I had a request to post my impressions of the lowdown suspension. I'm not too good describing stuff I've added to the kaa, so I'm hoping others will chime in with their impressions.

Installation: The install was very simple. I had major problems snapping bolts by the rear lca's, but that didn't have anything to do with the new dampers. Everything bolted up just fine. The quality was a bit suspect, which I didn't count on. Some of the paint on the springs had chipped off before I even opened the package. I guess that's not a serious complaint, but for the price, you'd think mugen could pay attention to little details like that.

Lowered stance: I'm having some minor issues with the drop. The lowdowns lowered my car around 3/4", so I have to be careful not to damage the lip when sliding the floor jack under the front jacking point. I'm working under my car every third weekend replacing bolts that rattle off my loud-*** exhaust, so jack clearance is a big deal to me. My harbor freight low profile jack barely fits. I used to barely scrape my front mud guards over speed bumps. Now, speed bumps are entirely off-limits! I have to "plan" my route through certain parking lots to avoid them. Heck, I even have to be careful how I back out of my driveway, or else I'll scrape the mud guards. I like how the drop affects the wheel gap. I have 16" rims, and the smaller gap looks much nicer IMO.

Ride: I use the softest damper settings on the road. The ride is noticeably firmer than stock. Some guys say the ride quality is "close" to stock. I think it's quite a bit firmer, and potholes and bad roads can really rattle your teeth. The daily ride comfort is tolerable, but my woosie kidneys prefer the stock dampers on city streets (Missouri was voted in the top 3 states with the worst roads).

Handling: After I installed the lowdowns, I had the toe re-set to within factory spec. On the track at Heartland Park, I found the best damper setting was 3 up front and 5 in the rear to accomodate a few rough corner entries. Body roll was greatly reduced, and cutting through the 2nd-gear esses was very satisfying. I was able to control rotation in the slower corners fairly easily. I was running Azenis (36f 37r cold) and the rear 26mm bar. After a while, I experimented with pointing the nose of the car inside the apex and steering around the corner with the throttle, but I didn't get too crazy throwing the tail out because that's a new experience for me.

Overall: I'm very happy with the lowdowns. This is my first aftermarket suspension purchase, so I won't try to compare them with other kits, most of which are cheaper and offer more functions and versatility. Me, I'm just an average to below-average driver that needs something simple that I can't screw up. On the street, they're a little too firm, but they suit me ok (compared to other friends with R's, I drive mine on the street like it's a volvo). On the track, they inspire confidence so I hope to grow into them as I get more seat time. I give them a

 

nice review!

 

thanx for answering my request...this review will help alot in my suspension choice

i've narrow my two choices down to kg/mm springs with bilstein shocks and the mugen lowdowns...i'm leaning very much towards the lowdowns

once again great review

 

It's either I've gotten used to the rougher ride of the ITR or my suspension is getting old and soft but I miss the rough rider styles of the ITR when it was brand new. Can somebody do a group buy on these? I'm not completely delighted spending $1400+ on a wear item.

 

you're mastercard will be delighted

 

Nice review

I have ridden in Cosworth's car before/after he put in Lowdowns and was very impressed with the damping quality; for a "sports" suspension they ride very plush.

Can't wait to compare mine against Zeal Function S

 

shane, we expect that comparison to be up on here in the near future

 

I wouldn't get the Bilsteins as a"performance" upgrade. JMHO

 

I ordered the lowdowns last Thursday from King Motorsports so I appreciate your review. Are you planning on having a four wheel alignment done? Perhaps you might know if it is better to have the alignment done when the kit is installed, or wait a period of time for the suspension to settle.

 

Hmm, good point. I hadn't thought about giving time for the suspension to settle before doing an alignment. I installed my lowdowns a few days before a HPDE weekend, and barely had time to get an alignment done before I hit the track. I really only drove the car 150 miles or so before the HPDE. Eventually when I learn more about how I like to set up my car, I'll play with different alignment settings more frequently and make Firestone rue the day they sold me the lifetime alignment deal. Now that you mention it, I probably should go back for a checkup now that the suspension has settled.