Which one? Skunk2 or GC Adjustable Coilovers?

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Accessories & Modifications' started by Justdidit, Nov 15, 2012.

?

Skunk2 or GC Adjustable Coilovers?

Poll closed Nov 17, 2012.

  1. Skunk2

    2 vote(s)
    66.7%

  2. Ground Control

    1 vote(s)
    33.3%
Multiple votes are allowed.
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  1. Justdidit

    Justdidit LVNPZEV

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    #21 Justdidit, Nov 27, 2012
  2. Justdidit

    Justdidit LVNPZEV

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    Ordered the GC... I'll post pix once they are delivered and I have them installed.
     
    #22 Justdidit, Nov 30, 2012
  3. Justdidit

    Justdidit LVNPZEV

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    Not cheap by any means at +$650 for a full set... but Anyone have experience with these?
    KYB struts for lowered Prii... http://www.amazon.co.jp
    Front Right: WST5386R - Front Left: WST5386L - L&R Rear: WSF9160
    [​IMG]

    The KYB Lowfer Sports suspension kits have been designed to provide a lower ride height with high levels of ride comfort for a range of vehicles.


    • Designed to provide a comfortable ride at low ride height
    • Designed and tested for vehicles carrying 5 passengers to ensure the best possible damper setting and rider comfort
    • Offers 180% extension and 150% compression compared to OEM parts
    • Available for a wide range of vehicles
    • More information available from KYB under Additional Details
     
    #23 Justdidit, Dec 3, 2012
  4. maestro8

    maestro8 Nouveau Member

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    Looks like these would be good for folks who want to lift their Prius too...
     
    #24 maestro8, Dec 3, 2012
  5. Justdidit

    Justdidit LVNPZEV

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    Or possibly if you were to be towing something with the Prii.. at least upgrading the rear shocks might help out..
     
    #25 Justdidit, Dec 3, 2012
  6. maestro8

    maestro8 Nouveau Member

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    These shocks alone won't help the limited range of motion a stock Prius is subject to with a heavy rear load. One would also need stiffer springs, or air bags, to support the additional weight a trailer tongue places on the rear suspension. Next spring I'll be researching one of these options, as I'd like to continue trailer camping with the Prius, but without the crappy handling.

    Edit: might also look into installing trailer brakes, as modding the Prius's rear brakes seems to be a much bigger hassle.
     
    #26 maestro8, Dec 3, 2012
  7. Justdidit

    Justdidit LVNPZEV

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    agreed..
     
    #27 Justdidit, Dec 3, 2012
  8. Wilsid

    Wilsid Junior Member

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    I have put F & R 24 mm corrolla bars on, front tower brace and a stiffener plate. Coming back from New Orleans
    on I10 I went with 3 cars at 95 to 100, didn,t feel safe. Am wondering if I put Megan coilovers on and stiffen up
    the springs plus lower the car, How would it be at 100?
    THANKS
     
    #28 Wilsid, Dec 7, 2012
  9. Justdidit

    Justdidit LVNPZEV

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    I'll let you know... :)

     
    #29 Justdidit, Dec 7, 2012
  10. Wilsid

    Wilsid Junior Member

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    The reason for this is I have a 02 mazda protege 5 which is a road car, It feels like it is
    stuck to the road at 100. But I want to get a new car, can I make this prius a road car
    and get a fun car like the mazda miata. Or do I have to look for a road car. I drove a
    bmw 328i, now that is a real road car.
     
    #30 Wilsid, Dec 8, 2012
  11. a_gray_prius

    a_gray_prius Rare Non-Old-Blowhard Priuschat Member

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    The 328 feels like a Honda Accord to me. I have more fun driving WRXes (although these are usually quite modified).

    First, try changing out the tires on your car. For that stuck-to-the-road feel, you will likely want tires that will cause a loss in MPG. I have run ADVAN AD08 and Dunlop Direzza Z1 Star Specs for ultimate grip. However, you cannot drive on these tires in freezing temperatures (the rubber compounds will be damaged). On these tires, the car is much more planted and stable in high crosswinds.
     
    #31 a_gray_prius, Dec 12, 2012
    Justdidit likes this.
  12. Wilsid

    Wilsid Junior Member

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    I checked at dunlop, the tires don't come in 185/65/R15, what size
    are you suggesting?
     
    #32 Wilsid, Dec 13, 2012
  13. a_gray_prius

    a_gray_prius Rare Non-Old-Blowhard Priuschat Member

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    I have a touring and use 205/55/16. The AD08 had slightly better fuel economy (and a more immediate steering feel) than the Z1 Stars (regardless, you should expect minimum 5mpg drop even inflated to 42 psi).
     
    #33 a_gray_prius, Dec 13, 2012
  14. Justdidit

    Justdidit LVNPZEV

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    installed...They are still settling and not at the lowest setting yet...

    Front
    [​IMG]

    Rear
    [​IMG]

    Front Shot
    [​IMG]

    Side Shot
    [​IMG]

    Random
    [​IMG]

    As I was putting on the GC sleeves.. i saw KYB stamped on the struts. :) I'll post better pics when its stops raining!
     
    #34 Justdidit, Dec 17, 2012
  15. Justdidit

    Justdidit LVNPZEV

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    Ended up raising the rear a little bit 2nite. Wasn't giving me the 'raked' look i was going for. Probably will adjust again once I get my larger wheels as well. All in all. very pleased!!
     
    #35 Justdidit, Dec 18, 2012
  16. a_gray_prius

    a_gray_prius Rare Non-Old-Blowhard Priuschat Member

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    The difference in front-to-back ride height will likely change the driving dynamics of the car. Remember that the lower the front is relative to the back, you change the weight balance so that there is more weight on the front wheels (and this will affect braking performance).
     
    #36 a_gray_prius, Dec 19, 2012
  17. Justdidit

    Justdidit LVNPZEV

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    agreed.
     
    #37 Justdidit, Dec 19, 2012
  18. Justdidit

    Justdidit LVNPZEV

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    So I found out i'm bottoming out in the rear with the current setting when i have 2 passengers in the back and luggage. As you can order different spring rates with the Ground Control sleeves since they use Eibach springs, I gave GC a call. I can order stronger springs rates.. currently the rear springs are 200 lbs/in (labeled on the spring: GC200.64.44) - I may jump up to 300 lbs/in but I'm worried the stock KYB struts won't handle the spring rate. The Skunk2 springs were 335 lbs/in - quite stiffer/harsher - giving some cars the 'bouncy' look. So with further more searching I found out that we CAN do Bilstein, Tokico and Koni rear struts without modifying anything.

    $111.20 - Bilstein Shocks - Heavy Duty - Import Replacement Parts, LLC
    Bilstein Shocks - Heavy Duty Shocks
    Part Number: 24-069243
    Old Part Number: F4-BE5-6924-H0


    $116.64 - Koni Shock - Sport Series - Import Replacement Parts, LLC
    Koni Shock - Sport Series'Yellow' Shocks
    REAR: 80-2844SPORT


    $125.84 - Tokico Shocks - HTS Series - K-Spec Racing - racing performance & tuning - air intakes, headers, exhaust, springs, coilovers, suspension
    Tokico Shocks - HTS Series
    REAR: TOHTS115R

    Any suggestions? KYBs are too weak, Tokico HP Blues are too similar to stock as well - any preferences? Both the Koni Yellow and the Tokico ARE adjustable from “firm” for the track and “soft” for the street...but to change the settings the strut has to be compressed - most likely removed from the car to do so.
     
    #38 Justdidit, Jan 3, 2013
  19. Steven Harvey

    Steven Harvey Junior Member

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    With coil overs you get what you pay for, dont get sleeves I think somone else on this forum had sleves and they suffered some issues with the back end bottoming out. I think k sport are the best bang for your buck.

    what are you going to do to adjust the camber?
     
    #39 Steven Harvey, Jan 10, 2013
  20. maestro8

    maestro8 Nouveau Member

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    Wut u mean adjust? It's SIIIIICK, YO!

    [​IMG]
     
    #40 maestro8, Jan 10, 2013
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