I have an '06 Z and I'm planning on lowering my car in the next couple of months and I've decided to go with springs since they're a whole lot cheaper. I've been looking at the Tanabe springs and they say they'll drop the car about an inch. The problem is I have 1.25" wheel spacers and the wheels are about even with the fenders. I'm almost positive I'll clear but I'm worried about when the suspension flexes. Has anyone else ever ran into this or know anyone that has?

 

I don't think that fender clearance has ever been a problem.

Lower, roll fenders or get smaller spacers

 

I'm going to tell you this understanding that you won't listen to my advice but I can't blame you I didn't listen to my own advice the first time around. Save up for coil overs, I know you are thinking to yourself their is such a big price difference between the too. I say even if you can't shell out a grand or two for the more expensive coil over sets get a cheap pair, they will run you about 600-800, you will thank me and yourself later.

 

I agree on getting coilovers, but I disagree on the idea of getting cheap coilovers.

There's plenty of coilovers at around the $800-1000 mark that perform decently on the street and track. Anything cheaper than that is a huge gamble. Eve at the $800-1000 level, there's a lot to be desired. However, most average folks will be happy with those.

If you're dead set on getting springs, just roll your fenders and run some camber.

 

Good springs > junk coilovers.

I have some hotchkis sport springs coming out this week.

 

+1, pick a nice set of springs , swap shocks out as needed. OEM shocks do not last long on lowered springs.

 

Tein has a new set available, that are probably in the $800 range. Haven't heard anything bad about them. You will be spending the same if not more for springs and struts anyways. Plus you obviously get the adjustability, you're stuck with what you get with springs.

 

If you're not rubbing now, you're not going to rub when you're lowered unless you get an alignment to bring the camber back closer to factory spec. Think about your set up now, when you hit a bump or dip and your suspension compresses, it essentially simulates a lowered stance. The wheels don't rub because they camber in as the wheel moves closer to the body of the car. Putting shorter spring on will reproduce this same effect, so the extra camber created by lowering the car will allow it to clear just as it does now when your suspension compresses.

 

Thanks! That definitely makes sense. I do want to get my camber fixed if it starts wearing my tires horribly. They have a little negative camber stock but my tires aren't wearing too unevenly. Think a 1" drop would make it really bad?

 

This is how I currently sit with the wheel spacers and all.

 

It wouldn't make it really bad. It would definitely be out of spec but people have gotten away with tanabe springs and no camber arms. 1" is often used as the line in the sand dividing needing camber arms vs not, so it's tough to say.

 

Yeah that's what I've read. Just trying to decide if I'm gonna get the camber kit along with the springs. Thanks for the help!

 

You may not have to buy the adjustable camber arms, but you will want to get an alignment shortly after installing the springs. Don't wait until you have uneven tire wear. That's too late. You need to prevent it with a proper alignment. That will also let you know if you need adjustable arms to get within spec.

 

Yeah, I'll do that. Thanks!

 

That is exactly my point. In the long run or should i say the "short run" he will have to change his stock shocks anyhow after they wear out, to me it would just be cheaper to do a coilover setup now.

 

Hmm.. Now you guys have me really thinking.. Mind throwing some links at me for a good set of inexpensive coil overs if you know of any?

 

search the marketplace and be patient

Id def save for some coilovers. Put them on, and if its too close to the fenders...like said-get them rolled/measure and get the spacers that suits you.

 

and.... the 'suspension 101' and 'wheel spacers' threads

 

Tien basics or KW V1

 

Check with the vendor Gruppe-S about the KW. They have a sale going now.

As for the KW V1 - I keep reading lately that the Eibach Pro-Street S is the same setup just re-branded. Do you know if that is correct terrasmak?