RE: Question about springs, sways, wheels

["Ng, Kevin (Bank of America Commercial Finance)" <kevin.ng@bankofamericacf.com>]

Hi Chuck,

> I was offered an opportunity to pick up a set of Eibach springs for my
> GLX that would lower it 1.4" front and back. The car is currently stock
> with 15" BBS wheels. I was hoping that some of you could help me with a
> few questions:
> 
> 1. Do I need to swap out the shocks too?
> 
Yes.

> 2. Would I have to get an alignment after having these springs
> installed? 
> 
Yes.

> If so, is it possible that the alignment may not be able to
> be properly adjusted due to the short springs?
> 
Not likely. I have 400# springs and alignment is perfect.

> 3. Is 1.4" inches a reasonable amount to lower a GLX? (Too low or not
> low enough?)
> 
Good compromise. You don't want to lower too far because not only will you
get rubbing, but *handling* will actually be compromised due to the awkward
control arm angle.

> 4. Could I expect any rubbing of the tires in the wheel wells?
> 
If you go with wider tires, yes.

> 5. What kind of ride can I expect from these springs? I don't mind
> feeling the road a bit, but wondered how much more "bumpiness" I might
> feel with shorter springs.
> 
Very subjective. Like I said, I have 400# springs, and I do not find the
ride harsh at all. But I do avoid potholes and areas being repaved (ie
raised manhole covers) at all costs.

> In addition to the springs, how beneficial is it to replace the stock
> sway bars with aftermarket models such as Neuspeed for example? I have
> heard that the stock sways are to flexible.
> 
Sways will help control body roll. Whether you want that or not is entirely
up to you.

> Is it advisable to change the outer diameter of my tires, or only to
> change the wheel size and compensate with a shorter sidewall, keeping
> the O.D. the same?
> 
It's generally a good idea to keep the OD the same, to avoid any speedo
errors. I have a friend that went from 215/40-17's to 215/45-17's, and now
he's got all kinds of problems. There are websites out there like
http://www.tirerack.com that will help you choose a tire/wheel combination
that's best suited for your car.

> Thanks for your help,
> 
Your welcome! That's what the list is here for...

> Chuck Van Pelt
> 
Regards,

Kevin Ng
97 GLX Windsor Blue