Lowering springs

[sparky009]

I know that I should post this somewhere else but I want the opinion of fellow Canadians because we all know that US winters are not as bad as ours....

I have bought the ST spring and was hesitant to put them on because I will need to drive my Alero at least 1 more winter.....

So getting to my question.... Did any of ou have your car lowered this winter and tell me how the drive was.....


Thanks
Spark :thumbsup:

[99blackalero]

i got eibach's and they're still on....noticed no problems with the snow

[havik]

Speaking of lowering springs, if we order these from an American store, do we pay duty?

[99blackalero]

if it crosse the border...yup

[sparky009]

yeah you do pay duty it is like paying the tax when I got my springs I had to pay a extra 15% on top of the purchase price

[jeremythebear]

I've got eibachs and no problem. They give an almost stock comfort level but stiffen up good for corners.

[Dynamitealero]

Well its true we have long winters in Canada but it depends on where you live. Here in Winnipeg for example on some days you'd be driving as snow plow and doing the city a favor. Coilovers would be the best way to go.

[sparky009]

Next question do you guys have stock struts or other ones?????

[99blackalero]

ive got KYB struts on mine

[mixmastercase]

Actually last summer when I had my accord I wanted the coilovers but this guy at a shop told me that they would rust if driven in winter. So you would probably only get one summer out of them and for $2000.00 It's not worth it. I think I will be getting the ST springs as well sparky.

[Pellinore]

There shouldn't be any duty on them just the PST and GST. If you really need to save money than you could get them put on down there, but you would have to leave your stock ones there. (if your close to the boarder) I did this with my exhaust, but you have to cut up your stock exhaust anyways.

[havik]

I know where I can order KYB struts in Canada but I can't find Intrax anywhere. I'd settle for Eibachs (found a Canadian store for them) but I've heard better things about Intrax

Sorry about the thread jacking btw :blink:

[sparky009]

^^^^^its all good...^^^^^^

What I did was order my spring directly from suspensiomax.com they were like 130 USD and with tax and shipping and currency change it was close to 200 canadian and I'm getting my springs installed for 100 cash at my buddys garage......

Now back to the topic at hand did any of you have problems driving this winter with your cars lowered.......

[Baracuda96]

I really like my ride with the Eibach springs / KYB struts... it feels nice and tight... alot better than the stock springs...

I gotta tell ya though.. i keep bottoming out on the potholes in T.O. The roads are awful right now!!! :pissed:

[jeremythebear]

I have stock struts right now but tomorrow will have KYBs. I drive the car as a courier putting 50k a year in Toronto. Do yourself a favour, if you plan on keeping the car for a while then get aftermarket struts put on at the same time as springs. Cuts down on labour and your stock struts will not be able to "control" the aftermarket springs. They will wear much quicker (mine are worn considerably after 30k). I will reply to his forum tomorrow and give you an update on the new struts.
Also, with lowering you will find that you will scrape the exhaust where it runs around the rear axel on the snow that ends up collecting in the middle of side streets but this is just irritating.

[jeremythebear]

This was a personal message that I will just paste the reply as it covers today's install.

Eibach springs had been done separately 30k ago (silly move - don't be an idiot like me - get them installled - springs and struts together - your stock struts will work but not effectively with the springs). Reduced body roll 30 % over stock "sport suspension". Install smooth, love em. Lowered 1.5" all around - nice look. A firmness not hard to get used to. Cost of springs in us dollars at a garage should be around 340.00
KYB stuts installed - WOW - reduced body roll another 30% - struts should run you 340.00us for 4
Installation should be 2 - 2.5 hours labour and a four wheel alignment

I also cannot say enough about a rear strut brace as I also installed front and rear separately - the front does some but the rear does more - tightens up the rear end as aleros ( and probably many other models) tend to be a bit sloppy back there.

By the way these prices are generous on behalf of the garage - You should not pay more - If they want these prices or more - shop around

[Baracuda96]

^^^ I'll agree.. i should've gotten my springs installed the same time as I got my Eibachs... Even RSM would do it for a decent price... i got them to do the installation of the struts and aligned it a couple times since.... they are reasonable and stand by their work.. it's better to get it done right the first time... (Trust me on that)..

[jeremythebear]

cuda, heard you had a prolly with install of springs - who did it? Or is it a sore topic?

[Redog]

Originally posted by Baracuda96@Mar 14 2004, 07:10 PM
^^^ I'll agree.. i should've gotten my springs installed the same time as I got my Eibachs... Even RSM would do it for a decent price... i got them to do the installation of the struts and aligned it a couple times since.... they are reasonable and stand by their work.. it's better to get it done right the first time... (Trust me on that)..
Yeah I made the same mistake. Now my sturts are atarting to go. I'll buy KYB's soon

As for winter driving, I have the Eibach and our biggest snowfall in Philly this year was 10 inches. Still got the car in and out of my "common" driveway with no problems. Eibach only drops you about 1.25 inch though