Eibach's Rock!!!!!!
23 May 2000, 10:36 AM
#31
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Hi,
I had Eibachs on my MY96 (UK) when I picked it up. The standard dampers (original) couldn't handle the extra springing (plus they were probably shot after 3 years!). Banging and crashing everywhere.
Fitted Koni adjustable dampers (at PTS) and after playing with the damping settings I now have a 'firm' ride but one that doesn't make me sea sick or crash everywhere. Vast improvement.
From Stefs report it seems that the later cars have firmer damping as standard - or maybe it's 'cos they're just newer!
Dave
I had Eibachs on my MY96 (UK) when I picked it up. The standard dampers (original) couldn't handle the extra springing (plus they were probably shot after 3 years!). Banging and crashing everywhere.
Fitted Koni adjustable dampers (at PTS) and after playing with the damping settings I now have a 'firm' ride but one that doesn't make me sea sick or crash everywhere. Vast improvement.
From Stefs report it seems that the later cars have firmer damping as standard - or maybe it's 'cos they're just newer!
Dave
23 May 2000, 11:12 AM
#32
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Stef,
I've driven a UK MY98 (15,000 or so miles old) with 17" Prodrive wheels and Pzero's, fitted with just the eibach springs. The dampers were definately struggling. The car felt very 'jiggly' as low speeds. As you've lowered the car, you're now expecting the damper to control the suspension in a shorter distance and unless the damper is well matched to the spring it won't work.
May be you've been lucky and the 17" wheels just take the unsprung weight over whan the standard dampers can manage.
Regards,
Ian K
p.s. Have you read 'Dick the skid's' article in True grip ;-)
I've driven a UK MY98 (15,000 or so miles old) with 17" Prodrive wheels and Pzero's, fitted with just the eibach springs. The dampers were definately struggling. The car felt very 'jiggly' as low speeds. As you've lowered the car, you're now expecting the damper to control the suspension in a shorter distance and unless the damper is well matched to the spring it won't work.
May be you've been lucky and the 17" wheels just take the unsprung weight over whan the standard dampers can manage.
Regards,
Ian K
p.s. Have you read 'Dick the skid's' article in True grip ;-)
23 May 2000, 11:40 AM
#33
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Bollo*
My front offside damper went for a burton yesterday, following my earlier posts, I am now totally sold on the Eibach move despite being told that there are much better springs out there.
I will now be mating them to Konis, with 17" ST2s and P Zeros having them fitted locally by a Skyline specialist (Gulp) will let you know how I fair.
PS. The people who have bought the set up how much did you pay inc fitting ?
SJD
My front offside damper went for a burton yesterday, following my earlier posts, I am now totally sold on the Eibach move despite being told that there are much better springs out there.
I will now be mating them to Konis, with 17" ST2s and P Zeros having them fitted locally by a Skyline specialist (Gulp) will let you know how I fair.
PS. The people who have bought the set up how much did you pay inc fitting ?
SJD
23 May 2000, 06:01 PM
#34
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Ian.
I don't have 17" wheels, still the standard 16".
The mileage my dampers have covered is probably equivalent to three years of average driving for most people, yet they seem in tip-top condition.
Once again, this is only my experience in my car.
Anyone who cares to try it is more then welcome at one of the meets.
Stef.
I don't have 17" wheels, still the standard 16".
The mileage my dampers have covered is probably equivalent to three years of average driving for most people, yet they seem in tip-top condition.
Once again, this is only my experience in my car.
Anyone who cares to try it is more then welcome at one of the meets.
Stef.
23 May 2000, 06:56 PM
#35
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I've fitted the adjustable yellow konis with lowered springs on my car (40MM). There just great, I can only recommend them. They need a little time to run in but then here we go. I also fitted uprated brakes, bigger wheels (7X17) with S02 PP 215/40 (we don't have that much rain here in Switzerland), strut brace and uprated engine. Not to forgett the prodrive settings. You need to play a little bit with the damper settings as well with the tyre pressure.
The car is now awesome and you can't reach the limits on the road (or your completely mad)
To make it short, Konis are worth their money
The car is now awesome and you can't reach the limits on the road (or your completely mad)
To make it short, Konis are worth their money
30 May 2000, 02:26 PM
#36
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They work for me!
Just had Eibach's fitted to my MY99 5 door Sport by Tyres Northampton - despite having read all the comments about under/overdamped suspension, bouncy ride etc! Well, I can report that so far the springs have performed faultlessly. Indeed, I'm well chuffed with the ride. The car sits about 30mm lower and there is definately less body roll. So far, only travelled on motorways and good B roads. However, high speed response on some of the less flat parts of the M25 (i.e. where the road contour has two or three shallow undulations causing the car to rise up and down in quick succesion) did not produce any untoward bouncing effects.
The service provided by Tyres Northampton was excellent - can recommend them. They took just over 2 hours to do the job. However, the 5 door does provide good access to the rear suspension turrets, unlike the 4 and 2 door models.
Prior to deciding on the Eibach's, I had e-mailed Mike Shields of SPD Tuning in the States. His favourable response made my mind up to get them fitted. His web site at
Just had Eibach's fitted to my MY99 5 door Sport by Tyres Northampton - despite having read all the comments about under/overdamped suspension, bouncy ride etc! Well, I can report that so far the springs have performed faultlessly. Indeed, I'm well chuffed with the ride. The car sits about 30mm lower and there is definately less body roll. So far, only travelled on motorways and good B roads. However, high speed response on some of the less flat parts of the M25 (i.e. where the road contour has two or three shallow undulations causing the car to rise up and down in quick succesion) did not produce any untoward bouncing effects.
The service provided by Tyres Northampton was excellent - can recommend them. They took just over 2 hours to do the job. However, the 5 door does provide good access to the rear suspension turrets, unlike the 4 and 2 door models.
Prior to deciding on the Eibach's, I had e-mailed Mike Shields of SPD Tuning in the States. His favourable response made my mind up to get them fitted. His web site at
31 May 2000, 04:21 PM
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Stef / Moray / NeilF
Regarding the rubbing noises I was getting, it would seem a few of the clips holding the inner skin of the wheel arch up have disappeared so the plastic is hanging down in places and strangley both sides. I suspect the guy who refitted my STI front bumper/spoiler lost some of the pieces and bodged it. Thanks!
Ta for your responses.
Regarding the rubbing noises I was getting, it would seem a few of the clips holding the inner skin of the wheel arch up have disappeared so the plastic is hanging down in places and strangley both sides. I suspect the guy who refitted my STI front bumper/spoiler lost some of the pieces and bodged it. Thanks!
Ta for your responses.
01 June 2000, 08:40 AM
#39
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Hi guys!
I need the partno. for the Eibach kit...I'm trying to hunt down a kit here in Sweden...not too easy.
I'm going to give them a try...
A thing that worries me though, I've recently switched to 17" Tecnomagnesio TM-Sports (17x7 ET48) with F1 215/40's...it looks like a tight fit...I don't really know if they're going to make contact with the rear wheel arches...they haven't yet though with the original springs, but the Eibach kit will lower it by 25-30 mm... *hmm* Maybe I should let them take a couple of mm's off of the rims?
You guys out there with lowered cars and 17":s...what offset are you running and how is it working out for you?
RGDS
I need the partno. for the Eibach kit...I'm trying to hunt down a kit here in Sweden...not too easy.
I'm going to give them a try...
A thing that worries me though, I've recently switched to 17" Tecnomagnesio TM-Sports (17x7 ET48) with F1 215/40's...it looks like a tight fit...I don't really know if they're going to make contact with the rear wheel arches...they haven't yet though with the original springs, but the Eibach kit will lower it by 25-30 mm... *hmm* Maybe I should let them take a couple of mm's off of the rims?
You guys out there with lowered cars and 17":s...what offset are you running and how is it working out for you?
RGDS
02 June 2000, 10:53 AM
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...and it's on order...just got off the phone with Demon Tweeks, nice lads btw, only problem was that it wasn't in stock...they where expecting shipments today, or next monday though.
...got myself a new gearshift ****...the Momo Cobra...part alloy, part carbon, couldn't help myself. ;-)
//SAM - Sweden
...got myself a new gearshift ****...the Momo Cobra...part alloy, part carbon, couldn't help myself. ;-)
//SAM - Sweden
25 June 2000, 11:04 PM
#45
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Ideally, springs should be matched to the damper. Also a good idea to change top mounts whilst its all apart.
Bigger wheels dont necessarily affect rubbing if the WIDTH doesnt change as hopefully your rolling radius remains the same if youve got the right profile tyres.
Eibach springs are made differently to most other manufacturers - they do know their stuff. In german tuning circles, eibach + koni shocks is the way to go. Bilsteins are also top notch and Prodrive must select them for a reason?
Bigger wheels dont necessarily affect rubbing if the WIDTH doesnt change as hopefully your rolling radius remains the same if youve got the right profile tyres.
Eibach springs are made differently to most other manufacturers - they do know their stuff. In german tuning circles, eibach + koni shocks is the way to go. Bilsteins are also top notch and Prodrive must select them for a reason?
26 June 2000, 09:40 AM
#46
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Well going against the flow I have been convinced it would be I good idea to swap my Eibach springs back to the originals. I'm not sure whether I like the change but the ride is definatley not as harsh (obviously) and a few clonking noises that I had not managed to diagnose have diappeared as has that lovely ability to change lanes at the flick of a wrist without any body roll (cars body not mine!). What I now get though is this strange wallowing feeling I'm not used too and I'm sure my rear view mirror vibrates now, I also felt tramlining like I've never felt before.
I have also suffered some rapid tyre wear on the inside of my front tyres, I have been running on the Prodrive settings so probably no surprises there either. But now my passengers can open the doors without hitting the concrete wall that used to be 5mm to high and therefore are saved from the yelling that used to follow.
Anyway, the chaps at Roger Clarks were quite certain that it would be sensible to swap it back and it was clear that the springs were 'bottoming out' very quickly.
So if anyone wants some used Eibach springs then let me know and make me an offer! They are off a '97 STi and my original springs look brand new so they may have been on the car from new.
I have also suffered some rapid tyre wear on the inside of my front tyres, I have been running on the Prodrive settings so probably no surprises there either. But now my passengers can open the doors without hitting the concrete wall that used to be 5mm to high and therefore are saved from the yelling that used to follow.
Anyway, the chaps at Roger Clarks were quite certain that it would be sensible to swap it back and it was clear that the springs were 'bottoming out' very quickly.
So if anyone wants some used Eibach springs then let me know and make me an offer! They are off a '97 STi and my original springs look brand new so they may have been on the car from new.
26 June 2000, 01:36 PM
#47
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Hi RichB
Forgive me but are you actually describing an improvement here or not; I'm a little confused by some of your comments?
The Eibachs that I fitted to my STi4 seemed to mostly do the opposite of what you describe. My ride height was increased enough to give me some suspension travel and allow my fillings to stay in, but not at the price of body roll.
You say that the Eibachs you took off were obviously bottoming out. Do you mean that some of the coils show signs of having compressed to the point of meeting/rubbing? If so, they are supposed to (at some point)as this is a characteristic of rising rate springs.
I have been more than happy with mine which continued to settle in over a period of about 1 month - 6weeeks, getting better all the time.
It sounds to me like yours may be some obscure Japanese spec. spring, unlike the item supplied for the UK roads?
Maybe you should try someone elses car a meet sometime for comparison.
Neil.
Forgive me but are you actually describing an improvement here or not; I'm a little confused by some of your comments?
The Eibachs that I fitted to my STi4 seemed to mostly do the opposite of what you describe. My ride height was increased enough to give me some suspension travel and allow my fillings to stay in, but not at the price of body roll.
You say that the Eibachs you took off were obviously bottoming out. Do you mean that some of the coils show signs of having compressed to the point of meeting/rubbing? If so, they are supposed to (at some point)as this is a characteristic of rising rate springs.
I have been more than happy with mine which continued to settle in over a period of about 1 month - 6weeeks, getting better all the time.
It sounds to me like yours may be some obscure Japanese spec. spring, unlike the item supplied for the UK roads?
Maybe you should try someone elses car a meet sometime for comparison.
Neil.
26 June 2000, 02:41 PM
#48
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Neil F,
Good question, I'm not really sure what I'm on about, The guys at RCMS were certain that just changing the springs was a bad idea.
Bearing in mind that I have not driven a car with standard springs and therefore having made the change I can tell you that I like the softer ride, it doesn't clonk over small bumps anymore, my tyres shouldn't wear out as much, the car doesn't grind on kerbs.
However, I miss the nonexistent body roll, I don't like my rear view mirror vibrating at 80mph, I don't like the tramlining I just experienced on a slip road.
Yes, the springs I have taken off show signs of meeting/rubbing, I understand what you're saying but something was clonking over small bumps which has now disappeared. Does your clonk when you go over a piece of freshly tarmac'd road which is slightly higher than the original road surface?
You could be right about the springs being weird spec although the box I have with my original springs in is the same as the Eibach box seen in catalogs such as Demon Tweeks. I spoke to a dealer, can't remember who, who seemed fairly confident that Eibach did not make a different spring for use in Japan and for over here.
I had hoped to try out other cars before swapping them over but failed, I was having a service done last weekend and it made sense to do it all in one go. I haven't found a decent place to get servicing done locally so I did a 375 round trip which I didn't want to do too often.
At the moment I am not blasting down country lanes or doing track days so am happy to sacrifice the reduced roll in favour of reduced tyre wear and a slightly softer ride.
Does anyone know whether the springs are different between UK/WRX/STI?
Apologies for the waffle...As you said, I need to get to a meet!
Cheers,
RichB
Good question, I'm not really sure what I'm on about, The guys at RCMS were certain that just changing the springs was a bad idea.
Bearing in mind that I have not driven a car with standard springs and therefore having made the change I can tell you that I like the softer ride, it doesn't clonk over small bumps anymore, my tyres shouldn't wear out as much, the car doesn't grind on kerbs.
However, I miss the nonexistent body roll, I don't like my rear view mirror vibrating at 80mph, I don't like the tramlining I just experienced on a slip road.
Yes, the springs I have taken off show signs of meeting/rubbing, I understand what you're saying but something was clonking over small bumps which has now disappeared. Does your clonk when you go over a piece of freshly tarmac'd road which is slightly higher than the original road surface?
You could be right about the springs being weird spec although the box I have with my original springs in is the same as the Eibach box seen in catalogs such as Demon Tweeks. I spoke to a dealer, can't remember who, who seemed fairly confident that Eibach did not make a different spring for use in Japan and for over here.
I had hoped to try out other cars before swapping them over but failed, I was having a service done last weekend and it made sense to do it all in one go. I haven't found a decent place to get servicing done locally so I did a 375 round trip which I didn't want to do too often.
At the moment I am not blasting down country lanes or doing track days so am happy to sacrifice the reduced roll in favour of reduced tyre wear and a slightly softer ride.
Does anyone know whether the springs are different between UK/WRX/STI?
Apologies for the waffle...As you said, I need to get to a meet!
Cheers,
RichB
26 June 2000, 03:10 PM
#49
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Hi RichB,
Changing the springs on their own is *normally* a bad idea (it doesn't have to be but it depends on what dampers you have.
Not sure what MY you had but on my MY96 it had been fitted with Eibachs on standard dampers. Mine were shot PLUS the standard dampers (MY96 anyway - dunno about later) are a little on the weak side. Stiffer springs need firmer damping. Mine would crash and clonk all over the place.
I replaced the dampers (same springs) with Koni adjustables. On their softest setting the crashing/clonking was still there - just less. Incresing the damping had the desired effect of reducing this to almost nothing (well, to normal Scoob crashes and clonks....!) and vastly improving the handling.
So your dealers were correct in your case. The dampers were not being allowed to do their job (controlling the spring rate as it was now so much more) so the result was as you described.
Dave
Changing the springs on their own is *normally* a bad idea (it doesn't have to be but it depends on what dampers you have.
Not sure what MY you had but on my MY96 it had been fitted with Eibachs on standard dampers. Mine were shot PLUS the standard dampers (MY96 anyway - dunno about later) are a little on the weak side. Stiffer springs need firmer damping. Mine would crash and clonk all over the place.
I replaced the dampers (same springs) with Koni adjustables. On their softest setting the crashing/clonking was still there - just less. Incresing the damping had the desired effect of reducing this to almost nothing (well, to normal Scoob crashes and clonks....!) and vastly improving the handling.
So your dealers were correct in your case. The dampers were not being allowed to do their job (controlling the spring rate as it was now so much more) so the result was as you described.
Dave
03 September 2000, 05:57 PM
#52
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Just order some eibach springs for my 95 wrx, and just had a quick look at the spring and damper setup on the car and can't see how the brake pipe line come's of the damper.
It seem's to be a clip idea ,if so does anyone know how it come's of,thanx
nick.
It seem's to be a clip idea ,if so does anyone know how it come's of,thanx
nick.
04 September 2000, 12:42 AM
#53
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nick,
The brake pipe bracket is not slotted so the pipe has to be disconnected to remove the damper from the car. However, that's the bad news - the good news is that if you remove the clip you can wangle the assembly around enough to change the springs without removing it completely. I just did this at the weekend and it worked fine but it's better to get somebody to give you a hand to support the damper as necessary to prevent it from straining the brake pipe. The new springs (Eibach, of course!) have made an unbelievable difference to the handling without destroying the ride and my only reservation is that the ride height is still the same when I expected it to drop by 25-30mm. Has anybody else had this? I read on another thread that the springs will eventually settle but according to Eibach's own FAQs they are designed to NOT settle. I have e-mailed Eibach for an opinion.
Raymond.
The brake pipe bracket is not slotted so the pipe has to be disconnected to remove the damper from the car. However, that's the bad news - the good news is that if you remove the clip you can wangle the assembly around enough to change the springs without removing it completely. I just did this at the weekend and it worked fine but it's better to get somebody to give you a hand to support the damper as necessary to prevent it from straining the brake pipe. The new springs (Eibach, of course!) have made an unbelievable difference to the handling without destroying the ride and my only reservation is that the ride height is still the same when I expected it to drop by 25-30mm. Has anybody else had this? I read on another thread that the springs will eventually settle but according to Eibach's own FAQs they are designed to NOT settle. I have e-mailed Eibach for an opinion.
Raymond.
04 September 2000, 12:59 AM
#54
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Raymond,
when I fitted my springs I stood back in horror because it looked higher than before!! After 2-3 weeks it settled down nicely and now has that cool road hugging look. Dont mess about mate GET EM ON.
Stu
when I fitted my springs I stood back in horror because it looked higher than before!! After 2-3 weeks it settled down nicely and now has that cool road hugging look. Dont mess about mate GET EM ON.
Stu
04 September 2000, 05:49 PM
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Any of you guys had these springs fitted to a Type R ?
I really fancy the aggressive look by lowering it by a few mm but i don`t want to upset the handling of the car.
The std springs on the Type R are already pretty firm, i don`t know whether they differ from std STI springs or not.
So, who`s in the know, if i put eibachs on will i lose the stiffness or will it remain the same, just giving me the lowered stance that i am looking for? I can`t really see them being any stiffer than the Type R springs!
Regards
Paul (can`t afford £1500 on proper setup)
I really fancy the aggressive look by lowering it by a few mm but i don`t want to upset the handling of the car.
The std springs on the Type R are already pretty firm, i don`t know whether they differ from std STI springs or not.
So, who`s in the know, if i put eibachs on will i lose the stiffness or will it remain the same, just giving me the lowered stance that i am looking for? I can`t really see them being any stiffer than the Type R springs!
Regards
Paul (can`t afford £1500 on proper setup)
05 September 2000, 01:51 PM
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Regarding RICHB and his rubbing arches....car can also make noises caused by power steering on full lock....lots of pressure in the power steering at full lock...notice reading further that you've found the problem....
Also regarding springs/shocks...usually standard springs will be matched with the shocks,so I assume the newer cars have shocks which are just able(If not too abused!)to handle the new loads caused by the new springs....lowering the car will affect the camber/castor angles and bump steer response of the car so if your looking for serious gains its wise to get these sorted too....but if you opptimise too far for ultimate handling you'll find that you get adverse(sometimes very severe if taken too absurd limits!) tyre wear.
I had a previous car fitted with a set of Leda struts(dampers) at the front,bilstein rears and eichbach springs.....awsome!
Also regarding springs/shocks...usually standard springs will be matched with the shocks,so I assume the newer cars have shocks which are just able(If not too abused!)to handle the new loads caused by the new springs....lowering the car will affect the camber/castor angles and bump steer response of the car so if your looking for serious gains its wise to get these sorted too....but if you opptimise too far for ultimate handling you'll find that you get adverse(sometimes very severe if taken too absurd limits!) tyre wear.
I had a previous car fitted with a set of Leda struts(dampers) at the front,bilstein rears and eichbach springs.....awsome!
07 September 2000, 05:41 PM
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A question for raymond or stef or someone that has change eibach springs themself.
It may sound like a dumb question, but i just got my springs and can't work out what's the front and back, two of the spring's are slightly shorter then the others,and what way up do they go, thanx
p.s sorry for being so thick,but i don't want to put them on the wrong way
nick.
It may sound like a dumb question, but i just got my springs and can't work out what's the front and back, two of the spring's are slightly shorter then the others,and what way up do they go, thanx
p.s sorry for being so thick,but i don't want to put them on the wrong way
nick.