Strut Suggestions

[pperrone]

I cannot afford to spend a lot of money, but would like to do some sport/performance mods. Some things I might concider are:Struts/ShocksAir intakeAnything to improve fuel economyOr anything else you might suggestThanks,P

[Cruxless]

Get some lowering springs.

[MotoAce51]

I was in the same position. Driving 100mi a day and needed better gas mileage. I installed the Injen CAI & Helix TB spacer and I wouldnt change it. It helped me and I actually saw an increase in gas mileage.

[pperrone]

MotoAce 51, Call me an Idiot, but can you explain what you changed?I was thinking of trying E3 spark plugs to start with.

[06pvibe]

A CAI is a long tube w/an air filter on the end of it. It mounts in a wheel well or behind the front bumper so it gets its air directly from outside and not from the hot engine compartment. It replaces the factory air box/filter and hose.A throttle body spacer is a device the literally puts distance between the throttle body of the fuel injection system and the intake manifold. MotoAce's happens to have a built in helix to "spin" or break up the air as it enters the manifold... said to improve fuel atomization.What they look like installed:As for shocks/struts, I am looking at the Tokico's when it's time. They are a monotube design... better for performance. I had these on my Honda and LOVED 'EM!!However, if they are no longer available when that time comes, I may settle for KYB G2's which are a "factory "replacement" damper, a twin-tube design, like most cars come w/from the factory. Better for ride, but w/a slight upgrade in shock valving. They are a little bit cheaper as well.1st choice: 2nd choice, the KYB's:

[pperrone]

Hey, thanks for the info! Now for the next question... Where can I get it???

[06pvibe]

Well, when I want something and I know what I want, I usually search and research (cost, shipping and availability) for it. These days that's very easy compared to when I started modding cars. Do they have Google in that part of Florida? Yahoo?You wouldn't want us to spoil all your fun, would you? *edit* But one thing to keep in mind when searching: If there are no products listed for the Vibe, be sure to look under Toyota Matrix as well. For some strange reason, many suppliers do not recognize them as being the same car yet all the mechanicals and electricals interchange. Only most body parts will not interchange between them.

[SeattleJeremy]

I'm very interested in this thread because I will be buying Struts for my Vibe in September.So why are the Tokico's better? Do they have more dampening than the stock struts?Here are the Tokico's on eBay for $268.99+25shipping. http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors...t_975The best price I've found for the KYB's is at Rockauto.com and they are about $250+shipping. Edit: So according to Raven in this thread. http://forums.genvibe.com/zero...95634Quote »The Tokicos seem to absorb the bumps more smoothly and rebound much faster so road contact is maintained, allowing the car to keep it's line without chattering or hopping. Even at 75mph through some bumpy corners no steering corrections were needed.Anyone else have some input?

[06pvibe]

Yes I do.When I had mine I noticed the difference right away. The dampening is firm but not harsh and they offered excellent (IMO) control.I really liked the way they were valved for my Honda, which in 1980 was a very short wheel based car.They, along with some better, wider tires (185/60's. 155/80's were stock for that car) made up my whole suspension which I successfully auto-Xed and Road Rallied for several years. No incidences and several 1st places. Considering I'm an only average (or below) race driver I'd say that's pretty good!!

[06pvibe]

Or try this one: http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors..._1156Set of 4 shocks and lowering springs (-1.5" F/R) $438.94 +$55. They are saying the blues are also twin-tube, but I'm quite sure the ones I had which were copper colored at the time, were mono-tubes.Either way, I'm sure they would do the job and do it well!!

[mac99d]

Tein Super Streets...has full adjustability for dampening and ride height. I have had mine since 04 and they still work wonderful, but they are more coin.

[06pvibe]

Oh yeah. Back in 04 you could buy them for under $900 before shipping, but they have gone up quite a bit since then. I was looking at them as a possiblity for my Mazda3 HB back then. More recently, and I haven't done any real serious research, the best I have seen them going for is closer to and over $1200 before freight.