lowering a sentra

[thatblackedoutsentra]

Hey I'm new to this forum and was just looking for some advice on how and what to do about lowering my car. I'm on a budget so I don't want to spend all the money on coils so I was looking at springs.

Are they reliable, will it effect any other parts on the car and will it be a hard install with springs?

[PapaSmurf2k3]

Springs are pretty reliable, but it might wear your dampers out a bit more quickly, or the spring/damper combo might not be ideal (and you'll be left with a bouncy ride).
I usually recommend replacing factory dampers with adjustable dampers that were meant to be paired with aftermarket springs. The install is definitely a bit harder than if you were just going to do coilovers. You'll need a spring compressor in order to install the spring on the damper, as well as remove the top hat from your old spring/damper combo. Autozone/Advanced Autoparts rents spring compressors.

[thatblackedoutsentra]

So with that being said what spring damper combo would be the best for a 09 sentra and if I use factory dampers what would the ideal spring setup be

[SoundEfx]

The rule of thumb is to not use lowering springs on stock struts.
You will most likely bottom-out the struts and damage them over time.

My advice would be to keep on saving for a pair of coilovers or a lowering spring and strut combo.
If you cheap out now, it will cost you more in the future.

[thatblackedoutsentra]

Okay I see your point that's a good idea I just need a good set of coils to buy used or new but when it comes to coils I'm an idiot so can you recommend a set

[SoundEfx]

Here is a site selling almost all of your options:
http://www.andysautosport.com/coilovers ... /2009.html

These could also work:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/like/3807990419 ... rmvSB=true
The bad thing about this is that you can't know the spring rates.

Personally, I have the BC racing coilovers and I have never had an issue with them. Another good set of coilovers are Teins.
K-sports had issue with the older sentras, B15's, as the coilover's top mounts used to break apart while driving. So they were avoided.
Megan is in the lower range of the spectrum.

This is the rule of thumb when it comes to spring rates:
6K - 7K : every day street use, little to no track.
8K - 10K : less every day street use, more track use.
11K - 12K : more to almost all track use.

The reason why I love the BC racing coilovers is because they valve their coilovers to +/- 2. Meaning, if you buy a set with 8K springs, you can buy 6K springs for them and wouldn't have to revalve them.

Coilovers get a bad rep because I have seen people put on 12K coilovers on their Acura Integra for every day use and them complain that it's a harsh ride.
Unfortunately, most of the coilovers for that car comes with very high spring rates.