I bought a new Honda Fit GE and decided to install a slightly lower & firmer suspension, but I have had nothing else but problems since.

My first attempt was with Tanabe NF 210 springs with stock struts. (20mm drop).

My second attempt was with BC Coilovers. (30mm drop).

My present attempt is with a full Mugen Suspension. (20mm drop).

I have same big problem with all setups, that is a lot of side to side sway, roll and bounce on very slightly uneven roads. Just not firm at all, infact a very uncomfortale drive.

I have since installed a rear stabilizer bar and front 2 point lower arm bar to help keep the control arms from flexing so much, but not much better.

There is no noise at all and everything around the suspension area is perfect.

The strange thing is, it's the same problem with all setups. Which makes me think there must be a simple solution somewhere.

Any ideas welcome.

 

to be honest, if everything was installed correctly and you got a proper alignment, it just sounds like you're not used to the stiffer ride yet. because with stiffer rates and a lower ride hide, you will feel more of the little bumps driving down the road.

 

I can put up with the bumps in the road, but not the side to side sway. It feels like a boat.

The funny thing is I also have other cars lowered about 30mm with stock struts and they feel great.

 

By experience, if you are using stock struts I recommend you get new ones and preferably adjustable ones. I would not use stock struts which has been worn at a different ride height. This may correct the problem.

 

I am using a full new Mugen Sports Suspension for the Honda Fit GE.

I thought these would have solved this problem. It feels more like there are are no springs.

http://www.mugen-power.com/street/fit/parts/04.html

 

can you adjust the rate to stiffer or softer like regular coilovers if you can this might help you

 

You won't believe this, but I just put on a set of stock wheels and tires just to test and guess what, it's 3 million % better.

The wheels I have been using are 16x7 ET40 with 205/50/16 tires.

This is so strange.

 

good tires actually go a long way. good suspension + shitty tires = crap.

good tires + good suspension = good!

i'm no tire guru though so i wouldn't be able to recommend what you'd need. there is a tire section and they'd be more than welcome to tell you what you need depending on what you're planning to do.

 

Progressive vs linear springs.

I know many people who lower their cars always ask to see pics of what the car looks like lowered, but ride quality is a more important factor for the daily driver.

In my opinion, I think linear springs are better if you're going to be driving on poor quality roads on a daily basis. They will give a less bouncy ride and less body roll in general. I think many OEM manufacturers use linear springs.

On the other hand, progressive springs are great if the roads are very flat and near perfect. These springs are soft at the top and get harder.

Result on poor roads = bounce bounce then they feel hard = poor ride quality.

The problem is, no one makes linear lowering springs for the Jazz/Fit GE.

 

Most coilover set up springs are Linear rate. It's weird that your Mugen set up is float bouncy. IMO it looks to me like your tires are too big. What sucks for you is that OEM size is 185/55/16 and running a 205/45/16 will throw your speedo off. If there was some way to do it 225/45/16 would be the way to go.

 

I just fitted my stock suspension again and it's the same problem. The car just wallows and feels uncomfortable on slightly uneven roads.

My Yaris is lowered 25mm with stock struts and it just sits tight on the same roads.