Lowering springs that lowers less than 30mm?

[Bugster_MR2]

Hi

It is about time to do replace a bunch of parts on my TTE Turbo.  
I ordered KYB dampers, strut boots, top mounts, rear calipers, rear and front stabiliser links today from Rock Auto. Rock did not show any springs at all.

I am Norway-based. Looking at catalogues from the largest Norwegian suppliers, but can only find stock height springs, H&R 30mm kit and Eibach 30mm kit. As much as I love the ride quality of both H&R and Eibach products, I would ideally wish for a little less drop. I appreciate having some shock travel since our roads suck, and winters are harsh. 10-20mm drop would be enough. Otherwise I would rather go stock height.

Do you have any recommendations for springs lowering from 10 to 20mm?

Thanks in advance.

Bug

[Carolyn]

Your best bet will be stock springs, cut off part of a coil a coil with new flat ground under the cut.  I'd start with 1/3 of a coil and see how you like the result.

[Bugster_MR2]

Your best bet will be stock springs, cut off part of a coil a coil with new flat ground under the cut.  I'd start with 1/3 of a coil and see how you like the result.

Thanks, Carolyn. But I don't like to cut coils. Reminds of what we did when we were 18 and broke.   
Then I'd rather run at stock height, really.

[Gibla]

Fwiw I have one car running on recently fitted Kybs dampers and springs(oem height) and another one running on Kybs dampers with Eibachs (30mm lowering)

There are other differences in tyre sizes and brands used, but handling wise there is damn all of a difference, however, and this is where I agree with you @Bugster_MR2 the ride quality is definitely compromised with the lowered springs.

Maybe simply go with Kybs with oem drop?

[Topdownman]

You may not actually get the advertised drop. I fitted eibach 30mm drop to my erm, mx5 which is fitted with the bilstein sport dampers and only got a 20mm drop.

Could you try them and sell them on if the drop was too much? At least that way you know that they were too low for you. Better to regret what you have done rather than what you didnt do?

[Jared]

I was thinking the same, there is a chap on ebay who is selling a set of tein's unused for £75 but Im worried the ride will be too firm and I will rub the underside of the car on every speed bump if I lower the car 30mm.
Also getting in will be even harder......

[Bugster_MR2]

You may not actually get the advertised drop. I fitted eibach 30mm drop to my erm, mx5 which is fitted with the bilstein sport dampers and only got a 20mm drop.

Could you try them and sell them on if the drop was too much? At least that way you know that they were too low for you. Better to regret what you have done rather than what you didnt do?

I'll take my chances. H&R 30mm now ordered. Thanks for all replies.

[Petrus]

Thanks, Carolyn. But I don't like to cut coils. Reminds of what we did when we were 18 and broke.   
Then I'd rather run at stock height, really.

Works very good though in this case, no down side really.

Before I had the opportunity to go TRD Sportive I had no choice and was positively surprised.

[Beachbum957]

We are running H&R springs and have about a 25 mm drop front and rear.  We run a slightly thicker front spring insulator (Energy Suspension 16.6101) that raised the front a small amount to give a bit more travel.  We also cut the front bump stop 25 mm to just under the groove for the boot, also to get more travel.  The rear bump stop was not modified.

A problem with lowering springs is they have a stiffer spring rate than OEM and the damping rates on OEM type struts like KYB don't match well with the higher rates.  We had much better performance with Koni inserts as they have less compression damping and adjustable rebound.

[Petrus]

A problem with lowering springs is they have a stiffer spring rate than OEM

Exactly.
Apart from the mismatch with OEM damping rate it also increases the demands on the stiffness of the tub.

[J88TEO]

I have TTE springs on Koni inserts and on not so smooth roads, the ride can be rather harsh. On smooth roads, they are perfect.

[Petrus]

On smooth roads, they are perfect.

Ah, many such twisties about where you drive?   

Over here the roads a generally véry well maintained but the nature of mountains means that for spirited driving over mountain twisties, ground clearance, wheel travel and good conformation are higher on the list than anti-roll and/or stiffness.

[J88TEO]

Ah, many such twisties about where you drive?   

Yes, on smooth and twisties, the ride is pefect ( I have TRD ABRs ), very slight body roll.

[Bugster_MR2]

We are running H&R springs and have about a 25 mm drop front and rear.  We run a slightly thicker front spring insulator (Energy Suspension 16.610) that raised the front a small amount to give a bit more travel.  We also cut the front bump stop 25 mm to just under the groove for the boot, also to get more travel.  The rear bump stop was not modified.

A problem with lowering springs is they have a stiffer spring rate than OEM and the damping rates on OEM type struts like KYB don't match well with the higher rates.  We had much better performance with Koni inserts as they have less compression damping and adjustable rebound.

I got curious about the Energy Suspension products you mentioned. But can't seem to find the exact number you are referring to. Is is this vendor? Or maybe even this article nr? It is the closest I can find.
 https://teamenergysuspension.com/product/energy-suspension-16-6104g-front-spring-isolator-set/

[Beachbum957]

Sorry, bad cut and paste.  The part number is energy suspension 16.6101

https://teamenergysuspension.com/?s=16.6101

What it looks like installed. It replaces the OEM insulator


Here is where the bump stop was cut.