Set up is too stiff!

[justin h]

I bought the Intrax springs and ZX2 struts and installed them, but they are too stiff for Austin city streets (lots of bumps & potholes). I have an RS and 17"s. With the stock rims its not that bad, but with the 17"s its stiff. I was wondering which springs are softer (H&R, Eibach, Sus. Tech., etc.)? I want them to lower my car about 1.5" but I don't want them to be this uncomfortable. And, if I get new springs, and sell the ones I have, will it be just as stiff? Basically, is it mostly the springs or the struts, since I am keeping the struts?<P>Also, just to let everyone know the Intrax springs didn't lower in the front as much as they should have. I guess this is because I have the 4cyl., even though their weights are similar.

[Custommx3]

You have a lowered car ridding on Im guessing 205/40's. Welcome to the life of a low rider.

[maldo]

Beggars can't be choosers..<P>When upgrading you will always give up a little of something you had previously for the new setup.

[justin h]

I figured it would be stiff, but its really bad. I've been in a couple of lowered cars and they weren't this bad. Maybe because our cars are so light. But, are any of the springs out there soft, as many have said, like the Eibach ProKits? Or is our suspension never going to feel solid, but comfortable? Or at least tolerable.

[zevirii]

Justin,<P>Maybe its not the springs, but the struts that you have... I have Intrax springs and Tokico struts, and my ride seems almost like stock was. With 17" rims it does get rough but I love my new suspension, and have no problem with it... This is what corksport recommended to me too... I no nothing about the other struts, but I do know I like my setup...

[justin h]

It makes sense that it might be my struts. I just keep worrying that because I used the 6cyl. springs they are little stiffer. Anyways, I going to sell my Intrax springs (even though I just bought them & put them on) and buy some Sus. Tech. <BR>I don't know what I'm going to do when I find out their just as bad. I can't buy new struts.<BR>Thanks for the help!!!<P>Zevirii: <BR>When are we going to get a little mx3 meet going? I would really like to check out your car, especially after the swap, and to see what your suspension is like.<p>[ November 20, 2002: Message edited by: justin h ]

[Taras]

Struts have a significant contribution to ride comfort. That is why there are adjustable (primarily on the rebound) struts. I can't imagine why zx2 struts would be stiff except that you would not have much travel left on them as they are not designed for 1.75" ST spring drop. Tokico are also designed for the stock ride height. And ST springs are not that stiff to be that uncomfortble on 17" rims. Unless you are hitting serious potholes.

[zevirii]

Justin,<P>Hey there man... The little meet, just seemed like nobody could ever make up there mind on a date... I was thinking of just saying ALL sundays at 8pm. for the rest of the month here in austin.. just so we could all get a chance to see atleast a few of each other.. and you could then come to the sunday that best fits you... I would most likely show up for all of them...

[david103]

justin, i've been in austin with intrax springs and 17's and KYB struts(only difference) it felt fine to me, almost stock. i don't think its the springs at all. just my opinion though. and austin streets suck for any suspension, so don't move to houston looking for relief!<P>piece<BR>dave

[justin h]

I'm going to try new springs with less of a drop and hopefully it will be better. I'm pretty sure its my struts, however I can't spend money on new/more expensive ones. Thanks for all the input.

[Steeb]

kinda late but on i remembered that i had to cut my bumpstops shorter with the intrax and tokicos you might need to do the same. perhaps thats why it didnt lower very much in the front.

[Steeb]

it could explain the stiffness too. personally im going to get the gc coilovers if illuminas dont do the job. just gotta save up for em