FAO Any1 who has lowered on stand. shocks

[12ORY]

Can anyone tell me if they have had any problems lowering a 2001+ clio 35mm or 60mm with new springs on their standard shocks? Heard that this can seriously damage the shocks?

Cheers

 

[noel-pilot]

No problems at all, I have been running -60mm on standard shocks since 31st December 2002 no problems, went to 17s 2 months ago and still no probs,

 

[Ben P]

I have a mk1 clio so may be different, but I lowered it 55m at front on standard shocks and more at back.

I didnt think it was that bad til I came to fit uprated shocks The front ones were absolutely knackered, oil leaking out and virtually no compression.

Had been on them about 5 months

 

[Paul Clio 16v]

Dont do it, unless you want you car to handle sh*te. And i wont be surprised if it does rip your std shocks to pieces.

Shorter springs usually have increased spring rate which in turn needs a shock with more damping to sort it all out. Otherwise your cars gonna bounce all over the shop.

Shorter springs wear std shocks out quicker because theyre more force into them on rebound.

 

[RobFenn]

Pauls pretty much hit the nail on the head, unless its a minimal drop its a pretty stupid thing not to uprate the shocks too.

Standard shocks just arent up to the task of controlling the rebound of uprated springs, in fact i dont think they can cope with the standard springs, lol!

-Rob

 

[jabba]

id lower no more than 35mm as it will not only wear the shocks out but actually make your handeling worse and increase the likelyhood of loosing the rear as u will not feel it stepping out till its too late

 

[12ORY]

Emailed KTEC and they said their springs would be fine on standard shocks. R they just trying to sell their product??

 

[RobFenn]

Yes. They have a spax kit for about £250, springs and dampers.

-Rob

 

[12ORY]

But they werent trying to sell the dampers, just the springs?

 

[RobFenn]

Yeah, their ones no doubt? (i.e not the spax ones)

 

[12ORY]

What kit have you got RobFenn? Was thinking about 35mm drop on PI springs but still bit confused as people say there is problems and others say there isnt. Surely dampers cannot be forced to travel any faster than designed? Would simply mean that the ride would be much harder than normal?

 

[RobFenn]

I havent, but im getting the mentioned spax kit, bit of a bargain for a top name.

With just springs your dampers will wear out quicker, theres no ifs or buts, they will, anyone who says otherwise is bullsh*tting you. The ride will be bad as youll be hitting the bumpstops more often.

-Rob

 

[12ORY]

Cheers for the info RobFenn. Want to lower but cant really afford to do it with dampers. Whats the difference between the KTR/JR and Spax?

 

[Black Fox]

Mines lowered 35mm with 17s, standard shocks no probs. Pretenders is lowered 60mm with 17s, standard shocks again no probs.

 

[JillyB]

Mines lowered 40mm on standard shocks, its very bumpy.

I have constant black eyes.

 

[Gary Brown]

Blimey

 

[mikesclio]

mines lowered 35mm on pi springs running with standard shocks and 17"s, altho no real problems, its f**king bumpy as sh*t and handling aint that special. im uprating to the spax rsx kit or the apex racing kit soonish hopefully. is this worth it, those who have got coilovers on their 2001 onwards clios?!

 

[jonnyboy]

Lowering onto standard shocks is no problem, youll get a harsh ride to begin with but it will mellow out after the springs have bedded in. Oh and your shocks WILL wear out faster then they would have done with matched ones.( this has happened to me on my last 3 cars!) But feck it it saves a lot of cash and the results arent that different to a buget set of shocks.

 

[Paul Clio 16v]

Its a shame you young uns like to bodge you cars so much instead of doing things properly.

 

[RobFenn]

lol young uns!

It is true though, its worth finding out about suspension instead of reading what Max Power has to say. Do it the right way or not at all IMO.

-Rob

 

[Bryan]

-35mm

no issues, though the shocks are now beginning to feel a little worn (11k miles) - premature? i think so

 

[Tom]

-60mm (now about 75mm)

Hmm shocks only purpose is to bottom out

 

[noel-pilot]

-60mm 17s, and I have only ever once hit the bump stops noticeably, obviously it takes care on speed bumps, and yes it may wear them out over time, but the point of the spring is to take much of the load, a shortened spring will still take load,

Personally I am happy with it, If the worst happens and the shocks go I could always put the standard springs back on and claim nunder warranty!!

 

[mikesclio]

noel, what offset was used with your 17s? ive got 17s and -35mm at front and rear and they both scrub every now and then. have you had any arch mods?

 

[1.6 16v]

possibly mikes clio is heavier due to engine?

 

[mikesclio]

what mods you got 1.6 16v?