ScionVan
11-02-2003, 12:14 AM
I just wanted to get some of this info out now because if I waited till I finished the FAQ, the world would have already ended by then....
Anyway just some thoughts up upgrading the susp on the Scions:
- If going down about 1.75" or more, you will want to cut your front bumpstops. This will ensure that the car will sit correctly, and that you give the front suspension additional room for travel. Remember, the word of the day is: TRAVEL!
- If going down 2.75" or more, you will want to start looking into short stroke struts/shocks. Reason? For more travel! When lowered this much (or more), the stock struts and shocks are almost at their full compressed state. So when you go over bumps, they bottom out almost immediately, leading to that rough, pogo-ing/bouncing feel you want to avoid.
- If you want to go down real low, without using air, and while still maintaing a good ride quality, invest in a good set of coilovers. Most of the cars in Japan don't run on airbags, they use coilovers. Make sure you get coilovers with shortened stroke bodies, as they will allow you to go down past 3", while still maintaining lots of suspension travel. When it comes to coilovers-as with all other car components-you get what you pay for. Let's just say that there's a Scion out there that's down almost 4" and rides BETTER than stock. But it's not cheap.
- With a set of quality, progressive rate (spring rate increases as suspension compresses) springs, the Scions can corner like a mofo! There is a freeway offramp I take home every day that consists of a wide, right-handed sweeper, followed immediately by a tight left-hander. In my rwd daily driver, I can usually take it at almost 70mph+, but I have to be a little careful not to kick the rear end out, and the first turn actually requires quite a bit of concentration. But with an xB lowered 55mm with some 5Zigen springs, with stock shocks, and a set of 17" wheels with 205/40-17 tires, I was able to take the same offramp at 60mph+. The amazing thing is how well-composed the car was; there was no need to fight the steering wheel, or even pay much attention to it. The car hugged the apex and just carved right through the turns with ease. I've said it before, and I'll say it again: a Scion with a good set of wheels and tires, coupled with a well set up suspension, and even some aftermarket sway bars would probably outcorner most all other FWD cars on the road! Of course, even before you get to that point, your suspension will show you the limit of the engine, and you'll be yearning for more power to push it faster through the corners! With just springs and wheels/tires, I'm already at that point!
Anyway just some thoughts up upgrading the susp on the Scions:
- If going down about 1.75" or more, you will want to cut your front bumpstops. This will ensure that the car will sit correctly, and that you give the front suspension additional room for travel. Remember, the word of the day is: TRAVEL!
- If going down 2.75" or more, you will want to start looking into short stroke struts/shocks. Reason? For more travel! When lowered this much (or more), the stock struts and shocks are almost at their full compressed state. So when you go over bumps, they bottom out almost immediately, leading to that rough, pogo-ing/bouncing feel you want to avoid.
- If you want to go down real low, without using air, and while still maintaing a good ride quality, invest in a good set of coilovers. Most of the cars in Japan don't run on airbags, they use coilovers. Make sure you get coilovers with shortened stroke bodies, as they will allow you to go down past 3", while still maintaining lots of suspension travel. When it comes to coilovers-as with all other car components-you get what you pay for. Let's just say that there's a Scion out there that's down almost 4" and rides BETTER than stock. But it's not cheap.
- With a set of quality, progressive rate (spring rate increases as suspension compresses) springs, the Scions can corner like a mofo! There is a freeway offramp I take home every day that consists of a wide, right-handed sweeper, followed immediately by a tight left-hander. In my rwd daily driver, I can usually take it at almost 70mph+, but I have to be a little careful not to kick the rear end out, and the first turn actually requires quite a bit of concentration. But with an xB lowered 55mm with some 5Zigen springs, with stock shocks, and a set of 17" wheels with 205/40-17 tires, I was able to take the same offramp at 60mph+. The amazing thing is how well-composed the car was; there was no need to fight the steering wheel, or even pay much attention to it. The car hugged the apex and just carved right through the turns with ease. I've said it before, and I'll say it again: a Scion with a good set of wheels and tires, coupled with a well set up suspension, and even some aftermarket sway bars would probably outcorner most all other FWD cars on the road! Of course, even before you get to that point, your suspension will show you the limit of the engine, and you'll be yearning for more power to push it faster through the corners! With just springs and wheels/tires, I'm already at that point!