ttimberlak443

Before I ask my question, I just want to say that I'm new here. So please let me know if I put this in the wrong spot. Oh, and thanks in advance for any help that I might get.

So, I'm looking to pick up an 04-05 TL in the next month or so. Along with a list of other things that I want to do to the car, I want to lower a little bit. However, I only to drop it by about 1 inch. No lower than 1.5 inches.

With that being said, would I be fine with just putting lowering springs on OEM struts or would I be better off just shelling out the extra cash to get some coilovers?

Again, thanks for anyone that helps me out. I'll probably be back with other questions as I come across things that I want to do to it.

VisualEchos

iTrader: (1)

No need for coil-overs when all you want is a 1" drop, there are plenty of springs that can do that for you. Coil-overs are for people that want complete control over every mm of ride height. Many times this is because of the wheel/tire combo that they want, same reason they get camber kits. You don't sound like you need that, and the extra money could be spent in other areas. If you decide later on that you really want coil-overs, then you can recoup probably 50% of your money from the springs, there's always some new guy that only wants a 1" drop .

ttimberlak443

That's what I figured since I only want such a modest drop. While I can appreciate coilovers for the full control that you get, I can't justify the massive $1000+ extra that I would spend on them if I wouldn't really benefit from them over springs.

As long as I'm not going to be hurting my OEM struts by dropping it an inch (which my understanding is I shouldn't be) then I'm a happy camper.

Oh Sickest TL

iTrader: (3)

depends how many miles on the car as well. I wouldn't just toss lowering springs on a car with 130-150k miles. may as well just get coils

ttimberlak443

The car would have less than 100k on it. Most likely sitting somewhere in the 70k-90k range.

VisualEchos

iTrader: (1)

You're just mod-happy. Coil-overs do not suit his needs, if his struts are shot it changes the plan just slightly, but not to coil-overs.

jimmyfu

IMO wait until your shocks blow and you need a replacement, maybe around 100-130k, then just get coilovers when you need the replacement

LoneRonin

how exactly do you know when your shocks are blown??

ttimberlak443

That was my thought entirely, and that's why I asked. If I get the car to find that it has worn-out or blown struts, wouldn't I be fine with just buying, OEM-spec struts, throw some lowering springs on them, and slap them on the car?

That would still be tons cheaper than coilovers.

VisualEchos

iTrader: (1)

I also have a set of stock struts with 41,000 miles on them that I'll be selling soon. They aren't worth much, but could really help someone in the right situation.

ttimberlak443

Well, maybe if I find that I need new struts after I buy it then I'll hit you up

VisualEchos

iTrader: (1)

I guess what I had meant to say was, originally I had planned to drop the car only about an inch. Knowing that just adding lowering springs will shorten the life of the stock strut, and mine already having 80,000 miles on them, I bought a really nice low-mileage set in the event that it was true. However, I know a few people at BC Racing, and they gave me a great deal on a set of coil-overs, couldn't pass it up. Much better control, and look IMO, but not nearly as soft as the stock ride.


Perfect. by Andrew Thompson, on Flickr

ExcelerateRep

I would say going with a set of coilovers isn't even "jumping the gun" considering they can often cost less than a spring/shock combo and be easier to install. Check out the Street Basis we have on sale for $531.
TEIN Dampers - Street Basis - Excelerate Performance - Japanese and European Performance Specialists!!

ttimberlak443

Well, my plans for getting the car have changed a little bit. I probably won't be picking one up for another couple of months, but in that time I'll be able to get some more money together.

With that being said, I am more open to getting a "cheaper" set of coilovers. I don't need (or really want) racing grade stuff. Since it would be a daily driver I want something that is still a bit stiffer than stock, but not so stiff it would become uncomfortable on 1-2+ hour drive.

Would I really benefit from having damping control with the Tein Street Advance or does the Street Basis fit my description?

ExcelerateRep

It sounds to me like the Street Basis would fit your needs perfectly. They are sportier than the oem suspension without sacrificing ride quality for a 1 or 2 hour drive. You can see reviews on this forum from others who have been using the Basis and have very positive reviews. I wouldn't recommend the Street Basis for the track as they don't have much adjustability, but they are great if you are looking to lower your daily driver.

sockr1

iTrader: (5)

i am selling my tein SS setup with oem top hats included (plug and play), these will still allow you to change your soft/stiff preference (with Street Basis you can't change that). i sent you a PM with details, i think the price will fit your situation perfectly

mvp2765

iTrader: (1)

It's crazy how cheap coilovers for the TL have gotten in the past year.. I was quoted $840 for Tein Street Advance at it's cheapest last year and I just paid $573 shipped for the same ones, brand new, this week. Crazy.

sockr1

iTrader: (5)

OP i couldn't write you back since your private messages are full (i think new members only get 1 saved, or 2)...but here is what i wrote back:

"oh didn't know you didn't have the car haha. i'll be putting them up for sale soon but just hit me up when the time comes if you're still interested.

good luck on the car search, it's a solid car and i've been the original owner of mine (2008 Acura TL Type S...7 years!). if you have any general questions just let me know, i've torn my car apart many times and know most of the highs and lows of the car"

ttimberlak443

Thanks, man. You may be hearing from me in the next couple of months.

Right now it is just a lot of research to see what tends to go bad on these cars so I know what to look out for and what I want to do to it when I finally get it.

Slayer-33

iTrader: (1)

PM me bro? Where

MrHeeltoe

iTrader: (1)

The deals we have been approving on Tein parts on our Custom Pricing Quote page have been pretty good indeed...

talk2jayy

I think you should get it, it'll make your car look more BADASS for sure !