Lowering and standard shocks ?

1. Carlvtr88 Saxperience Post Whore Joined: May 2009 Birmingham Posts: 5801 1.1 106 XN Time, MK2 VTR 01. Ford Focus ST3 CP320

   #1 6th January 2012, 19:04

   Probably been asked before but searched and couldnt find a definitive answer.
   
   Basically I like the lowered look but only about 40mm just enough to close the arch gap a bit. (I have a MK2 VTR)
   
   Although I know its obviously recommended to buy a kit, Could I drop 40mm on standard shocks and see a reasonable ride, or would i notice a change in comfort plus longevity of my shocks.
   
   Cheers.
2. user_20080 Saxperience Hardcore! Joined: Dec 2007 smurfland. Posts: 17346 Ex saxo owner.

   #2 6th January 2012, 19:56

   From what i`ve heard springs & shock kits are matched,so if you got different springs then your normal shocks are not designed to handle them.
3. Cam Saxperience Post Whore Joined: Nov 2010 Kent Posts: 8439 Gen 7 Celica 190.

   #3 6th January 2012, 20:03

   You can lower it on standerd shocks but the shocks are to soft and when you take a corner at about 25 odd you can fill body roll, so i wouldnt suggest it.
4. Carlvtr88 Saxperience Post Whore Joined: May 2009 Birmingham Posts: 5801 1.1 106 XN Time, MK2 VTR 01. Ford Focus ST3 CP320

   #4 6th January 2012, 20:09

   Quote:

   Originally Posted by Cam You can lower it on standerd shocks but the shocks are to soft and when you take a corner at about 25 odd you can fill body roll, so i wouldnt suggest it.

   aah right ok lads..... Even only going down 40 mill ?
5. blackie_2k5 Saxperience Hardcore! Joined: Oct 2008 Birtley Posts: 22253 VTR Turbo, 106 xsi track slag, Transit recovery, B

   #5 6th January 2012, 20:38

   can lower it on standard shocks fine, you wont get as good a feel/handling as you would with uprated shocks, but it will still feel firmer and handle better... dependant on the springs you use,
   
   it also will reduce the life of your shocks greatly and the shocks will also probs bottom out alot on bumps/potholes etc
6. Carlvtr88 Saxperience Post Whore Joined: May 2009 Birmingham Posts: 5801 1.1 106 XN Time, MK2 VTR 01. Ford Focus ST3 CP320

   #6 6th January 2012, 21:36

   Quote:

   Originally Posted by blackie_2k5 can lower it on standard shocks fine, you wont get as good a feel/handling as you would with uprated shocks, but it will still feel firmer and handle better... dependant on the springs you use, it also will reduce the life of your shocks greatly and the shocks will also probs bottom out alot on bumps/potholes etc

   Ok guys thanks ! thats a no then Apex kit it will be if i ever get that far.
7. enthrone Established Member Joined: Jun 2008 BS34 Posts: 1214 Yellow 16v

   #7 8th January 2012, 19:41

   Quote:

   Originally Posted by Carlvtr88 Ok guys thanks ! thats a no then Apex kit it will be if i ever get that far.

   just get the apex kit. my car came with -35 or -40mm springs on standard shocks. less than two years of them being fitted they were totally ruined.
   
   The car will handle like an absolute boat too, just save up and get the whole kit
8. Xplodee Regular Poster Joined: Dec 2011 Rochester, Kent Posts: 493 Saxo VTR

   #8 8th January 2012, 19:51

   Get shocks if you can mate.
9. user_38615 Established Member Joined: Oct 2009 Birmingham Posts: 2073 Current - 56 1.9 astra Sri Owned - 54 C2 GT. Ow

   #9 8th January 2012, 23:54

   Quote:

   Originally Posted by Carlvtr88 Ok guys thanks ! thats a no then Apex kit it will be if i ever get that far.

   If you go with 40mm Carl would use the place i got mine from
   
   

   Quote:

   Originally Posted by Xplodee Get shocks if you can mate.

   You think.
10. Carlvtr88 Saxperience Post Whore Joined: May 2009 Birmingham Posts: 5801 1.1 106 XN Time, MK2 VTR 01. Ford Focus ST3 CP320

    #10 9th January 2012, 11:44

    Wheres that then Gaz.
11. Nath19 Infrequent Poster Joined: Aug 2011 Stourbridge Posts: 174 Saxo

    #11 9th January 2012, 11:45

    sorry to hijack, i thought usual the rule was 40mm is usually fine on standard dampers. I went 40 on my old rover and the dampers were fine for years.
    Or maybe i was lucky
12. Carlvtr88 Saxperience Post Whore Joined: May 2009 Birmingham Posts: 5801 1.1 106 XN Time, MK2 VTR 01. Ford Focus ST3 CP320

    #12 9th January 2012, 11:47

    i think the sentiment here is you were lucky mate. I dont know whether i want to pay three hundred odd quid to get it lowered and buy the bits. Might just look out for some second hand ones.
13. Nath19 Infrequent Poster Joined: Aug 2011 Stourbridge Posts: 174 Saxo

    #13 9th January 2012, 11:50

    depends how much your car means to you isnt it, if you think its worth it go for it.
14. Carlvtr88 Saxperience Post Whore Joined: May 2009 Birmingham Posts: 5801 1.1 106 XN Time, MK2 VTR 01. Ford Focus ST3 CP320

    #14 9th January 2012, 11:54

    funny thing is is that i Nearly bought a apex kit new from kam but they were having stock problems so i had a full refund. Shame that is. But as i say ill look out for some second hand apex kits. On here.
15. Nath19 Infrequent Poster Joined: Aug 2011 Stourbridge Posts: 174 Saxo

    #15 9th January 2012, 11:58

    fair enough mate, good luck with your find (Y)
16. Dub_Saxo Newbie Joined: Jan 2012 Dublin Ireland Posts: 7 99 Saxo 1.1 VL

    #16 10th January 2012, 19:41

    Hey Guys im new to the site! still finding my bearings! But i want to lower my 99 saxo 50mm and im wondering if there is anyone from dublin that can help me?? Any advice would be appreciated! Cheers guys