Wish there was a wheel, tyre and suspension section. I never know where to put suspension posts... I've put this here, as I guess lowering the car does have some impact on the Coupes style.

Anyway, fitted new Eibachs at the weekend.

Quite easy job really, compared with Punto and Uno at least.

I'll put a fitting guide up in the basic FAQ section later today.

Looks/Styling.
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The result is a car which looks much better on the 18" Dare V5's I put on it just before Christmas. The tyres aren't tucked up in the arch, but have just a small gap between them instead. The car also appears to have levelled out a little, with the front and back at a similar height. (Always thought as standard the back was higher than the front).

Handling/Comfort
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Initially after fitting the springs, and before I drove it I had visions of the handling being much better, but comfort would really be hard and crashy. (Standard shock, y'see). However, I got in the car and took her for a shortish drive, and I have to say that comfort feels better if anything, less bouncy, a little firmer, but more controlled, and certainly no crashiness at all. Handling feels much tighter and corners are nothing now. I even tried a couple of the higher speed bumps in my area, no problems at all.

All in I'd give these springs 10/10. And if anyone is looking for a subtle lowering, and much better handling coupled with, in my opinion, better or equal comfort as the standard springs, Eibachs is the route to take.

Nice one, where did you get them from and how much? Any pictures?

Got from Alternative Autos. Pics later on this week or at the weekend, I'm afraid.

Nice1 mate..

however I had mine fitted about 8-10 months ago and the ride has been harsh and crashy

I do enjoy the ride as long as there are no undulations, cracks or potholes in the road, when it becomes almost too hard to bear.

Well getting a set of Bilsteins dampers very soon and it should resolve those issues for me

But.. coop does look with them

The springs do make the ride suffer, you can feel every undulation on the roads with them fitted. Doesn't bother me as the coupe is a toy, but would annoy if I was using her to commute etc. Of course a lowered stance looks which is why I fitted them

Hmmm. It's strange.

I'm running 18's, on 215/35 profile rubber, and -35mm Eibachs. And I sincerely expected the ride to be ultra rough and crashy. But no. It feels a little firmer, maybe, definitely tighter and more controlled. And to be honest, I feel less jossled around than when the car was on the standard 16's on standard springs.

Of course, this could all be relative. I used to have a Punto GT (lowered 60mm), which was really rough and crashy. And previous to that an Uno T, which was lowered 80mm. (Just ran on the bump stops on the back). So that of course was dreadful comfort.

That said, to compare my Coupe like for like before and after I really didn't see much difference with comfort.

I think If you have heavier wheels than standard (likely with 18's), it helps make the tyre absorb a bit more of the bumps, and ofsets harder suspension slightly...

circolo
got some piccies of new ride hieght?

my ride is crashy as hell with 18's.

the times ive been tempted to go back to standard wheels, shame they are so small.

I was chatting around before plunging for Bilsteins and was asked to check my top mounts and rod ends and well as the normal suspension

Back lights look good, where from and how much? Easy to fit??

Well most of my roads, like the rest of the UK are dreadful. Potholes, ridges, bumps, cracks, etc. etc. So I'm still interested as to why the car doesn't feel that rough or crashy.

Be interested on Rog's opinion tomorrow, when he see's the car.

I'll agree heavier wheels will generaly not do a cars handling any favours,as lower unsprung weight is always better in this respect

Having said that, i'm pretty sure heavier wheels (if you have stiff springs) can make the ride a bit easier.

Have a look at this - it kinda backs up what I said:

http://www.tirerack.com/wheels/tech/techpage.jsp?techid=108

Well rather embarrising for me....

I thought my suspension was on it's way out, and was starting to look at what it was gonna cost me to get it inspected. But i knew i hadnt checked my tire pressures since i bought the car so i went to the local petrol station and decided to check.

My fronts were at 26/28 PSI and my rears were at 28/30 !!!!

Was very shocked and got them up to 39 front and 32 rear, much much better ride now, before under heavy braking the car didnt feel like it wanted to stay in a straight line and around fast dual carriageway turns the car was feeling like it wanted to fight me.

Now it's much sweeter and to think it was FREE. A lesson to me to check tyre pressures more often.

very good.

you want another reason?

low pressures can cause the tyre the turn square when parked for long periods, particularly on cheaper tyres and more noticeable on lower profile tyres.

this can cause a vibration at high speeds.

And low tyre pressures lead to increased sidewall flex which, at speed, can lead to blow-outs. Ouch.