I'm running Tein FLEX coilovers and they are probably my best mod to date. You can adjust the dampening, front camber, and ride height independant of each other. If you have the money I definately recommend going with either the Tein or Cusco coilovers. And be sure to stay away from the JIC coilovers or the spring/strut combos that aren't true coilovers.

If you are on a budget and looking for bang for the buck, let me make a comparison:

Coilovers = $1500- $2000

vs.

Springs = $300
Swaybars (front and rear) = $350
Anti-lift kit = $140
Rear end links = $100
Rear strut bar = $175
Yokohama AVS tires = $320
Alignment = $65

Total = $1400

 

Coilovers are a spring/strut/pillowball combo that is integrated into a single unit. Springs on the hand are an individual component. Springs usually affect ride height (non adjustable ride height at that) and rebound. Struts affect dampening. And pillowball mounts allow you to adjust camber. You could buy these items separate but when you do you don't have the same adjustability as coilovers and the parts you'd purchase probably were not engineered together and therefore not as effective as coilovers would be because they were engineered as a single unit.

Hope it helps.

 

I have the Tein Flex also. You do notice the noise but i seem to get two distinct noises. The front's have a clunking noise (as long as my radio is on i don't notice it) while the back has more of a "gas releasing sound (sorry don't know how to describe it but i like the sound)".

I was actually concerned as you were about the noise and ride comfort. As the driver of the car you get used to it. Talking to people who have ridden in the back and front, the back seat can be a pretty rough ride but the front is not to bad.

However i should mention that i am having problems with my EDFC. Some people don't seem to have any problems but i am. It was also professionally installed by an authorized dealer.

 

There are some "basic" rules to upgrading your suspension. First buy the highest quality tires you can afford- do not skimp here. The addded stiffness of the sidewall, combined w/ the increase grip will make a world of difference not only in handling, but also in braking.

Coilovers vs Spring/Strut setups- it's all about what you want to do w/ your vehicle- is it a daily driver or a dedicated track car, do want to autox it (what class are you going to run in- need to know the rules) are you going to rallyx it, will it see occasional track use etc, etc. Or are you going to do it all. A dedicated car (in any discipline) is in a way the easiest to setup, less compromises need to be made. A car that does it all, makes lots of compromises-spring rates/damping/ride height etc. I've had both coilovers and now a strut/spring setup, both have there advantages. Do you need adjustable damping? Do you need seperate adjustable damping (bump and rebound)? Do you need height adjustment? Do you need the ability to corner weight? Are you willing to spend the time necessary to learn the nuances of adjusting your suspension and the necessary maitenence? If your answering yes, then coilovers are probably the better choice.

If you would rather have a set and forget it setup, then strut/springs would make better sense. I went from a DMS 40 setup to the STi v7 spring/strut/top setup and although I miss some of the adjustability, I don't miss much else. The STi setup is a more comfortable daily driver, w/ little or no maintence and gives up little in performance. For my uses (stress my) the STi setup is more versatile- from autox to rallyx, to daily driving to canyon carving- it does it all and does it well.

I'll quit be saying do a lot of research and ask lots of questions before you spend your hard earned dollars.

big sky