Eibach ProStreet Coilover Review
08-13-2006, 08:05 AM
#1
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Eibach ProStreet Coilover Review
Eibach Pro-Street S Coilovers
<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/78120/img_1085.jpg">
My car had stock suspension, then H&R Street Coilovers, then back to stock, and now the Eibach ProStreets. I was looking for a more track-worthy setup, but I didn't want to compromise much on ride quality. I was a little nervous that the Vogtlands would be too harsh, and I also just wanted to try something a little different. I didn't want to mess around with an adjustable setup like the PSS9s, nor did I think the adjustability was worth the extra cost. I got the Eibachs (part #1534.711) from Shox.com for $1140/shipped.
The Eibach's are noticeably more forgiving than the H&R Streets on fast inputs like bumps, potholes, etc, and imo provide ride comfort nearly on par with stock. The front end seems very well controlled over higher speed dips and crests, and I detect no underdamping/pogoing. ryanS4 guessed that spring rates were in the 550-600 range, though based on my previous experience with the H&R Streets (450-ish), I'd say the Eibachs lie more in the 500-550 range. Roll/dive/pitch are greatly reduced from stock and perhaps a smidge tighter than with the H&Rs, but still *mildly* present.
In short, I think this seutp does an amazing job walking the fine line between performance and comfort (on IL roads). If you're considering Streetsports, H&R Streets, PSS9s, or Vogtlands, I'd give the Eibach's some serious thought. This is my only mod (snub & DVs aside) where I can say, without reservation, "this is how it should have come from the factory".
<a href="https://forums.audiworld.com/s4/msgs/2298090.phtml">Here's a link to ryans4's review</a>
Install was straightforward and pretty much identical to the H&R Street install in the tech articles. My only complaint was I didn't like that the Eibach's use a setscrew to hold the adjustable collar in place, unlike the H&Rs which use 2 interlocking collars. I doubt the setscrew would damage the threads if you're careful and it probably holds in place just fine, but the 2 locking collars just seemed more robust. Another note is that this suspension was pretty soft when first installed. Everything seemed to firm up after ~1 week, and by then the suspension had settled ~1/4" all around.
Front thread setting and resulting pre-settling fender gap.
<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/78120/front_thread.jpg">
<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/78120/front_gap.jpg">
Rear thread setting. Resulting pre-settling fender gap was ~25.5".
<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/78120/rear_thread.jpg">
<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/78120/img_1085.jpg">
My car had stock suspension, then H&R Street Coilovers, then back to stock, and now the Eibach ProStreets. I was looking for a more track-worthy setup, but I didn't want to compromise much on ride quality. I was a little nervous that the Vogtlands would be too harsh, and I also just wanted to try something a little different. I didn't want to mess around with an adjustable setup like the PSS9s, nor did I think the adjustability was worth the extra cost. I got the Eibachs (part #1534.711) from Shox.com for $1140/shipped.
The Eibach's are noticeably more forgiving than the H&R Streets on fast inputs like bumps, potholes, etc, and imo provide ride comfort nearly on par with stock. The front end seems very well controlled over higher speed dips and crests, and I detect no underdamping/pogoing. ryanS4 guessed that spring rates were in the 550-600 range, though based on my previous experience with the H&R Streets (450-ish), I'd say the Eibachs lie more in the 500-550 range. Roll/dive/pitch are greatly reduced from stock and perhaps a smidge tighter than with the H&Rs, but still *mildly* present.
In short, I think this seutp does an amazing job walking the fine line between performance and comfort (on IL roads). If you're considering Streetsports, H&R Streets, PSS9s, or Vogtlands, I'd give the Eibach's some serious thought. This is my only mod (snub & DVs aside) where I can say, without reservation, "this is how it should have come from the factory".
<a href="https://forums.audiworld.com/s4/msgs/2298090.phtml">Here's a link to ryans4's review</a>
Install was straightforward and pretty much identical to the H&R Street install in the tech articles. My only complaint was I didn't like that the Eibach's use a setscrew to hold the adjustable collar in place, unlike the H&Rs which use 2 interlocking collars. I doubt the setscrew would damage the threads if you're careful and it probably holds in place just fine, but the 2 locking collars just seemed more robust. Another note is that this suspension was pretty soft when first installed. Everything seemed to firm up after ~1 week, and by then the suspension had settled ~1/4" all around.
Front thread setting and resulting pre-settling fender gap.
<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/78120/front_thread.jpg">
<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/78120/front_gap.jpg">
Rear thread setting. Resulting pre-settling fender gap was ~25.5".
<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/78120/rear_thread.jpg">
08-13-2006, 06:06 PM
#4
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Great review...
beteween you and Ryan....you guys may have sold me on the Eibach kit.
Still thinking about the Vogtland and PSS9 though (Especially now that the PSS9's are in GB).
Overall I'm a bit worried about the Vogtland's being a bit too harsh and the Eibach's not being enough change from the Koni Streets however from Ryan & your review it seemed to indicate there is quite a bit of difference between the kits.
Again my main complaint about the Koni kit is the at speed dip recovery. If I can remedy that without too much comfort loss and without spending alot of extra cash I think I'd be happy.
So right now I'm leaning towards the Eibach kit! Thanks again for the info it has been very helpful!
Still thinking about the Vogtland and PSS9 though (Especially now that the PSS9's are in GB).
Overall I'm a bit worried about the Vogtland's being a bit too harsh and the Eibach's not being enough change from the Koni Streets however from Ryan & your review it seemed to indicate there is quite a bit of difference between the kits.
Again my main complaint about the Koni kit is the at speed dip recovery. If I can remedy that without too much comfort loss and without spending alot of extra cash I think I'd be happy.
So right now I'm leaning towards the Eibach kit! Thanks again for the info it has been very helpful!
08-13-2006, 06:16 PM
#5
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hmm, overall rolling diameter of the Falkens couldn't be *that* much different
The pic was taken at an angle, so maybe that's throwing you off. Gap is about 1 or 2 finger widths.
08-13-2006, 07:24 PM
#6
Interesting you have stasis street sports and looking at something else.
I have the Hyperco/Koni setup, uncluding revalved fronts..
Nice suspension, but wanted more, so went with the Eibach Pro/S as well..
someone will get a nice street suspension when I sell my stasis setup.
Nice suspension, but wanted more, so went with the Eibach Pro/S as well..
someone will get a nice street suspension when I sell my stasis setup.
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08-13-2006, 07:50 PM
#8
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Yea...the Hyperco/Koni I think is a bit better setup then the StreetSports...
at least from what I've read. I am curious what made you go with the Eibach Pro Kit vs the other options? Always looking for more perspectives since I will be hard pressed to find anyone locally with the Eibach CO's.
08-14-2006, 04:17 AM
#9
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maybe it is the angle
but I'm just looking for reasons why I'm not thinking the Vogtlands are close to Tracksports in performance while so many others are.