All right guys, I need some info and opinions...

I hate the "4x4" look of my stock suspension. From what I've been told, lowering my car will affect it's reliability (CV joint and other suspension related things), and might even ruing the handling characterstics.

I DO find that the car has too much body roll, and would love to make it stiffer.

Also, Montreal has some of the worst roads in North America (1 in 10 roads need to be repaved on averiage in NA, 1 in 3 need to be rpaved in Quebec!)

I only want to lower the car about 1.25 to 1.5 inches at most (on the stock rims). Will this benefit handling? Will it really cause more stress on my suspension and parts and cause them to wear that much quicker? What would it potentioal do to my warraty? Also the car is on lease...

Ok so IF I do decide to lower it, what shocks and spings/coilovers should I get? Price is a big factor, and reliability. Also, I am looking into AutoXing soon, and I want something that is functional, but this IS my daily driver...

Sorry if I ask a lot of questions but I love my car...it's my baby

You dont' have to respond to ALL my questions, just the ones you can help me on...


TIA
Ohlias

P.S. Most of the stuff I asked about what to buy, I can find through search, but I'd don't mind being told again, what I REALLY want to know is will is be very bad for my car....i.e. changeing parts more frequently...


[Modified by Ohlias, 6:47 PM 8/2/2001]

 

To reduce body roll and understeer, I recommend the 22mm Type R rear swaybar. But be sure to read all the archived posts about tearing out your subframe first. You'll need to use either the BSQ or SRK reinforcing scheme. Unfortunately, you'll have to permanently remove some welded nuts in your subframe, so your lease company probably won't like that... speaking of which, your car is leased... so why do you care about reliability? [flame suit on]

 

I have H&R OE's which lower the car .75" and basically get rid of the fenderwell gap. As far as reliability is concerned, a mild lowering won't change your suspension geometry much.

Your warranty on the suspension will not be intact though. Also, with a modded suspension, forget having the dealer fix any interior rattles because they'll blame it on the harsher ride.

 

to eliminate roll, i would also suggest 22mm itr rear sway bar with bsq reinforcement kit. as far as lowering, 1.5 is good...i'm down 2" and speed bumps or steep driveways i need to take it one wheel at a time to avoid scraping. as far as other wear and tear...stock shocks will need to be replace. my car had over 95k before cv joint went out and over 70k were with the lowered suspension