Can someone please give me the advantages or disadvantages of a full coilover setup versus a strut/spring setup. I did some searching, but nothing to help me make a decision on what to purchase. Thanks in advance.

 

Off the top of my head, I'd say:

- Height adjustability via threaded lower perches. A traditional shock/spring combo doesn't have that.
- Shocks that are tuned properly for the spring rate of the spring since they came from the same manufacturer and aren't being assembled in the field with components that may or may not ever have been planned for each other.

I'm sure there are more, but that's what I can think of right now.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by BubblegumTate &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Off the top of my head, I'd say:

- Height adjustability via threaded lower perches. A traditional shock/spring combo doesn't have that.
- Shocks that are tuned properly for the spring rate of the spring since they came from the same manufacturer and aren't being assembled in the field with components that may or may not ever have been planned for each other.

I'm sure there are more, but that's what I can think of right now.</TD></TR></TABLE>

also install on the full coilovers is straight bolt on, way easier than the coil/spring shock combo haha. From what i know full coilovers well handle alot better than most spring/shock combos. Though if you compare the full coilovers to Ground Controls with konis...its a way different story, there will be alot of different opinions on that topic

 

You can't forget about the disadvantages though...

- Complicated adjustment (preload vs shock travel)
- Most have Poor adjustment ranges if damping adjustable
- Questionable build & material quality on most brands
- Most are overpriced for the quality & performance
- Poor warranties & warranty coverage for most brands
- Poor customer service records for most brands

FYI:
- There is no such thing as the spring being matched to the damper. Damping is a separate value that is only minimally related to spring rate...
- The lifetime warranty on certain performance shocks and lowering springs & even select sleeve-spring sets will go a long way to keep you happy for some time...
- Shock travel adjustment is a moot point on "full coilovers" since shock/spring setups or shock/sleeve setups can use extended upper mounts or the shock fork trick to gain back any lost travel.
- Preload adjustment is not an advantage either unless your local regulations require you to have your springs seated at full suspension droop.

IMO, there is NO advantage...

 

So, 94eg! would use a strut and spring setup, and if so which ones. Thanks

 

I am partial to Koni sports with ground control springs. If you want to go low, a pair of top hats for the front or researching the "shock-fork-trick" will save travel. If I didn't want to spend that much, I would get Koni shocks with Neuspeed, Eibach or H&R springs (all have lifetime warranty) in whichever ride height I was looking for.

H-T member Tyson has nothing but praise for the Tokico Illumina shocks and actually prefers them to Koni sports (he's used both). His recommendation, plus their lifetime warranty, tells me they are good to go with any of the spring setups mentioned previously. But since the brake line bracket is welded onto the body of Illuminas, the shock fork trick is not as simple of an option for travel. This means you will need custom extended stock upper mounts, or Ground control sleeves & their aftermarket upper mounts. Keep in mind this is only if your going lower than 2" though...

If I still didn't want to spend that much and felt like taking a chance, I would try out Skunk2's new shortened sport shocks. The 90 day warranty is a bit of a red flag, but the shortened body and sport valving makes them quite tempting for the price.

As for "full-coilovers", the only one I can recommend is PIC. Their rep is on here almost 24 hours a day, so I know if I had any problems with them, a contact is ready & waiting. Also, they do have new "digressive" valving that is supposed to come out soon which should make for a very streetable & long-lived performance shock. I don't know about their warranty or how long they last though as they are relatively new as a company...

 

I'm not looking to go super low. I looking for something for a little auto-x and hpde and daily driving. I just want to get the best bang for my buck. Money isn't a big problem, I just don't want to spend alot if I don't have to. thanks

 

Do you have a website for PIC coilovers?

 

I think it's PICperformance.com or something like that. You can search google & H-T to find it...

 

Yes it's http://www.PICPerformance.com My email address is AHung@PICPerformance.com in the event that you don't find the answers you're looking for on the page.

 

Any idea when you will have some in stock for 90-93 integras?

 

Yes the website needs some work... you've got a PM.