I know some of this has been said, but this may resonate for a few people which is why i'm posting.
I daily my car, and drive it for my job some times which could mean 200+ mile round trips. I bought the car with eyes wide open, knowing after the test drive that it was a punishing ride on crappy streets. I knew though from experience that it could be fixed.. maybe that's the wrong word because the car is pretty awesome in stock form. I knew it could be modified, yeah.. modified.
I'm not a professional driver by any stretch, but if I had to quantify the handling characteristics and give impressions of driving on some really bad freeways in California, hopefully some of you will find this useful.
Stock:
Response, steering input: 9.9/10 (0 bobtail truck - 10 '08 Porsche 911 Carrera 4s)
No other car i've driven responds like this one, steering is direct, precise & extremely quick. This car has a knack for putting a smile on your face and I believe this is a large part of it.
Body Roll: 8/10 (0 rolly polly - 10 straight up flat)
This car is extremely flat in the corners, probably flatter than all the cars i've owned save for my 07 Mustang GT with Steeda springs and Koni yellows on full stiff. That car was harsh and bouncy though, and didn't corner near the way this car does either.
Harshness: 8/10 (0 toyota camry - my full suspension 07 GT mustang)
Let's face it, this car is a purpose built machine designed to have fun on a track. Not uneven pavement. It will punish you on long drives and is bouncier than most stock cars i've owned.
Eibach Pros w/Koni STR.T (rears):
Response, steering input: 7/10
This characteristic is affected the most by this setup and I'm a little saddened by it but the end result is worth it though in my opinion. If stock was "darty" this is "quick".
Body Roll: 7/10
It rolls a bit more, they are softer springs for sure.
Harshness: 7/10
Subdued, it's still there but very tolerable. It's like the whole experience is turned down from eleven to a less cringing 7, it's still an extreme little hatchback but everything is more palatable for daily use.
Summary:
I take my kids to school in this car, get groceries, and use it for work. Occasionally i'll find a opportunity to have a little fun and this car pays dividends in that department. I'll go as far as to say this setup doesn't compromise the handling completely but numbs it a bit. If you're going for a certain look and a little more comfort this setup is for you. I am fairly handy, and I did the install on a Saturday morning and waited through 2 tanks of gas through it before posting this as to get a real impression of driving it daily. I couldn't be happier with the look, and the ride is about 90% of where I wanted it to be so i'd consider this a win.
I daily my car, and drive it for my job some times which could mean 200+ mile round trips. I bought the car with eyes wide open, knowing after the test drive that it was a punishing ride on crappy streets. I knew though from experience that it could be fixed.. maybe that's the wrong word because the car is pretty awesome in stock form. I knew it could be modified, yeah.. modified.
I'm not a professional driver by any stretch, but if I had to quantify the handling characteristics and give impressions of driving on some really bad freeways in California, hopefully some of you will find this useful.
Stock:
Response, steering input: 9.9/10 (0 bobtail truck - 10 '08 Porsche 911 Carrera 4s)
No other car i've driven responds like this one, steering is direct, precise & extremely quick. This car has a knack for putting a smile on your face and I believe this is a large part of it.
Body Roll: 8/10 (0 rolly polly - 10 straight up flat)
This car is extremely flat in the corners, probably flatter than all the cars i've owned save for my 07 Mustang GT with Steeda springs and Koni yellows on full stiff. That car was harsh and bouncy though, and didn't corner near the way this car does either.
Harshness: 8/10 (0 toyota camry - my full suspension 07 GT mustang)
Let's face it, this car is a purpose built machine designed to have fun on a track. Not uneven pavement. It will punish you on long drives and is bouncier than most stock cars i've owned.
Eibach Pros w/Koni STR.T (rears):
Response, steering input: 7/10
This characteristic is affected the most by this setup and I'm a little saddened by it but the end result is worth it though in my opinion. If stock was "darty" this is "quick".
Body Roll: 7/10
It rolls a bit more, they are softer springs for sure.
Harshness: 7/10
Subdued, it's still there but very tolerable. It's like the whole experience is turned down from eleven to a less cringing 7, it's still an extreme little hatchback but everything is more palatable for daily use.
Summary:
I take my kids to school in this car, get groceries, and use it for work. Occasionally i'll find a opportunity to have a little fun and this car pays dividends in that department. I'll go as far as to say this setup doesn't compromise the handling completely but numbs it a bit. If you're going for a certain look and a little more comfort this setup is for you. I am fairly handy, and I did the install on a Saturday morning and waited through 2 tanks of gas through it before posting this as to get a real impression of driving it daily. I couldn't be happier with the look, and the ride is about 90% of where I wanted it to be so i'd consider this a win.