Best setup for me.
Best setup for me.
Hey everyone. I'm looking to upgrade my suspension, wheels, and tires on my s13. I was wondering if I should do the suspension or wheels/tires first or if it matters? The car will be a daily driver and used for autocross. I'll prolly go with the KYB AGXs and either pro-kit or sportlines from eibach for suspension. Will I need anything else as far as suspension goes? I'm gonna hold off on anti sway bars and whatnot until money is less of an issue. Which springs do you guys think are better for daily driving/highway driving? I think I'd rather do wheels/tires first , but I think I remember someone saying find wheels that fit after suspension mods. I want to go with 17s becuase I think they look better, but are they going to slow me down significantly or cost a LOT more than 16s? They would also bump me up a class in autocross, but I'm pretty sure suspension mods do that anyway. I'd like a 5-7 thin spoked rim. Like the Enkei RS5s or RS6s, Kosei K1s, 5zigen FN01R-Cs and others like that. I'm kinda clueless as far as tires go. I read the sticky, but didn't really come to any conclusions. I want something good for autocross but something I'd be able to daily drive all summer in rain and whatnot. Also wondering what width rim and tire size I should get. I've been thinking around 1000 for wheels and tires and 600 for shocks and springs so thats what my budget is, not sure how realistic it is. Let me know, thanks.......P.S. The car is completely dead right now. Hoping its just a dead battery(replaced headlight motors and they weren't working properly so maybe they drained it...).
Re: Best setup for me.
TurboTuli wrote:I think I'd rather do wheels/tires first , but I think I remember someone saying find wheels that fit after suspension mods.
This is a message I preach all day long. Usually, I'm speaking to the people considering large and very wide aftermarket wheel/tire packages...where fender/suspension clearance becomes an issue.
The price points you've set for yourself might be a bit low...especially for the wheel/tires. I'll be generalizing here, but I seriously suggest getting the car, as is, in proper working order before investing in aftermarket wheels, tires, or suspension.
That being said, always do the suspension first. Fit wheels to the car; don't fit the car around aftermarket wheels. Today's vast tire selection allows for improved performance from stock, or near stock, tire sizes. In the interest of saving money, maintaining a level of stealth, and improving response, I suggest picking a tire in an OEM(or close to OEM) size, and using your factory wheels. If you just cannot stand the sight of OEM wheels, better prices are to be had in the smaller sized aftermarket rims...generally speaking:D
Best of luck, and remember to get the car in proper working order before investing money into performance. Keep up the search for info...and I'm sure Chet or Grant will chime in soon with specifics on what tire models might best fit your needs.
-Phil
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Grant@tirerack
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Work the suspension first, then look at wheels/tires. The problem with going the other way is that when you increase the footprint of the tire and go to a lower profile tire, you suspension has to do more work. The two have to work together :cuddle . Another reason is that after the suspension mods are done, you will know exactly how much room you have left for the tires and wheels. If you go with the Eibach Pro-Kit/AGX setup, any of the sizes listed on our website will be a good plug and play fit. 
I would look at the K1 17X7.5 with a 215/45-17 (Kumho Ecsta MX would be nice). That would be the best bang for he buck.
I would look at the K1 17X7.5 with a 215/45-17 (Kumho Ecsta MX would be nice). That would be the best bang for he buck.
definitly upgrade anything bad/going bad on the car first. you should have a fairly clear idea of where you are going with the suspension before you buy anything, just like these guys said it must work together. the best thing u can do to improve handling is a new set of tires and alignment, but when u buy better tires, they are going to grip much better around turns than the stock tires, causing more body roll, and of course more camber change. so unless you were planning on sway bars, since u are racing, this probably isnt the best idea for your situation.
the only reason your rims would slow you down is if they weight more than what you have now. if they do, then this increases rotational mass, and unsprung weight, not good for acceleration, braking, or cornering.
the set i am looking at, wrapped in yokohama's is about 1100, so 1000 is a good start. but i think 600 for shocks and springs is a little low, i would plan on 700-800. im not a fan of eibach, the rates seem too low. im looking at coilovers, but tein makes an aggressive set of springs.
you could throw some bushings in there anytime for under 200, you will def notice them.
maybe for now u could replace your stock tires if they are worn, and buy the next important piece on your list, probably springs/shocks, that way when u do get your rims and tires, you will have a winter set to use. good luck at autox!
the only reason your rims would slow you down is if they weight more than what you have now. if they do, then this increases rotational mass, and unsprung weight, not good for acceleration, braking, or cornering.
the set i am looking at, wrapped in yokohama's is about 1100, so 1000 is a good start. but i think 600 for shocks and springs is a little low, i would plan on 700-800. im not a fan of eibach, the rates seem too low. im looking at coilovers, but tein makes an aggressive set of springs.
you could throw some bushings in there anytime for under 200, you will def notice them.
maybe for now u could replace your stock tires if they are worn, and buy the next important piece on your list, probably springs/shocks, that way when u do get your rims and tires, you will have a winter set to use. good luck at autox!
I think that is a little misleading. the kit itself may only cost 200, but most newbies aren't gonna install this themselves, and it's gonna cost quite a bit more to have them installed. the lowest I've priced in the dfw area is $500. If someone in Dallas/Fort worth knows different, please hook me up!
Thanks for all your input guys. The only reason I'd rather do wheels/tires first is the fact that I'm not completely satisfied with my 240 cuz it has little dorky things wrong with it like crappy tint, non functional headlight motors atm, no a/c, dislike white, 90 as opposed to a 91+, etc. I think I just have to come to the realization that this is good enough. I just wish it was a little cleaner. Wheels/tires would be easy to swap over to a better 240. I am planning on doing the suspension mods myself. I had posted about it earlier and everyone said its pretty easy even for a newbie. Theres a walkthrough somewhere online too. Now that I think of it though I'll probably buy everything at once(when I sell my other car). I'm pretty stuck on KYB AGXs and eibachs cuz everyone seems to think its a great combination, but I really don't know what other combinations are available. Are the sportlines to uncomfortable for daily driving? They seem to look great and are probably better for autocross...