Which lowering springs to use

[ViperTheLex]

Hey all, new Lexus owner here and first thread.

Recently acquired an '03 Lexus IS200 Sport (named Viper) and thinking about dropping her a little bit, around 25-30mm, but 40mm is an option. 

I have been shopping around and have been looking at lowering springs from Eibach, Spax, and Tein but I don't know if any are better or sit better or ride better etc. Don't know if anyone has any personal experience with these brands or just general knowledge on the matter.

She sits on 225/40R18 Aero rims and I don't want them to rub as they have been refurbished.

Any help is greatly appreciated.

[J Henderson]

Can't go wrong with the Eibach Pro-Kit. They're probably the most expensive springs on the market but they are excellent quality. I had them paired with OE-spec shocks on my IS200 for 3+ years with no issues. 

Ride comfort is still very good since they're progressive rate springs, and for my personal taste they lowered the car just the right amount without looking stupid.

 

[Dinho]

Eibach are top of the range, as well as H&R springs which are 35mm but they go for over £250.
Tein are a bit pointless as they wont make much of a difference in drop on a Sport model which is already lowered 15mm compared to other models.

Haven't heard of anyone using SPax to be honest

I have Apex 35mm which can be coupled with standard shocks, the ride height is great, handling improved and as comfortable as standard.
Anything over 35mm drop and you will find it near impossible to buy shocks that can be coupled, although a lot of people just throw 50mm springs on standard shocks which is not a good thing to do.

 

[ViperTheLex]

Thanks for the help, as I've only just bought the car I don't want to do major work or spend major money so I would want to fit whichever springs I buy on the standard shocks.

I'll have a look at the Apex springs.

Also can the Eibach Pro-Kit be fitted to standard shockers?

 

[Dinho]

Anything up to 35mm can be fitted with standard shocks and perform as they should without additional stress.

So yes the Eibach springs will be perfect with standard shocks.

[ViperTheLex]

Thanks for the help guys, I think Il count my pennies and go for the Eibach Pro's, they will make her sit down just right I think.

[andyk134]

Agree that Eibach is the way to go. I had them on standard shocks for 5 years before I went to coil overs. If you want to really improve the handling then updated anti roll bars make the biggest difference and I had spacers on too which helped stability and looked so much better filling the arches. 

[ViperTheLex]

I think my mind is set on the Eibach Pro's now, just gotta get the money together now.

Any recommendations on upgraded anti roll bars, brand/where to get them etc?

[andyk134]

The best are Hotchkis that you can import from USA, try and find some second hand TTE's, I have Eibach to match the springs but not sure if still making them. I also had Eibach spacers too. Try eBay or google them to find some.

[Dinho]

You can import Cusco ARB's from Japan