Lowering Springs and Suspension Geometry

[Sky Render]

I want to try to tame some of my car's body roll before the next autocross season. A lot of people have recommended Koni "Yellow" shocks and Steeda Sport Springs, so that's what I'm most likely going to purchase. I've got a couple questions, though.

How much would lowering my car by 1" front/1.5" rear change my steering and suspension geometry? I see that there are a LOT of products out there for correcting bump steer, roll center, and rear suspension geometry. Are any of those parts necessary for a car only mildly lowered? (I want my car to handle better, not worse.)

 

[J.Kidd]

I want to try to tame some of my car's body roll before the next autocross season. A lot of people have recommended Koni "Yellow" shocks and Steeda Sport Springs, so that's what I'm most likely going to purchase. I've got a couple questions, though.

How much would lowering my car by 1" front/1.5" rear change my steering and suspension geometry? I see that there are a LOT of products out there for correcting bump steer, roll center, and rear suspension geometry. Are any of those parts necessary for a car only mildly lowered? (I want my car to handle better, not worse.)

The best advice I can give you is to give Sam Strano a call. I ordered Steeda Sport springs through him as I wanted to improve handling and slightly lower the car. These springs are PERFECT on my Brembo-equipped car. I then got some lower control arm brackets based on many people installing them to improve traction on lowered vehicles. However, after spending some time with the new springs, I hadn't noticed a tremendous decrease on traction. I did notice a reduction in wheel hop (during hard, straight line acceleration) and I attribute that to the rear opting to spin slightly as opposed to biting a little bit harder and inducing wheel hop. I actually prefer the new reaction since I find it more predictable and controllable. I then questioned how the brackets might affect the handling since I was very pleased with the overall balance of the car in turns, especially with the new springs - I didn't want to disrupt that. I have since sold my relocation brackets.

That being said, my front end alignment stayed in spec and I haven't felt the need for any other suspension adjustments since doing the springs. I don't autocross the car but do drive "with spirit" on occasion. My suggestion would be to call him, get the springs and whatever shocks he recommends and then see how it feels. You can add parts later and he can help direct toward the parts that will do you the most good.

Good luck!