Tokico/Moog Performance Results

[SuperG]

This is just my take on the vibe I got from last Friday's installation of the Tokico/Moogs...This weekend, the suspension was tested to it's fullest at Texas World Speedway.

Struts - What else can be said that hasn't already been said...they are great struts. Rebound was great!

Springs Final Impression - Great springs for the price ($95 for the set at NAPA), way better than stock, infinitely better than stock springs with 170k miles, pretty good performance on the track. Now I want stiffer springs.

After driving forever on the orginial struts/springs/mounts/bearings, I was REALLY happy with the feel of the new suspension. I really cannot put into words how happy I am.

At TWS, I was very happy, also. I was able to catch and pass many cars, which are newer and designed specifically for performance, such as an S2000, Lancer Evo, Camaro SS, and Corvette C5 (the later 2 driven by people from France...so). Sure, there is a driver equation in there, too, but I never could have done this on a stock suspension.

The thing I found was a desire for stiffer springs. I was still leaning a little more than I wanted, but you know...for 100 bucks...that ain't bad!

By the way, I cut 1.5 coils from the front and 1 coil from the rear. This resulted in lowering the front by almost 7/8" and rear 1/2" and the camber on all 4 corners was nearly unchanged.

I cut the coils across, parallel to the ends, resulting in a flat surface about 2" long. There is some clunking noise from the front end when the suspension is loaded/unloaded, but I am not sure this results from the way the springs were cut, or something else (the mounts and bearings are new, also). Additionally, the springs can rotate when the tires are unloaded, or lifted in the air.

Anyway, that's my impression. I hope this helps!

 

[Jim Merriman]

I spent Saturday doing Toyico/Eibachs in my '91 Plus. What a PITA! The final result was worth it though. The Eibachs are good springs! But to truely evaluate the components, you really have to change one thing at a time, mount, and test. And frankly, the rear strut installation process is just too damn hard to do, to be doing it 3 times! I was also thinking about the CCs, but I didn't want to fart around cutting the springs etc... So for $208, I bought the Eibachs and called it a day. The Toyicos were 220 per set. I think this would have give you the "flatness" or corner control you were looking for. So for anyone else reading this thread, you might want to consider that. I personally feel the rear strut assembly, specifically the trunk wrenching portion of the job, is a PITA, and you might as well save up the extra 100 bones and do it the way you really want to. And were mechanics gloves in the trunk, those 13mm nuts are a pain! And the tops of the strut mounting plates are sharp! I don't know what advise to give to those who trailer anything... But my guess is the CCs (cut a little less) might work better there.

The combo is a real improvement, like you said. The progressive springs really keep the car planted and the Toyicos take the pounding and keep the rebound in check. Happy running!

Jim

 

[SuperG]

By Toyicos, you meant Tokicos, right? That is what I have and you are right...they are great for handling the rebound!

Now, how stiff are those Eibachs?

 

[shocrates]

This resulted in lowering the front by almost 7/8" and rear 1/2"

Are these measurements compared to your ride height with old springs or what the factory ride height is supposed to be?

 

[SuperG]

Oh sorry, that was my ride height immediatley prior to installation...I wonder what stock ride height was?

 

[Jim Merriman]

If it's any help, here's what happened to my ride heights. All measurements were measured off of the center of the of the hub/wheel.

Before:
left front - 15 3/8"
left rear - 12 1/4"

right front - 15 1/2"
right rear - 12 1/2"


A day after installation, I wanted the entire suspension to run a little and sit down a seat itself fully
After:
left front - 14 3/4"
left rear - 12 1/2"

right front - 14 3/4"
right rear - 12 3/4"

The interesting thing was as Ron Porter, Kirk Dousette, and others told me ahead of time, was that the old springs likely were sagging even though they have never seen the car. They said what would happen after the installation was that the Eibachs, even though they are 1/2 " shorter, they will likely give the rear suspension more clear travel, I similiar ride height to the old strut/spring combo, and obviously be firmer. And right they were. The rear has a good stance and the front dropped a little, just enough to give it the proper "attitude". What a great ride! The Tokico's are a real nice complement to the spring selection. PS. I also didn't put any insulating spring wrap in the Eibachs. Go for it!

I wish I could explain the 1/4" difference between the right rear and the left rear, but I measured it a couple of times before and after, and that's what it is. Anybody have an idea why the ride height diffence in the rear? And please, no bent frame jokes! lol

 

[SuperG]

Well, to be honest, 2 of my corners were slightly different, also. It wouldn't surprise me at all if most of the cars were that way...I imagine the difference exists because the car is not completely balanced...that is, there is more weight on one side or one corner than another...

 

[Jim Merriman]

Good point. Seeing my uneveness is in the rear now, I bet it has something to do with the weight and position of the gas. But that's just a guess.

 

[DHMag]

Gary,
dont forget who was the first to run Tokicos with modified Cargo Coils and give you endless help on the install. well, at least im the first to publicly announce it. as for stiffer springs, the only choice you have left are Intrax. if you only obtained a < 1" drop all the way around with the same cuts on the coils as i made, something is off. which Moog CCs did you buy ? also, when springs are uncompressed for some time, then installed, some settling is due. normally ill see up to an inch settling difference after a day or so.

im afraid to tell you but you prolly wont find anything stiffer than the Moogs in a progressive rate spring. ive ridden in a car with Eibachs and wasnt satisified with the performance of them. i also had Eibachs on my 94 Ranger and was unimpressed with their performance either, but kept them for that "nose in the dirt, **** in the air" look.

to get a stiffer spring, the only option left are linears, namely Intrax. im never experienced a ride with Intrax but im guessing you have to give to get. sacrifice ride for performance. with the Moogs, i have the best of both worlds. from weaving in and out of traffic up and down 360 at a buck 10 to cruising down to Kerrville on 281 at 75, the strut and spring combination live up, and even past, my expectations. and soon, thanks to reading all of your enthusiasm over auto-xing, ill be roadcoarsing my Gen1 daily driver. what was Fords Saying ? "Race On Sunday, Sell On Monday"

see you at MSR !

 

[SuperG]

Dale! You are absoultely right! The combination is great for every facet of driving. Especially when you throw price in there!

I am really glad you stepped out on a limb to get those Moogs...now quite a few people have them!

Regarding the settling...I haven't measured again, so I'll check it tomorrow (and adjust for tire height difference - got new tires with a different profile).

Also, don't forget...the Moogs for an ATX are different, so I think that's where we see a difference. Although I think I would like to look at that a little bit longer...

See you in about 2 weeks!