So last night we finally got round to installing my H+R springs on the vRS. After changing the standard wheels for Borbet F's in gloss black I'd finally had enough of the comical arch gap so took the plunge and decided to lower it...

Results are awesome, far better than I could have imagined. First impressions:

Ride quality - This was my biggest fear, I was desperately hoping the ride (not a vRS strong point anyhoo) wouldn't go horribly hard and crashy. I needn't have worried! It's very marginally firmer at low speeds over speedbumps etc but not an issue. At higher speeds it's actually more comfy than stock, less floaty/bouncy and better controlled. Feels more planted and stable.

Looks - vast improvement :-). Looks how it should from the factory. More aggressive stance all round and no more 4x4 arch gap! I suspect it will go a little lower over the next few days as the suspension settles a little. The lower ride height really works well with the new alloys. They have a slightly different offset to the stock rims so are further out and therefore flush with the arch so no spacers required. The car has a slight "nose down" stance as the front springs are a 35mm drop and the back 30mm (to preserve the estates load-lugging capability) which I quite like.

Handling - well again a pleasant surprise. Wasn't expecting to be such a big transformation to be fair. It now corners like an absolute beast with hardly any body roll. Sooooo much more fun than standard. The steering feels better (?placebo effect) too. Stability under acceleration and braking feels miles better and the car just inspires much more confidence. I reckon the tyres might get more abuse now though with the higher cornering speeds. Wish I'd had these springs on for the track session at Rockingham!

All round I'm very chuffed as you can probably tell! Might just get the RARB next..... ;-)

A few post/lowering pics for you, these were done just after the install so still settling. Has dropped a little more today so will do some more pics when I get a chance:

Tom

I agree H&R springs are brilliant but I had a RARB first and that was good enough. So yes go for it and get that fitted the car will be amazing, really impressed with mine can throw it in to most bends and it comes out the other side with no problem.

looking good Tom

 

I also like the "raked" look of the estate, mine is 20mm down at the front 15mm down at the rear

 

looks pretty low driving on track though!

 

What's people's thoughts on suspension/wheel alignment after fitting lowering springs to the Fabia?

I'm tempted not to bother as it looks like the whole setup is pretty much non-adjustable anyhow?

The front is adjustable and you are well advised to have your alignment checked and any adjustment done at the front 

by someone that knows how to use the equipment and adjust to the correct figures if required.

My car was had a load of toe in on the OSF after I had my bilsteins and h&r springs fitted so if definitely get the tracking done

The front is adjustable and you are well advised to have your alignment checked and any adjustment done at the front

by someone that knows how to use the equipment and adjust to the correct figures if required.

Thanks George will have a look into some local garages that have some decent equipment and reputation. The only front end adjustment that I could see was the track rod length though? Is there anything else to it?

Was planning on getting the tracking done anyhow as the car has had a slight pull to the left for several months now (as many do) but this appears to actually be abit better now it's been lowered lol!

It might be worth the small investment of getting your car onto a Hunter rig (rather than the basic laser kits) for a full alignment check. You will notice the difference when done properly!

 

http://www.alignmycar.co.uk/

mine was done when the springs were fitted

Yep mine needed to get alinement done as camber was out!

deffo needs checking. I'd personally give it a couple of weeks running first to let the springs settle and the seat pads groove

 

I would only go to an alignment specialist with the Hunter system

Car was transformed when alignment/tracking done! Pull to left all but eliminated and car handled a lot better :-)

Looks good I recently purchased a VRs Estate also

 

Mine pulls to the left real bad will get wheel alignment done shortly

 

Where did you get your springs I want a set for mine 

So last night we finally got round to installing my H+R springs on the vRS. After changing the standard wheels for Borbet F's in gloss black I'd finally had enough of the comical arch gap so took the plunge and decided to lower it...

Results are awesome, far better than I could have imagined. First impressions:

Ride quality - This was my biggest fear, I was desperately hoping the ride (not a vRS strong point anyhoo) wouldn't go horribly hard and crashy. I needn't have worried! It's very marginally firmer at low speeds over speedbumps etc but not an issue. At higher speeds it's actually more comfy than stock, less floaty/bouncy and better controlled. Feels more planted and stable.

Looks - vast improvement :-). Looks how it should from the factory. More aggressive stance all round and no more 4x4 arch gap! I suspect it will go a little lower over the next few days as the suspension settles a little. The lower ride height really works well with the new alloys. They have a slightly different offset to the stock rims so are further out and therefore flush with the arch so no spacers required. The car has a slight "nose down" stance as the front springs are a 35mm drop and the back 30mm (to preserve the estates load-lugging capability) which I quite like.

Handling - well again a pleasant surprise. Wasn't expecting to be such a big transformation to be fair. It now corners like an absolute beast with hardly any body roll. Sooooo much more fun than standard. The steering feels better (?placebo effect) too. Stability under acceleration and braking feels miles better and the car just inspires much more confidence. I reckon the tyres might get more abuse now though with the higher cornering speeds. Wish I'd had these springs on for the track session at Rockingham!

All round I'm very chuffed as you can probably tell! Might just get the RARB next..... ;-)

A few post/lowering pics for you, these were done just after the install so still settling. Has dropped a little more today so will do some more pics when I get a chance:

Tom

 

Tried To PM you lad but think your inbox  is full  :|

Looks good I recently purchased a VRs Estate also

Mine pulls to the left real bad will get wheel alignment done shortly

Where did you get your springs I want a set for mine

Demontweeks mate. Although they sent the wrong ones first time around so had to get another set sent which was a pain!

Demontweeks mate. Although they sent the wrong ones first time around so had to get another set sent which was a pain!

 

 

Cheers long time since I've seen a demon tweets magazine I'll try find one

 

Had a quick look I can only see the 30 - 35 other way about lol

Edited 29 March, 201610 yr by A9X SJ

Try 

http://awesomegti.com

Cheers long time since I've seen a demon tweets magazine I'll try find one

Had a quick look I can only see the 30 - 35 other way about lol

Probably easiest to have a look on their website :-)