I bought a 2011 Corolla S, in Red and I love the ride. But, I am 24, and I gotta admit, the sporty "fun" driving rides like Mazda3 or even the Civics (which are lower than corollas) still peak my interest from time to time. So, I figured, I'd go with the reliable car, that gets great gas, and just customize it so it handles a bit more like a Mazda3 or other types of cars that come with superior handling from stock.
After reading the forums here, I was overjoyed with user's comments and post! I even read a user say his corolla handles like it "was on rails"! I'm super excited now, it's like I can have the best of both worlds. A comfortable quite engine that feels smooth on the highway and gets good gas, but I can also lower it with springs and get that sporty tight handling that I used to have with my old civic. (btw--what the difference between TRD springs to lower your car or coil overs?) So, I did some research and decided to start off with getting the TRD springs, TRD sway Bar, and maybe just a few struts adjustments to get started.
Every official Toyota auto-shop that I call (like the one I bought it from) gives me such a negative reply when I ask them about modding my car? Not only do they state they don't do it, but it's almost like they shun it and one guy even stated it could damage your car. Why won't official autoshops do the labor for me? I want to be a friggin cook as a career, I have no skills with my hands whatsoever, and I'd happily pay a good $100-$200 labor for a professional to do it for me, but here in NJ, all I'm getting is rejected lol. I've learned that TRD doesn't lower your car that much so I assumed it would be safe, but does altering your suspension really pose a threat to the vehicles longevity or reliability in anyway? I don't plan to sell my car back like..well ever, so I do want it to feel like my car, but I don't want to hinder the reliability either with mods as this is one of the most important decisions in purchasing a new toyota.
Well, thank you for reading my rant, but if you don't have the patience or time, I can sum it up in a few questions.
1) What's the difference between lowering your car with TRD springs or coilovers, and which is more reliable?
2) Why won't autoshop do simple mods?
3) Will dropping the car and installing a sway bar increase the handling response significantly or only slightly?
4) Why is the forum so awesome and informative? ;-) who is responsible so I can shake there hand
__________________
"Every man must be swift about hearing, slow about speaking, slow about wrath"
i don't see why a Toyota dealer would not install TRD springs... that doesn't even sound right.
lowering your car wont damage anything unless you go too low and start scrapping all over and or rub your rims/tires on your fenders when hitting bumps or whatever.
the worst that could happen with a mild drop is your shocks/struts will wear prematurely.
im going with the TRD springs as well. this is my daily driver so i cant be slammed like i would like to. but i have heard nothing bad at all about the TRDs other than they aren't low enough.
we can expect 0.5-0.75" drop in the front and 1.5-1.75" drop in the rear. from the pics ive seen it is noticeable and nice looking. probably closer to what a newer civic SI looks stock. which IMO looks great. not to mention im lead to believe they are the best handling spring available for the corolla(aside from coilovers).
__________________ 2011 - Super white S(MT)
DIY cold Air intake (TRD drop in)
TRD Springs
Custom White &Blue LED swap (no more amber lights!)
Last edited by anomaly; 09-23-2011 at 11:56 AM.
The Following User Says Thank You to anomaly For This Useful Post:
You can do the basic mods to your Corolla and see if it satisfies you. If you still desire more, you could buy another car (likely used) while keeping the Corolla stock (always a decent daily driver) and mod to your liking. Or third, just get rid of the Corolla and go for a Mazda3, GTI, etc.
1). Coilovers allow for a larger range of adjustments, including ride height. They also ride stiffer than TRD springs. Eibach springs are a good alternative because they drop lower than the TRDs and come with a lifetime warranty. Lowering you car will shorten strut life, but that's normal.
2). Those shops just don't want your money or business. It's time to do it yourself or get some help if you happen to live near other TN members in the area. Treat em to beer and pizza and you have a field day.
3). Usually people pair a front strut bar and rear sway bar with lowering springs. It's a big difference as the car corners flatter and is more neutral. Some even go as far installing other chassis bars.
4). Good bunch of people surrounded by a good bunch of staff.
__________________
Quote:
Originally Posted by TURBO Das Automagazin
A BRZ, a curvy mountain road makes one liter of happiness hormones.
The Following User Says Thank You to PhatRoyale For This Useful Post:
1) What's the difference between lowering your car with TRD springs or coilovers, and which is more reliable? TRD are springs, coils are the entire section. Springs are cheaper, Coils are adjustable. There are several options for springs that all offer different drops (more info found on Springs thread).
2) Why won't autoshop do simple mods? .... unsure.... That's a FAIL, but DIY anyways and save the money for more mods!
3) Will dropping the car and installing a sway bar increase the handling response significantly or only slightly? Depends on drop (brand and type) but it should help vs stock.
4) Why is the forum so awesome and informative? ;-) who is responsible so I can shake there handThe users make it what it is for all of us. As far as a "Founding Father", there are a few but one that can be seen in 10th Gen's from time to time is BLUEMEANIE. He was in from the get-go.
Be sure to check the springs thread for crazy amount of info on drops. Springs vs Coils and different springs and their drops. I'm dropped on 9th Gen Corolla Tein S Tech Springs and LOVE IT!
__________________
2009 Magnetic Gray Metallic Corolla LE ^Click For My CarDomain Page^ Team HAMSTER™
Last edited by FlawedLegacy; 09-23-2011 at 12:21 PM.
Ok...So they (Toyota dealerships I asked) are just douchebags. I have a good friend who's a mechanic, but he told me he likes to do simple repairs to keep from getting a headache, so that kinda made me assume installing springs and sway bars would be too much for a person without any auto-mechanic experience.
I have read a few of the How'To's, and they are very intimidating. Steering wheel covers, changing lights, customizing the interior etc...I can do that myself! lol...Not so confident in propping my car up on two blocks of wood and installing metal springs and bars;0(
I'm all about the handling though, speed and such isn't as much of a big deal for me as this corolla is my work commute car, although I could go for a slightly faster acceleration rate, but that's about it.
I don't want to drop it too low though, so that's why I'm leaning towards the TRD springs, TRD sway bars, and front strut bar. Looking at prices, that shouldn't cost me too much and should be a vast improvement in handling vs. a stock corolla S. @Anomaly I heard TRD were really great at handling as well! so yeah, I'm already decided on what to do. Coilovers may offer more options but are just out of my price-range for the foreseeable future (a future project perhaps?)
__________________
"Every man must be swift about hearing, slow about speaking, slow about wrath"
Like me I never started working on cars EVER before I got my corolla. ANd though I am not looking for crazy mods I have done lots of things just by myself.
Taken off front bumper to install fog lights.
Changed Bulbs
Changed filters
Changed Oil
Installing new brakes tomorrow
Install carbon spoiler
installed double din deck
Installed GTI Mooooostashe!!!!
Tinted windows
Smoked taillights
Waiting for new taillights now
and maybe evenb sharpie my car.
My 2cents is everyone in this forum are like a huge family. People are nice and get to know each other. We will need to have a HUGE TN meet soon so people from Canada and US can all meet up.
__________________
2009 DSM Corolla Click me?
The Following User Says Thank You to Andriy242 For This Useful Post:
Before this Corolla I had never modded either and if you read my early posts, I was scared to even debadge it! lol
Now I'm swapping springs with no second though! Give it time and DIY, you will learn a lot about your car, save money doing it yourself and might even get a chubby in your pants from doin it yourself!
__________________
2009 Magnetic Gray Metallic Corolla LE ^Click For My CarDomain Page^ Team HAMSTER™
Before this Corolla I had never modded either and if you read my early posts, I was scared to even debadge it! lol
Now I'm swapping springs with no second though! Give it time and DIY, you will learn a lot about your car, save money doing it yourself and might even get a chubby in your pants from doin it yourself!
hahahahaha...I do envy (a little) people who are so passionate about there car. I guess that is the satisfaction of seeing your work in action. I figured it would just be quicker and hassle free to get a prof. installation, but you're right the easy way out is of no benefit to me, and what about my future mods?
I'll take it slow and easy and start reading up on the DIY's, I think the pros outweigh the cons greatly.
I'm still scared tho;-(
__________________
"Every man must be swift about hearing, slow about speaking, slow about wrath"
that's what we're here for.... ask questions.... ANY! PM any of us with question if you're embarrassed about askin! I remember seeing BLUEMEANIE (an Admin on here that I often hang out with) take apart my car's dash in mere moments and I was cringing. It takes time to feel really comfortable with your ride. Build up to the big stuff.
__________________
2009 Magnetic Gray Metallic Corolla LE ^Click For My CarDomain Page^ Team HAMSTER™
once you got the mod bug, try not to plasti-dip everything lol
but bars are easy, start off with those and go with better tires. Knowing how your car reacts can help you decide on future mods. if you want to also be low go with eibach springs, don't go with TRD. TRD's drop are very mild.
As for garages/shops: Ask family and friends where do they take their car to and which mechanic do they trust.
The Following User Says Thank You to pengin978 For This Useful Post:
The AutoGuide.com network consists of the largest network of enthusiast-owned enthusiast-operated automotive communities.
AutoGuide.com provides the latest car reviews, auto show coverage, new car prices, and automotive news. The AutoGuide network operates more than 100 automotive forums where our users consult peers for shopping information and advice, and share opinions as a community.
ToyotaNation.com is an independent Toyota/Lexus enthusiast website. ToyotaNation.com is not sponsored by or in any way affiliated with Toyota Motor Sales, USA, Inc. The Toyota, Lexus and Scion names and logos are trademarks owned by Toyota Motor Sales, USA, Inc.
K2
.... unsure.... That's a FAIL, but DIY anyways and save the money for more mods! 
Linear Mode
