Coilovers

Handling, suspension, and brake tuning discussions
Post Reply
SuPeRioN81
Posts: 134
Joined: Tue Jun 03, 2003 7:20 am

Coilovers

Post by SuPeRioN81 »

Arethere any coilovers out there for the Vibe? If so which ones and which would you recommend?
Triton
Posts: 2198
Joined: Wed Aug 14, 2002 1:24 am

Re: Coilovers (SuPeRioN81)

Post by Triton »

There are a couple of companies that make Coil overs. Tein makes a set and I was really taking a look at Ground Control coil overs. They use Eibach springs with their kits. They run around $400. Go here: http://www.ground-control.com/ If you are interested in other companies, look for a listing under the Toyota Matrix.
***SOLD***2003 Vibe GT Monotone Neptune - Inaugural October 2004 Vibe of the Month***SOLD***

Now the proud owner of Titanium Silver 2012 Kia Optima SX
yank dini
Posts: 956
Joined: Tue Jul 02, 2002 1:36 am

Re: Coilovers (SuPeRioN81)

Post by yank dini »

TRD Coilovers $1400.00I'm looking into these for next spring/summer
yank dini
Posts: 956
Joined: Tue Jul 02, 2002 1:36 am

Re: Coilovers (Triton GT)

Post by yank dini »

quote:There are a couple of companies that make Coil overs. Tein makes a set and I was really taking a look at Ground Control coil overs. They use Eibach springs with their kits. They run around $400. Go here: http://www.ground-control.com/ If you are interested in other companies, look for a listing under the Toyota Matrix.Hell Maybe I should look into these
yank dini
Posts: 956
Joined: Tue Jul 02, 2002 1:36 am

Re: Coilovers (Triton GT)

Post by yank dini »

Will I be able to use my existing Eibach with these you think?
Triton
Posts: 2198
Joined: Wed Aug 14, 2002 1:24 am

Re: Coilovers (yank dini)

Post by Triton »

It is a kit. I don't know if you could use your existing springs.For the coilovers you are talking about, that is everything including the shock. The Ground Control coilovers are just the spring and the adjuster.
***SOLD***2003 Vibe GT Monotone Neptune - Inaugural October 2004 Vibe of the Month***SOLD***

Now the proud owner of Titanium Silver 2012 Kia Optima SX
Geo
Posts: 732
Joined: Thu Mar 13, 2003 9:05 am

Re: Coilovers (Triton GT)

Post by Geo »

Isn't it best to replace both springs and shock when you lower your car?I always heard that if you just replace your springs, usually your shocks will be dead in like 20,000 miles and the ride won't be as nice as a full spring/shock replacement.Am I delusional?
BADGER PRIDE
Triton
Posts: 2198
Joined: Wed Aug 14, 2002 1:24 am

Re: Coilovers (Geo)

Post by Triton »

quote:Am I delusional?Not at all, Geo! It is best that you do this, but not a must. The coilovers that are $1400 include everything. The way I see it, I get lowering springs now and put them right with the stock shocks for now. When they wear out, I'll have them replaced with some nice sport shocks or something.When CaCathy13 did hers, I do not believe she swapped the shocks and hers handles and rides great. I'll try and find out though.
***SOLD***2003 Vibe GT Monotone Neptune - Inaugural October 2004 Vibe of the Month***SOLD***

Now the proud owner of Titanium Silver 2012 Kia Optima SX
yank dini
Posts: 956
Joined: Tue Jul 02, 2002 1:36 am

Re: Coilovers (Triton GT)

Post by yank dini »

I didn't swap my shocks either and it rides better. I even hit a nasty pot hole too nothing yet.
Geo
Posts: 732
Joined: Thu Mar 13, 2003 9:05 am

Re: Coilovers (yank dini)

Post by Geo »

*nod* W00t!I might have to go for that $150 Hotchkis deal then...Yank: Office Space freakin' rocks, love your Avatar :D
BADGER PRIDE
rasermon
Posts: 2156
Joined: Mon Jul 29, 2002 10:07 am

Re: Coilovers (Geo)

Post by rasermon »

quote:*nod* W00t!I might have to go for that $150 Hotchkis deal then...Thats what I did today. quote:Yank: Office Space freakin' rocks, love your Avatar :DYank, that is the best one yet. I can hear Scareface...Die m/f die!
Satellite 03 GT Retirement ----> Moderator for Genvibe.com 2002 - 2007 A fact of life: After Monday and Tuesday even the calendar says (removed)
Nervous_Dog
Posts: 316
Joined: Tue Apr 01, 2003 1:56 am

Re: Coilovers (Geo)

Post by Nervous_Dog »

quote:Isn't it best to replace both springs and shock when you lower your car?I always heard that if you just replace your springs, usually your shocks will be dead in like 20,000 miles and the ride won't be as nice as a full spring/shock replacement.Am I delusional?People say you should replace your shocks at the same time to avoid having to take the suspension apart twice. Those people also aren't modding new cars so their shocks already have 40k or 50k miles on them. It's a good idea if your stock shocks are worn and will need replacing soon, but it shouldn't be a problem on your newer Vibe.
Nervous Dog2003 Monotone Lava GT w/ M&T and PowerMods: 18" Bronze Tenzo-R Mean Six rims w/ Kumho MX12" Rockford Fosgate Punch Sub in slot ported box2 - Rockford Fosgate Punch 201S amps2 pair - Rockford Fosgate P162C in front/rear doorsSony Xplod 5710 head unitHidden Hitch
Celtic_Curse
Posts: 1059
Joined: Tue May 20, 2003 3:37 pm

Re: Coilovers (Nervous_Dog)

Post by Celtic_Curse »

Ok dumb question... what is the difference between coilovers and just getting the lowering springs? What do coilovers do?
2003 Supercharged 5spd Vibe BaseGM Supercharger + TRD ECUMagnaflow Cat Back + DC Sports Header 18" AXIS rimms w/Kumho TiresTop Spoiler + Vis CF Functional Scoop
Celtic_Curse
Posts: 1059
Joined: Tue May 20, 2003 3:37 pm

Re: Coilovers (silverawd26)

Post by Celtic_Curse »

oh so you can set the height you think looks best? instead of being stuck with just one drop with the springs? Cool!
2003 Supercharged 5spd Vibe BaseGM Supercharger + TRD ECUMagnaflow Cat Back + DC Sports Header 18" AXIS rimms w/Kumho TiresTop Spoiler + Vis CF Functional Scoop
ragingfish
Posts: 11022
Joined: Tue Oct 15, 2002 8:23 am

Re: Coilovers (silverawd26)

Post by ragingfish »

How does the height adjust? Is there a screw? Does that mean I could go out in winter, raise it up to stock heigh, then come summer, drop it 2"?
YES!I still visit GenVibe periodically. I have not forgotten about my "original" family over here!

2009 PONTIAC G8
3.6L V6 (256 HP @ 6300 rpm, 248 ft-lbs. @ 2100 rpm)
ragingfish
Posts: 11022
Joined: Tue Oct 15, 2002 8:23 am

Re: Coilovers (silverawd26)

Post by ragingfish »

quote:I believee there is a valve you adjust the height with.. Well, you can have then any way you want... Stiffer ride, softer ride and such. I would assume people like them for that reason, so they can raise the car in the winter to avoid bottoming out. And when they want to cruise Gratiot or Van (removed), they will lower the Vibe, throw the rmp's into 6000 or so if they have a GT and smoke some civics. LOL!Do you know if you have to jack up each wheel to raise the car, or if it pushes the car upward?
YES!I still visit GenVibe periodically. I have not forgotten about my "original" family over here!

2009 PONTIAC G8
3.6L V6 (256 HP @ 6300 rpm, 248 ft-lbs. @ 2100 rpm)
User avatar
millster
Posts: 2752
Joined: Tue Jun 18, 2002 4:49 am

Re: Coilovers (ragingfish)

Post by millster »

In most cases, the spring seat is a threaded nut that can be moved up or down to raise or lower the car. http://us.st7.yimg.com/store2.yimg.com/ ... 56515970As for adjustment, jack it up and remove the wheels. I don't think you could even reach the adjustments otherwise.
-Millster-
2006 Toyota Matrix XR
1995 Saab 9000CSE 2.3T
1986 Jaguar XJ6 Vanden Plas (GM Drivetrain Conversion)
2007 Outback XT EJ257 2.6L Build
ragingfish
Posts: 11022
Joined: Tue Oct 15, 2002 8:23 am

Re: Coilovers (millster)

Post by ragingfish »

Ohhhhhhh I get it now...I thought it was something I could just go out and boom boom boom boom raise or lower the car. Heck, not worth the $$$ then IMHO if that's what it takes to adjust it....
YES!I still visit GenVibe periodically. I have not forgotten about my "original" family over here!

2009 PONTIAC G8
3.6L V6 (256 HP @ 6300 rpm, 248 ft-lbs. @ 2100 rpm)
User avatar
millster
Posts: 2752
Joined: Tue Jun 18, 2002 4:49 am

Re: Coilovers (ragingfish)

Post by millster »

Well, it's much easier than changing springs constantly to adjust height, but it does still take some work. If you want something quickly adjustable, I guess airbags or hydraulics would be best. (please don't take that seriously)
-Millster-
2006 Toyota Matrix XR
1995 Saab 9000CSE 2.3T
1986 Jaguar XJ6 Vanden Plas (GM Drivetrain Conversion)
2007 Outback XT EJ257 2.6L Build
MadBill
Posts: 1513
Joined: Thu Nov 14, 2002 9:39 am

Re: Coilovers (millster)

Post by MadBill »

Hey, there are air systems for compacts! (But I haven't seen them listed for Vibe/Matrix so far.) BTW, an often overlooked issue with coilovers is the need to get the corner weights as close as possible when adjusting them. Ideally, you would put the car on a set of four race scales, with the driver and a 1/2 tank of fuel, and adjust until the RF and LF % difference was the same as the LR and RR. Then whenever you change the height, you would always move the LF and RF the same number of turns and ditto with the rears. (Most stock vehicles are not all that close to start with.)
User avatar
millster
Posts: 2752
Joined: Tue Jun 18, 2002 4:49 am

Re: Coilovers (MadBill)

Post by millster »

Oh, I know there are air systems, but with the resulting ride quality(unless you go REALLY expensive)... I'll pass.
-Millster-
2006 Toyota Matrix XR
1995 Saab 9000CSE 2.3T
1986 Jaguar XJ6 Vanden Plas (GM Drivetrain Conversion)
2007 Outback XT EJ257 2.6L Build
AKLGT
Posts: 11694
Joined: Thu Apr 24, 2003 2:57 pm

Re: Coilovers (MadBill)

Post by AKLGT »

Hey, I was wondering if anyone was going to post something about this. I found this link online about an airlift system, http://www.airliftcompany.com/easystreet/Matrix.htm. I was wondering if anyone knew anything about it. Can you raise and lower the suspension with a button or control? I'd like to have something I can lower in the summer and raise in the winter. I've seen the new Lexus and Audi has a similar system on their SUV's.
AKLGT1998 Subaru 2.5RS
User avatar
millster
Posts: 2752
Joined: Tue Jun 18, 2002 4:49 am

Re: Coilovers (trdvibe)

Post by millster »

quote:Can you raise and lower the suspension with a button or control? I'd like to have something I can lower in the summer and raise in the winter.The higher end ones, yes. The kits similar to the one you posted actually use on switch for each wheel or pair of wheels. That's how you get that "cool" broken axle look. There are high end air suspension kits available that will work like the luxury vehicle systems, but don't expect them to be cheap!
-Millster-
2006 Toyota Matrix XR
1995 Saab 9000CSE 2.3T
1986 Jaguar XJ6 Vanden Plas (GM Drivetrain Conversion)
2007 Outback XT EJ257 2.6L Build
ragingfish
Posts: 11022
Joined: Tue Oct 15, 2002 8:23 am

Re: Coilovers (trdvibe)

Post by ragingfish »

quote:I've seen the new Lexus and Audi has a similar system on their SUV's.Correct me if I'm wrong, but don't those systems lower the car as it reaches higher speeds, and return it to normal as speed decreases?This system raises and lowers when you want it to, not automatically?
YES!I still visit GenVibe periodically. I have not forgotten about my "original" family over here!

2009 PONTIAC G8
3.6L V6 (256 HP @ 6300 rpm, 248 ft-lbs. @ 2100 rpm)
User avatar
millster
Posts: 2752
Joined: Tue Jun 18, 2002 4:49 am

Re: Coilovers (ragingfish)

Post by millster »

Yes, most raise and lower automatically. I think some of them have a manual control ability as well. The system linked above is manual only. A lot of the cheaper systems are based more around looks than actual function.
-Millster-
2006 Toyota Matrix XR
1995 Saab 9000CSE 2.3T
1986 Jaguar XJ6 Vanden Plas (GM Drivetrain Conversion)
2007 Outback XT EJ257 2.6L Build
AKLGT
Posts: 11694
Joined: Thu Apr 24, 2003 2:57 pm

Re: Coilovers (millster)

Post by AKLGT »

that air system is still $2K! I think I'll manage taking the wheels off. Besides, I have to put my studded tires on anyways, so i'll be removing the tires then.
AKLGT1998 Subaru 2.5RS
Post Reply