Picked up a set of Tein Basis coilovers for a good price, new.


Im going to be doing a wheel bearing as well as installing the coils, does anyone have suggestions on what else I should replace? I was thinking of doing compression rod bushings.


My other question is, how much can I lower it without needing adjustable upper control arms?
I don't plan on ever raising it again, its my winter/summer car.


thanks

 

The FUCA question depends entirely on how much camber you plan on running. Stock camber is like -1.25° and it's about an extra -1° for every half inch you drop.

 

Most stuff in the front is fairly easy to replace; you've listed the most common parts/bushings to need it already (grab some nice Whiteline or Energy Suspension bushings and slap em in). I'd recommend LCA bushings. Bit of a bitch to do, but they are worth it. If you can do those, also do ball joints (you're gonna chew through them if you lower too much, although IIRC Megan Racing makes a special one that is built for lowering a car). I'd grab basic ones from an auto store for like $40 each and install those if you're doing a mild drop, splurge for the Megan Racing ones if you're going lower. And if you install FUCA, MAKE SURE YOU LUBE THE BUSHINGS BEFORE INSTALL. Like, slather those babies up good.

You have maybe an inch before camber gets over -2.0 degrees. I lowered mine on the recommended Tein settings and camber was measured at -2.5 degrees. Grab some Z1 FUCA and be glad you did, they're solid pieces of gear. I'd also be worried about the rear; lowering puts stress on the eccentric bolts, so don't go too low. Again, recommended settings put me at just about -2.0 degrees which is good for cornering and will keep tires alive if your toe is in check. Z1 rear camber arms are pretty cheap, and I plan on eventually getting some just to hit -1.5 for a nice balance of straight-line acceleration and cornering.