Performance Spring Preferences

[Aaron Clinton 2,372]

I am going to be doing springs on both cars, probably ordered them today for a combo discount.  (No, not doing coil overs at this time as I do not track either car, or drive either hard enough to get that aggressive with the suspension.)

 

So, over the years for my personal cars, I have only used Eibach and H&R.  But now going full into the Japanese side of the auto word, (taking a German breather) there is a whole new world of aftermarket brands I don't have as much hands on driving or owning experience.  In this case, price is not a deciding factor, as all four options are with in $20 of each other. Also, ride height differences are with-in 0.4" total of each other, so that is not a factor either.

 

For both cars, including the two brands I am familiar with, I am looking at TEIN and Tannabe too.  

 

I have read quite positive reviews from real users on all of them.   The Eibach is my safe bet from a comfort zone POV, the Tannabe has some nice traits, but the TEIN seems to be a front runner with reportedly better material (Chrome Vanadium) which also results in less weight.

 

Of the real performance car guys on here, what are the experiences with TEIN and Tannabe?

 

Thanks.

[///M5 2,833]

I'd go with the ones that publish their spring rate.

 

Who am I kidding. I'd do coilovers. Adjust ability in the shock will do more for your ride than any spring can. Just googled them too, can't believe how cheap they are for the RX. Cheaper than new stock shocks and the springs you are looking at btw.

 

Adjustability >> set it and forget it.

[Aaron Clinton 2,372]

TEIN coil overs are pushing $1500 roughly for the RX-8, much more then I can budget anytime soon.  Tokico D spec coil overs and a brand I have not heard of D2, are almost within reach.

 

I can always do Tokico adjustable shocks down the road for a decent price, if they are in the budget.

Edited May 2, 2013 by Aaron Clinton

[Tirefryr 1,742]

I had the Tokico Illuminas on the Cobra. They were horrible. I don't know who makes their springs though.. now having both stock type suspensions and coilovers, I will never use a coilover on the street unless the vehicle had an OEM design, and I'm not talking McPherson.

[Aaron Clinton 2,372]

I had the Tokico Illuminas on the Cobra. They were horrible. I don't know who makes their springs though.. now having both stock type suspensions and coilovers, I will never use a coilover on the street unless the vehicle had an OEM design, and I'm not talking McPherson.

 

May I ask why?  I had done so much suspension work to the Brabus, and coil overs were waiting to be installed before the horrible fate.... anyway I never got to use them.

[Aaron Clinton 2,372]

Oh, it appears both TEIN and Tannabe post spring rates on their respective sites.  Didn't check back on Eibach or H&R yet.

[Tirefryr 1,742]

I had the Tokico Illuminas on the Cobra. They were horrible. I don't know who makes their springs though.. now having both stock type suspensions and coilovers, I will never use a coilover on the street unless the vehicle had an OEM design, and I'm not talking McPherson.

 

May I ask why?  I had done so much suspension work to the Brabus, and coil overs were waiting to be installed before the horrible fate.... anyway I never got to use them.

 

A vehicle not originally designed for coilovers gets increased stress on the lower ball joint and depending on the car, the top mounting point.  In case of the Cobra, it was te strut towers which required a strut tower brace which connected to the firewall which transferred every minute vibration through the dash and windshield.  The stress wears the ball joint out quicker and can weaken the A arm if it's not engineered up to the task of the added stress.  Yes you get increased flexibiity, but this is not something you will ever use on the street.  If you track the car, yes, but never in any situation on the street will you see any need for this extreme, and if you do, you should not have a license.

[Tirefryr 1,742]

That is front end specific too.  A live rear axle, I am for coliovers every time.

[Quentin Jarrell 671]

Get two way Motons

[ricksi30 923]

I have Tokico Illuminas adjustable struts and Eibach springs on my Infiniti.  I mainly did it for the drop but I think it handles much better.

[Aaron Clinton 2,372]

After enough research, I forked over for the Eibach's.  Happy medium of what I need and springs I have past positive experience with.

[nem 2,019]

I know a guy who will do the work.

[Aaron Clinton 2,372]

I know a guy who will do the work.

Shop outside of DC will be doing a bunch of work at once, unless your guy is near and can do a bunch of work at once for a decent price.

[nem 2,019]

I know a guy who will do the work.

Shop outside of DC will be doing a bunch of work at once, unless your guy is near and can do a bunch of work at once for a decent price.

 

About 3.5 hours away and my time is free.

[Aaron Clinton 2,372]

 

I know a guy who will do the work.

Shop outside of DC will be doing a bunch of work at once, unless your guy is near and can do a bunch of work at once for a decent price.

 

About 3.5 hours away and my time is free.

So exhaust, cat-pipe and springs (alignment)?

[nem 2,019]

 

 

I know a guy who will do the work.

Shop outside of DC will be doing a bunch of work at once, unless your guy is near and can do a bunch of work at once for a decent price.

 

About 3.5 hours away and my time is free.

So exhaust, cat-pipe and springs (alignment)?

I don't have access to an alignment machine, but live about a mile away from one.

[Aaron Clinton 2,372]

 

 

 

I know a guy who will do the work.

Shop outside of DC will be doing a bunch of work at once, unless your guy is near and can do a bunch of work at once for a decent price.

 

About 3.5 hours away and my time is free.

So exhaust, cat-pipe and springs (alignment)?

I don't have access to an alignment machine, but live about a mile away from one.

Do you have a spring compressor and a lift?

[nem 2,019]

 

 

 

 

I know a guy who will do the work.

Shop outside of DC will be doing a bunch of work at once, unless your guy is near and can do a bunch of work at once for a decent price.

 

About 3.5 hours away and my time is free.

So exhaust, cat-pipe and springs (alignment)?

I don't have access to an alignment machine, but live about a mile away from one.

Do you have a spring compressor and a lift?

 

Spring compressor and a floor jack, no carlift.

Edited May 8, 2013 by nem

[///M5 2,833]

Have beer?

[nem 2,019]

Have beer?

 

No, but I can buy some.

[///M5 2,833]

Oops, sorry.  Have sailor?

[Aaron Clinton 2,372]

I need to ship some Flor de Cana up to Neal.

[///M5 2,833]

Then I'd even come

[Aaron Clinton 2,372]

Then I'd even come

I think he would like the Dry 4 year, 7 is my favorite, but based on him being a Sailor Jerry man, the black label 5 year Flor de Cana would sound like it would be the best bet.

 

I have not been lucky enough to try the 21 year or 18 year yet.  

[///M5 2,833]

i,m a 7