93 Base FD Shock + Spring Combo Help
03-11-18, 12:52 PM
#1
93 Base FD Shock + Spring Combo Help
Ok all here goes another suspension thread.
I currently have a ‘93 base FD and I’m looking to firm the ride up a bit. While I have searched and read as many posts as I could find, I would like some current guidance on the final setup for shocks+springs. I used to own an R1 before and while the ride was firm, it was just fine in my books.
I have owned coilovers before on a merc cl55 and although they were ok I was not a fan of having to keep fiddling with settings because I thought my last drive could have been better. Truth be told, I live in a very truck congested area of PA and the roads are a mix of nice and wtf was that pothole doing there? Hence I am shying away from the coilovers discussion despite the consistent positive feedback from the forum on Ohlins DFVs.
From readings, and from prior first hand experiences I am partial to the Bilstein sports. I have also had good experiences with Konis (FSD) so I expect the Koni products (yellows) would do just fine. However, I am worried about picking the wrong springs from a quality ride standpoint and a lowering standpoint. I am not a track racer and my car is for street use and fun winding drives. I am on current stock wheels and will be moving to 18s in a month when I have the suspension picked out.
I have seen conflicting posts regarding the Bilstein+racing beat springs being too stiff or being just right. I have also read Howard’s post praising Eibach’s kit.
I would like to know what springs are you current members running with Bilsteins? And, what would you change if you could?
Also, how low did your car sit after the current set up was installed?
Any pictures of your current stance would also be helpful. Did I miss any other setups that are a must given my driving conditions and goals?
Many Thanks,
Double-A
I currently have a ‘93 base FD and I’m looking to firm the ride up a bit. While I have searched and read as many posts as I could find, I would like some current guidance on the final setup for shocks+springs. I used to own an R1 before and while the ride was firm, it was just fine in my books.
I have owned coilovers before on a merc cl55 and although they were ok I was not a fan of having to keep fiddling with settings because I thought my last drive could have been better. Truth be told, I live in a very truck congested area of PA and the roads are a mix of nice and wtf was that pothole doing there? Hence I am shying away from the coilovers discussion despite the consistent positive feedback from the forum on Ohlins DFVs.
From readings, and from prior first hand experiences I am partial to the Bilstein sports. I have also had good experiences with Konis (FSD) so I expect the Koni products (yellows) would do just fine. However, I am worried about picking the wrong springs from a quality ride standpoint and a lowering standpoint. I am not a track racer and my car is for street use and fun winding drives. I am on current stock wheels and will be moving to 18s in a month when I have the suspension picked out.
I have seen conflicting posts regarding the Bilstein+racing beat springs being too stiff or being just right. I have also read Howard’s post praising Eibach’s kit.
I would like to know what springs are you current members running with Bilsteins? And, what would you change if you could?
Also, how low did your car sit after the current set up was installed?
Any pictures of your current stance would also be helpful. Did I miss any other setups that are a must given my driving conditions and goals?
Many Thanks,
Double-A
Last edited by Aarkaah; 03-11-18 at 01:10 PM.
03-11-18, 09:16 PM
#2
I've run the Bilsteins with Racing Beat springs. I think your stock bumpstops will need to be in good condition for that combination as you'll be riding on them most of the time and they will contribute a large amount to the overall spring rate. They felt very soft to me.
I've run them with Tein S-Techs too, I thought they were fine on average roads. Never had any passengers complain about the ride.
I preferred the S-Techs by far, great combination for the street.
I've run them with Tein S-Techs too, I thought they were fine on average roads. Never had any passengers complain about the ride.
I preferred the S-Techs by far, great combination for the street.
03-11-18, 09:55 PM
#3
@mrselfdestruck,
Thanks. Strange though, searching the threads some stated to stiff on racing beat. Then I found posts saying that the eibachs left the rear sitting high. Etc. HKS good but ...etc. I only want to do this once and get it right the very first time. So you used to run Bilsteins (sport or hd) on racing beats and then switched to Bilsteins on tiens? Do you have pictures of the final clearance and what is your current setup please?Appreciate your response. AA
03-12-18, 05:10 PM
#5
I appreciate your responses. I just had a preference for shocks and springs given my prior coilover experience.
I assume you suggested HKS GT coilovers to put me in the same price range as the shock+springs combo? You are running Ohlins DFVs with stiffer springs.. can you comment on the reasons for the switch from Bilsteins to DFVs, and the improvements you encountered? Also, what are your road conditions?
Many thanks.
I assume you suggested HKS GT coilovers to put me in the same price range as the shock+springs combo? You are running Ohlins DFVs with stiffer springs.. can you comment on the reasons for the switch from Bilsteins to DFVs, and the improvements you encountered? Also, what are your road conditions?
Many thanks.
03-13-18, 02:47 PM
#6
I wanted to run semi slicks and felt the previous setup wasn't stiff enough for a stickier tire. I made a thread about them if you'd like to read more. 
You sound picky about the ride height, that's why I would go with a coilover. You can also easily change the spring rate if you decide it's too soft or stiff for you.
HKS make good products. I wish I had tried those instead of spending almost the same amount on shocks, springs and machining.
You sound picky about the ride height, that's why I would go with a coilover. You can also easily change the spring rate if you decide it's too soft or stiff for you.
HKS make good products. I wish I had tried those instead of spending almost the same amount on shocks, springs and machining.
03-13-18, 08:19 PM
#7
I wanted to run semi slicks and felt the previous setup wasn't stiff enough for a stickier tire. I made a thread about them if you'd like to read more.
You sound picky about the ride height, that's why I would go with a coilover. You can also easily change the spring rate if you decide it's too soft or stiff for you.
HKS make good products. I wish I had tried those instead of spending almost the same amount on shocks, springs and machining.
You sound picky about the ride height, that's why I would go with a coilover. You can also easily change the spring rate if you decide it's too soft or stiff for you.
HKS make good products. I wish I had tried those instead of spending almost the same amount on shocks, springs and machining.
I truly appreciate your input. I did read through your DFV thread And I think it highlighted the exact thing I was hoping to avoid with coilovers. Kudos on your perseverance. I had the same experiences with coilovers on a different car and I think you just helped reconfirm my direction. Funnily enough, most early suspension posts seemed to swear by either the Ohlins for coilovers or Bilsteins for shocks. I think I will stay focused on Bilsteins and lowering springs if I can get someone to chime in positively on other springs. You already confirmed Teins. So thats one possibility better than the RB. Thanks a lot. 🙏🏾
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