[JLMounce]

Why coil-overs? If the answer is I need to be able to corner weight the car at various track events throughout the year, that’s a good answer.

Pretty much everything else is people getting caught up in marketing spin.

Coil over conversions on these cars are not true coil overs. They are a hybrid conical coil spring on a threaded large body shock. The cheaper optioned parts have a pressed on threaded section on the shock body that is prone to failure.

The motion ratio is worse than a coil spring and you’re forcing the stock lower control arm shock mount to carry the weight of the car. It was never designed to carry that weight, only shock damping loads.

A quality lowering spring in a traditional coil will be cheaper, works with the design intent of the suspension and will provide the same level of handling as the pricier hybrid coil over.

The only thing you don’t get with the traditional coil spring is the ability to adjust the ride height. 95% of people will never touch it after they get it set though. Most of the hybrid coil over conversions will lower the car up to 2” from the factory height. That gives you the ability to pick a traditional coil with a correct drop. 2” if you want a low stance 1.5 or 1” lowering for just a little more attitude but a more stock type look.

If you’re dead set on qa1’s here opt for the double adjustable line because the shock body is extruded with the threads on the body.

[jimib]

Originally Posted by JLMounce

Why coil-overs? If the answer is I need to be able to corner weight the car at various track events throughout the year, that’s a good answer.

Pretty much everything else is people getting caught up in marketing spin.

Coil over conversions on these cars are not true coil overs. They are a hybrid conical coil spring on a threaded large body shock. The cheaper optioned parts have a pressed on threaded section on the shock body that is prone to failure.

The motion ratio is worse than a coil spring and you’re forcing the stock lower control arm shock mount to carry the weight of the car. It was never designed to carry that weight, only shock damping loads.

A quality lowering spring in a traditional coil will be cheaper, works with the design intent of the suspension and will provide the same level of handling as the pricier hybrid coil over.

The only thing you don’t get with the traditional coil spring is the ability to adjust the ride height. 95% of people will never touch it after they get it set though. Most of the hybrid coil over conversions will lower the car up to 2” from the factory height. That gives you the ability to pick a traditional coil with a correct drop. 2” if you want a low stance 1.5 or 1” lowering for just a little more attitude but a more stock type look.

If you’re dead set on qa1’s here opt for the double adjustable line because the shock body is extruded with the threads on the body.

Good info Jason, maybe I don’t need coil overs, unnecessary expense. My mechanic suggested them and that’s why I’m looking. I just want this car to be a cruiser, I have no interest in race tracks, just want to drive locally and maybe road trips once in a while.

I really don’t care for the lowered stance that seems so popular. I just don’t like the sag in the rear end. I want it level and possibly a slight rake. Station wagon springs may fix this problem. I do want a tubular front end and a tighter steering gear.