Opininons on sping and shock/struts

[Optamix98RS]

Ive been doing some research and talking with several guys in my SCCA division and have about decided to to with KYB AGX's and H&R Sport springs. I wanted to get yall's input on this as well. This car is my daily driver but I autocross the hell out of it(and have been for near a year and a half now)so I want the best performing stuff(for a reasonable amount of money of course)
Thanks
--Timothy
Red 98 RS 5 spd

[tomfree]

As a veteran of where you are now, save your pennies and get what you really want, don't settle for "good enough"

At the moment, I have Tokicos and Eibach ProKits, and I autocross the car regularly. This setup is simply too soft for auto-x. I thought about buying Koni's and Ground Controls when I bought the Tokico/Eibach setup, but decided to save my money and go with a "good enough" setup. Would you like to know what I have sitting in the garage waiting to go on the car a year later? Konis and Ground Controls.

Granted, the H&R's are a LOT stiffer than the Eibachs, so that might be a good solution, but they are still progressive rate springs. I've heard a lot of negative comments about the KYB AGX struts. Their rebound rate is supposedly too high across the board. Ride quality will certainly suffer, but I can't say whether all-out auto-x performance will suffer.

So, ask your self this question: "Do I really want coilovers and [insert strut company here] struts?" If so, save for a few extra months, buy what you want, and do the install work once.

My $.02

[Optamix98RS]

How much would I be looking to spend with GC's and Koni's?
I really dont want to spend more than 600 dollors. Would the Tokico Illuminia's be a better choice with the H&R SPORT springs?
and I feel like a moron for asking this, but what exactly are coilovers??

[tomfree]

Originally posted by Optamix98RS
How much would I be looking to spend with GC's and Koni's?
I really dont want to spend more than 600 dollors. Would the Tokico Illuminia's be a better choice with the H&R SPORT springs?
and I feel like a moron for asking this, but what exactly are coilovers??

Don't feel bad - everyone has to learn somewhere, and this is a good a place as anywhere.

First, check here: Ground Control

These guys know their suspension parts. A coilover setup (without struts) is about $400, but there are some other pieces and parts you'll want. Koni's are about $140 a corner, getting you up to about a grand. Sounds like that's WAY above your budget.

What is a coilover? It's basically an adjustable spring perch - it allows you to adjust the height of the car by compressing/decompressing the spring. You can also use standard race springs, instead of having to look for a DSM specific spring. Standard race springs are available in different lenghts, and spring rates, and they're actually pretty reasonable - about $60 a corner.

The Illuminas and the H&Rs might be something to consider for you. IMHO, the Illumina is a better strut than the AGX, but it cannot stand up to higher spring rates (like coilovers) and increased suspension angles of very low cars. The AGX is supposed to take that abuse, but they're too stiff.

If used with springs like the Eibach Prokit or the H&R , the Illumina has a lifetime warranty. I think they're about $125 a corner. Check here for good prices
Shox.com

Sorry for all the rambling, but I stick to what I said yesterday - buy what you want the first time, even if that means waiting a little while while you save the $$$.

[Optamix98RS]

The thing is the guy Im ordering though has a wholesale account with the Tire Rack and he is just letting me give him the cash and get it at his price. Ill talk to him about the illuminia's and the H&R springs. I don't want to spend that much on coilovers yet, ive pretty much decided that Im going to go to austraila after Xmas(see lounge) and there are a few cosmetic things i need to deal with(a small wreck...needs new paint and such). Thanks for the advice.
later
--Timothy