How low is too low
 

I decided to start researching my future suspension and would like some opinions. I attached a photoshop of the approximate ride height I would like to have but I have little knowledge about suspension geometry and center of gravity bla, bla bla... I have heard that to maintain proper center of gravity while lowering a car the ball joints are supposed to be lowered the same amount as the body. To be honest I don't really want to get into doing it right. I would like to know how far I can lower the suspension without degrading handling, ride quality or tire wear. I especially don't want to downgrade from factory. Are Koni/GS's the only route I can take or is there a less expensive way.

http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c1...sl/lowered.jpg

Re: How low is too low
 

Looks nice....

But one thing... Have you driven around Scranton much?? How about the driveway to your garage?? :lol:

There was a lengthy and detailed post in regards to the control arm angle a few years back. I did a quick search and couldn't find it. :(

Re: How low is too low
 

I lived here all my life, The trick is to drive in the oncoming lane or on the sidewalk.

-pothole ninja :D

Re: How low is too low
 

I remember Mychailo made a post about it ages ago. I believe he said the suspension had about 3.5 inches of usable travel, so the optimal drop was no more than an inch. Do correct me if I'm wrong.

Re: How low is too low
 

Found it!

http://www.subaru-svx.net/forum/show...pension+travel

looks like I'm once again stuck with an unsightly amount of wheel well gap in the front :mad: If this is the case would I regret a non-coilover setup? If anyone has replacement springs/shocks please chime in with your impressions. I keep hearing "If I had to do it over, I'd go with GC's" How many other options are there:

Motorsport
K&B???
Mychailo "spelling" please confirm - I cant find him in member list

Re: How low is too low
 

I used to use the mychailo spring setup with new stock struts. The struts failed after a year and then I saved up money to buy the Koni/GC setup. The mychailo springs themselves were pretty decent. They felt stock in terms of comfort but offered a better cornering feeling with lessened brake dive. Going to the Koni/GC was a night and day difference. After 2 years the springs still look good.



I AM the definition of doing it all over again :domo: :D

Re: How low is too low
 

So what about Mychailo springs and koni's?

Re: How low is too low
 

Mychailo's springs and koni inserts work great! They are the "sport" suspension that Subaru should have offered from the factory. I ran this set up for ~2 years before going to a GC/Koni set up. The change to the GC/Koni set up was autoX driven. For sporty dd applications, I'd stick with Mychailo's springs and koni inserts.

-Bill

Re: How low is too low
 

His Network name is;mbtoloczko :)

Re: How low is too low
 

I have the Motorsport springs now with stock struts. I am happy with the ride quality, but the car is slightly too low to get in and out of my driveway. The tow hooks scrape a little bit. I have had these springs since November, but have only put about 2000 miles on my car since then.


On my 1995 SVX, I had the K&B springs. I have a lot more experience with these as I ran them on my car for 70,000 miles with the stock struts. I had no issues and the struts held up fine. The car rode and handled great. I believe they are the best option for the SVX.

Re: How low is too low
 

Really. I've scrubbed the front valance on mine more than once (an awful sound), snagged-and-dragged assorted road debris, and they're stock. From a practical standpoint, lowering makes no sense.

dcb

Re: How low is too low
 

I've been toying with the idea of getting some springs for the front of my 94 as it rides about 3/4 of an inch lower in the rear due to the FWD springs, so it's like having 125 lbs in the trunk of a stock svx. You can really only tell if you're very familiar with SVXs or if you park it next to another, and I think that it actually improved the handling of the car by having it squat in the back. I have always been interested in what it would do to the driving dynamic of my particular car by adding a stiffer rear anti roll bar and lowering the front end to make it closer to the rear.

Re: How low is too low
 

I replaced my rear FWD springs to the LSi springs and they are wound about a 1/4in. tighter.

Re: How low is too low
 

The svx stock ground clearance is already low enough for this town driving. The bottom will easily get scratched if you are not careful.

A regular hydraulic jack cannot get underneath the car to change a flat tire. It's good to have a stock jack in the trunk.

Re: How low is too low
 

I'd just get a front clip or something if you want the car lower, I've seen some members with them. There's still a little room to play with up there.

I bottom out constantly in town trying to get over entrances to businesses and speed bumps, at factory height.