Koni Str.t Shocks and Struts
Steeda Ultralite Springs (lowers 1" front and 1.25" back)
GT500 mounts
Forgestar F14s, Brushed Titanium
20x9 and 20x11
275/30/20 and 305/25/20 Hankook Ventus V12 Evo
Old wheels:
New wheels: (nothing has been cleaned/detailed yet, and this isn't the best pic ever)
My buddy Richard came by this morning and we put everything in. Since this is the second time we've done this, (my friend Sean's car was the first) it went really fast and easy.
Koni Str.t shocks and struts were installed, along with Steeda Ultralite springs and GT500 strut mounts. This is a very mild combo that only lowers the car 1" up front and 1.25" in back. The focus here is streetability (not too low) and ride quality.
Other than the coil spring compressor needed to get the strut/spring assemblies put together, this is a really easy job. Having two people makes the spring compressor thing go a little easier. The shocks and rear springs are stupid easy to do. I think it took maybe 30 minutes.
Strut Install:
Shock Install:
More pics:
The best thing about this is that
THE WHEELHOP IS GONE!!! I hammered on the car multiple times in first, second, and third gear, and never once got even a slight indication of wheelhop. It was so atrocious with the stock Brembo wheels that I didn't even need full throttle to get the axle hopping like a rabbit starting about 4500 rpm.
Now the car just goes. If the tires don't hook, they just spin, the ass end wiggles around a little, and I carry on. I bought the shocks, struts, and springs from Sam Strano at Stranoparts.com. He states on his website that this is the nicest ride quality setup around, and I can't disagree. There is almost no noticeable reduction in ride quality with the new setup, even with ridiculous 305/25/20s out back. I thought those rubber bands would be much more harsh than they actually are.
Overall, I'm thrilled. The wheels are absolutely fantastic. When I need new back tires, I'm going to order 315/35/20s so they're a little taller, but other than that, this is a perfect setup for me.
Paul.