suspension question 2000 Q45

[MarshallQ45]

I am looking for an alternative to replacing my blown strut with OEM. I looked into the KYB SR specials (595.00) and I would be putting my OEM springs on them, or another option is to order the espleir springs that were suggested to me by someone on here. Megan racing makes some very decent looking coilovers for the 97-01 Q45, they are about $850 brand new and are adjustable from the top of the strut which seemed nice. I was looking for other q45 parts on craigslist and randomly a set popped up nearby for $750, so no shipping. The other option would be to rebuild my blown struts, it didnt seem very cheap though, am I wrong?

The megan racing coilovers do have one issue, but I am not sure it is as big of a deal as I thought it was at first when I looked at them. Here is a quote from Megan racing about the coilovers

"These dampers are NOT a Direct Bolt-On, however, because you need to Re-Use your OEM front spindles. We did this to maintain a lower cost for the enthusiast, as the OEM spindles are perfectly able to be reused in most cases. The operation is simple and most shops that have the ability to weld using either a MIG or TIG welder can complete the operation in usually under an hour."

"After removing your front Shock casings with the spindles, mark off 40mm from the top of the spindle base and cut. Once you have the spindles with 40mm of tubing pertruding from them, simply slide the Megan Casings over the shock casings until they are butted up against the spindle casting, and simply weld COMPLETELY around the casing with either a MIG or TIG welder (NOT AN ARC WELDER!!!). Once this is done, simlpy screw on the bottom bracket onto the suspension system and you are ready to go reassemble your front suspension."

Can anyone clarify this? would like to hear from someone who knows the Q45 suspension.... does this seem reasonable?

Thanks Again, this site has been LOTS of help... my car is starting to turn a new leaf

[elwesso]

I would personally just replace with OEM.. You can new inserts that really arent very expensive... The SR specials might not be a bad idea either.. I wouldnt screw around with coilovers on a car like that, especially if you have no intention of racing.

[MarshallQ45]

ok cool, what do you think it would cost me to replace the OEM inserts, rubber seals, etc.?

less than the KYBs? I think the cheapest route is best for me right now with all the other issues I need to fix.

Thanks again, I appreciate the reply.

[elwesso]

Hmm it looks like the OEMs are about $200 a pop, so the SR specials are a better price... From what others have said, the suspension is far better with the SR specials than the OEM, its kind of like us G50 guys using the tokico blues instead of OEM.

[MarshallQ45]

ok thanks, I think ill go with the SR specials.

are the front spindles just where the lower part of the strut connects?

[MarshallQ45]

so I looked on infinitipartsusa and they dont have any spindle listed for the Q45, is there another name for it?

[elwesso]

The parts book lists the actual strut as the "strut cartridge" and the strut + spindle is listed as the "strut kit"

[BadQ45t]

The SR Specials are great, I am a huge fan. The fact that they are now cheaper then OEM is really funny as KYB makes the OEM too. I had to replace the strut mounts when I did mine, I would order those from IOS. I had to buy them locally once my mechanic got them taken apart.

If you have good roads and don't take your Q on bad roads consider the Eslepir or Tein springs and a 2" lowering. It makes your car MUCH lower but the center of graviety is really a huge handling improvement. I have 19" rims with 245/40 19 YR tires and my Q handles like a slot car, but it does stiffen up the ride considerably.

[MarshallQ45]

I have teins now, with 1 coil cut off, about a 3in drop and its way too low. Im kinda looking forward to just going back to stock springs and being able to just actually drive the car and not worry about bumps everywhere.

[infinitiq45hit]

I have been looking into replacing the struts on my 2000 q45....need all 4 but cannot find out which sr specials I need....or the actual part #'s needed....could someone please help me since mine are shot and need replacing asap....thank you

[BadQ45t]

Just call MemoryFab and problem solved, they will know exactly what parts you need.

You cut a spring off the Teins, that was not smart....my 2" lowering was bad enough for speed bumps, but overall the car rides nice at that level. I see regular Q's on the road and they look funny.

[qship96]

I have teins now, with 1 coil cut off, about a 3in drop and its way too low. Im kinda looking forward to just going back to stock springs and being able to just actually drive the car and not worry about bumps everywhere.

Sounds smart. more should read the above before destroying the ride quality of what was designed as a LUXURY car, not a Lotus.

[BadQ45t]

I think there is a good place to get and my Q handles night and day better 2" lower.....I wouldn't want to drive it at standard height again. But i did this 4 years ago with no issues, but 3" is crazy low..would I start to drop more $$$ in now, probably not. Either way the SR Specials are a no brainer.....and I wouldn't be putting them in with the 10-15 year old springs, so either new ones from factory or Teins.