I will be needing to replace the tires on my 2011 GSR soon, and I am planing to do the alignment at the same time.

So I am thinking since I will be doing alignment, I should lower the car as well. I want to go with Swift Spec-R for the mild drop just to close up the fender gap. But I read that you will need roll center adjustment kit and rear sway bar to bring the car back to stock handling level.

It seems like a lot of money to dump at once, with tires + alignment, springs, roll correction and sway bar. I know I will need alignment if I install springs or roll correction kit, just trying to install the essential before tire and alignment.

Is the roll center correction and rear sway bar needed if I am only to lower with Swift Spec-R? Will the handling be really screw up if I just do springs? Should I just roll with huge stock fender gap? What would you guys suggest?

 

With that small of a drop all you're likely to need is an alignment. If you're going heavy drop (>1" IMO), you might want to consider the RCE. You'll NEVER "need" a sway bar, but you may like the feel better with one.

 

The Swift Spec-R draop 1.25" F and 1" R, its more than 1". My main concern is the roll center correction kit. If I need it, I would like to get it and alignment. I don't think you alignment for sway bars right?

 

No alignment for swaybars, and a RCK is not necessary.

 

good lookin kracka, I was going through the same dilemma. Now I know the correct info. Thanks

 

What Kracka said. As for alignment from the springs, yes, you do need an alignment for that.

 

i have the swifts spec-r's on my x now and im actually swapping them out for the H&Rs i want the car to be a little lower with some more comfort. the slightest bump feels like a huge pothole... well then again im in the bronx area where every road has 3462345345 potholes. if youve got some nicely paved roads youll be fine then

 

I just got my car alligned w/my Coilovers on it at the dealership without an RCE and they got it in spec for most of it.

 

If you are switching out the Swift let me know, I am looking for a set!
Are they that bad? I read a lot of good reviews on them...

 

I think the roll center has nothing to do with alignment. If you lower the roll center without correcting it, your car will tend to push when cornering at the limit.

 

dunno

 

I did all my suspension mods all at one.

new tires, F and R sway, eibach pro kit, alignment.

You wont need an alignment if you do the sway bars. Just need it for the lowered suspension.

 

well im getting the h&r's put on saturday so if your interested in the spec-r's then pm me they have only been on the car for about 1500 miles i like them i could see noticeable gains in cornering its just there too stiff for the area i live in i need something that will provide alittle more comfortable ...

 

It seems like most of you just install springs and get alignment without the roll center correction. Did anyone notice any minus performance in handling after just the springs?

 

An alignment's cost is negligible. If you're going to overextend yourself by purchasing/installing springs, then wait for when you can afford it.

Personally, I have my car aligned every 5,000 miles for good measure.

As far as the roll center adjustment and sway bar upgrade go, they are unnecessary for the type of drop you're describing.