I've searched and searched and searched some more but haven't found the answer I'm looking for. I'm totally daily driven (lets just say I enjoy driving) and drag race ocassionally. I dont autoX at all, never have and never will.

I am considering both of these springs but cant choose.

1. What does it mean by progressive, I mean the rates of the Hotchkis are so soft...

2. I've heard something about bottoming out, is this true about the hotchkis springs?

3. Would the ride quality on the Tanabe's be really bad or is it just like stock?

Thanks.

 

Swift all the way. If you want to be cheap then get the tanabes.

 

Ok how does being cheap have anything to do with anything? I'm glad you came to that assessment without any other info aside from what I've posted.

I just wanted the car to have a bit more drop on the front.

 

i personally havent tried the hotchkiss but i used to have the tanabe's for autox and i loved them.the drop is not too low but definitely noticeable and the spring rate was one of the reason why i chose the gf210's.

 

if u just want a little drop, do the Eibach Pro kit. i advise against springs as 95% of them BOTTOM out under heavy turning/braking. springs have always been "cheap" which is why that was mentioned above. just like electronics, u get what u pay for...

 

Swift springs will give you a better ride than stock and improve your handling. Approx. 1.4 in the front. 1.0 in the rear. The Hotchkis are too soft and will eventually give you problems. The Tanabes are good but the Swifts are better as far as handling and ride quality are concerned.

 

I think I may just go for the swift, I just wasn't to fond of the drop (always telling myself I wanted it a little lower in the front) but the rear being at .8" should be good considering I'll be putting a system in the trunk...

Maybe a bit more searching for pics of the swift springs will do them justice.

 

IDK where you got the information that the Hotchkis spring rates are "soft" as they are virtually identical to stock

I've had them installed for maybe 6k and have had zero issues what so ever

Progressive means just that. The rates increase as more load (compression) occurs.

 

Ive heard that the Hotchkis springs ride better and smoother than stock but also heard that they bottom out in the front from almost all those people. The tanabes or swifts will probably be better in that case.

 

I have the Hotchkis and am very pleased. They remove the ride harshness from the stock suspension and lower the car a reasonable amount (1.2" F, .9" rear). There is a TOUCH more nose dive under hard braking, but nothing that caused any difficulty. They are actually better than stock in lateral transitions.

I would like to know who "all those people" are because other Hotchkis threads I have read have been very positive. I purchased them on a recommendation from another local owner who has had them for over a year without any problems.

However, these are not for cars that are trying to be competitive in autocross or pure track monsters. They are better suited to backroad carving and occasional track events. Smooth and predictible is the best way to describe them. I would compare them favorably to a stock M3 setup.

 

I'm sorry I didnt keep track of those that said they had bottoming out issues but it was put out there so I wanted to know what everyone felt.

I'm still stuck between now 3 different springs, Hotchkis/Tanabe/Swift.

What else determines ride quality besides spring rate?

 

tanabe or swift are both good choices.

 

Dude for godsakes just listen to me! If money isn't an issue than get the swift springs. I personally know people with all three types and they're all pretty happy (no problems yet). But for the most part, they all wish they got the Swift springs instead. The guy with the Tanabe's likes them a lot but noticed that the ride quality is noticeably better in our buddies car with the Swifts and it handles a little tighter (hard to tell unless you're really pushing the car). The guy with the Hotchkis is really happy with his ride quality but noticed his handling is a little weak. He got more body roll and understeer with his Hotchkis. (again this is only really noticable when you push the car). My friend with the Swifts (and everyone else who has them) has nothing but rave reviews. Ride quality is better than stock and they definitely handle better/sharper when you push it in the twisties.

So if you drive your evo like a biatch and never take it around some crazy corners or a track I think the Hotchkis are perfect. Very nice ride quality along with the perfect lowered look.

If you push the car more and want a good lowered look at a great price, get the Tanabes. Rides a little stiff but handles slightly better than stock.

If you want a great ride quality AND great handling improvement than get the Swift. The only springs that come close to matching them in BOTH categories are the Espelir GT's and WORKS Ride springs. Both of which are at least $300 plus shipping whereas the Swift are $276 shipped. Also the GT's drop the car a little too low IMO and they're impossible to find, trust me. Also, the WORKS are always on backorder (my friend waited a month) and dont drop the car enough IMO but they're still great springs. Remember a lot of its personal preference and what you use the car for, but if you want the best of everything than get the Swift, thats what Im ordering for my car. Holy hell my fingers are tired

 

I've actually heavilly considered the swifts but I just dont think the drop will be enough, I plan on getting 18's and dont want there to be a huge wheel gap...I know we're talking .12" between the Tanabe's and Swift but I think it should make a diff when it comes to wheel gap..

It's really between Swift and Tanabe now.

 

Sounds like you're more show than go, so just get the Tanabes and tell me what you think. BTW your talking about .1 of an inch and you're telling me you can tell the difference? Are you fcking crazy?