they are on 2 day delivery direct from eibach in the uk.
Quote from: "Jap GT300"Mark, is it ok for me and mono' admirers to rain down on you at the weekend?
That is subject to it running okay!
Cheers Adam
right we have a confirmed go for saturday morning.
Steve and I will be fitting his springs with possible attendance from Phil to do his as well.
Breakfast at 9-10 please let me know who's coming and who needs directions.
Mark.
Quote from: "markiii"Quote from: "Jap GT300"Mark, is it ok for me and mono' admirers to rain down on you at the weekend?
That is subject to it running okay!
Cheers Adam
right we have a confirmed go for saturday morning.
Steve and I will be fitting his springs with possible attendance from Phil to do his as well.
Breakfast at 9-10 please let me know who's coming and who needs directions.
Mark.
I'm in. I also have the TTE springs already on so that might help.
Quote from: "markiii"Quote from: "Jap GT300"Mark, is it ok for me and mono' admirers to rain down on you at the weekend?
That is subject to it running okay!
Cheers Adam
right we have a confirmed go for saturday morning.
Steve and I will be fitting his springs with possible attendance from Phil to do his as well.
Breakfast at 9-10 please let me know who's coming and who needs directions.
Mark.
I'll be there Sat at 9am and this time I'm confident of not getting lost!
£145 from DT, damn I'm tempted!
If your tempted enough to order them today then we can fit them on Sat as well :-) :-) :-)
don't forget 2 day delivery.
Quote from: "markiii"If your tempted enough to order them today then we can fit them on Sat as well :-) :-) :-)
don't forget 2 day delivery.
Just checked the DT site and they have GMax springs for £87.50 s:roll: :roll: s:roll: but I can't see Eibach. Did you ring them for that info?
My girlfriend will go mad if I lower the car s:lol: :lol: s:lol:
Demons web site is cr*p give them a call.
Don't tell her, she'll never notice, just observe that the suspension settles over time if she mentions it.
In fact it takes a day or so to settle properly so she probably won't notice at first anyway.
£157.93 all in. Should be here Friday, ready to bring to yours if that's ok. Is Steve going anywhere on Sat arvo for the wheel alignment.
I'm in sh*t street if the missus finds out!! Even if it is my car.
What is their number? I want to order a set as well.
Maybe we should have done a group buy on this!
Adam
Quote from: "Jap GT300"What is their number? I want to order a set as well.
Maybe we should have done a group buy on this!
Adam
Damn, I forgot you were interested too Adam. Their number is 01978 664466. The guy said they weren't in stock and then put me hold and then said they will be with me on Friday. We shall see s:roll: :roll: s:roll:
Quote from: "Comer"I'm in sh*t street if the missus finds out!! Even if it is my car.
Just for fitting lowering springs? s:shock: :shock: s:shock: Whats she going to do when you turn up with the new exhaust?
Quote from: "GSB"Quote from: "Comer"I'm in sh*t street if the missus finds out!! Even if it is my car.
Just for fitting lowering springs? s:shock: :shock: s:shock: Whats she going to do when you turn up with the new exhaust?
I managed to clear the exhaust over a 2 week holiday in Turkey!!
She just thinks that the ride is a bit harsh on motorways as it is. Hopefully as H as mentioned it isn't much different. Fingers crossed and all that!
on the alignment front nothing is arranged yet. Based upon doing the sportivo it shouldn't be a million miles out anyway.
Unless you find it doesn't drive right I'd wait until either your in a dealer anyway, or until we get the exhaust sorted and book into Elite (who apparently do a better job) while were down there.
I have no idea but my brain is trying to tell me that after fitting the lowering springs the effect on wheel alignment will be to give a slightly larger camber angle, out at the bottom, as the car sits lower at rest.
Although in the long term this may lead to uneven tyre wear in terms of actual performance, i.e. cornering grip, wouldn't this probably be a good thing?
s:? :? s:?
--H--
enter Steve as we had rather a debate about this last night. He thinks the reverse. I'll be interested to see what everyone thinks on this one.
I have no idea really but logically if the car is sitting lower wouldn't the pivot effect mean that the angle of the wheel was out at the bottom, or doesn't it work that way?
If it does then you would get a camber effect that would be beneficial to cornering.
--H--
Quote from: "markiii"enter Steve as we had rather a debate about this last night. He thinks the reverse. I'll be interested to see what everyone thinks on this one.
Don't get me started s:evil: :evil: s:evil:
Basically if the BGB is to be believed, the normal (stock) position for the lower arms (that dictate the camber) is horizontal, so any deviation from this will result in the bottom of the wheel being pulled in towards the car hence decreasing the negative camber (or worse still introducing positive camber which is
VERY scary s:crazyeyes: :crazyeyes: s:crazyeyes: - just ask Mark!!!!!!)
The theory should be put to the test at the weekend so watch this space......
Got it! That makes sense.
--H--
So just to check again.... The Eibach springs are essentially the TTE ones before TTE get their hands on them?
I just realised that the Eibachs were £145 from Demon Tweeks and Phil's quote from Mr T shows the TTE ones are £124 without VAT which works out at £145 with.
Eibach just badge some of them TTE and send them to Toyota.
So it's whichever is cheaper and easier to get hold of. Unless you have insurance issues, when arguably official Toyota parts might make a difference.
Quote from: "markiii"Eibach just badge some of them TTE and send them to Toyota.
So it's whichever is cheaper and easier to get hold of. Unless you have insurance issues, when arguably official Toyota parts might make a difference.
Bugger! The insurance bit didn't cross my mind. Still I'm getting an H&S exhaust and my Apexi is fitted so I think it's bit late for that now!
From what I can see they cost the same and will perform the same so it's whether they arrive in time for Sat.....
Shall I bring any tools, axle stands etc? I'm guessing while one car is being done I can prep my car by getting it up on stands and the wheels off.
Quote from: "Comer"Shall I bring any tools, axle stands etc? I'm guessing while one car is being done I can prep my car by getting it up on stands and the wheels off.
I'll (try and remember to) bring a pair of axle stands. I think we've four sets to do (?), so pressure on tools could be be eased with anything relevant you have probably...
My springs have just arrived at home so I'll definitely be at Mark's with some tools tomorrow at 9am. Am I right that there are 4 cars being done tomorrow (Steve, Phil, Adam? and me)?
Could be a long and hot day!
There's a 9 AM on Saturday's now?!
--H--
Shocking I know but I wake as soon as it gets light anyway. One day I'll buy some decent curtains instead of parts for my car!!
Just realised that the Hammers are playing Preston s:roll: :roll: s:roll: live on Sky at 12.30pm, damn!
Quote from: "Comer"Shocking I know but I wake as soon as it gets light anyway. One day I'll buy some decent curtains instead of parts for my car!!
Just realised that the Hammers are playing Preston s:roll: :roll: s:roll: live on Sky at 12.30pm, damn!
I keep trying to convince Mark to join the 21st century but he won't stop spending money on his car s:) :) s:)
Springs it is then I guess s:D :D s:D
Looks like my MrT has screwed up (now, there's a surprise s:evil: :evil: s:evil: ); I'm awaiting a call back, but it would seem the order didn't get made.
Unless they can find a set kicking around somewhere, it looks like there'll only be three sets tomorrow s:cry: :cry: s:cry: s:cry: :cry: s:cry:
Quote from: "pmdye"Unless they can find a set kicking around somewhere, it looks like there'll only be three sets tomorrow s:cry: :cry: s:cry: s:cry: :cry: s:cry:
After a grovelling apology, they're getting them in overnight, for me to collect at 9:30. So I'll be with you all at ~11ish. s:P :P s:P s:P :P s:P
Indeed springs it is Steve, see you at tomorrow at 9.
Phil your power as Club Chairman is impressive to get Mr T to act as quick as that, nice one. See you tomorrow at 11.
PS Anyone got any pics with and without lowering springs. I need something to whet the appetite with this afternoon!
Quote from: "Comer"Indeed springs it is Steve, see you at tomorrow at 9.
Phil your power as Club Chairman is impressive to get Mr T to act as quick as that, nice one. See you tomorrow at 11.
PS Anyone got any pics with and without lowering springs. I need something to whet the appetite with this afternoon!
Liz,
Can you oblige?
Liz has before and after photos on her web site... but i cant remember the address! s:oops: :oops: s:oops:
Quote from: "Comer"Phil your power as Club Chairman is impressive to get Mr T to act as quick as that, nice one. See you tomorrow at 11.
Just in case anyone is wondering, I didn't mention the club, or my position, since I don't think it would've been appropriate to use that as leverage with a private problem.
Quote from: "pmdye"Quote from: "Comer"Phil your power as Club Chairman is impressive to get Mr T to act as quick as that, nice one. See you tomorrow at 11.
Just in case anyone is wondering, I didn't mention the club, or my position, since I don't think it would've been appropriate to use that as leverage with a private problem.
s:D :D s:D Of course. That comment was made tongue firmly in cheek. I don't think Mr T care who we are except a walking wallet s:wink: :wink: s:wink:
I ordered my springs from Toyota along with £1800 worth of other bits s:shock: :shock: s:shock:
The car is due to be started for the first time tonight (Fingers Crossed). Toyota haven't yet delivered the motor for the rads fan, PAS fluid or the drivers rear Hub Carrier.
Although it will be drivable as I'm due to take it home tomorrow I don't know if I can risk taking it all the way to Marks. s:cry: :cry: s:cry:
Adam
Your call Adam,
we can always do yours another weekend if you feel like it? s:cry: :cry: s:cry:
Let me know as soon as you can though.
Ben,
Can you PM with a mobile number? If your still coming over to see the monocraft I'll need to get you some directions?
Adam, Give me a call if you nee direction.s
Got the Eibach springs on and I'm very happy with the look so far and the handling isn't half bad pre alignment s:D :D s:D
Many thanks to Steve, Mark, Phil and of course Chris (Mrs Markiii) for their valued help today.
Off now until tomorrow.......
Ditto; got my TTE springs on, and WOW, how low does it look now ?! s:shock: :shock: s:shock: Handling seems okay now, after a slight scare on the initial test drive s:twisted: :twisted: s:twisted: ; I guess things have bedded in. I still intend to get a four-wheel alignment done soon though.
Thanks also to everyone for helping out and use of tools, etc, and especially Chris for keeping us supplied with drinks in what must have been the worse choice of day to be outside working on the car!!
And lastly, next time Mark says "do it yourself, don't bother paying MrT", then bear in mind that he's got one of the most comprehensive DIY toolkits I've seen for sometime. That airgun really did help... s:) :) s:)
doh I knew i'd forgotten somethin'
so do the TTE lower the car more than the ebaich?
And what are the prices respectivlely?
And what gives the best improvements on handaling?
Questions questions dear chaps s:wink: :wink: s:wink:
Quote from: "Buster"so do the TTE lower the car more than the ebaich?
And what are the prices respectivlely?
And what gives the best improvements on handaling?
Questions questions dear chaps s:wink: :wink: s:wink:
Eibach make them for TTE. They are identical colour size etc. AFAIK just the logo is different.
They are both £145 with VAT. Eibach require postage from Demon Tweeks wheareas you can collect the TTE's from Mr T.
Mine now feels like a Go Kart s:D :D s:D
Quote from: "pmdye"Ditto; got my TTE springs on, and WOW, how low does it look now ?! s:shock: :shock: s:shock: Handling seems okay now, after a slight scare on the initial test drive s:twisted: :twisted: s:twisted: ; I guess things have bedded in. I still intend to get a four-wheel alignment done soon though.
Thanks also to everyone for helping out and use of tools, etc, and especially Chris for keeping us supplied with drinks in what must have been the worse choice of day to be outside working on the car!!
And lastly, next time Mark says "do it yourself, don't bother paying MrT", then bear in mind that he's got one of the most comprehensive DIY toolkits I've seen for sometime. That airgun really did help... s:) :) s:)
Just as well really, having discovered Phil had seriously greasey nuts we needed some decent tools :-) :-) :-)
Okay, so it sounds like all went well. If I can source the various tools, then I'm hoping to do the same this weekend.
1) Any hints, tips, advice etc.? I'm a little cautious/anxious that I'm doing this to my baby :-) :-) :-) What tools did you require above and beyond the ordinary? s:-( :-( s:-( I don't have an Airgun
2) How long did it take? How long per spring? What have you done with your "Cast Offs"?
3) Do you think that the cost saving (~£100) was worth the hassle of doing it yourself?
Cheers guys - glad it went okay
Quote from: "Ender"What tools did you require above and beyond the ordinary? s:-( :-( s:-( I don't have an Airgun
Nothing particularly out of the ordinary; a good range of sockets and spanners (up to 19mm?), a good breaker bar (some of the nuts are damned solid, hence the airgun s:) :) s:) ), torque wrench, etc.
I think the instructions from SpyderMagazine that Mark already posted should cover the procedure. The main thing we kept forgetting was to slacken (
not remove!) the bolt on the top of the damper before removing the entire strut from the car, and vice versa (esp on the front, where you can't tighten it once it's in place... doh!).
Quote2) How long did it take? How long per spring?
We managed 2-and-a-half cars (Steve's to be finished the following day) in the day, with four people, but also got quicker at the end. The work-rate was also hampered by the extreme temperatures s:) :) s:)
QuoteWhat have you done with your "Cast Offs"?
Sat in a box at home, to be added to the rest of my stock parts store.
Quote3) Do you think that the cost saving (~£100) was worth the hassle of doing it yourself?
Given the help and expertise, yes. Had I done it solo, probably not TBH; there'd have been much swearing and scratching of head going on s:( :( s:(
Tools;
Ideally a Torque wrench (you can just do things bloody tight) but as the suspension is involved better be safe than sorry.
10mm. 12mm, 14 mm, 19mm, 21mm, sockets, with ratchet
breaker bar (without an airgun this is vital)
Spring compressors, vital and probably an 11mm spanner to work them.
Axle stands.
String.
workmate or equivelant with gripping jaws.
Tips;
Be careful with the spring compressors.
Make sure you line up the bas of the new sprinsg with the lockinh lip on the strut before you remove the spring compressors.
Clean all the dust and grit out of teh strut top mounts while dissasembled and make sure the front bearings and cenrtre nut are well greased.
Loosen but do not remove the centre nylock nut on each strut before removing from the car.
Make sure you re-torque the centre nut on the front strut assenblies before putting back on the car, as they are on bearings and will just rotate on the car, the rears are solid mounted so you can retorque in situ.
When removing teh front struts use string to secire the hub carrier to the wheel arch hole (you'll no what I mean when you see it) so as not stretch the brake pipe while the strut is off.
Finally take it slow and check that you've but all the parts back as you go.