LOWERING SPRINGS ADVICE FROM MODIFY DIRECT LTD
Lowering springs can make significant improvements to the visual appeal and performance of the car. Lowering springs are also a relatively low cost item in comparison to a full suspension set-up or coilovers, making lowering springs a popular choice for older cars or those working to a tight budget. Also, springs would make the best choice if your main concern is to improve the looks of your car. Lowering springs on their own will improve your handling however if this is a primary concern you need a full suspension kit or coilovers.
Suspension systems serve a dual purpose - contributing to the car's handling and keeping vehicle occupants comfortable. These goals are generally at odds, so the tuning of suspensions involves finding the right compromise. Lowering springs use the existing standard spec or uprated dampers. If you wish to replace the dampers as well, you need a full suspension kit.
Lowering a vehicle can sharpen the looks and increase performance dramatically, but what does it really do and why does it help? Imagine a car as a giant 1.5 ton weight suspended above the wheels. When you turn, that weight is shifted opposite of the direction by gravity trying to compensate for the force. This is what's known as body roll. This is what spills your coffee. This is due to a high centre of gravity in combination with saggy springs. When you install lowering springs, you are reducing the centre of gravity therefore creating less resistance on the chassis through the turns. This will result in quicker steering response and crisper road feel. The look of lowering car is also unmatched.
Closing that wheel gap makes the entire look of the vehicle more aggressive. Be sure when choosing a ride height to measure all wheel clearances. Make sure you have room!
You may also want to look into spring rates. Different springs have different rates, which will affect the handling of the vehicle and the overall ride quality. Higher spring rates will yield a tighter suspension but a stiffer ride. Softer springs will still increase performance but will maintain a decent ride quality. Choosing the proper spring takes a bit a time and research. If you want lowering springs for your car, do it right first time.
Lowering springs can only perform at their best if partnered with a decent set of dampers. If you want to lower your car purely for aesthetic purposes then the factory fitted dampers will usually be ok. If you want to uprate your dampers you need a full suspension kit or coilover kit. Some people mix and match brands when buying lowering springs and dampers. Unless you know what you are doing we recommend keeping it simple and buying a suspension kit where the dampers and lowering springs are designed to work together.
LOWERING SPRINGS AVAILABLE FROM MODIFY DIRECT
Our range of lowering springs currently consists of P.I products, a great brand offering a good quality lowering spring at a low cost. Our P.I lowering spring kits start at just £50. We will soon be adding Jamex and G-Max lowering springs to our range to offer our customers more choice.
We are also introducing a massive range of full suspension kits including Spax, Bilstein and Eibach. With these brands come a range of lowering springs as well, so our spring selection will be expanding quite dramatically over the coming months.
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