this may sound dumb...

[urbanswashbuckler]

i'm still a little new to modifiying cars, and my vibe is definately one i want to change up both performance wise and cosmetically to match myself...with that said...i had a few questions i hope my fellow vibers could help me out with...mostly suspension related.so here goes...i was thinking of lowering my ride about 1.5 inches...for obvious reasons...but i was wondering..i was thinking of just getting springs and a bar for the engine bay, but...do i need to get different shocks or struts with my springs? or can the factory ones handle, say eibach lowering springs?and whats the difference between that and coilovers?im not racing or anything like that, i don't care about beating anyone off the line. i just want to enhance the look and handling of my car (im more concerned with agility than speed)thanks for all your help...

[Fritzburg]

First off, I don't think it's a dumb question. I had the same concerns when I lowered my first car.I dropped my Cavy 2" with Eibachs. I also had the strut tower bar installed. The strut bar will help turn in, but does little if anything for up and down suspension movements.I would strongly suggest replacing the stock struts/shocks if you lower your ride.The higher spring rates the lowering springs offer will overpower your struts, causing a bouncy ride with little dampening. Sooner or later the struts will blow, and they will need to be replaced anyway.On the plus side you ride will handle like a go-cart, and if you don't mind hitting the roof with your head over large dips in the road leave the stockers in.Besides you replace the springs and struts, and keep the stock parts for when you sell the Vibe, that way you can return it to stock ride height and sell the springs & shocks to one of us!! LOLI hope this helps.

[d_m_kolb]

If you just go with just Eibach springs you probably wont have to change your shocks.I personally like the Ground Control kit. Reason being you can adjust your ride height when ever you feel the need. I have heard mized results when it comes to needing to replace the shocks with this kit. Some say you must and other that have purchased this kit love it just the way it is. Oh by the way Ground crontrol also comes with Eibach springs in it's kit. You asked about a strut tower bar.Check these links out and you should be able to figure out which one is best for you.http://forums.genvibe.com/zerothread?id ... ead?id=816

[andrewmva]

GROUND CONTROL: I have installed thier kits on many cars, usually there is major ride quality issues, -but with some cars this is not the case. I cannot say if there is a problem with the matrix/vibe application because I have not used them yet. We do have an advantage over other applications though, the shocks/struts have a very long travel, which smooths out the ride. I have my Matrix lowered about 3" with factory shocks and have not had a problem. I do know that the Progress Group has true coil-overs on the drawing board, as well as Tein.http://www.tein.com/http://www.progressauto.com/ The last time I spoke with the Progress group they claimed that they would be making the coil-overs for TRD, I do not know when they will be out yet, I will try to findout on Monday and will let everyone know.

[Vibe Rater]

LOL! Love the warning label. Put that right beside the air bag warning label.