How to tell what coilovers are compatable?

jvisaac

jvisaac

Member
Hey, before i ask I am a rook and dont know much about coilovers. I want to lower my car so im looking at getting some coilovers.

How can I tell what ones will fit my car or not? Is there certain measurements/mounts i need to be looking for? im looking on gumtree but there is no way to tell. Ive got a CE sedan.
I appreciate anyone who takes the time to answer my question,
 
The only coilovers that are really compatible are CE Lancer ones

The Spring rate is optimised for the weight of the car.
The tophat is designed to suit the strut tower of the car.
The bottom mount is designed to suit the steering knuckle, which also can vary between models.

Ie, the bottom mounts between Cc and CE cancer are the same. But the top hats change.
The top hats are the same between evo4-6 and CE, but the bottom mounts differ.

Just buy the ones to suit CE lancer.
 
thanks for the reply but i still dont know how to tell if they are for a CE lancer? surely there must be a way to tell. When i see them on gumtree its just got the brand and model number so i have no idea.
 
You will be lucky to find coilovers for a CE on gumtree, have a look on ebay and the forum, otherwise youll have to buy new.
 
okay.... i will use pictures to its very easy to understand, cos we might aswell cover this once and cover it comprehensivly so the next guys that come along dont have to ask

IF IN DOUBT, USE COMMON SENSE and research more! and if u dun goof and bought the wrong ones its not my fault, this info is accurate and tested, read it carefully

this is evo 4-5-6-6.5 suspension (will not fit mirage/lancer) please take note:
*the front evo coilover will fit lancer mirage -has both same top and bottom mounts as CE lancer/rage
*however the back evo coilovers will not bolt up, the top mount is the same, however the bottom mount is a fork style mount as seen bellow
*these are not ideal as the spring rate will likely be waaaay too stiff being used on a larger car
left pair = front, right pair = back
BC_Coilovers_7-9.jpg


this is lancer CE/rage coilovers please take note: (these will fit CE lancer and mirage)
*topmount on fronts has 3 threads same as evo4/5/6
*tomount on backs has 2 threads same as evo4/5/6
*however the backs bottom mount is a bush style fitting which slots in to the CE/rage lower control arm which is not like evo setup
*these are ideal as they will have the correct spring rate etc for your size car
3095j4_20.jpeg


what else do we know?

well, we know that PROTON GEN2 coilovers/shocks fit up, they use the same mounts all round as the CE/rage/lancer, spring rates are unknown but in some cases rates can be chosen on purchase

we also know that CE/rage/lancer can use CC lancer suspension HOWEVER! the front top mounts need to be changed as the CC has a 2 thread top mount whereas the CE has a 3 thread

edut**
we also know FTO coilovers fit up, all the same mounts as the ce/rage.lancer
 
Sixes350 said:
Good info here.

What about spring rates for Mirage / Lancer? Can you tell us about that too?
Click to expand...

Generally no set rates, you can usually choose when buying new

However if buying evo/fto coilovers 2nd hand u have whatever the previous owner chose which being from an fto/evo heavier car the rates will be higher than what is ideal for coupe/rage ce unless track only car, but even then...
 
Sixes350 said:
Good info here.

What about spring rates for Mirage / Lancer? Can you tell us about that too?
Click to expand...

6/4 spring rate is a street set up, 7/5 is a mid range setup for street and a little bit of track, 8/6 is usually reserved for the "cos racecar enthusiast" its a simple change of the springs if you buy used coils. Just adjust to your preferance.
 
just worth mentioning imo, if your just looking at lowering you car you may aswell just use lowering springs and not get the coils unless you are planning to do some track time.
A couple of reasons for this are, coilovers are expensive, and if you do get a set of second hand for say half the price of new and they are worn and require a rebuilt you are going to wish you bought a new set to start with because getting them rebuilt or repaired is an expensive also.
You can get cheap sets of king springs and buy a set of spring compressors ($40 at repco last time i saw some) and you can you can do your own R&D and learn along the way eg get some lows and see if you like them if not sell or trade them for super lows etc.
As long as your shocks are in good condition lowered springs are fine.
If you really want to make a notable difference to your cars handling do some searching around the forum and learn about adjustable rear sway bars imo they are the best handling mod you can do and should be the first thing on any handling mod list.
If its just for lowering coils are over kill and an expensive way to do it, The only way id say get coils is if your shocks are finished and your building your car to be tracked or for some killer stance setup then get them but for all other reasons there a waste
 
only fto coilovers are backward compatible with ce lancer/mirage. proton gen2 share same design so you can use these but if you are buying new get the one made for the application.
fto coilovers have the additional mounting for swaybar end link on the strut.
these mounts are unused on ce mirages and lancers.
certain model mirage cyborg has swaybar link mounts on the strut
RS model with alloy control am are like lancer evo 4 with endlink mounting on the control arm.
I can add the mounts on coilovers at time of order at no extra cost if for whatever reason in the future the setup requires.
stock fto swaybar is 16mm anyway, pretty rubbish, even our cars have thickness front oe swaybar. add 18mm rear and your cheering.
spring rates are a moot point. spring rates you see on either coilovers for mirage/virage/lancer/fto are very similar if not the same and generally designed for racing, track driving.
if you want a custom set speak to active member Jkirkness whom i supplied some coilovers in 6kg front 4kg rear.
I personally wouldnt recommend softer.
I fitted a 6kg front 4kg rear set quite some time ago to a customer who specified for a comfortable ride like with 35mm lowered springs but more road holding, more predictable cornering especially on the limit, firmer rates then lowering springs and firmer feel especially when getting bumps during cornering etc. No complaints at all.
If the damper control is good quality and well set up it will absorb bumps very well and keep you on the road regardless of a slightly firmer spring rate.

BC Racing are seriously good quality and unbeatable for the money.
and anything in the BR range have KOYO Japan bearings on the spring hat to allow for extra smooth operation.

Im also now dealing with Yellow Speed Racing.
I have these fitted on my Mirage for testing and so far they seem very quality and the price is only $1050. Cheaper if im doing specials.
The Adaptronic Mazda Mx5 ran at world time attack 2 years in a row with 13b turbo rotary engine and Yellow Speed Racing suspension.
I dont see a reason to buy some of the coilvers discussed above unless its really worth your while.
What happens if you have problems or warranty issues? Do you want to pay $100+ for return freight?

is that enough information?
 
Im happy with my current setup for the moment but is always good to know more info about people preferences especially in this field. Was worth a mention :)
 
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