Over the years I've had numerous sets of springs on my EK Hatch, but never been truly happy.

First was Apex Springs, with Koni Yellow adjustables.

This wasn't low enough for me so I went for a set of H&R Race as I got them cheap. Far too hard (between them, Koni's on medium hard, and a set of polyacetylene(sp?) bushings by a local tuner, I snapped a rear Lower Control arm!). They were Progressive Springs but rated as 450lbs/inch front 350lbs/inch rear by H&R.

Then I went and bought Koni Coilovers - which I discovered later are really just Koni Yellows with Koni coilover sleeves(i.e. you can't use other lowering springs on them).
I was reasonably happy with these, until I threaded one of the adjuster perches! So off they came, and after a lot of hasle trying to get a replacement sleeve/seats from Demon Tweeks I gave up and bought a set of Tein S Techs, which went on with the old Koni Yellows. For the height it was at this was the best setup I have to say. Tein rate those as (I think) - 240lbs Front, 150Lbs rear.

Then the car came off the road while I did the transplant. During this time I did the following:
-Energy Suspension poly bushings in the rear LCA main bushing, and the two front bushings of the front LCAs.
-99spec Front wishbones and EK4 anti-roll bar.
-ITR rear anti roll bar with EK4 Drop links(changed at the weekend for custom double rose-joint links)
-ASR Rear Subframe re-enforcement brace (96-98 1.4s had no rear ARB originally so this helps avoid sub-frame tear-out).
-ITR front strut brace
-Spoon rear strut brace
(Also on from a few years ago are a set of SRR Rear Lower Control arms which have poly bushings also)

In the meantime I managed to find another source for the Koni bits and got replacement parts for the coilovers - re-fitted them and sold the original Koni Yellows(great shock, amazing how much use/abuse they took with different springs etc). I still have the Tein springs.

Now, I've raised the car up quite a lot, I reckon its dropped no more than about 30-35mm(max) now. However, it is still too stiff(it actually seemed softer for the first few hours strangely). When the Koni's are on full soft(almost), it will cruise reasonably along uneven motorway, or suburban roads with constant small undulations/uneveness(shakes a lot but does seem to somewhat absorb it-i put the shaking/rattles down to the poly bushings), but any slightly longer bumps and it feels like I'm getting thrown around - car doesnt skid or anything though. Backroads can be quite uncomfortable - its not rock solid but its like its either not reacting at all, or reacting too much and hitting bottom too easily?

At the moment I'm playing about with different damping settings but I have a feeling this is not going to help.

Bump stops are OEM and I have cut about 10-15mm off them.

Wheels/Tyres: 16" Buddy Club P1 Racing SF, Toyo Proxes T1S Tyres(205-45-16).


I want something that will be comfortable enough for everyday use.
A drop of ~35mm is ok for me, I'm not stuck on having it scraping the ground (though I do see cars decked ~60mm which seem to move a lot (i.e. suspension)). Point is, I'm prepared to sacrifice not having it at a sexy looking 50-60mm drop in order to gain comfort, drivability and road-compliance.

I do intend to do occasionaly track days though so adjustable damping is a must.

Spring rates are something that confuse me somewhat - I know the rates of the springs I've had, and yet I see people quoting rates (in Kg/MM) which when I convert come out to 600lbs/inch and much higher - for road use! Am I missing something??

I really don't want to go out and spend more money on suspension without it being the FINAL time.

 

i bought the Skunk2 pro-s's which i am very satisfied with. i also have a ek hatch, they are pretty stiff compared to most of my friends coilovers but i love em. i payed like 600 brand new, well worth it in my opinion.

 

Like I said man, I'm looking for something pretty compliant/comfortable when I want it to be. Irish roads are ****!