I've owned several cars but none of them were ever "mod worthy" until I brought Schultze home.

I want to lower Schultze and still keep (improve) the fun factor...and keep a level of comfort too...

For others who are new to suspension mods (like myself), what things need to be calculated when purchasing coilovers?

Spring rates (huh?)
Travel (huh?)

etc. etc.

I'm interested in the Megan Coilovers and some posts that I've read make it sound like custom springs are available, yet other posts make it sound like there are only two versions of springs available. (???)

I know that any info posted will be helpful to me and also to anyone else who wants to ask questions but might be hesitant to do so.

Thanks so much!

Erika

PS: I have an R50 and I'm currently running Fuzion HRs (205/50R16). I also have the Aerokit installed so I definitely want to make sure I don't go so low that I have to worry about speed bumps!

 

Most of the time, you ought to stick with whatever spring rates come with the coilovers as they've (theoretically) been tested by the manufacturer and determined to be the best combination. But you can change the springs based on what you're doing with the car (ie. track-only = higher rate springs maybe).


Best advice would be to talk to a few vendors, who'll be chiming in shortly I'm sure.

(I like the Megans - I liked the BC coilovers even more, and went with them.)

 

The Megan's have had 3 versions. The 1st was too low for some and was hitting the bump stops when set at lowest and run at speed.

2nd Gen, didn't get low enough for most.

The latest and 3rd gen now come with rear top hats and when ordered from AXC come with the rear damper cables. The 3rd Gen also goes lower in the front, where it's needed the most, then Gen 2 without the issues of the 1st Gen.

Cars are not designed to be slammed. Anytime you mod any car to be slammed and run it on the street you risk damage in countless ways.

Having that Bling Bling look will change how you drive and or increase your risk of damage.

The Megan's will give you flexibility in making adjustments, the key is finding the balance of looks and function.

 

BC is the OEM for the megans who spec the spring rates. Megan may only offer two choices in spring rates. An advantage of most coilovers is the use of 2.5 id springs, so you can make the decision of spring rate based on your testing and go to a third party such as Swift Springs. Helps if you or your local speed shop have a shock dyno as well. So like red skunk said, in theory the factory/tuner has tested the spring rate with a dialed in damper setting. You have many choices at the price range of the megans/BC's. Though they do come with integrated front camber plates, normally an additional cost. Rear camber may need be adjusted. more $$ to spend.

Another route is a set of springs matched to a damper. JCW comes to mind. there is Dinan as well. Not to mention H&R/Bilstein and Koni Yellow combos. TSW does garner positive comments on their springs with stock struts.

 

I got some Megans a few months ago, and compared to everything I had before, it made a tremendous difference. The improvement in handling and control was night and day. Prior to Megans, I had Konis FSD and lowering springs and IE Fixed camber plates, and OEM struts with lowering springs. If the Megans fit your budget, I'd have no problem recommending them as they make a huge difference.

For people that want to go even lower than what the Megans are capable of, people usually go to the Cross coilovers--but they cost more than double of the Megans.

I'm headed that way--not to go lower but to hopefully further improve ride comfort and protect my rims from the horrible freeways here in SoCal. I don't know if it's going to be the answer, but according to one trusted source, it should. I'll post on Friday whether it's worth it to go into debt for them or not, lol.