Another lowering question

mrx · Post by **mrx** » Sun May 02, 2004 12:14 am

If I was to lower the front by (say) 40-50mm, I would really have to get replacement shocks (most likely Koni adjustables).

However, what if I was to do that and lower the back by 20mm, but leave it stock? Anybody else done this? Is this going to have any major problems with handling and/or ride?

Hyper · Post by **Hyper** » Fri May 07, 2004 9:16 pm

I was contemplating lowering mine too, but recently i read some documentation that stated that the FTO was the best handling FWD aside from the honda integra.....while i cant back this statement personally, what i can say about it is that a number of years ago i owned a vehicle with pump up shocks and while the handling and cornering was absolutely superb, i have less body roll in the FTO which kinda states something about the stock set up. After a lot of consideration i have decided to leave mine the way it is (incl the ride height). However, each person has their own needs and wants, so i would be keen to hear other ppls opinions on this.

ruchi · Post by **ruchi** » Fri May 07, 2004 9:47 pm

When the FTO first came out the motoring critics raved about its handling. The standard setup is excellent and handles very well, however it is not ideal for all situations. If you want to take it on the track I'd suggest going lower and firmer. If you're planning on keeping it on the road, you can still upgrade to better suspension. Since the FTO first came out, you can now get both better handling and more comfortable suspension.

From memory the front of the FTO is 25mm (1") higher than the back, so a good setup is 40mm lower at the front and 15mm at the back. You could keep your existing shocks for the back but it would be advisable to change the ones on the front. Keep in mind if these are the original shocks it's probably worthwhile changing them all. If money is tight, you could get away without replacing any of them, but I'd only view that as a temporary measure, until you can afford it, as it will effect the ride.

The other thing to keep in mind is that suspension and handling goes well beyond just springs and shocks

Post by **smorison** » Fri May 07, 2004 10:17 pm

another important thing is how many k's has the car done?

if it has its stock shocks in and it has done more than 60k hten they're are going to be pretty worn out.

also are you after handling improvements or simply want to lower the car to make it look better?

if you want handling improvements what sort of driving style do you want to improve? road general / road highspeed (late night naughty stuff) / road straight line / track use / ???

etc etc each of these has a different setup... KYB's are a good alround solution.

mrx · Post by **mrx** » Fri May 07, 2004 10:34 pm

Although I had not really considered track to be an option, I am quite sure that it will come into the equation in the near future (not next weekend unfortunately). However, in general it will be more for general road use, but not straight line stuff. This is not where the FTO is best, as we all know.

What is the price of KYB's? Do UAS carry them? Car has done 80k kms's, so will need replacing very soon anyhow.

Teania · Post by **Teania** » Fri May 07, 2004 11:04 pm

UAS do carry them and from memory..... (coz' I got quoted a while ago) - fronts $220 and rears $180 - plus fitting....

I'll be changing to these in the not too distant future...

payaya · Post by **payaya** » Sat May 08, 2004 10:07 pm

i had my car lowered 45mm front and 25 back. The ride is harder for sure. It gets uncomforatable sometimes when the road is rough but im use to it now.

Get the springs changed if you find the ride to hard change the shocks. But standard shocks can be retained after a lowering.

I find the rear end gets more nevous over bumpy bends which is obvious with the stiffer rear end.