MMCB

Hi, I have a MY02 which has covered 92k and the suspension is feeling tired.

I've got a set of low milage shocks and springs from a MY09 and I'm thinking about fitting some Eibach lowering springs to firm things up a bit.
My car is a daily driver and I do 1 or 2 track days a year, my question is will this setup work? Would I be best to get the geo set to the MY02 settings after?
Thanks

chrispayze

The springs might have sagged slightly, but will pretty much have the same performance as when new. The dampers however will be worn. So, adding new springs will firm things up, but it'll be even more difficult for the worn dampers to keep them under control. If you can, replace the dampers.

MMCB

Sorry I should have been clearer.

My car is running the original suspension, I have some other shocks and springs from a MY09 that I plan to fit to refresh the suspension. I plan to fit the eibach to the MY09 bits

chrispayze

Sorry, I should have paid attention. Skipped the 09 line for some reason!

chrispayze

09 springs are fairly firm anyway (can't remember exactly what they're like compared to 02, but I think they're the stiffest apart from the CR variant). You have fairly stiff ARBs, being an 02, so the result should be pretty decent.

The spring rates for all the years are in the FAQ. Or I've got a spreadsheet which calculates relative stiffness of ARB/spring combinations (taking into account the motion ratio of each). Send me a pm if you want a copy. Doesn't take damping into account though, which is more difficult.

The old adage is "change one thing at a time", so I'd stick the 09 shocks on and see how you like it first. If you want it lower, swap the springs over. But you'll need to do the geo after that, whilst you should get away without a geo if changing just the shocks, as they're designed to give the same ride height.

That said, a custom geo can transform the car too, so if you haven't done one yet, it could be an idea. I'd won't do anything for pitch/roll though, obviously.

Pie_n_Chips

09 shocks with Eibach springs and 99 ARB's are a good combo ( you might be on the cusp with you 02 as they had revised (thinner) ARB's IIRC)

A Stock 02 Geo should be fine, but if your going to the trouble of getting a decent geo, get it tailored to your driving styling.

rhauri

As above, MY09 springs are the most firm of all OEM springs (excluding CR).

Eibach spring rates are the same as MY02 / MY03 OEM springs. You'll only achieve a ride height drop if you go Eibach.

Tein S.Tech are a bit firmer, UK spec drop by 15mm so retain a fairly OEM look, US Spec drop by 25mm, same as Eibach. Search my previous posts for more details.