2002 Bora V6 4Motion - Spring and Shock Questions

[Craig S]

Well, my temp problems from a few weeks ago were sorted by Seb @ Euro Automotive by replacing the busted fan, and it’s all good now. Whilst it was there he gave the car a good go over and noted things that would need replacing, and it consists of the usual suspects (which I’m also having to do to my wife’s Camry of similar mileage) like suspension bushings, brake discs etc.

I’ve been toying with how much I want to modify this car, and weighing up the benefits and the disadvantages. At this point I just want to drop it a little, make it breath a bit better and then tidy it up some more and enjoy it.

So, here’s what I’ve decided:
Wheels: Keep stock for the time being
Brake Callipers: Paint black
Front Discs: Worn, need replacement
Suspension Bushings: Worn, need replacement
Springs: Replace with Mk4 R32 to slightly lower
Shock absorbers: Worn, need replacement
Intake, Manifold and Exhaust: Send to Seb to sort out.

So some questions:
• For the callipers do I just tidy them up with a dremel and paint the outside surface?
• What sort of prep should I do and paint should I use?
• Should I buy new springs or put a WTB up?
• What sort of shocks should I buy?

Any weblinks or suggestions gratefully received.

Cheers
Craig

[hedgie]

i just traded my V6 4MO in this week, had a CAI, coil overs and R32 wheels. would've been perfect for you to strip!

I had KW coilovers (which I still have if your interested). Good because you could adjust to get the perfect height and was easy to do. KW street were still a comfy ride, which is usually the only downside to going coilovers over strut/spring combo. Also, Seb told me that the MK4 springs would not do much at all to the height of my Bora?

As per the Calipers a good wash and light sand to ruff up is all i would do. Be careful to mask off everything aswell.

[blake_]

Hey Craig,

Depending on what you're using the car for, from personal experience I would definitely recommend getting a good coilover setup.
Having used Bilstein Shocks with Spax 30mm lowering springs, I was quite unhappy with the level the car was sitting and the 'softness' of the ride... and there was nothing I could do about it ( Until I ordered my coilovers )

Given you get the freedom to chose ride height and ride softness/hardness, its something to think about!

[dylan8]

chances are your car has already sagged a bit, so new or only slightly used R32 springs might not do much height wise.
coils are the way to go.
my mate had 50 or 60mm springs in his bora, was noticeable drop, but also means replacing struts to match.
the cost of the springs and struts can equal the same as a nice set of coils such as V1s

[Lito]

I agree with all above, get coilovers. Also with R32 springs wouldn't they sag a little in the back because of the extra weight of the trunk?