SE's arse sits so high, why? What is best to do about it?

enthuzed · Postby **enthuzed** » Wed Mar 23, 2016 12:40 pm

So I've noticed that standard NB SEs have their arses sitting up really high, other NBs don't sit like that.

Why is this the case only with SEs?

As I'm happy with the firmness and handling...
Do I get the rear springs reset? If so, by how much?
Or do I buy replacement rear springs, what brand and specification deemed most suitable?

Thanks and looking forward to some responses.

hks_kansei · Postby **hks_kansei** » Wed Mar 23, 2016 12:45 pm

the NB in general sits a little higher at the back, on the NB8B and SE it appears more due to the large wheels (lower profile tyres can make the wheel gap appear larger than it is)

As far as lowering the rear only, I would try to stay away from reset springs, i've heard that they're never that good.
Cutting springs works, but again, not great.

Installing lowered springs is an option, most of them lower the car by approximately 20-30mm
Expect to pay about $150 for a pair of lowered springs, although usually they sell in sets of four.

smy0003 · Postby **smy0003** » Wed Mar 23, 2016 12:49 pm

All NB's look like monster trucks from the factory. You can't just re-perch the springs, you'll either need lowering springs (eg. Tein, MS, Eibach, King), shocks with an adjustible spring perch (eg. Koni yellow) or full coilovers.
You may be able you use a coilover sleeve (eg. ground control) on your existing shocks and springs as well.

enthuzed · Postby **enthuzed** » Fri Mar 25, 2016 11:51 pm

Thanks guys for your responses.
I've taken on board some of what you've both said and done further research, internet and phone calls.

Looks like I'll do something a bit different and have to pull the suspension out to see if its possible.
I'll post here the results and how I achieved it in the coming days.

1green5 · Postby **1green5** » Sat Mar 26, 2016 12:42 am

enthuzed wrote:As I'm happy with the firmness and handling...

so what's your problem?

smy0003 · Postby **smy0003** » Sat Mar 26, 2016 9:48 am

What are you trying, enthuzed?

1green5, it does look a bit silly. The NB has more arch gap than some small SUVs.

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hks_kansei · Postby **hks_kansei** » Sat Mar 26, 2016 7:44 pm

If you're interested I have a set of Mazdaspeed B Spec springs I took out of my car.

The rates are slightly stiffer than stock for a regular nb, so would likely be similar to an se.

I haven't advertised them yet, but if you want info send me a pm.

aviper4u · Postby **aviper4u** » Fri Apr 01, 2016 2:44 pm

reducing the wheel arch is "simples" via different techniques already mentioned though be ready to reduce rear suspension travel and because of this much higher occurrence of hitting bump stops..................

looks before...... how's that go again lol

hks_kansei · Postby **hks_kansei** » Fri Apr 01, 2016 3:11 pm

NB bump stops are a different design to the NA, so nowhere near as bad to hit.

With my old springs I never noticed the car hitting the stops other than big high-G dips in the road, but it hit the stops on the factory springs in the same situations anyway.

People seem to get a bit over fussed with suspension travel, the whole point of bump stops is to stop the shock from hammering itself to pieces when it reaches the end of travel. (also to prevent spring bind when they reach their maximum compression)
It is also to prevent the bottom of the car from slamming into the ground at full compression.

you could faily easily modify the suspension to allow an extra 6 inches of travel over stock, but it would be useless since after about half that you'd already be laying the subframes flat on the ground.