what to do first: wheels or lowering coils?

[Lovehanayo]

I've been looking through different threads and have thought about doing the lowering thing (never done it, I've only swapped out wheels/tires but have never actually messed with the suspension), I want to know what should be done first: getting wheels & tires or getting coilovers?

If I get wheels and tires, I want to get either the drag-33 black ones or the OE 17" black wheels and hankook tires.

If I get coilovers I want (Pedders?) I believe.

What is most logical to do first? I looked through some threads and did a search but I didn't see a thread that had asked this already. I only saw separate threads on each topic but none stating which would make more sense to do first.

 

[Lovehanayo]

I also wasn't sure where to post this. I don't know if this is considered a "build" thread, a "wheel and tire" discussion thread or some other aftermarket thread...so if it needs to be moved, let me know.

 

[GunBlade]

If you have the disposable cash to afford coilovers i say go for that... I'm way to cheap to throw that much money into lowering just for some better handling and adjustable heights.

 

[Lovehanayo]

Well from what I've read not doing the coilovers would mess up the shocks since it would be added stress to the car.

Since this is my only car, I don't want the stress of taking time off work, buying new shocks+whatever else I would have to do to fix the car.

Of course, the solution to that would be buying aftermarket shocks to match the after market modifications I'm doing to it, but I'm worried that since I've never bought stuff like this before I'd make a newbie mistake and overpay for ****ty quality.

Some people already have the coilovers and have given good reviews of it (laborsmith with his low profile tires). So I figure if I go with Pedders USA, I'll have the peace of mind of knowing I go the "good stuff" and I won't be sacrificing ride quality too much and I'll get the look I want.

 

[Lovehanayo]

I plan on getting the coilovers with my tax refund and getting the wheels some time later down the road.

 

[GunBlade]

Yes they will wear them out slightly faster than the stock springs but unless your taking it to the track or driving very agressively i wouldn't worry to much. Im sure aftermarket companies will have a shock set out soon for the sonic to add more peace of mind to those who went with just the springs, but like i said if you have the cash to afford coilovers then by all means that is your best go for handling and ride quality. People just like to go for the springs because of its very budget freindly approach.

 

[Lovehanayo]

Yes they will wear them out slightly faster than the stock springs but unless your taking it to the track or driving very agressively i wouldn't worry to much. Im sure aftermarket companies will have a shock set out soon for the sonic to add more peace of mind to those who went with just the springs, but like i said if you have the cash to afford coilovers then by all means that is your best go for handling and ride quality. People just like to go for the springs because of its very budget freindly approach.

I don't plan on taking it to the track or anything. Just to drive around and actually be in a car for the first time that I added my own personal touches to.

I do drive kind of aggressive when I'm on the highway but I don't think too aggressive.

It's good to know springs aren't that bad of a way to go

 

[GunBlade]

when i say agressive i mean like your going down some back roads and really pulling some turns hard or if ya act like one of those tools in a parking lot and just start pulling hard turns around it to show off how cool you arent lol. Or driving over speed bumps way fast isn't a good idea either. Like i said before though they will have new shocks to come out and help make the wear be about the same as if it were stock on stock again. Then you can drive more like a wild man. Do know that coilovers wear out just like anything else also eventually down the road.

 

[Lovehanayo]

when i say agressive i mean like your going down some back roads and really pulling some turns hard or if ya act like one of those tools in a parking lot and just start pulling hard turns around it to show off how cool you arent lol. Or driving over speed bumps way fast isn't a good idea either. Like i said before though they will have new shocks to come out and help make the wear be about the same as if it were stock on stock again. Then you can drive more like a wild man. Do know that coilovers wear out just like anything else also eventually down the road.

Oh ok lol. No I don't do donuts or drive backroads. There are a few speed bumps in my area but I've been careful not to go over real fast on them.

Yeah that is something to think about.

How long do coilovers last anyway? I've never had to replace anything on suspension.

 

[GunBlade]

dont know honestly never had coilovers, but i do know they eventually wear like most anything does. Chances are the way you drive and commute they would last a long time. Just pointing out that even the top shelf items need tlc eventually down the road depending on how much you push on the parts.

 

[SUPER SONIC BOOM]

I'd save money by getting just lowering springs, really don't need coilovers for this particular car imo. The Eibach Pro-Kit seems very good from what I've heard on here, plus they're made specifically to work with the stock suspension (shocks) just fine, so they should last pretty long (not longer than stock springs, but probably pretty close I believe). To me, the Pedders coilover kit is overkill, unless you wanna spend that much money & are into some seriously aggressive driving. I think I might get me a set of Eibachs myself, way cheaper to get that lowered look & better handling that way since I already have 17" black aftermarket wheels. Check out the pics of others on here & see if you like the Pro-Kit first!

 

[laborsmith]

Laborsmith has Pedders lowering coils not coilovers.

Lowering coils are like car brands, each brand will have its own advocates.

My preference for Pedders is based on their using hot wound instead of cold wound coils. IMO the difference is longevity and consistency.

Properly well designed lowering coils will do away with many of the adverse effects often associated with these parts; will not require cutting the bump stops; and will provide a better yet sporting ride than those that are not.

Coilovers are excellent for DDs that sometimes are used at a drag strip, an autocross or some other form of racing. I would also think they would be good for a car used in a snow belt state as you can raise or lower the car as desired, just get a lifetime alignment deal from your local tire shop.

But as to what to do first: for me it is a no brainer, rims and tires. But that is just me.

As to lowering, if time is not of the essence (and for lowering it need not be) I would wait until Thansgiving (particularly for coilovers) when all the big suspension companies have their sales. 25% discount for a set of quality coilovers would make the wait worthwhile to consider.

Summary: tires first and lowering second. But that's just me.

Laborsmith

 

[SUPER SONIC BOOM]

Laborsmith has Pedders lowering coils not coilovers.

Lowering coils are like car brands, each brand will have its own advocates.

My preference for Pedders is based on their using hot wound instead of cold wound coils. IMO the difference is longevity and consistency.

Properly well designed lowering coils will do away with many of the adverse effects often associated with these parts; will not require cutting the bump stops; and will provide a better yet sporting ride than those that are not.

Coilovers are excellent for DDs that sometimes are used at a drag strip, an autocross or some other form of racing. I would also think they would be good for a car used in a snow belt state as you can raise or lower the car as desired, just get a lifetime alignment deal from your local tire shop.

But as to what to do first: for me it is a no brainer, rims and tires. But that is just me.

As to lowering, if time is not of the essence (and for lowering it need not be) I would wait until Thansgiving (particularly for coilovers) when all the big suspension companies have their sales. 25% discount for a set of quality coilovers would make the wait worthwhile to consider.

Summary: tires first and lowering second. But that's just me.

Laborsmith

+1 so you'd know for sure that your wheel/tire combo fits nicely (no rubbing) after lowering your car, that is if you're getting bigger rims & lowering springs together.

 

[laborsmith]

Yes I know for sure. I got the widest rims and tires I was pretty sure would fit and these are Drag DR-33 17X7.5 wheels wearing Kumho Ecsta ASX 225/45 tires.

Laborsmith

 

[SSpeckerwood]

1st day of driving with lowering coils. All I can say is he!!s ya!

 

[Opticon]

if you are running stock 15" wheels change those first. If you have stock 17" wheels do the lowering spring or coilovers first.

 

[Lovehanayo]

Laborsmith has Pedders lowering coils not coilovers.

Lowering coils are like car brands, each brand will have its own advocates.

That's what I meant. I got confused.

 

[Lovehanayo]

if you are running stock 15" wheels change those first. If you have stock 17" wheels do the lowering spring or coilovers first.

Running 15s so I'll change those first.

 

[Lovehanayo]

+1 so you'd know for sure that your wheel/tire combo fits nicely (no rubbing) after lowering your car, that is if you're getting bigger rims & lowering springs together.

Yeah I want to go from 15s to 17s so I'd def want to make sure I'm not rubbing or anything.

 

[Opticon]

Overall tire diameter should not change more than 3% and these cars have A LOT of width in the fenders (some people are running 245s on 8" wide wheels). You would have to do something very unconventional to have "rubbing" problems when you lower the car.