I'm in the mood to try something different than my current setup (just TEIN High Tech springs). The problem is, I'm saving up for a wedding. That's just another way to say "poor" when it comes to car parts. So like most of us probabaly, I peruse eBay looking for deals and I see these coilover sets. Just the springs and the pearches, no struts, etc. They go for about $50 or $60. Obviously these are the bottom of the barrell. I saw a Skunk2 set going for about $250... still a far cry from TEINs WGN series (height adj. only, like these sets would be) with its $800 pricetag.

So if its possible (and if not tell me), to disregard the struts for a moment. (I can always upgrade struts from stock later and still be cheaper than the TEIN WGN). What makes one set better than another? Why shouldn't I get those cheapy ones or even why should I not get the Skunk ones?

My objective here is to, at the least, retain the same ride quality in regards to comfort and performance and to make the ride height not look so crappy with the much larger gap in the front. Sure I go to Thunderhill now and again for lap sessions, but I don't do anything competitive and I'm more there for the spirited driving than for becoming the best I can be as a track driver. So I'm not looking for some competive edge, but I want decent handling for the street as well as a level of comfort. Right now between the TEIN High Techs and my Whiteline RSB dialed in at 22mm I feel I have that. I'm not looking for much more.


jason

 

Truth is, these ebay things aren't designed at all for out cars. They will fit, and they will work, but your ride quality won't be there...

-Gagan

 

hey jason i have the agx for the wrx and they work great for me~ i know it won't be as good as coilover setups but might work for you as it is working for me~ if you need a ride just come by gb on saturdays i am always there

 

hey jason can you explain why you want the tein wgn series? is getting coilovers for a wagon better for sedans? very noobish when it comes to coilovers.

 

With a complete coil over set I can get good dampening and ride height adjustment. With just springs you have the stock dampeners and you're right hide is (unevenly) subject the spring rate w/ no adjustment. The latter is what I have now and I'm just not happy with it anymore.

Since I don't need to change dampening, as I explained in my first post, I can settle with the WGNs since they are only height adjusting. I get the best of both worlds. I get high quality springs and dampeners and I can adjust the ride height to exact specifications. And, I've seen Marc's setup (OwlBoogies), ridden on it and driven it... and I really like it. I didn't really push it but I recall it handling at least as well as my setup but the ride comfort level was much higher. And it gets rave reviews from many other experienced suspension gurus

jason

 

Point taken. The TEIN High Techs are certainly stiffer and yes I have the problem already with the TEINs wearing on the stock struts.

jason

 

Thanx Jae, but I think the WGNs (or hopefully the sedan equivalents will come out soon) are what I'm really looking for.

- replace weakening stock struts
- maintain equivalent spring rates
- obtain adustable ride height, no need to improve otherwise over current setup.

Just getting AGX w/ my HighTechs won't satisfy all those requirements. Right?

jason

 

ic thanks jason. and here i am always thinking that the wgn series wont work for the sedan. well looks like i got to start saving my milk money. ...well after getting new tires...damn bald tires...

 

The problem with the cheap Ebay adjustable perch springs is not the springs really as long as you get a decent rate, its the cheap perches! My buddy got a set of these for his civic and when they came the perches we covered in aluminum shvings from the lathe they were cut on, and they werent even 6061! Being a machinist for a couple years this really offended me sure enough, one of threaded bodies beant and its perch sheared off, the right front corner of his car draged on the ground, and this was a 2300 lb civic! The skunk ones are at least good quality perches, you can beat them up pretty good, but if your gonna spend that much, pay a bit more and get ground controls and choose your own spring rates

 

Now I was wondering ahout this myself. I figured though in the end the cost will come out, relatively, about the same. If that's anywhere near true, I would choose the WGNs since I've already have first hand experience with them and was quite satisfied. Good idea though

jason

 

Tein has a height adjustable only setup out now for the WRX sedan We have a number arriving later this week, and still have 3 or 4 unspoken for.


cobraklr has the idea right - wwith the ebay specials, the qualty is horrid, and you are really jsut guessing as to what it will be like on your car. tein has gone throught he engineering, and given the low price point ($850!), its a great alternative to just springs and struts (which give a fixed ride height)

Adam