So I'm in a debate..., To lower or not to lower... Options

[blu94gt]

So I've been thinking a lot about the next mod for my car. Right now I'm waiting on my sway bars to come in, but after that I'm not sure what I want to do. I've thought about KYB AGX struts with Tein S-tech springs, or waiting a bit and doing a 3sge swap. About the suspension: I'm not sure if I want to lower the car any, or keep it at a stock height.

I was thinking today as I was driving down some muddy backroads that I've always loved how versatile the Celica is; with my old mud tires I could actually go anywhere my friend's 4x4 Nissan truck could and do it faster. If I get a tighter lower suspension I'll be limited on how much off-road performance I have like that. I kind of like being able to follow my Jeep and truck friends right on into the woods to go camping and such, but then again I do 98% of my driving on streets and want to autocross.

hmmm...

[My2Celi]

do u care about comfort?

[blu94gt]

do u care about comfort?

ride comfort isn't too big of deal, i don't want to totally sacrifice ride comfort by getting some coilovers or anything but just about an inch lower with springs and better struts won't make it much harder than our rides are stock

[Bigmeanbulldog55]

It would be helpful if you would list your mods in your profile. I would go with a nice set of sports shocks. The will help for track use but keep you higher. I've been looking into it, and I'm begining to think that if I was going to lower for performance a set of coilovers is the only way to go. I wanted springs for a long time too. I'd say for now, put the sway bars on and then see what it feels like it needs. Strengthening the chasis is always a great idea. Did wonders for me.

[LewFX]

im debating it too to re-lower again, i miss the look but i sure dont miss the feel.

[blu94gt]

It would be helpful if you would list your mods in your profile. I would go with a nice set of sports shocks. The will help for track use but keep you higher. I've been looking into it, and I'm begining to think that if I was going to lower for performance a set of coilovers is the only way to go. I wanted springs for a long time too. I'd say for now, put the sway bars on and then see what it feels like it needs. Strengthening the chasis is always a great idea. Did wonders for me.

haha I don't have any mods listed because my only true mod other than gauge lights is my TRD Shifter.

And like you said, I want to see how my sway bars help handling before making my decision. I like the lower look but the higher versatility

[95CelicaST]

haha I don't have any mods listed because my only true mod other than gauge lights is my TRD Shifter.

And like you said, I want to see how my sway bars help handling before making my decision. I like the lower look but the higher versatility

If you are questioning it, then go with a mild spring, like the S-Tech, or the H-Tech if they make them for us. Anything else and it would be overkill in your situation.

or get this:
http://seattle.craigslist.org/car/156195401.html

[Jaws4God]

That is a tough decision.. but I loved how my car drove after it was lowered. It handled and looked so much better! but it would hinder your off road ability.. unless you go with air.. cuz I can go higher than stock. but ride quality is pretty low :-(

[Digndoug]

Im not to sure what springs youguys are using that kill the ride that much, But I have sportlines and the ride is still very nice. Maybe it is because im use to it, but It is def worth lowering, My fav mod so far.

[dskater2004]

They make KYB AGX's for our cars cause i couldnt find any

[Silver94CelicaOw...]

Nope, they dont make AGX for our cars unfortunately.

Honestly, if you don't want to spend a TON of money in suspension but want good comfort, the best thing you can do is this...

Step 1: Good tires. Always the best first step in improved handling. The sidewall profile will play the biggest factor in ride comfort, hands down....thin tire = minimal comfort. Thicker tire = softer ride.
Step 2: ST Sway Bars. Can be had through the group buy and are said to make an enormous difference.
Step 3 Optional: If your shocks are beat, then put on fresh KYB GR2 and then purchase Tein S-tech springs. Best spring uprade per dollar for our cars, IMO. Monroe also makes OEM replacements, but will take to lowering differently than KYB's and make the car feel a little different if you combine them. (observation by defgeph). Stiffened spring rate with these springs and also lowers the car = lower center of gravity = good for handling.

I started out with new tires and bought a set of Tein SS which I absolutely love, the handling is amazing. However ride quality is still much rougher than stock on the softest setting. The above steps are a better choice if ride quality is a main concern, but any setup will feel harsh with a thin tire, where a thicker tire will be much more bearable.

[blu94gt]

Nope, they dont make AGX for our cars unfortunately.

Honestly, if you don't want to spend a TON of money in suspension but want good comfort, the best thing you can do is this...

Step 1: Good tires. Always the best first step in improved handling. The sidewall profile will play the biggest factor in ride comfort, hands down....thin tire = minimal comfort. Thicker tire = softer ride.
Step 2: ST Sway Bars. Can be had through the group buy and are said to make an enormous difference.
Step 3 Optional: If your shocks are beat, then put on fresh KYB GR2 and then purchase Tein S-tech springs. Best spring uprade per dollar for our cars, IMO. Monroe also makes OEM replacements, but will take to lowering differently than KYB's and make the car feel a little different if you combine them. (observation by defgeph). Stiffened spring rate with these springs and also lowers the car = lower center of gravity = good for handling.

I started out with new tires and bought a set of Tein SS which I absolutely love, the handling is amazing. However ride quality is still much rougher than stock on the softest setting. The above steps are a better choice if ride quality is a main concern, but any setup will feel harsh with a thin tire, where a thicker tire will be much more bearable.

this is pretty much what I've been doing already.

1. Just put my 205/55/R15 Falken tires on yesterday
2. have my Suspension Techniques Swaybars sitting in the garage to put on Saturday
3. GR2's and Teins were my original idea for suspension but my friend told me there were AGX's for the car, my struts are getting a little noisy and mushy so I want/need some new ones