I'm considering putting these onto the coop having done a lot of reading of handling posts.

So for the people that run with them, dropping 30mms ...

Are there any problems with going over speed bumps, do you have to take them really slowly?

Does going into 'NCP' Car Parks etc become a problem?

Insurance, I've done one quote and it works out at £200 more per year. Is that the norm for making a handling modification to the coop?

depends on the car really for speed bumps.

I've got a Zender kit on so front is a little lower than standard bumber and 17's so ride is a little harder than normal as well.

speed bumps aren't a major issue, but the little ones that sit in the middle of the road are a bit of a pain since I fitted a lowerbrace.

I think what I'm trying to say is that the springs on there own aren;t a problem
But yes NCP type car parks can be "interesting"

Paul

and the ride goes to pot. it's a total bounce-fest in my coupé on the standard dampers! I'd fit sporty dampers to suit at the same time.

I removed these from my car as the ride was really harsh and when I replaced them with standard springs the car became far more useable and actually handled better for road driving.
I mean the roads where I live are not smooth at all, standard springs and ride height suited me better.

For A £200 hike in your premium I wouldnt bother.

seems some people think the ride isn't crashy, others do.

I don't think anyone can argue that the standard car looks better lowered though, 16 inch wheels in massive arches!

I'm still yet to be convinced of the insurance premium, hassle in car parks/speed bumps etc is worth it.

aggh, decisions!

I can't believe that insurance quote Duncan!! I have my mods listed (inc Eibach springs) included in my £300pa bill.

My coop on the track with 18's and eibachs lowered 30mm was great. Just very jarring driving on local roads, to be expected.

I currently pay £450 with Quinn direct but that is for a 'standard' coupe (and in Sept 2009, that was the cheapest quote I could find!), Fully Comp with protected NCB.

I just tried Adrian Flux with the Eibach springs on at £660ish

I'm 32 with 8 years no claims, clean license with my coop off-road in secure residentual parking, although I do live in the city (Portsmouth unfortunately )

what the hell is going on in Insurance these days, I can guarantee i'll come around for renewal in Sept and they'll up my premium despite no claims / accidents (ok, we won't count the one where I trashed the front splitter in an NCP )

I know the 'plus' is in group 20, but come on!

Duncan, why tell them about your mod? I really doubt that an insurance assesor will be able to tell the car has been lowered.

I've got 18's, LE kit plus some other mod's which I have never declared. I know its a bit risky but thats me all over and i'm insured by Adrian Flux so I dread to think what the price would be!!!
Dan, what insurer you using may try them on renewal.

Eibachs/bilstein with standard bumper I never had any trouble even on the silly really high speed ramp down the road.

They are a harder ride than standard springs/shocks (I had chance to compare as I'm running 2 cars atm) but I'd rather have a hard ride and good handling than go round corners like a boat.

It just gives me no confidence when the cars rolling around.

er, because its the law and his insurance may be invalidated in the event of a claim

And ANY insurance assessor worth his salt will spot bright red springs in a wheelarch

Footman James classic policy, 6k mileage limit mods declared and fully comp. However - it's no longer available to new clients. Unless your coop is 15 years old. In 5 years we can all use them again

Yeah, there is that

Sporty springs really should have been standard on the plus model, after all - it does have as standard a bodykit, strut-brace etc

I had to reverse out of an NCP carpark once, as the front fouled on the ramp and all my drunk mates wouldn't get out of the car, so backwards was the only way!!!

If you feel the love for your Coupe you'll take any speed bumps like your crawling and you'd never got into an NCP!
I park miles away which drives the Mrs nuts but keeps my doors ding-free!!!

As long as your OE shocks are healthy Eibachs are perfect.
Not too harsh/crashy - yes it'll be stiffer but worth it for the looks IMO

So if you were to fit eibachs along with standard springs would you need to tell your insurance company?

After all some might class it as a modification, others may just see them as replacement dampers.

For example if you fitted black dampers made by a different manufacturer to the originals you wouldn't tell them..

And if you tell them they may use it as an excuse to hike the premium.

I took the same opinion when I replaced my Bosch dump valve with a Forge DV006, the standard air filter with a K&N, the standard exhaust with a stainless steel powerflow.

They don't increase the power (well maybe *just*) but do a better job than the original parts.

Does that class as modifying in the insurance eyes ??

If nothing else they lower the car height so it's clearly a modification. There's no point in trying to hide things from an insurance company, if you want them to be honest with you when it comes to paying out for an accident you have yo be honest with them.

agreed Dave, I wouldn't lower the car without telling the insurance company but not sure on the other part changes i've done

The Eibachs with standard springs would be the same height though wouldn't it?

erm, the Eibachs are the springs ??!

Sorry about that, I meant Bilsteins.

It has been a long day.

im on eibach with standard shocks.the ride is generally fine,speed bumps are fine with le kit fitted. one thing they are abit bouncy when going into dips in the road,not pot holes but a dip.They bounce back a fair whack , buoyant almost

Quite possibly the most irresponsible and worst advice I have read in over 10 years on this forum.
Will an insurance assesor spot red lowering springs.... Of course he will, his job is to spot exactly things like that.
You will find out if you one day unfortunately crash and are left with no pay out and a legal bill.

Fit Eibach Springs along with Bilstein dampers, declare your insurance and pay the extra. Enjoy driving your coop without the 'mid corner flop' and without the fear of driving without insurance.

Or don't do any of it.

I have eibachs and driving in and around London with speed bumps everywhere is no fun!
Handling is much better though but at the cost of regularly scraping my after market front bumper lip, I'm considering standard springs again but don't want to go back.

When I had my accident a few years back I was glad I declared all mods as questions were asked!
Would hate to imagine the sort of problems that could pop up if someone didn't declare them and the other party involved was seriously injured.

Cheers
John

with regard ride quality i was far happier with standard shocks and eibachs than with the standard set up or coilovers..
the eibachs were not bouncy at all whereas i find myself backing off at times at speeds over 120 as its so bouncy(coilovers) whereas with standard dampers and eibachs it didn,t matter how fast i never felt the need to back off..i am going to change my coilover springs though
in fact of all the set ups i have now driven for spirited road driving the standards and eibachs felt best..stronger springs in my coilovers may change my mind though (got to have bravo top mounts though!)

i never understand why people have issues with standard dampers and eibachs unless there is an issue with your dampers that is..not sure whether its a case of each to thier own or the way people drive maybe a bit of both

I've read worse but hey ho.
Recently had someone hit me up the rear and an assessor did not ask any questions about modifications. I digress, please can a moderator delete my comment if you feel appropriate.

Symon Eibach springs with OE shocks will lower the car approx. 30mm Perfect IMO

Regards to insurance. If you were new to the coop and looking to buy and the one you were looking at was lowered but you were not told this on your purchase. because most people would take the lowered coop to be standard where do you stand then. I just don't think springs would be spotted alone and stock ones would be bright red when new but after a few miles they would look the same. Not worth the £200 premium rise.