So I got my hands on a set of rear JIC coilovers for an FC. I know nothing about these and can't find any info on the JIC website. They seem to be very basic, no dampening adjustments just ride height.

I currently have Tokico Blue shocks with Racing Beat springs on the rear. I absolutely dread the taiwanese made RB springs; they are not very stiff nor do they sit low.

I am guessing probably 15k miles on my current setup and absolutely no idea how many miles on the JIC coilovers.

So which is better, my current setup or the new (used) coil overs I have acquired?


Any help would be appreciated. Thanks

 

used shocks are a total gamble... could be blown, and youd never know by looking at em

also, if you have RB springs in the front, sticking 5 or 6k springs in the back will make for some wonky handling

 

Those are JIC Magic, model SF-1. Discontinued years ago. No surprise you won't find them on the site.

good luck.

 

Thanks for the feedback!

I currently have mixed match suspension on the car. The front is on Kybs with Eibach springs, it is a lot stiffer and lower than the rear. So I guess I will put them on and see how they are... until I get a full coil over setup at least. These were so cheap I figured what the heck I'll buy em.

 

yes had a set didnt like them

 

^ Thanks for the info Hopefully they will end up being even just a little better than what I have on the rear now.

 

Those are even older than the US Spec SF-1's. The US ones were gold or whatnot. Those are seriously old and a VERY PRIMITIVE DESIGN.

Basically like getting a Tein Basic damper or Tein SS at best.

Personally I'd say the tokico illuminas with your RB Springs should be a good setup. If you get the RB Sway bars and cut a little spring off the rear to get a balanced drop you'll be good to go. That's what we used to do back in the day. Since the springs are linear you should have no problem doing that.

 

^ Thanks for the info!

I have RB sways all around with the adjustable end links. RB makes good stuff but to me their springs aren't low enough or stiff enough.

-UPDATE-

My first concern about the JIC was them bottoming out because the design is crap like others have mentioned. By lowering the height you lower the shock travel on these old coil over setups.

So I put the coil overs on the back... Now the rear is just a tad bit too stiff compared to the front. Like 30% stiffer maybe more. It has great turn in and the mild understeer is gone, but now I have random sporadic oversteer especially on clipping points. Oh and ride quality went to crud.

I am taking these off and will probably just sell em and buy some good coil overs in a couple months after saving up some money.

Thanks everyone for your input!

 

I have a set, and i like them BUT the rears do not go super low.





This would be were the wheel would sit if i was tucking tire. I have two choices, run a 45 series sidewall or trade this pair with cash on top for some 18x9.5's of the same model to give me more shock clearance while still having the fitment i want.






I think i paid $500 for them but i'm looking at finding a pair of s13 coils really soon that are fully adjustable so i'm not riding on the shock body...... The fronts have a good bit of clearance. The rears, not so much. Yes, those are kei office springs up front.

 

^ Why not just get some different offset rims or run spacers? I guess you want to be able to stay flush or tucked?

 

I'm putting a 5-7 mil slip up front with a 25mm bolt on in the rear.

Fronts will stay tucked, 25's in the rear might tuck a little bit of tire with a smidge of camber but honestly, i'm not wanting to run any and plan on buying overs soon.

Rim lips will poke. Tires will be tucked. I'm into that style alot.

And the problem isn't so much the offset, it's the wheel diameter.

I can do one of two things, stagger tire sizes (40 series front, 45 series rear) or wait til someone sells a pair of 18's for a good price and scoop them up. Otherwise, i dont have **** for suspension travel at the height i want to be at. We shall see. I wont know until i get the ******* mounted and spacers on in two weeks. Yes, it is killing me. Yes, i will probably put a 45 series on the rear.....



Still, that's a strike against these coils. Inability to tuck crazy in the rear without sacrificing safety. Dampening adjustment means nothing to me as this setup is to get me started, not carry me for years to come.

 

^ Nice that is some good info.

Hope it works out for you seems like you put a lot of thought into what you want which is a good thing.

Next goal for me is to decide which set of coil overs I am going to spend 1500 bucks on lol. I am sure there are plenty of threads on that subject though so I'll probably figure it out.