[Cobblepop]

Hello all,

I know this is an issue which has previously been covered but I was hoping I could get some further insight from those in the know.

I have the GT JTD and I love it, except every time I look at it my eye can't help but drift toward that humongous gap in the wheel arch, the car just sits too high!

Now, I have a very limited budget and I've been looking at the Eibach Pro springs to lower the car. They seem to be well received and great value too. The problem I have is with the consensus that you should replace the shockers if installing the Eibach springs. A few people have kept the standard shockers producing mixed results/opinions, with the main issue being that the standard shockers 'can't cope' with the upgraded springs.

Because I can't really afford new shockers, my question is what does 'can't cope' really mean? Does it just mean the car becomes uncomfortable and harsh? Does it upset the balance and feel? Or is it actually bad for the car, possibly causing more problems down the road?

I'm sorry for bringing up this much talked about issue again, I just wanted to dig into what the real issue is with upgraded springs/standard shockers.

 

[Cobblepop]

Anybody?

 

[Graham Beale]

Mate I have no experience with your model or even my 156 but I would say go for it with the springs. I restored a mk3 Escort around 8 years ago & fitted diamond cut 17" alloys with low profile tyres. Ride quality was irrelevant once the bigger wheels were fitted, I just had to lower the car. It looked ridiculous with standard springs & the wheels cost me over a weeks wages so they were staying. I loved it with lowering springs fitted. Less roll when cornering but more importantly for me it looked great! Lol
I have resisted the urge to fit springs to my 156 for now as I may be looking at replacing the clutch soon but they are on my shopping list.
If it's mainly just you in the car then the slightly harsher ride is a small price to pay for the warm feeling you will get every time you walk towards your car.

 

[Cobblepop]

I like the way you're thinking :thumbup:

It really is just about the looks at this point, I don't care if the ride becomes more harsh, the only thing worrying me is if there's any danger of problems arising, ultimately costing more money later on.

 

[symon]

I have had Eibach pro kit springs on a couple of cars now, and I would definitely say go for it.

But make sure you change the shocks at the same time. It will save you two lots of labour costs, as well as improving the ride and handling.

The shocks on Alfa's tend to be not quite up to the job, especially when they have a few miles on them.

Once you are done you will have better looks, better handling and the ride will be firm but still comfortable.

 

[doutlaw]

The GT will definitely look better, you know this will sacrifice a little bit of comfort! I have lowered my uno on similar springs which are also stiffer then the stock ones, handles like a charm and it looks far better, but its not practical on the kind of roads in my areas. Hence why I'm not doing the same on my GT.

 

[Shimmerydolmeo]

Can't really give an informed opinion but I would also change shocks. If cost is an issue find some 2nd hand GTA or 3.2 GT shocks and fit those.

 

[dgmayhead]

I have just springs and the the car drives fine.
However, one of my original rear shocks did break some 15,000 miles later so in hindsight it would have made sense for me to update the shocks when I did the springs. Replacing the rear ended up being mega expensive because of the labour charges not the cost of parts.
So in summary: I chose the springs because low looks good and they didn't do any harm to the ride. However, with the age of the car I should have put shocks on at the same time. It really didn't save me any money as now I have new rear shocks (still standard).
I'd be happy with bilsten b4.

 

[Graham Beale]

Forgot to mention i had already fitted new shocks to the Escort prior to the lowering springs going on.