Lowering 35mm /40mm / +questions for experts

  1. Established Member Joined: Dec 2009 Cambridge Posts: 1246 Blue Furio
    #1
    Hi, I'd like some advice from some people who know their stuff when it comes to lowering, and suspension on the Saxo. (I have read the relevant stickies), Got a couple of questions...

    I have a furio, with standard suspension, and below you will see pics of how it currently sits. I'm unsure whether to go 35mm or 40mm all around. I know its only a 5mm difference, but if you have any pics of your cars / links of cars lowered to this height, please post as this will help with my decision.










    I do not intend to lower the torsion bar, as I here this shortens the life of the stock suspension, and the ride isn't very good. Therefore, I'm looking at kits: springs and dampers. Considering the spax 40mm kit. Good places to buy? Other alternative kits? I know P.I do a 35mm kit too.

    Most importantly: I intend on keeping this car for about a year, and I would like to upgrade to a VTS. Is it relatively easy fitting / swapping a fitted suspension kit from one car onto another, and replacing the stock suspension? (my Dad owns a garage, and I could get this done for free, just wondering if its very involved etc)

    Sorry this is a massive post, but please help me out if you can.

    Thanks in advance
  2. Saxperience Forum Bum Joined: Jan 2009 st.austell Posts: 2549 106 quiksilver
    #2
    The rear shocks will stiffen the back not lower it, Lowering the torsion bar is the only way.

    Lowering height- i would say 40mm, if not 45!

    Changing the kit.... Well you would need to keep your standard springs from the Furio, so you can put them back on, Then just put the uprated springs onto the S

    Kits ..... Well i don't know which ones to get... But if you want looks and handling, anything on Kam will be fine, even the cheapest on there.
  3. Established Member Joined: Nov 2008 Leeds Posts: 1361 Zetec S TDCI
    #3
    Go for a Spax kit on the front and lower the torsion bar to match and uprate the rear dampers.
  4. Saxperience Forum Bum Joined: Jun 2006 Swansea Posts: 4946 Bianca White Peugeot 106 S2 Rallye, Saxo VTS
    #4
    The front is lowered by springs. The proper way is springs & dampers to suit the shortened spring.

    If you do not intend on lowering the back then don't lower the front IMO. It'll look like you are Endo'ing down the road. The back can be lowered the "proper way" and go on to live a long and prosperous life.

    I'd personally go for a suspension kit. Check out Kamracing website to see the options they have. That way you get rear dampers that will suit the lowered ride height on the back as well as matched springs & dampers on the front.

    The ride quality loss will be minimal and the braking will be equal aslong as the bias valve is adjusted to suit the drop.

    There is a sticky on different ride heights with lots of pics to show you what you'll be getting with different kits. etc.

    And yes it's simple enough to swap everything over as it's relatively easy to fit in the first place.
  5. Established Member Joined: Dec 2009 Cambridge Posts: 1246 Blue Furio
    #5
    Cheers for the quick replies I'm a bit of a noob when it comes to suspension, I understand all the stuff at the front, but the back I haven't got a clue, only what I've said in post 1. I heard it was best to get a kit with the rear dampers, as lowering the torsion bar alone isn't a good idea cos it weakens/puts strain on everything... epic worry
  6. Saxperience Forum Bum Joined: Jun 2006 Swansea Posts: 4946 Bianca White Peugeot 106 S2 Rallye, Saxo VTS
    #6
    Quote:
    Originally Posted by Marky_C View Post
    Go for a Spax kit on the front and lower the torsion bar to match and uprate the rear dampers.
    I'd personally go for one of the Apex kits from Kam if you're on a budget.
  7. Frequent Poster Joined: May 2008 Northampton city Posts: 897 Mk1 Saxo eastcoast 1.1, Mk2 Black Saxo VTR
    #7
    gotta lower the torsion bar bud to lower the rear
  8. Established Member Joined: Dec 2009 Cambridge Posts: 1246 Blue Furio
    #8
    Quote:
    Originally Posted by Mr_P View Post
    I'd personally go for one of the Apex kits from Kam if you're on a budget.
    Unfortunatly I am on a budget just forked out £1600 on a course.

    This is something I'll probably do in a couple of months, so asking the Q's know so I'm prepared with all the info

    Thanks for the input to all of you so far, I appreciate this.
  9. Saxperience Forum Bum Joined: Jun 2006 Swansea Posts: 4946 Bianca White Peugeot 106 S2 Rallye, Saxo VTS
    #9
    Quote:
    Originally Posted by Saxomatic View Post
    Unfortunatly I am on a budget just forked out £1600 on a course.
    Then I'd defo recommend the Apex kits from Kam. Either 50mm or 35mm.

    You get the front springs & dampers matched to each other that will lower the fron 35 or 50mm.

    And you get uprated rear dampers.

    The rear can only be lowered by adjusting the torsion bar. And it can be done properly
  10. Established Member Joined: Dec 2009 Cambridge Posts: 1246 Blue Furio
    #10
    Quote:
    Originally Posted by Mr_P View Post
    Then I'd defo recommend the Apex kits from Kam. Either 50mm or 35mm.

    You get the front springs & dampers matched to each other that will lower the fron 35 or 50mm.

    And you get uprated rear dampers.

    The rear can only be lowered by adjusting the torsion bar. And it can be done properly
    Lovely, cheers mate. That gives me more faith in doing it. Bassically, I have no idea about the torsion bar in relation to lowering, but from whats been said, I understand this has to be done anyway along with the new uprated dampers (just to clarify-I know I'm being a noob)
  11. Saxperience Forum Bum Joined: Jun 2006 Swansea Posts: 4946 Bianca White Peugeot 106 S2 Rallye, Saxo VTS
    #11
    Quote:
    Originally Posted by Saxomatic View Post
    Lovely, cheers mate. That gives me more faith in doing it. Bassically, I have no idea about the torsion bar in relation to lowering, but from whats been said, I understand this has to be done anyway along with the new uprated dampers (just to clarify-I know I'm being a noob)
    The dampers aren't "necessary" but highly recommended to help the ride afterwards.


    Basically there is a correct and incorrect way of lowering the torsion bar. One is the "clicks" or "notches" method, and is the wrong way. If anyone mentions how many notches or clicks you want it lowered by, then walk away. It's not only inaccurate but it disturbs the arm.

    The correct way is to remove the torsion bar, adjust the trailing arm and then reinsert the torsion bar. That way you don't upset the bearings on the trailing arms.... if you take the bars out nicely
  12. Established Member Joined: Feb 2010 Witham, Essex Posts: 2070 Baby blue Hyundai coupe siii
    #12
    i was told by the head honcho at wolfrace wheels yesterday that you dont really need to upgrade the dampers right away when lowering as far as 45mm as it doesnt put enough strain on them. Anything over that then yeah it needs doing
  13. Established Member Joined: Dec 2009 Cambridge Posts: 1246 Blue Furio
    #13
    Quote:
    Originally Posted by Mr_P View Post
    The dampers aren't "necessary" but highly recommended to help the ride afterwards.


    Basically there is a correct and incorrect way of lowering the torsion bar. One is the "clicks" or "notches" method, and is the wrong way. If anyone mentions how many notches or clicks you want it lowered by, then walk away. It's not only inaccurate but it disturbs the arm.

    The correct way is to remove the torsion bar, adjust the trailing arm and then reinsert the torsion bar. That way you don't upset the bearings on the trailing arms.... if you take the bars out nicely
    Awesome stuff matey, thanks for the info and clarification That's helped me out no end