MR2 Roadster Owners Club

The Workshop => Performance Related => Topic started by: michaelb on April 13, 2018, 16:36

Title: Lowering springs
Post by: michaelb on April 13, 2018, 16:36
Anyone lowered their 2? I'm looking for the most reasonable priced springs? Also my garage told me that mot people aren't that keen on them unless they are decent ones?
Title: Re: Lowering springs
Post by: dan944 on April 13, 2018, 17:01
The average MOT tester won't even know the difference. Especially if they're black as standard.

I believe there was a thread on this recently but you can pic up a set of two. Springs from as little as £90 odd with some good digging. Check on MR2-Ben and browse eBay.

Title: Re: Lowering springs
Post by: dan944 on April 13, 2018, 17:01
Also looks LOADS better lowered.


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Title: Re: Lowering springs
Post by: 1979scotte on April 13, 2018, 17:44
Tein Eibach TTE Spax Apex etc usually a 30mm drop will have no effect on MOT at all will look loads better and will improve handling without upsetting the ride much.
Tein around 120
Apex 108
The rest not too sure.
Most people these days go for Tein.
Title: Re: Lowering springs
Post by: Topdownman on April 13, 2018, 18:09
For me the advantage of the Teins is that they say they drop the front slightly more than the rear (is it 33/29?) which to my mind looks way better as it compensates for the higher front end and looks level.

As said, you will have no issues for  the mot but will get better handling, mpg and looks. You may get the risk of a speed bump scrape but thats something you can work around usually by going a bit slower if its a big one!

If you are changing the springs its worth putting new shocks on too if they are the originals (especially if you are paying someone to fit them.
Title: Re: Lowering springs
Post by: michaelb on April 13, 2018, 19:12
I need new discs and pads, so will get new springs and shocks at the same time... this is getting expensive!
Title: Re: Lowering springs
Post by: Ardent on April 13, 2018, 22:28
Money invested rather than spent.
I got a full set of pagid pads n disc from ECP for £160 ish
Springs £120 ish
Shocks can be a bit variable on availability.
All good sensible things to refresh.
Title: Re: Lowering springs
Post by: delhusband on April 13, 2018, 22:40
think my wife was £120 for my Teins from MR2-Ben - Christmas pressie
Title: Re: Lowering springs
Post by: michaelb on April 14, 2018, 08:54
Cheers, I'll use Mr2 Ben I think. It's the fitting costs that seem to add up though!
Title: Re: Lowering springs
Post by: delhusband on April 14, 2018, 09:10
QuoteIll have a look at my garage bill to see if springs/dampers ftiment was line itemed
Apologies @michaelb (https://www.mr2roc.org/forum/index.php?action=profile;u=24962) i've just rooted through my folder of receipts, can't find it.
Title: Re: Lowering springs
Post by: Beachbum957 on April 14, 2018, 11:44
We have been running Tein-S springs for some time.  Originally with new KYB's which worked well and now with Koni inserts.  Be sure to cut the front bump stops, as at the stock length they are almost touching at the static height.  The rears seem OK.  The KYB's worked well (they were on for 20,000 miles) , but the Koni's give a better ride with the damping backed off to about 1/4 turn from soft.  We are currently running the Koni's at 1/2 turn from soft and they work better than the KYB's overall.  If you are replacing struts, they should be considered.

We went with the springs for firmer handling, but the car does look at a lot better lowered.  With the front lowered a bit more than the rear, the car is more stable at speed.

The only real downside is ground clearance.  Watch out for big speed bumps, steep driveways, and objects on the road!
Title: Re: Lowering springs
Post by: Ardent on April 15, 2018, 00:29
Quote from: michaelb on April 14, 2018, 08:54
Cheers, I'll use Mr2 Ben I think. It's the fitting costs that seem to add up though!

Appreciate it comes down to £££s.
But be mindful of just replacing springs. Same work involved in changing shock. if you did spring now and shock later, you would be paying twice for the same work
Title: Re: Lowering springs
Post by: michaelb on April 15, 2018, 11:14
Yeah that's true mate, I will change the discs and pads this month and do the springs and shocks next month! I need to get the brakes done for the mot
Title: Re: Lowering springs
Post by: delhusband on April 15, 2018, 12:20
Quote from: delhusband on April 14, 2018, 09:10
QuoteIll have a look at my garage bill to see if springs/dampers ftiment was line itemed
Apologies @michaelb (https://www.mr2roc.org/forum/index.php?action=profile;u=24962) i've just rooted through my folder of receipts, can't find it.
Title: Re: Lowering springs
Post by: michaelb on April 15, 2018, 13:17
No problem mate! One of my neighbours is the service manager at BMW here and I'm going to ask if any of his mechanics do homers!