Best "Budget Suspension"

**schrysler** · 02-27-2007, 05:36 PM

I am looking to throw some 315/35/17s under the rear and 275/40/17s in the front.... What would be the best solution to drop the maro' about an inch or so to really set off the tires and increase the handling.....how much would something like it cost w/ install?

**Eugenio_SS** · 03-01-2007, 07:03 AM

keep stock springs, get Koni SA for the front and Bilstein HD for the rear.
only buy shocks, but since Koni SA have 2 perch locations, you can lower the car by 3/4" using the lower perch location.
the rear, hose-mod will do the trick.
Although Koni's aren't too cheap, this setup will really improve handling/confort, while getting a good drop, and still cost you less than getting new springs + shocks.
if you still have some $, i'd recommend getting a 35mm front swaybar w/ it... but that can always be done @ a later time, when budget permits.

**third_shift|studios** · 03-01-2007, 07:49 AM

i found that it's absolutely POINTLESS to scrounge on anything you put on your car. You'll end up ripping it off and redoing it. Save your money. put 50$ away per pay check for your car, in a few months you'll have a nice lump of change that you can use to modify it correctly. Always have a plan...how do you want the car to perform? Better on the street? or on the track?

**schrysler** · 03-01-2007, 04:41 PM

This car is my street car..daily driver..I just want to drop it for the looks and suspension... how much would an average kit go for and what is a good brand?

**third_shift|studios** · 03-02-2007, 05:27 AM

if it's a daily driver, i suggest sticking with the 275 tires all around.

eugino will have some better thoughts on this, but I think you'll want revalved bilstiens and the eibach prokit: that's about and $800 combo.

Shortly afterward you should consider an adjustable panhard bar and some adjustable Lower control arms for the rear so that you can re-align the rear end properly after lowering. Those will run you about 300 for everything.

As you can see, the numbers go up quick when you want to modify things. not to mention whatever the instal costs.

**Eugenio_SS** · 03-02-2007, 08:21 AM

i'd leave the PHR and LCA intact... the stockers are great... no point in spending that $ now, though.
The Prokits + revalved end up costing more than the Koni SA (front) + HD (back) while keeping stock springs... for that price, he can include a front swaybar and have a killer setup and that is way more confortable than what he has and will handle way better (night and day difference)
both are great setups, though.

**third_shift|studios** · 03-02-2007, 10:52 AM

yes, but the drop sucks. c'mon the 3/4 is more like 1/2 and that is nothing compared to the 1.25" from eibach.

**Eugenio_SS** · 03-02-2007, 11:54 AM

he wants confort + handling and @ a decent price, though.
the question is if he's ok w/ 3/4" drop ? the other closer alternative is to go w/ something like the Prokits and maybe revalved in the front, HD rear.

**WhiteLs1** · 03-02-2007, 12:28 PM

Grinder and a few cut off wheels! should be a cheap way to lower it

Good luck -Dave

**Eugenio_SS** · 03-02-2007, 12:40 PM

Originally Posted by WhiteLs1

Grinder and a few cut off wheels! should be a cheap way to lower it

Good luck -Dave

not recommended, cause it'll increase the spring rate, and the spring won't be properly seated.

**schrysler** · 03-02-2007, 01:28 PM

I Just Went To A Local Shop And They Said They Could Do An Eiback Pro Kit For Around 500 Installed... Any Thoughts?

**lrader99** · 03-02-2007, 08:31 PM

you can do the rear yourself..jack up one side of the rear at a time...unhook the shocks and the factory springs will come out...put new ones in...front springs are a little harder since you need a decent spring compressor