[HEMIFID]

Hello fellow members, well I did it. I couldn't wait for the Eibachs anymore. And to my surprise, I am very happy with the way the car rides and sits. Absolutley NO RUBBING OR SCRAPING AT ALL. Speed bumps, dips, driveways, etc. My local custom shop dropped it about 2" all around by cutting the stock springs. Keep in mind, the 22's are about .07 inches taller than stock, so a 2" drop is really only about 1.7" or so. On ramps are great now. No more float. I am pretty sure Eibach pro-kits would not sit this low, so if you want that custom drop look, you are either going to have to cut or get an adjustable set up. I really didn't want the wheels tucked, just right under the fender well opening. If you are on 22's and on the fence about cutting your springs, just go for it. Let me know if you want the contact information from my shop. I know not everyone will agree with this method, so to each his own. I have modified some of my other cars way more than this and had many trouble free miles. I think the drop is still conservative...

Now I just need a quiet exhuast and I am set. Airaid system should be here next week.

For all of you that are doing your personal calculations, here is my set up:

Wheels: 22X9.5 15mm ofset
3mm spacers on all 4 wheels
Tires: Pirelli Scorpion Zeros 265/35/22
Drop: Approx. 2"

Hope this helps anyone who is interested in this modification.

Peace...

 

[fatchance]

One word "Nice". I did the same to a car years ago and I never had a problem.
I'm looking at the same rim company, but the Havoc. I'm going to wait for the Eibach springs, considering I'm still waiting for my car.
I like the look, and the stance is perfect.
Guys like you make the wait painful. It's like sitting on the bench and not being able to get in the game.

 

[indyCoder]

What type of shop did the cutting for you? Any suggestions as to what I should look for in a local company?

 

[ChuckG]

HEMIFID- That is one nice looking auto. I'm not in this game yet and it will be awhile before I am. But seeing your car makes me want to jump in right now.

You should be very proud of the look you were able to achieve.

 

[3SRT4ME]

Looks great!

 

[Fast4Door]

Thanks for the info!!!!
Looks like I'll be cutting my springs this week!

How much did they charge you????
What kind of shop did the work?

 

[HEMIFID]

Cutting Springs

Hey Fellas, my local shop is like most others that offer aftermarket accessories. The do wheels, tires, suspension, body kits, motor bolt-ons, etc. They actually cater more to the import crowd. From 12 second civics, to Lamborghini Mercialagos (sp), they do them all. I’ve known these guys for about 15 years, so they are my friends, bottom line, I trust them. If you don't have a shop in your area that does all those things, one that specializes in suspension should be great. The labor is the same as just changing spring because cutting them does not take more than 5 minutes with saw. It is gauging the cut that is key. If the shop says they have never cut springs, beware, but any shop that has done it before should have a good eye. Of course, the cuts should be even around, so if you can make a deal with the installer and have them start small (1 coil) first, then put them in and see how it sits. Then if you like it, put it on the alignment rack. But if it is too high, they would need to cut a little more. I think my installer cut about 1.5 coils in the front and about 1 or so in the back, but don't take that as the golden measurement. If you have a stereo system or anything that will weigh the car down, that will affect how it sits. Also, the picture is with no passengers, so it will probably tuck a little when I have a full car. I have rode with 3 people so far and no rubbing. My wife and I are small people, so if you are heaver folks, you might want to consider a little less cut. My shop charged me $200 for the cut and install and $85 for the alignment. I got lucky and got the right height the first time. I’m so small that me driving along does not make much impact on the ride height when cruising. I only weigh 145lbs.

I hope this helps and thanks for all the compliments!!!

Fatchance, if I didn't have my car, I would weight for the Eibachs as well, but I am pretty sure the pro-kits will not sit this low. I probably would of been ok with that until I saw someone else sitting a little bit lower. Off the the shop to cut my Eibachs I would of went. The Havocs are tight wheels, they will look great. So far I am very happy with the rim quality. They have a 2 year chrome gurantee and are in So. Cal, so I will definitely take advantage of them if I need to. Make sure they have the offset I specified above and use spacers if needed. Like I said, after the spacers, I don't rub at all, full u-turns on both sides are totally rub free. Good luck.

Fast4door, go for it, you will not be dissapointed.

Everyone else, thanks again for the great comments!

Peace.

 

[indyCoder]

Hmm, I fit the “heaver folks” category at 6’ 1” and 260 LBS. I think I’ve eaten your weight in one sitting

 

[wardog]

Looks great!

As to cutting the springs, someone's gotta blaze those trails.

Nice job.

 

[rogue]

FWIW if you decide somewhere down the road that the spring progression rate on your car is off, theres a company in La Puente CA called Atlas Spring Company that I'm sure would gladly make you a custom set of springs for less than $500. I imagine the eibachs will be coming in somewhere around that range too. Those guys were able to make custom sets for my Lincoln, and also a Toyota tacoma before anyone made them. (626) 333-7373

No offense, but IMO cutting springs is a half assed attempt at lowering a vehicle. I have friends that work in custom fabrication shops too, and if they suggested chopping the springs on my 2005 vehicle, I'd laugh. Either that shop is unaware of custom spring manufacturers like Atlas, or you guys just wanted to save $400.

Regardless, the drop looks excellent on your car and you've taken a step none of us have the balls to yet

Looks great.

 

[HEMIFID]

Hey rogue, actually they recommended I wait for the Eibachs or go to a similar place in Oakland, CA to make me a custom set. It was really my impatience that led me to ask them to cut them. I agree that it is not the best way of doing this. In fact, I remembered back in the day when we used to do it in my neighbor's backyard ourselves to all of our Hondas and VW. Back then, no one made springs. I just got lucky this time. I have been unlucky before... More than likely, when the Eibachs come out, I will probably go for a set of Sportlines so the drop will be pretty close to what I have now. Or perhaps a set of adjustables will be available later in the year. In the meantime, I'll just roll on this for now.

Peace.

 

[dastony1]

Oh Boy!

Now that's what I'm talking about,your setup is just Gangsta!!!!!!!!!!!! Love It!

 

[Commonbelief]

Looks awesome man. I have to ask about the tint, what % is that? Im trying to find a good place to have mine done, but dont want to go to dark. I just want some color on the glass.

 

[Angi300C]

Niceeeeeeeeeeeeee

 

[DRE300T]

How Is The Ride And Did U Roll The Fenders

 

[fatchance]

HEMIFID,
Thanks for the tip on the rims. When I set up my "C" I will have all my cock under the dash whacking off feverishly

 

[fatchance]

Sorry,
for the last post. I got interupped and my roomate thouhgt he'd be funny. Once again my aplologies.

 

[fatchance]

What I was going to say is that I'll have everything lined up and know what's up. I want to do it right the first time.

 

[HEMIFID]

DRE300T, no fender rolling at all and no rubbing at all. The camber of the wheel suspension clears all around. I was very happy about that. Today we had 5 people in the car with no rubbbing. Ride is still very good. On the highway it rides the same as when it was not lowered. The reall stiffness change came with the 22's. The only time you can tell is when you hit a sudden dip on the highway and the suspsion compresses really fast, but other than that, it is cool. No more float and on rams are really nice now.

Commonbelief, you are not a cop in Northern Cali are you??? Just kidding, it is 50% all around. It is very light during the day, just enough to shade the sun. At night, you can't even tell. I don't really like dark tint, so this suited me just right. I think the lightest I have seen is 70%. That one is so light you can hardly tell.

Everyone else, thanks again for the compliments!

 

[300Hemi]

what about for AWD..I need to lower asap

my setup 22x9.5 dropstar 02's with 265-35 tires (30 offset yea they stick out a little)