Suspension Upgrade Report - (requested)

[Kiasis]

Thanks to everyone who helped me decide last month on my suspension upgrade.

I’ve now put about 1,500 miles on the new setup on my '99 Camry 4-cyl, consisting of Tokico blue struts w/ Tein S Tech springs ($430 from Kuruma Motoring), Whiteline RSB ($140 shipped from Never Enough Auto), and Potenza RE960AS Pole Position tires on new 15” rims ($700 mounted/balanced/shipped from Tire Rack). The result is even better than I hoped for while deciding on the package (yeah, I woulda liked 16” wheels or bigger, but that added $350 to the price).

The Tein S Tech springs are spec’ed at a 1.5” inch front drop and 0.6” rear drop. I expected the visual result to be more pronounced than it is, but since I wasn’t looking for a completely slammed look, I’m fine w/ the modest drop. The car definitely has a more aggressive look and I don’t bottom out where I used to on my up n’ down commute. At the same time, this setup is extremely comfortable – I was expecting a little more jarring from stiffening things, but it hasn’t happened.

The handling is definitely a huge improvement over my old setup. Everything was stock (and w/ 160K miles) so my reference point for comparison is obviously a bit skewed, but this set-up is light years ahead. My old tires were Goodyear Assurance (60K miles on them), and an excellent tire for wear, comfort and low road noise, but even new had no where near the stickiness of these Bridgestone’s. The Potenzas were $75/each, and for the month of June, there’s a $75 rebate from Bridgestone on the RE960AS Pole Position, so it was buy 3, get the 4th free ($625 after rebate). I have yet to get a peep out of these tires, and that’s with hard cornering at some pretty high speeds on my back road commute. On the straight aways at 100-110 mph, everything is smooth and quiet as could be. Oh yeah, don’t forget the Escort 850 XP – a must.

The RSB definitely keeps the back end flatter, and although I may add the FSB just to complete the package, it probably isn’t necessary. The car simply squats down in the corners.

If anyone wants to see a picture to get an idea of the visual, let me know. However, as a relatively inexpensive suspension upgrade – I absolutely love this set-up. My Camry is fun to drive again!!

Now, what to do about that stock sound set-up.....

[T.L.C.]

Nice report, congrats on the upgrade and must say just love how you put the price/detail already but you will have to repeat it a few times some people don't like to read and will ask.

as the sound depends on you nice speakers and maybe 2-12's or something small so it fits nicely into the space in the trunk without losing space, also a decent navi. system.

[bigbird]

glad to hear it went well man, now i cant wait to get my tokicos on.

[Kiasis]

Yeah, I was a bit bummed that I ordered and paid for the Tokico strut/spring combo, only to find out after my PayPal was processed that the springs are on perpetual back-order (tried several other places w/o luck, too). However, I've got no complaints so far w/ the Tokico strut and Tein S Tech spring combo.

If you drive anything like I do, you'll love the Tokico struts. Best way I can describe it is stiff handling w/o a stiff ride, if that makes sense.

[nodrogkam]

your car may settle down even lower...give it a few months and a few thousand miles.

ah you should have gone 17's if you realy wanted to feel the differences. your suspension is actually really stiff now, but the flexing of the larger sidewalled tires is whats still giving you ride comfort and body roll. Did you get some wider 15's than stock?

have fun!

[Kiasis]

205-60-15 tires. Strictly a matter of $$. To go up to 16's would increase the cost $350 and to 17's over $400 (different wheel availability and almost double the cost per tire). Yeah, I woulda like to go at least 16's, but I'm not nearly as bummed now after driving the set-up as I was lamenting not having the extra $350 when I did the work. Bsides, there's always next time....

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