wormburner

I've been reading through previous posts for two days now, checking out reviews on the web, and checked in with a couple shops. I've finally settled on H&R sports with GR2 shocks to put a moderate drop on my EK hatch. I understand that the GR2's a just a bit better than stock, but my budget is low and adjustables are twice the price. My only remaining questions:
Can I get away with no camber kit with this drop? (1.75/1.5)
And will those shocks last? Any other non-adjustable shock I should consider?
Oh ya... it's a daily driver sitting on 205/40/17's.
Thx in advance.

imported2nv

if you are going to drive on 17's you should buy good suspension
gr2's not that great.

punkindrublic

those gr2 are practically stock shocks... spend the bucks and get a good shock... its a worthwhile investment

punkindrublic

non adjustables that are better would be koni reds or tociko blues... neither of those are terrible expensive and much better then gr2's

wormburner

Wow.. that crappy eh? ...guess I was hoping too much. I may be able to squeeze out enough cash for the tokico blues... better to spend now than cry later right? Suspension on a tight budget is a b@$tch. Any other suggestions? How about camber?

wormburner

Okay...did a little more homework last night. It appears the GR2's could handle a Pro Kit, but the 1.75 front drop with the H&R Sport ain't gonna happen. I guess I'm destined to drive an EK monster truck for the entire summer. Damn shame.

bbarbulo

iTrader: (2)

well, if you're gonna get new shocks for sure later and don't min blowing your stock ones, then you can install the springs on stock shocks for the time being. I don't often recommend this, but if you have 17s already, just do yourself a favour and lower the damn car.

wormburner

You're right bbarbulo... with family obligations and the like, I guess you do what you can when you can. (or are foced to)
But should I go with Pro Kit drop on stock shocks to minimize the chance of blowing the stockers? I'm very impressed with the H&R Sports, but admit I do have worries about pushing snow.

imported_kane2k

I'm riding on exactly what you were talking about. I have 17's with H&R sports and GR2 shocks. It rides very nicely, far better than my buddy's EG hatch on Eibach sportlines and koni reds. The car can hold turns like its on rails and the bumps aren't as hard as on higher performance shocks. I have the top nuts on the shock rod cranked down about 1.25 inches so the shocks are still running in their normal range of motion for a non dropped car.

Seriously, has anyone who is saying that GR2's suck actually tried driving on them? They aren't high performance shocks but they are good comfortable shocks for those who don't want to ride in a rattletrap (i.e. koni reds).

imported_D dot T

The H&R sports I must say have been great for me! Excellent drop. Like B said, you could get away w/ running stock shocks for a while until they blow then get some proper shocks. I got AGX's in front which seem to be alright w/ the 1.75 drop and I got GR2's in the back cause my rears blew. (Not too pleased w/ that) So far everything is fine.

wormburner

Thanks for the input guys... the truth is, I dunno if I'll ever be able to spend 2 bills or more per shock... when you're talking about that kinda cash, the wife always reminds you of other things that are needed. The feedback on the GR2's is great - positive or negative - thanks alot.

kane2k and D dot T... do you ride on the H&R sports in the winter? How's the drop in the snow? - especially in an EK

bbarbulo

iTrader: (2)

GR2 is an okay shock, but don't expect it to last too long... maybe 2-3 years tops. For the price though... but no matter the price, I always say buying **** parts is always a waste of money. Better quality parts, again regardless of price, is a good spend. Now, the level of quality you want is proportional to how long you hope to keep the car for.

imported_kane2k

This is the first season that I've had my car dropped so I don't know about the snow yet. When it comes to next winter I'll reevaluate the situation. Theres still a decent amount of clearance under the car, H&R sports don't exactly slam it, so I'm thinking they will probably be ok, but I wouldn't be able to confirm it until the next snowstorm and that might take a while.

shlammed

had gr2's with sportlines...terrible ride...very bouncy...h&r arent as harsh so it might be a bit better. I'd recommend getting reds over blues.

wormburner

okay, I guess it's either H&R sports and GR2's, or same springs with OEM till they blow? Just don't want to pay for labour twice over 2-3 years... so if the GR2's will last 3, I guess that's the best option.

imported_D dot T

H&R sports in winter is fine. Drop is not crazy so you'll be fine. I've had no probs so far.

imported_JookSingKid

I have Sportline... I rode with them on stock struts for a year until I could afford a decent replacement...

I choose KYB AGXs which I got through a fanastic deal through a TCC group buy, well well under $200 a strut... just under $150 a strut.

For daily driving I have a nice comfortable ride
For AutoXing, and I dial up my struts when its show time.

They serve me well, no regrets

Many people here have good experiences with KYB AGXs.
Koni reds can be hard or soft, they are 1 time adjustable... so you set them to the firmness before install. If that the route you choose to go I recommend putting it soft on the front and firm on the rear.

If you really want to save money, just replace the rear struts, typically even in hard driving you want to have a softer front and a harder rear.

Astroboy

Why get GR2's when Reds are very similiar in price? (well guess it depends where you go). I woudn't, especially after knowing what shlammed went through with his GR2/Sportline combo

shlammed

the gr2's might last you a few years, but ask yourself this question: "Is my *** bone gonna last that many years riding on them?" NOOOOOOOO

imported_kane2k

shlammed, that might be an issue on the sportlines but I can tell you, as I just hopped out of my car 2 minutes ago, with H&R sports the GR2s are really solid, no bounce, good handling. Its a sporty and comfortable ride.