Riding LOW and Lovin It!

PHXLavaVibe · Post by **PHXLavaVibe** » Tue Jan 17, 2006 12:05 am

OMFG...I can't believe how much the handeling improved just by installing S-techs! I loved my car before, but now...DAMN!!! I took off from work early yesterday to have the springs installed. The whole process took just under 2 hours. I haven't taken exact measurments to see how much it dropped but I will during my lunch break today.I measured yesterday before having it lowered and all four wheels had about 3 1/2" of gap between the tire and the botom of the fender.One things for sure though...This drop will make washing the top of the car so much easier.I took a few quick pictures thismorning as soon as I pulled into the garage here at the office. Here they are:

PHXLavaVibe · Post by **PHXLavaVibe** » Tue Jan 17, 2006 12:06 am

Scratch that....The pictures didn't come out well due to the lighting in the garage. I'll go out later and take a fiew pics in the sunlight.

Mavrik · Post by **Mavrik** » Tue Jan 17, 2006 12:23 am

Tein S-tech? Those are a little over 2 inch drop front and rear with the rear sitting slightly lower to help with brake nose dives. I got them on my Vibe. Night and day is correct, never going back stock.

PHXLavaVibe · Post by **PHXLavaVibe** » Tue Jan 17, 2006 12:29 am

I hear you there Mavrik. Although I did keep the stocks just incase anything happens down the road.

northvibe · Post by **northvibe** » Tue Jan 17, 2006 1:07 am

Mav - what about in the winter? did you raise the car up?

Mavrik · Post by **Mavrik** » Tue Jan 17, 2006 1:08 am

nope, left it lowered and no problems yet... *knocks on wood* this is my second winter lowered.

BlueCrush · Post by **BlueCrush** » Tue Jan 17, 2006 1:13 am

Quote, originally posted by northvibe Â»Mav - what about in the winter? did you raise the car up?Mine has been lowered all winter as well. I had no problems plowing (literally) thru 9" of snow after our last major storm with my AWD.

PHXLavaVibe · Post by **PHXLavaVibe** » Tue Jan 17, 2006 1:26 am

Well, I couldn't wait to see how much it actually dropped so I just measured it for the first time since the drop yesterday. I measured it by using two rulers. I place one as level as can be on top of the tire, and use the other to measure the gap between the first ruler and the bottom of the fender.Here are the results (so far):(before) / (after)Driverside Front = 3.5" / 1.4" (2.1" Drop)Driverside Rear = 3.3" / 2.1" (1.2" Drop)Passenger Front = 3.5" / 1.4" (2.1" Drop)Passenger Rear = 3.5" / 2.4" (1.1" Drop)I sure hope it drops more in the Rear as it settles!

Mavrik · Post by **Mavrik** » Tue Jan 17, 2006 2:45 am

TEIN S-TECHSfront = 2.28" 150 lb/inrear = 2.13" 190 lb/in Thats what the settled drop is that you should have. Throw on a set of 17" tires and a strut bar and your turning corners on a dime. Install some racing seats and 5 point harness to hold you in and feel the G lol

PHXLavaVibe · Post by **PHXLavaVibe** » Tue Jan 17, 2006 4:15 am

Okay, I just got back from doing a quick photo shoot. Damn i love having hour long lunch breaks. Now that I see the pics side by side...I can tell a major difference.

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PHXLavaVibe · Post by **PHXLavaVibe** » Tue Jan 17, 2006 4:17 am

Here's another before and after shot

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PHXLavaVibe · Post by **PHXLavaVibe** » Tue Jan 17, 2006 4:21 am

Man...It's amazing what two different cameras can produce. The new pics make my car look Fusion.Anyway...here's one showing my pride:

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BlueCrush · Post by **BlueCrush** » Tue Jan 17, 2006 4:31 am

Looks Awesome!Enjoy the ride!

Mavrik · Post by **Mavrik** » Tue Jan 17, 2006 5:25 am

You need a set of black 17" rims with chrome lip. would be be like icing on the cake.Looking good.

PHXLavaVibe · Post by **PHXLavaVibe** » Tue Jan 17, 2006 7:33 am

Quote, originally posted by Mavrik Â»You need a set of black 17" rims with chrome lip.Eventually I will get some nice wheels. My wife got all pissed off at me for spending the money to have it lowered, so I'll have to wait a bit until she cools back down. She wants to go back to school and hates it when I blow my money on stuff like that. She doesn't work so I am her financial aid for the moment.Anyway back to the wheels...I would like to find a nice set of Black wheels with some bright red trim. There is a small shope here that had some but they wont fit my Vibe. Cool thing about this shop is that every wheel set this guy was showing me would only cost me $850 for everything (including tires, mounting, and balancing).

Mavrik · Post by **Mavrik** » Tue Jan 17, 2006 7:43 am

You checked http://www.tirerack.com ?

AKLGT · Post by **AKLGT** » Tue Jan 17, 2006 9:01 am

Quote, originally posted by Mavrik Â»nope, left it lowered and no problems yet... *knocks on wood* this is my second winter lowered.that's because he doesn't drive anywhere in the car. I DRIVE EVERYWHERE, he goes back and forth the 3 miles on all plowed major roads to work with a side trip once a month to Eagle River (all hwy and plowed). i can guarantee that IF he actually drove after big snows before the plows come or the amount of driving that I do, he'd be stuck. lol. i had less of a drop in the VGT but with the help of studded winter tires, i managed to slide my way through most areas. of course, my job now has me driving a lot more than the old one, so I'm sure i'd not gotten too far with the VGT. however, i can say that the difference between the AWD now and the FWD is tremendous and I doubt I'll ever go back to FWD now. i am only driving on the stock tires too. i know next winter, the traction will be even better with the addition of winter tires!

kerrykerrykerry · Post by **kerrykerrykerry** » Tue Jan 17, 2006 2:11 pm

looks nice, if you get rims, get 18's not tiny 17's

PHXLavaVibe · Post by **PHXLavaVibe** » Tue Jan 17, 2006 11:40 pm

I would love to get some 18s but we'll have to see whats out there when I am ready to get back into the market. I might be able to do something with my tax returns...but I doubt it. 17s would be cheaper but I prefer the low profile of the 18s.

ArcsVibe · Post by **ArcsVibe** » Tue Jan 17, 2006 11:49 pm

Welcome to the "dropped" club Your ride looks nice!

Mavrik · Post by **Mavrik** » Wed Jan 18, 2006 12:41 am

the wife is also forgetting I spent my first winter with the Vibe lowered in Ontario and drove all over the place through the snow. No problems.tiny 17"? I'll pretend I didn't hear that. Besides 18" rides a little rougher and with little tire side wall cushion, the odds of damaging a rim are higher.

PHXLavaVibe · Post by **PHXLavaVibe** » Wed Jan 18, 2006 12:54 am

Wow...you can deffinately tell you two are married. Forget the "dropped club" welcome to the married club I just measured the wheel well gap agian and as expected it is still falling.Latest numbers:DF = 2.1 dropDR = 1.4 dropPF = 2.2 dropPR = 1.5 drop

Mavrik · Post by **Mavrik** » Wed Jan 18, 2006 1:09 am

Funny your not the first person to mention that I think my driving 15 mins one way through snow in winter counts. When your springs were installed, did they cut those rubber bushings at the rear in half? I know I cut mine roughly in half so the shock can depress more now that its held shorter by a lowered spring.

PHXLavaVibe · Post by **PHXLavaVibe** » Wed Jan 18, 2006 1:15 am

Quote, originally posted by Mavrik Â»When your springs were installed, did they cut those rubber bushings at the rear in half? I know I cut mine roughly in half so the shock can depress more now that its held shorter by a lowered spring.Yes they did...They told me it was highly suggested by Tein to trim the Bump Stops. They went off of the guidelines specified in the shipment. I don't remember how much it actually called for.

Mavrik · Post by **Mavrik** » Wed Jan 18, 2006 1:26 am

my friend who helped me install mine, also had installed Tein on his Vibe GT. So he did the cutting as he knew how much to hack off lol. The rubber bump stop looks like one of those dog chew toys lol with three ridges. I think he cut off a little over one ridge.

drunkenmaxx · Post by **drunkenmaxx** » Wed Jan 18, 2006 4:42 am

Quote, originally posted by Mavrik Â»the wife is also forgetting I spent my first winter with the Vibe lowered in Ontario and drove all over the place through the snow. No problems..liar! everyone knows it never snows in canada! your wife is right, you have never driven in it! only in AWD can you drive in snow without getting stuck!

Mavrik · Post by **Mavrik** » Wed Jan 18, 2006 5:03 am

You really do drink a lot huh... it shows

PHXLavaVibe · Post by **PHXLavaVibe** » Fri Jan 20, 2006 2:44 am

Well the latest measure shows that the drop is at about 2.2" in the front and 1.7" in the back.

JustinVGT · Post by **JustinVGT** » Fri Jan 20, 2006 4:34 am

Looks great! Another S-tech install, they're popular. Like others said, you need to get wheels next!

PHXLavaVibe · Post by **PHXLavaVibe** » Fri Jan 20, 2006 7:38 am

Quote, originally posted by JustinVGT Â»Looks great! Another S-tech install, they're popular. Like others said, you need to get wheels next! especially if I can find some like yours!

mfivvibe · Post by **mfivvibe** » Tue Jan 24, 2006 1:18 am

Hi Justin, yeah its look great after dropped. Got few questions for you.What is the comfort level on those S Tech? Is it hard? Have you tried with full pax (5 passengers)? Any POTENTIAL unusual sound? Did you replace the stock shock?Thanks in advance. Why asking? "My wife is pregnant for 2nd time (5th month, so not sure if she will feel hurt during our morning ride once replace"..he..he..

4X4CHICHI · Post by **4X4CHICHI** » Tue Jan 24, 2006 1:31 am

man. it looks great dropped. someone at the ohio vibe rally had their's lowered with stock 16's, it looked great, he did have some higher performance tires though.

ZubenElGenubi · Post by **ZubenElGenubi** » Tue Jan 24, 2006 2:03 am

Welcome to the dropped club! I love my H-techs (installed in October). Don't forget to get an alignment after about a month! I waited almost three months and could definitely see more inside tread wear on the tires. Shame on me.

PHXLavaVibe · Post by **PHXLavaVibe** » Tue Jan 24, 2006 2:18 am

How long should it take for the springs to settle properly? Mine have been in for a week now and the Rear springs are still not where they should be. I am measuring about 2.2" drop in the front and only 1.7" drop in the rear. I am still looking for the Rear to drop another 1/2".I am starting to wonder if the shop installed my springs improperly

Mavrik · Post by **Mavrik** » Tue Jan 24, 2006 3:42 am

it will settle don't worry... and if its been over a week now, get that alignment checked.

PHXLavaVibe · Post by **PHXLavaVibe** » Tue Jan 24, 2006 4:43 am

Quote, originally posted by Mavrik Â»it will settle don't worry... and if its been over a week now, get that alignment checked.Thanks for the reassurance Mavrik...I plan on getting the alignment done this weekend.

vibedrvr04 · Post by **vibedrvr04** » Tue Jan 24, 2006 8:01 am

Lookin good man! BTW....I miss Phoenix...how's the weather?(and don't say it's a dry heat)

francismm · Post by **francismm** » Tue Jan 24, 2006 8:03 am

welcome to the lower vibe club my friend....

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francismm · Post by **francismm** » Tue Jan 24, 2006 8:04 am

heres a closer look at the front

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francismm · Post by **francismm** » Tue Jan 24, 2006 8:06 am

make sure to make an alingment and cumber...heres a closer look at the back of my vibe...and i have my vibe for 3 yrs now and still working here in canada even when snowing but i have to be careful of it coz of my cia..

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PHXLavaVibe · Post by **PHXLavaVibe** » Tue Jan 24, 2006 8:25 am

Quote, originally posted by vibedrvr04 Â»Lookin good man! BTW....I miss Phoenix...how's the weather?(and don't say it's a dry heat)Well, it's a dry heat! Actually it is quite nice about now. Today is supposed to get up to a hight of 72F. We (Phoenix) are on our 90 somethingth day without any rain. That sucks because it means we are going to have some major wild fires this summer.

PHXLavaVibe · Post by **PHXLavaVibe** » Tue Jan 31, 2006 3:17 am

Well unless something unseen happens in the future my car is riding as low as it ever will. I love the overall look/feel of the drop but I am a little upset that I didn't get the estimated drop that everyone else seems to have gotten. I did get a 2.3" drop in the front but sadly only got around a 1.5" drop on the rear. I can't complain too much though...I like the look of having the back a bit higher than the front. It gives it a little more aggressiveness.I'm just wondering now if I may have gotten screwed off of ebay. When I received the Tein S-Tech box, I looked over the springs and everything seemed to be on the up & up. I've never messed with springs before so I wouldn't know if I was getting screwed anyway. All the springs were the same neon shade of green, but who knows? Maybe someone switched the rear springs with something else other than S-Techs. There's noting I can do about it other than forking out more money and buying new ones straight from Tein.

scherry2 · Post by **scherry2** » Tue Jan 31, 2006 4:13 am

I wouldn't worry about it, mine settled in after a while.

frostyGT · Post by **frostyGT** » Tue Jan 31, 2006 4:50 am

Your car looks really nice. I wouldn't stress the drop. I'm sure you got the right springs. There is no profitability in swapping the springs.You should post an updated pic of your rear wheels. Then, someone else can take a picture at the same angle and you can see if there is a difference. I'd be happy to take a pic of mine for you. Although, mine are a few years old now and seem to have dropped a little extra over time...could be my imagination though. Congrats on the drop!

Mavrik · Post by **Mavrik** » Tue Jan 31, 2006 5:30 am

Give it time, it will settle. I know mine has.

PHXLavaVibe · Post by **PHXLavaVibe** » Tue Jan 31, 2006 6:12 am

Quote, originally posted by Mavrik Â»Give it time, it will settle. I know mine has.Thanks Mav...what was your rear drop right after the springs were installed?As for pics of the rear wheels here is one from my last photo shoot (Right after the drop)Here's one of the Front...same shoot

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PHXLavaVibe · Post by **PHXLavaVibe** » Tue Jan 31, 2006 6:17 am

I'll go take a couple quick pics right now and see what the difference is as of today. That is of course if the Pics are even viewable...(Dark Parking Garage)

frostyGT · Post by **frostyGT** » Tue Jan 31, 2006 6:29 am

Looks pretty close to mine. It's hard to see on my pics. I took a ton of pics and this is the best I could get.

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frostyGT · Post by **frostyGT** » Tue Jan 31, 2006 6:33 am

Here's another that I lightened some...

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PHXLavaVibe · Post by **PHXLavaVibe** » Tue Jan 31, 2006 6:37 am

Nice Wheels Frosty It does look pretty close to me...Maybe I'm measuring wrong or something. What is your actual drop?I'll have to wait to take some new pics. Someone has checked out the digital camera...Don't they know my car is more important than taking pictures for work purposes? When will they ever learn?