Help me decide - Lowering Options

[mightysonic]

So I have been through literally ALL threads pertaining to suspension - coil-overs, lowering springs and the GM performance suspension and I cannot decide on what to get. Constantly torn between pros and cons of all three types of upgrades.

Quick background:

• Looking for a drop of ideally of an inch or maybe more

• Looking for a noticeable handling improvement

• Trying to avoid spending my entire refund check on a single upgrade

• Don't need it for autox

• It needs to work as if from factory for daily driving about 80 miles per day

• I'm a DIYer with some bolt-on experience, but with minimal suspension experience - install needs to be relatively easy

With my research I've come up with the following:

Lowering-Springs:

PROs:

• Cheapest option

• Best bang for the buck regarding dollars per amount of drop

• Some handling gain

CONs:

• Known issues with causing shock or strut blowouts

• Installation can be difficult especially for the inexperienced

GM Performance Suspension:

PROs:

• GM developed to work with the sonic and existing suspension and shouldn't cause other parts to fail

• Noticably better handling

• Middle of the road price

CONs:

• Least amount of drop

Coil-overs:

PROs:

• Largest possible drop

• Best possible handling

• Install seems easy*

• Fully Adjustable

CONs:

• Most Expensive

• *Once installed, setup can be tricky

• Fully Adjustable - may not be ideal for daily commuting

My sonic is mainly used a daily driver and I need a drop that doesn't effect reliability or driveability in a negative way. Anyone's help is appreciated

 

[nickalltogether]

I'm not sold on the actual handling differences of coilovers. If you look around the forum it seems most all the coilover manufacturers use wonky spring rates that are going to exacerbate understeer... you could possibly find custom springs to install in the rear to stiffen it up to a proper level though.

For what it's worth, I just installed new eibach springs on new rs shocks and struts on my LTZ. I'm pleased with the ride and the look; handling improved, but I'm not blown away by it. I think sway bars or rear brace would get me closer to my handling goals.

Please keep in mind with this post that my only experience is with my personal setup and what I've seen on the forums, don't take it as gospel.

 

[TheGreenDragon]

I don't know if it's possible, but if you managed to find shocks that would work with the lowering spring kits, you could have plenty of fun without worrying about prematurely blowing a shock.

 

[Natesriv]

the fronts would be coil overs, the rears will always be a spring and a shock separate.

I used B&G springs, DIY'd them... Easy, just need correct sized socket wrench (or closed end wrench), spring compressor, jack stands and a jack (to compress lower control arm & rear trailing arm suspension).. I also put camber bolts on the top bolt of the strut (not the tower bolt, the upper one by the wheel)... Rears are super easy, front requires the compressor...

Handling is better, but more jounce in the ride. No issues with struts or shocks. I'm only lowered about 9/10 of an inch... maybe less. I'm on wider wheels and 5mm spacers too.. LOVE the look, but the trade off is a little more harshness... I drive 50 miles a day for work too... no issues.

OEM rear shocks are sh*t so I put KYB's on them... much better NVH.

 

[carsNskis]

I'm happy with the gm set up, but cosmetically would have preferred the eibach route. It's lively and cheap.

I don't know how it will be once tuned. Perhaps not enough spring rate then.. bracing, mounts, etc necessary by then

.....drive it like you still owe the bank money

 

[mightysonic]

Thanks for all the input guys!

I'm not sold on the actual handling differences of coilovers. If you look around the forum it seems most all the coilover manufacturers use wonky spring rates that are going to exacerbate understeer... you could possibly find custom springs to install in the rear to stiffen it up to a proper level though.

For what it's worth, I just installed new eibach springs on new rs shocks and struts on my LTZ. I'm pleased with the ride and the look; handling improved, but I'm not blown away by it. I think sway bars or rear brace would get me closer to my handling goals.

Please keep in mind with this post that my only experience is with my personal setup and what I've seen on the forums, don't take it as gospel.

This sounds like a good option. I think I may go with the GM Kit, then if I'm not happy with the drop I can always install lowering springs with it.

I would be willing to do less of a drop if it meant nothing was going to go wrong down the road prematurely.

 

[JustSonic]

Thanks for all the input guys!



This sounds like a good option. I think I may go with the GM Kit, then if I'm not happy with the drop I can always install lowering springs with it.

I would be willing to do less of a drop if it meant nothing was going to go wrong down the road prematurely.

Plus, that warranty on parts, labor, and not being blamed for related part failures.

 

[DeadPuppy]

I have the GM kit. I like it a lot! I wish it was like .5" lower sometimes...but I have no regrets!

 

[kevjam79]

GM Performance Kit

There are some good threads on here about it.

I would recommend the FE4 settings when getting the alignment completed. Also, preload the suspension (weights in the driver seat) or ask the shop to sit in the seat during the alignment. Also, it is critical with lite weight cars to be empty of belongings and full tank of fuel. This will give the most consistent alignment under long term use.


14 Sonic LT 1.8A MBM

 

[mightysonic]

To wrap-up this thread, I wound up going with the GM Kit. I think I made the right choice. I have yet to get it aligned. The kit has been on a few weeks. Only recently just started noticing some pull to the left. Will try for an alignment soon, with kevjam79's suggestions.

 

[kevjam79]

I wouldn't wait to long on the alignment. With excessive toe, you might not feel any pull but have dramatic wear on the tires. Good luck!


14 Sonic LT 1.8A MBM