PLEASE HELP (ProtogeSTS)

[rece]

could you tell me the best all round spring rates for the V6 Mx-3 for the ground control kits i want an agressive yet still drivable set up for daily driving and occasional track use.<p>any help on this topic would be greatfully appreciated

[rece]

also what combo of strut would be the best in order to get responsive stearing and desirable driving response. is it possible to directly instal the zx2 struts on with the GC kit or is there any modification necessary.<p>sorry for the two posts i just remembered another question

[ProtegeSTS]

what sway bars are you going to be running?<p>Also, what you think is driveable and "not too stiff" could very well be different than what I think....so keep that in mind.

[rece]

give me your best recomendation on the whole set up including sway bar. also note that i am ok with a harsher ride as long as it will not dramatically effect the life of the rest of the parts on my car such as engine mounts, bushings ect. also do you off hand know the part #'s for the energy suspension bushings for the suspension on a V6 (i guess i can just call them)
any help would be greatly appreciated
thanks
jesse

[rece]

if anyone has any well advised opinions on this topic i would also appreciate their input as to what the best rates etc. would be for my V6
thanks

[zytariuk]

If you ask me, ground control coil-overs are a waste of money IF you don't plan on getting a body kit. I've got a simple setup (ZX2 Struts paired with Suspension Technique lowering springs). As is stands right now, my stock front bumper is sitting 3" off the ground! I just got the vital grounds front bumper...when i put it up to my car it was just over 1" off the ground!!<p>I suggest that you get ZX2 Strugs /w H&R Lowering springs. They have a slightly stiffer spring rate that suspension techniques...but are still decent for day to day use. If you don't plan on getting a body kit and want the slammed look, then by all means go for the ground control!!

[rece]

i am going to kit most likely with the Vital front and fx vsx rear so i would like to have the adjustability in order to slam for show and raise for regular driving and winter...(****ty snow drifts in the winter here in the great north)
i need to know what spring rates would be best for the type of driving i do and that is mostly daily with occasional track use so the best/most cost efficient would help me the most. can i use GC's with the ZX2 struts and how diff. is the install of these struts.<p>also i believe that protoge(STS) once said that something like 350 lbs in the front and 275's in the back make for a good combo. PLEASE correct me if i am wrong. <p>again any help would be largely appreciated
thanks
Jesse

[ProtegeSTS]

300 front, 250 rear, stock sway bars, would be my choice for you.<p>That should handle well, have a decent ride, and will be paired nicely with the ZX2 struts.<p>The OTHER reason to get coilovers is for the PERFORMANCE aspect... not freaking bodykits.

[rece]

with the coil overs is the performance aspect the same whether they are at max lowering/raise or the higher the more body roll? also would i need to get a camber kit in order to use the zx2 struts and GC at about a 2" lower?

[JasonH]

All other things being equal, the lower the car, the better it handles. The higher the car, the worse it handles.<p>I believe you need the camber bolts if you're using the ZX2 struts whether you're lowering the car substantially or not. Without the bolts I don't think the car can be aligned to within factory specs.

[ProtegeSTS]

-how much you lower will determine if you need camber bolts<p>-all things being equal, the MX-3 will only improve handling for about the first 1.5-2" of drop, after that....you're out of suspension travel

[dylanmx3]

Question for all you suspension buffs out there. Alot of cars actually handle worse if they're dropped too low. The control arm angles end up too steep forcing the control arm to move more lateral as opposed to the more "vertical" motion that's required. The VW"s are very bad for this...if they drop too low they end up requiring a control arm kit to get back the handling characterisitcs. Any of you guys know the suspension geometry well enuff to know how low is too low? My initial guess would be a couple inches in the back and maybe an inch or so up front.
Thoughts?