General Information on Lowering Springs

[csmolen]

So I’m looking into putting shocks & springs on my car rather than coils just for a little better ride (+ its a lot more budget friendly). I can’t find any springs specifically made for the S-Series. If I were to buy springs (probably like 1.3ish drop) for some other car, would they work with the saturn?

[cujoe_da_man]

Do you mean you're wanting to replace the entire strut and not just the spring? I'm kind of confused on what you mean by shocks and springs, that's essentially what a strut is, it's a spring with a built-in shock.

I seem to remember a thread talking about another thread that parts used to be available, but that was like ten years ago (don't quote me on that) and they no longer make them.

Also, suspension work can get you into trouble if not done right, even an inch drop can throw everything out of alignment if not done properly.

[csmolen]

Originally Posted by cujoe_da_man

Do you mean you're wanting to replace the entire strut and not just the spring? I'm kind of confused on what you mean by shocks and springs, that's essentially what a strut is, it's a spring with a built-in shock.

I seem to remember a thread talking about another thread that parts used to be available, but that was like ten years ago (don't quote me on that) and they no longer make them.

Also, suspension work can get you into trouble if not done right, even an inch drop can throw everything out of alignment if not done properly.

Yeah I meant struts 😅 I’ll be honest i was in the middle of class and wasnt all there in the brain when i asked. Anyways, I would love to replace just the springs, but from what i had seen thats pretty hit or miss if you dont pair the springs and struts correctly as far as like, spring rate and all that stuff. I’m still pretty new to all this info which is why I asked and why I’m doing research.

[fetchitfido]

Only H&R and Eibach made long-term production runs of their springs. Eibach's were made for people with broken backs that think polyurethane engine mounts are stupid, H&R Sports were made for fun folks and H&R race springs were for...racing. All dropped about 1.3-1.5in after settling.

Info with actual numbers rather than my odd interpretation: https://forum.sixthsphere.com/articl...t-spring-rates

Pretty much the only strut that was ever available without spending stupid money were KYB GR2's.

Your alignment will have to be fixed after changing struts, expecting otherwise means you shouldn't be working on the car. Doesn't matter if you're replacing stock for stock or modifying.

[Macgyver]

It's unlikely you'll find lowering springs for the S series anymore. The aftermarket mod parts scene has left long ago.

[csmolen]

Originally Posted by Macgyver

It's unlikely you'll find lowering springs for the S series anymore. The aftermarket mod parts scene has left long ago.

Fully aware of this, and was curious if there was a way to use springs for something else, like for a WRX for example (I’ve seen wrx coilovers used in an SL2, good ole Build it Break it Garage). Point is, could springs for other cars have usable fitment?

[Macgyver]

Originally Posted by csmolen

Fully aware of this, and was curious if there was a way to use springs for something else, like for a WRX for example (I’ve seen wrx coilovers used in an SL2, good ole Build it Break it Garage). Point is, could springs for other cars have usable fitment?

No, I haven't seen such a thing on this forum over the past decade.

[amazinghl]

It's a boring car that will get you 30+ mpg during your high school and college years.

Save your money for something else.

[cujoe_da_man]

Aww, they aren't THAT boring. They keep you entertained while keeping them running!

But seriously, I do agree that these cars are literally meant for one thing, saving money at the pumps.

There's nothing wrong with wanting to make them look nice and keeping them that way, but when you get into wanting to doing something that would be better suited for a car meant to be modded, it's not really worth the effort.

Unless you have a fully furnished shop and want to make something really unique, I'd just save your money and get something better down the road. Let this one save you on the super high gas prices currently.

[SLfun]

Originally Posted by amazinghl

It's a boring car that will get you 30+ mpg during your high school and college years.

Save your money for something else.

Whether the car is boring or not is in the eye of the beholder. I have driven new Audis, 700 hp Mercs and I still love driving my little S Series. I can't explain why exactly, but going for a boot in my 'lowly' S series always puts a smile on my face.

My 98 S Series5 spd has H&R lowering springs, if you can find a set second hand grab em. They go best with the KYB struts/ shocks.