Date: Sat, 29 Mar 2003 07:37:41 -0500 From: 'nuther Bob <noemailnopsammain.com> Subject: Re: 99 9-3 convertible suspension
On 29 Mar 2003 03:35:33 GMT, benubhargavanopsamcom (Benu Bhargava) wrote: >Hey folks. > >I just picked up a 99 9-3 convertible. I was wondering what everyones >experience with lowering this is. Any particular kits recomended , or not >recomended? Anyone not recomend this procedure at all? Yes, me ! I've studied this in detail for my 'vert. The convertible already has a major issue (as all do) since the body is rather weak compared to a car with a roof. To test this for yourself, go drive around a washboard corner or even down a rough road at a reasonable but "fun" speed. Now, put the top down and do the same thing. You'll get a feel for the flex. Put the top back up now... it's less, but it's still there. If you stiffen the springs in a convertible, you will transmit more force to the chassis (that's how it works) and you will increase this problem. I think that's a bad idea. If however you are committed to stiffer springs, I would highly recommend that you get the springs from Eibach. They use a progressive wind that will not make a lot of difference at normal rates and will stiffen by 10-20% under performance conditions. More importantly, they will drop the center of gravity of your car by an inch. A better idea, IMHO, is to install Koni shocks/strut cartridges. This made an *incredible* difference in my car's ride and handling. I've studied suspensions for years and always adhered to the axiom that improving handling would reduce ride comfort (qualifying this before I get flamed with "unless you are an auto engineer and redesign the suspension in a factory setting"). The Koni's definitely improved both. Since they are adjustable, you can dial in as much stiffness as you want. Shocks and springs do a different job and you should be aware of that. But, I think shocks are the way to go here. Costs are $550 for the 4 shocks/strut cartridges, $350 for the springs, it's all the same labor at about $200 USd. Bob
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