Alloys first? Or lower first?

[Sam Wood]

Hi guys,

Basically I have been looking for some alloys for absolutely ages, 172, 182 and turning but I have not been able to get any at a decent price

And I'm getting bored of a standards car, so I was thinking of lowering it now (35mm) and then putting the alloys on when I've bought them?
This sound okay?

Also I am wanting some colour coded side strips with bullets (black) but I'm not sure if I should get the bullets in silver or what will look best?
Any suggestion?

Cheers, Sam

 

[todd100]

lower then colour code and lairy coloured bulleys

 

[ROB91]

lower first

 

[gunner3011]

lower it and then get the wheels but 35mm wont really make a noticeable difference IMO

 

[JCC]

You won't even notice 35mm lowering on a 1.2 btw.

 

[JackJack]

Always lower first imo.

 

[Sam Wood]

Well I don't want to be catching it on speed bums or going up my track to be honest, and I don't want to have to slow down to like 5mph to get over them safely
How much would you recommend? for a noticeable difference? but not compromising on the speed I need to go over bumps?

 

[Wests Renault]

lower first

40mm springs will be noticeable but not 'low'
60mm springs will be very crashy
coilovers will give you the best all round setup

 

[gunner3011]

even at 60mm you wont be catching speedbumps mate, i had plenty of clearance with my 60mm springs on.

rokkor coilovers would be your best option i think, adjust the height to what you want/is practical for you they dont cost much, £160 iirc

 

[Daniel]

Lower first, wheels after. Those are the rules. FACT.

 

[Bux]

I lowered my 1.2 by 35-40mm and it does make a very noticable difference IMO. I got springs and shocks from KTEC and it handled so much nicer with them on.

It may not have been really low but i still liked the way it sat.

Here's my before and after pics of lowering my old one:

Before:

After:

With regards of which to do first, alloys or lowering, i would go for lowering. Stiffening the suspension even a little will make a big difference in how it rides.

 

[Sam Wood]

Looking good Bux, could you link me to the springs you bought please the KTEC ones?
Also did you get the sidestrips coloured yourelf or where they already done? as im wanting mine done same as yours, could do with some advice on how to do em

 

[Bux]

I bought the springs from auction by K-Tec on ebay, and as its been over 90 days the page has been taken down so unfortunately i cannot link you to them.

I bought the side strips from a guy on here who sprayed them for me, cost me £35 for both sides IIRC.

 

[gunner3011]

if your going to do them youself sam theres loads of guides on here for spraying, they may not turn out perfect first time so id advise practising on something first

 

[Sam Wood]

Okay cheers guys, whats the exact name of the springs? just K- Tec 40mm lowering springs?

 

[Bux]

The eBay ad title was: K-Tec Racing Renault Clio Mk2 Sports Suspension Kit

Had both springs and shocks.

 

[Sam Wood]

Okay great cheers, did you fit them yourself? or pay a garage? if so how much did they charge?

 

[Bux]

Fitted them myself with the help of my brother (He's an Audi Mechanic). Wasn't too hard a job to do, the hardest part was getting the old ones off.

 

[Sam Wood]

OKay sounds great, could someone link me to a guide on how to sit the springs then?

 

[Sam Wood]

And also link me to the springs I would need to buy to lower my 54 plate clio extreame?