Eibach Springs

 

Looking to get rid of the empty space between the tire and fender arch? Many people think they need to use taller tires to fill the space, but the right way of doing this is with lowering springs. A well tuned set of lowering springs will make the car look better, handle better and unlike oversized tires, it will not make the speedometer, odometer and other systems overestimate vehicle speed and mileage.

The good folks from Eibach dropped by to visit us last week and reminded us of all the wonderful things they do. All Eibach springs, from the popular Pro-Kit springs for street cars, to the special titanium springs they make for the Bugatti Veyron, to the custom springs they manufacture for the premier professional racing series are built to the same standards of quality and durability.

If your car is a daily driver, the Eibach Pro-Kit Spring Set is one of the best options available. It gives a nice boost to performance without compromising ride quality. The lowering is usually between 1" and 1.5" depending on the application. This amount of lowering generally doesn't require any special alignment parts to be added in order to obtain a proper alignment. It's recommended to have an alignment done after the springs are installed.

View all Eibach products and choose the one that best fits your vehicle.

An easy and inexpensive way to increase the performance and handling of your vehicle is to add lowering springs. By lowering the vehicle's center of gravity, you can reduce body roll in the turns, dive under braking and squat during acceleration. Eibach offers two different kits, the Pro-Kit Spring Set for performance street use and the more aggressive Sportline Spring Set for autocross and track use.

A key to choosing the one best suited for your needs is the amount of drop the kit can provide. The lower the drop from the spring kit, the lower the center of gravity - which provides the best performance. However, the lower the spring kit drops, the stiffer the ride for everyday driving will become. It's important to choose the Eibach Spring Kit with the appropriate amount of drop for your driving needs.

Eibach Pro-Kit Spring Set

Eibach Sportline Spring Set

Eibach's Pro-Kit Spring Set is designed to provide improved handling and improve the look of the vehicle. It's the perfect balance between performance and handling, while still maintaining the original ride quality of the vehicle. Eibach Pro-Kit Springs minimize the fender gap that makes a car look lifted. The Eibach Pro-Kit typically lowers the vehicle 1.00"-1.25" depending upon the application.

If you're looking for the ultimate in track performance, the Eibach Sportline Spring Kit will give your car a low, race-replica look. A radical reduction in wheel well gap and improved handling is achieved for serious track and autocross enthusiasts. The Sportline Kit provides a drop typically between 1.50"-2.00" depending upon the application. This kit is for someone willing to give up some ride quality in exchange for the best cornering grip and turn-in response.

Shop by vehicle to see if an Eibach kit is right for your application. Also, be sure to read "Altitude and Attitude Adjustment" for more information on properly lowering your vehicle.

The anti-roll bar, also called an anti-sway bar, connects the left and right suspensions together and anchors to the vehicle frame. Typically used at the front and rear of the vehicle, the anti-roll bar is commonly used to adjust the handling balance of the vehicle and limit the amount of sway or body roll during cornering.

In essence, an anti-roll bar works as a torsion spring, so as you approach a high speed corner, the vehicle will begin to lean downward toward the outside corner pushing upward on the outside end of the anti-roll bar. The upward movement of the outside end of the anti-roll bar is transferred to the inside end of the anti-roll bar, which responds by also applying the same upward movement to the inside cornering of the suspension. This compresses the inside corner of the suspension while also providing torsion to the anti-roll bar so the outside edge can better resist the upward movement. All this results in a vehicle that'll remain level even while making high-speed corners and keep traction more equal for the inside and outside tires.  

Whether you're looking to increase performance on your daily driver or looking to have the ultimate autocross/road race machine, we offer a wide array of anti-roll bar products. 

Eibach Anti-Roll Kit

H&R Anti-Roll Bar

Hotchkis Sport Anti-Roll Bar

Performance Street Anti-Roll Bars:

Eibach Anti-Roll Kit:

• Further reduces body roll
• Cold-formed from high strength aircraft grade steel
• Designed to fit without vehicle modification

H&R Anti-Roll Bar:

• Perfectly complements H&R springs, coil-overs, performance shocks and cup kits
• Crafted from spring steel that is stronger, more resilient than other materials
• Bent on proprietary machines designed by H&R to produce complex curves and a perfect fit

Hotchkis Sport Anti-Roll Bars:

• Improves handling while reducing body roll
• Designed for the everyday commuter and occasional road course or track use
• Includes tubular front and rear anti-roll bars

Hotchkis AutoX Anti-Roll Bar

Hotchkis Competition Anti-Roll Bars

Autocross/Track Anti-Roll Bars:

Hotchkis Sport Suspension AutoX Anti-Roll Bar:

• Improves handling and reduces body roll
• Track-tested, lightweight, hollow
• Includes greasable bushings and brackets

Hotchkis Competition Anti-Roll Bars:

• Designed for the highly competitive road course and autocross course
• Maximizes tire performance and achieves slight oversteer
• Tubular front and rear bars with greasable polyurethane bushings, brackets and 90-degree zerk fittings (where applicable)

Shop by vehicle to view all anti-roll bars offered for your daily driver, autocross or road race vehicle. Also, take a look at replacement shocks and struts to complement your new anti-roll bars by reading, "Which Bilstein Replacement Shock or Strut is Best for Your Vehicle?"

Looking for a complete lowering spring and damper kit that'll add improved handling without a big sacrifice in comfort? Then take a look at the Bilstein B12 Pro-Kit. By combining Eibach's proven Pro-Kit springs with specially tuned Bilstein shocks and struts in one complete package, you can get the best that both companies have to offer for the following vehicles:

• Late model C- and E-Class Mercedes-Benz
• Fifth-generation Volkswagen Golf
• Fifth-generation VW GTI

In nearly all cases, the use of a lowering spring requires replacement of the Original Equipment struts and shock as the higher spring rates are more than the O.E. units can handle. For best durability, switching to a performance oriented shock with heavy duty components will maximize the performance of the spring and eliminate the chances of premature wear. Eibach went to one of the best in the suspension industry and asked them to design a durable and responsive companion for their Pro-Kit spring.

Key Features & Benefits of Bilstein's B12 Pro-Kit:

• Professional Cornering System
• Lowers up to 40mm
• Bilstein monotube gas pressure technology
• Eibach Pro-Kit application-specific progressive rate performance springs

To see if the Bilstein B12 Pro-Kit could improve your vehicle's performance, shop by vehicle.

Have you been waiting for Eibach to release Pro-Kit Springs for the Scion FR-S and Subaru BRZ? Well, they are now in stock and one of my co-workers has already installed them on his BRZ. 

 

 

 

Eibach makes the same Pro-Kit Springs for both the Scion FR-S and Subaru BRZ. The average lowering is about an inch for both the front and rear. In addition to looking great, the Eibach Pro-Kit provides a great balance between ride and overall handling. Compared to his BRZ on stock springs, my co-worker has noticed the following:

1. The car feels like it is stuck to the road, especially when the road is smooth.
2. There is much less body roll with the Eibach Springs and the car corners better. You can dive into a corner and feel very safe and comfortable with the car.
3. The feel is very tight when going in and out of corners.

Eibach Pro-Kit FAQ:

1. What are the Pro-Kit's spring rates? The Eibach Pro-Kit Springs are progressive rate springs. Their rate varies with the amount of spring compression. The more compression, the stiffer the spring. Therefore, minor road imperfections cause less spring compression and will result in the springs working at a lower rate for a better ride compliance.
   
   During fast cornering, hard braking and rapid acceleration you'll get dynamic weight transfer from front to back, and side to side. Greater weight compresses the springs more so they act at higher rates for better vehicle control.
   
   The actual spring rate range is 48-200 lbs./in for the front and 103-274 lbs./in for rear.
    
2. What wheels and tires are on your co-worker's vehicle? He's running 245/35ZR18 Michelin Pilot Super Sports with 18x8 ET48 5-100 gold O.Z. Racing Alleggerita wheels.

Having already chosen the Eibach Pro-Kit Spring Set for my 1997 740i, it's time to turn my attention to the the shocks and struts, known collectively as dampers. The available options include the Bilstein Touring Class, Bilstein Sport and KYB GR-2. 
 

The Touring Class and GR-2 are similar to one another in that they're both premium quality replacements for the stock dampers. They are valved about 10% firmer than the originals to account for the wear that accumulates in other suspension components over time and their goal is to provide ride and handling that equals or exceeds the Original Equipment.
 

The Bilstein Sport is a high-performance shock absorber designed for use with lowering springs. The mono-tube design, while more expensive to produce, has advantages for heat dissipation, longevity and consistent performance. 
 

Do I spend the money on the Bilstein shocks or save some cash and go back with a factory-equivalent part? The Bilstein Sports are the only replacement shock absorbers that are officially recommended to use with the Pro-Kit springs. Using the Touring Class or GR-2 with lowering springs would void their warranties. While this wouldn't be the first warranty I've ever voided when modifying a vehicle, I think that if I'm going to go through the trouble and expense of replacing them, it's worth doing it right. The Bilstein Sport was the winner and will make a great addition to my BMW 740i.

My 1997 BMW 740 is likely overdue for a suspension overhaul. The potholed and broken pavement that is typical of this time of year has highlighted that fact. With over 180,000 miles on the vehicle (only about 20,000 are from my driving), I have not replaced the BMW shocks or springs and do not know whether the original owner did either. The existing components could very well be the ones that came from the factory! 
 

The decline in handling from sloppy, worn-out suspension components is taking a toll on my enjoyment of the car. Therefore, it's time to start plotting my replacements. Springs are easy to replace and relatively affordable. I have narrowed my choices between the Eibach Pro-Kit Spring Set and H&R Sport Spring Set. Both brands are excellent and well priced. For a car like mine that may see some fast driving but is generally a daily driver, the Pro-Kit offers an excellent combination of comfort and handling. 
 

Shocks are a little tougher choice and more expensive. Check back next week to see what option I've chosen. 

I received the following question in one of the forums I help moderate: "I have 137,000 miles on my car.  I've heard that some people experience sagging springs. Under what conditions, if any, do springs wear out and how can I tell other than a lower ride height?"

Springs support the weight of a vehicle and over time can certainly sag and result in lowered ride height and reduced body control. While you may never "need" to replace springs (short of one being broken) on your vehicle, 137,000 miles is quite some time for the Original Equipment. You would likely see a noticeable improvement by replacing your springs after this amount of driving and time supporting the vehicle's weight. While you're replacing these suspension components, consider the Eibach Pro-Kit Spring Set.

Below are a few areas that will improve by replacing worn out springs with a new set of lowering springs:

• No more bottoming out
• Reduced body roll
• Reduced pitch and dive when braking and accelerating
• Better handling and steering feel

For more information about lowering your vehicle, take a loot at "A Look at Lowering."

If you're wanting to close up that wheelwell gap, without sacrificing ride quality, a product like the Eibach Pro-Kit Spring Set would be a great solution. You'll see a mild drop in the 1.0" - 1.5" range which will improve the stance and handling while maintaining a near factory ride.

Are you ready to hit the track while wanting a wide range of adjustments (including your Ford shocks) for your vehicle? It may be time to explore a coil-over kit. Again, Eibach steps up to the plate offering drops adjustable between 1.0" and 2.4". The Multi-Pro Coil-Over (shown above) features a 10-way independently adjustable compression and rebound which allows for combinations that are near limitless to dial your car in perfectly.

Options are available for most years and models of the fifth-generation Mustang (2005 and up). 

Whether you're looking to buy shocks online or purchase a coil-over kit, shop by vehicle to find the right suspension products for your vehicle. 

Have you started to notice a little wallow in curves? Maybe a little squat on hard acceleration or dive under hard braking? Well, if your vehicle has the aforementioned symptoms, then your shocks and/or struts (dampers) are worn out and it's time for a change.

Normally you'll start to notice damper wear approximately between 75,000-125,000 miles. The exact point when changes occur varies based on how you drive and the conditions of the roads you encounter. Damper wear happens gradually, therefore it can be difficult for a driver to sense it. It may be helpful to have someone else drive and evaluate your vehicle as another driver would have more of a "tabula rasa" perspective.

When the time comes to replace shock absorbers, you should get a damper that gives you proper control in the curves and smooth ride on bumps, tar strips and different road conditions. Proper handling, however, requires a higher rebound setting. A higher rebound setting means a firmer ride on bumps as the vehicle chassis will slam back down as its springs expand.

With older damper technology, most shock absorbers were designed to offer a good ride or good handling. What if you want both? KONI's FSD (Frequency Selective Damping) Damper Set provides lower rebound forces on higher-frequency piston movements (bumps) but higher rebound forces on lower-frequency movements (turns). KONI originally engineered FSD technology for the Lamborghini Murcielago and FIAT is using it on the new North American FIAT 500 Abarth. In our testing we found the KONI shocks with FSD technology provided our E46 test cars with an amazing balance between ride on our rough northern Indiana roads and proper handling on our autocross track. Although the FSD worked well for us as BMW shocks, they're also compatible with a variety of vehicles including, an Audi A3, MINI Coopers (both R53 and R56), the Mazda 3, Volvo S40, VW Jetta and VW Rabbit.

Thinking about lowering your vehicle when you replace dampers? Take a good look at KONI FSD Damper Set & Springs which combines FSD's with Eibach Pro-Kit Springs.

KONI FSD Damper Set

KONI FSD Damper Set & Springs

For more assistance in picking the proper damper set, take a look at "Choosing the Optimum Damper for Your Vehicle."

Since their inception into the market, the 2011 Mustang GT and the 5th Generation 2010+ Camaro have attracted much attention, and I must note I too fell prey to their new designs.

In February, I took ownership of a 2011 Mustang GT 5.0 6-speed. The only options on my car were the Brembo performance brake and wheel package and the 3.73 rear gears. I wanted the fastest base Mustang GT I could buy, but yet even that was not without room for improvement.

My first step toward correcting the lackluster steering response and turn-in feel was to replace the spring and strut / shock assemblies. My components of choice were the off-the-shelf 2011 Mustang GT Eibach Pro-Kit Spring Set and a set of 2010 Mustang GT model Bilstein struts and shocks. Although Bilstein does not yet have a 2011 Mustang GT specific fitment at this time, the use of 2005-2010 Ford Racing strut mounts and the 2010 model Bilstein struts allowed me to successfully use the components. For a more plug and play application and a user friendly guaranteed fitment, consumers can purchase the matching Eibach Pro-Damper Kit which is specifically tuned for Eibach springs on the 2011 models and bolts up without any modification to the strut mount units.

Although the Eibach springs are not the stiffest available, their progressive rate is far beyond the factory rate of 150lbs/in. For that reason, it is important to increase the compression and rebound rates of the shock assemblies, not only to increase the life of the shock, but also to increase performance while cornering, and reduce unfavorable motion on transitions and rough surfaces.

At left is a picture of the factory 2011 Mustang GT front strut and its Bilstein rival. The differences in shaft size should be obvious. Upon installing this aftermarket suspension package, my 2011 GT feels like an entirely new car. It doesn't exhibit the floating feeling associated with the stock pieces, and generally feels firmer and more responsive. The steering inputs are met with crisp turn-in and the car behaves very neutral at the limit, which left me quite surprised.

For questions on suspension and more, contact one of our sales specialists.

Coil-over suspension kits represent the top end of the suspension market, giving the driver the most flexibility in adjusting both the ride height and "firmness" of the shock absorbers to fine tune the handling of their vehicle. Sounds like a great option to have right? Well, the answer lies in how and where you drive your vehicle.

The first thing to remember is that any component that lowers the ride height of your vehicle will affect ride comfort (see a previous blog post titled "What Should I Expect from Lowering Springs?"). Even the most modest lowering spring (1.0" of drop or less) will affect ride comfort, but any coil-over setup will have a much more aggressive spring rate which translates to a firmer ride. In my mind, the coil-over suspension is intended for a driver that wants to maximize the handling of the vehicle in "track" conditions and also have the flexibility to adjust ride height (and damping rates) to suit track conditions. If local road conditions are poor, coil-overs will make a rough ride even rougher!

Eibach Multi-Pro Coil-Over R2

KW Variant 1 Coil-Over

The Eibach Multi-Pro Coil-Over R2 and the KW Variant 1 have the least "aggressive" spring rates, which will minimize the change to ride comfort but still improve handling and allow you to adjust your ride height for the perfect stance.

Bilstein PSS Coil-Over Kit

KW Variant 3 Coil-Over

The Bilstein PSS Coil-Over Kit and KW Variant 3 represent the elite in coil-over systems and provide the greatest range of adjustability for ride and ride height.

Check out our full line of coil-over systems!

Need to improve the cornering and handling on your Dodge Challenger? Eibach has the perfect solution in the Eibach Pro-System Plus Kit. This is a total solution that upgrades the dampers, springs and anti-roll bars. You can also do the upgrades in steps if you prefer.

With this kit installed, you will lower the vehicle just under an inch and significantly reduce body roll when cornering. The ride quality will be a bit firmer, but most people will wonder why the car wasn't set up this way straight from Dodge in the first place.

Read our Suspension Component Test Results to see how the Eibach Pro-System Plus Kit can improve your vehicle's suspension.

The kit is available for model years 2008, 2009 and 2010 in all engine and trim levels.

To see which suspension products work best for your vehicle, shop by vehicle.

Lowering springs are a very popular option for those that are looking to improve both the appearance and handling characteristics of their vehicle. By lowering the center of gravity on the car and winding the coils closer together, a lowering spring can make the car feel more "planted" to the road for better cornering. Lowering springs will also give the car a more aggressive stance and reduce the vehicle’s fenderwell gap (the distance between the top of the tire and the edge of the wheelwell). The "downside" of the lowering spring is that the tighter coils will have less travel to them and take away from the ride comfort of the vehicle. 

So what to do? A good rule of thumb to follow is the less the vehicle is lowered, the less the ride comfort will be effected! Depending on the vehicle, both Eibach and H&R have options that can fit a variety of needs (lets use a newer VW Golf as an example):

H&R Sport Spring Set

H&R Race Spring Set

For the least amount of lowering (and the closest to "stock" ride comfort, consider the Eibach Pro-Kit (1" drop front and rear).

For a "sportier" ride with a lower stance, look at the H&R Sport Spring kit (1.5" front and 1.4" rear).

Lastly, for the best improvement in handling for track applications, consider the H&R Race Spring kit (2.0" front and 1.75" rear).

Take a look at all the testing we've done on lowering springs for the complete picture!

Looking for new springs that are right for your vehicle and the way you drive it?

Tire Rack has performed back-to-back product comparisons to help consumers with their purchasing decisions. Our Suspension Component Research page shows Eibach Springs, H&R Springs and KONI results from our Real World Road Ride route and Performance Test Track course. Our findings can help you select the springs that are right for your application.

For example, we tested spring sets from Eibach against the Original Equipment installed on a BMW E46 328i. Our tests results showed the Eibach springs enhanced the handling and feel of our test vehicle while increasing lap time speeds. To evaluate the benefits of modifying your vehicle’s suspension, read:

“Spring Testing”

You can also contact one of our sales specialists for more information.

Eibach Springs designs and markets a complete line of tuned dampers, anti-roll bars, strut tower bars, alignment kits, motorcycle and motorsports springs.

The Sportline Spring Set will help you achieve a low and race-replica look. The lowering springs can drop your vehicle typically 1.50” to 2.00” and give your ride the ultimate in balance and comfort.

Tire Rack’s Tech Center is a great way to research information on suspension products and lowering your car. For more information on dropping your vehicle, read:

“How Low Can I Go?”

How can springs improve your vehicle’s suspension?

Springs are designed to provide cushion to absorb road imperfections and return the vehicle to a set ride height. Shorter overall lengths and a higher spring rate are commonly used to lower the ride height which helps improve handling and enhance the vehicle’s appearance. Car springs are a major contributor to a car’s handling balance and ride quality.

Whether you choose Eibach springs, H&R Springs or springs from KONI, Tire Rack has the equipment to fit your application.

Shop by vehicle to see which springs work best for your vehicle.

Considering replacing your Original Equipment springs with lowering springs? A good rule of thumb is that many vehicles can be lowered approximately 1.5 inches without any complications.

Eibach Springs and H&R Springs offer options that provide the required spring rates using progressive rate springs that minimize the effect on ride quality. Remember, the lower you go the higher the spring rate required.

It is also important to note that lowering springs will change the ride characteristics of a vehicle and maintaining the proper balance ensures your car’s handling and ride comfort are not altered.

Shop by vehicle to see which springs work best for your vehicle. 

Looking to get rid of that unsightly wheel fender gap while simultaneously improving handling, braking and reducing body roll? All for a minimal cost? A set of lowering springs from H&R or Eibach may be the answer. Whether you drive a BMW, Porsche, Audi, Infiniti or even a Honda, lowering springs can make your car more fun to drive!



Benefits of lowering springs:

• Improved appearance with reduced fender well gap
• Lower center of gravity
• Reduced body roll
• Reduced pitch and dive when braking and accelerating
• Better handling and steering feel

Shop by vehicle to see which suspension options work best for your vehicle.