To Drop or Not?

[GreyZone]

Okay, here's the question, what makes more sense:

Put 19" rims on the car, and drop by 1" or put 20" rims on and leave it at stock height?

I mean really, if you were looking at the two cars side by side (side views of course) could you really tell the difference? That said, is a 1" drop going to improve handeling any? Again, if you drove the two cars above, would there be any significant difference?

Seems to me to drop starts the whole problem of messing with the factory suspension and needing things like camber kits, ect. Why not just go with slightly bigger rims and leave it a factory height?

Okay, so I have stated my side, but seriously, inquiring minds want to know. I would really like to hear some thoughts / opinions on this. Seems there are a lot of potential probems that can be avoided by NOT dropping (as well as money saved, alignment hassels avoided, warranty not compromsed), whereas bigger rims would give the same visual impression as though it had been dropped.

What say you?

Modified by GreyZone at 12:14 AM 9/30/2007
Modified by GreyZone at 12:14 AM 9/30/2007

[generic808]

Believe it or not, 1" makes a big difference in asthetics. I ran the Eibach Pro-Kit on my old SE-R and parked to a normal one, there was a significant difference in appearance. That one inch made it look much more better than stock.

I've talked about this on a recent thread. I personally love Eibach Pro-Kit's because I have used them on past cars and was very satisfied. The reason I go with the Pro-Kit is because they are progressive rate springs designed to work with your stock suspension. No other mods necessary unless you really want to. It does stiffen up the ride, but not to the point where it's uncomfortable. I think it stiffens it enough to reduce body roll in turns. It kind of gives you that sporty "tight" BMW type of ride.

If you're running 20's, the 1 inch will make it look even bigger because it will fill up some of that fender gap space which we all hate so much. I think it looks funny if you have very large wheels and don't drop the car. I'm on 18's and I'm just waiting for a local retailer to bring in a set. I'm not going to pay Stillen almost $100 for shipping to Hawaii.

[GreyZone]

So in my example above you could easily tell which was the 1" drop over the car with the bigger rims? I wish I could see them side by side. It seems to me, all things being equal, it would be hard to tell. Especially on the road.

Yeah, I really like Eibach also. I used those on my last car that I had. I went with the Sportline. They were great springs. I would be curious about what the dealer might say regarding warranty issues. If we're messing with suspendion they could tie that into all kinds of things, saying it could have either "caused or contributed" to a problem, from tie rods, to ball joints, transmission issues, struts, etc.

In the past when I did this I also used KYB adjustable struts and camber kits...I'm just not looking forward to getting back into all that (expensive) mod stuff again.

I am somewhat trying to buy a car where I wont get addicted (again) to aftermarket mods and performance enhancements....but I do so looooooove it!!

If I start talking about turbo charging someone please find me and put me in a psych ward for my (and my finances) safety.

[chow]

I asked the dealer about dropping cars and he said that its illegal because it drops the height of the car and the bumper is too low or something.But thats the dealer.I know everyone lowers their cars, but i was wondering.. If i get caught for speeding , will i get another ticket for a low car.. say a 1inch drop? That would suck... 2 tickets in one shot. Also, does a 1 inch drop do that much of a difference? I dont want to get my car owned with cement bumpers and what not. I plan to throw 18's on the car and maybe lower it to get rid of that extra space.. But i still want performance cuz i wanna track the car later in its lifetime.. Any suggestions?

[generic808]

Here's a few before and after Eibach Pro-Kit 1" drop pics. Sorry I couldn't find side-by-side Altima pics. As you can see, it does make a huge difference in appearance. I love the Pro-Kit drop opposed to the Sportline or any other brand 1.5"+ drops. Those look to ricey in my opinion

[bembol]

Just remember there will be Advantages and Disadvantages when you modify OEM Specs. This is why I'm done with it and leaving it stock.

I had the Pro Kit on my Acura RSX and sure if was nice for the first few months but realized to take Advantage of the Drop I had to UPGRADE the Sway Bars.

Another example is changing the Intake (had the AEM V2)...I had to upgrade Exchaust, GReddy EVO II, again to take Advantage of it. You get the point.

Getting back to the Pro Kit, the 1" will drop LOWER in coming years and depending where you are/situation you will scrape your Exchaust, Lip or Bumper. I got pulled over twice and had no issues with OPP/Peel Police with my drop.

[LongBeachCoupe]

I wish i could drop the car.... but with the snow here its just not logical if i dont want to buy a new front bumper at some point bc it will get trashed... My wheels take up a little bit more of the well...