Re: [DML] Want to Upgraded Suspension - coil springs and shocks

[Joshua Schwartz <Joshieloo@xxxxxxx>]

Paul and List,

I too had sticker shock when I learned of the cost of the entire Eibach 
kit, but felt that the benefit of superior handling was greater than the 
cost. While I'm not certain if the same results can be achieved by 
spending $500 rather than the $900 or so, I can tell you that the 
difference in ride, cornering and the drifting associated with the "nose 
high" front end is well worth the cost. Last year I purchased VIN 20098 
and decided to have every major component restored. One of the upgrades 
was having the Eibach kit installed. This vehicle was in non running 
condition when I purchased it, so I can't comment on how it handled with 
the OEM suspension. However, when I purchased VIN 001292 in 1994, it had 
the OEM suspension, was "nose high" and at high speed, it liked to 
wander and felt unstable while cornering. I have since had the springs 
changed out, though I still use the OEM shocks. After the restoration 
was completed (by a very reputable and highly regarded DeLorean vendor 
in my area) I noticed a drastic change in the feel of VIN 020098, versus 
VIN 001292. The ride was softer than what I was used to, yet still firm. 
Cornering was dramatically improved and the drifting associated with the 
"nose high" front end was gone. This car felt and handled like it should 
(too bad it doesn't move the way it looks!).

I do have one gripe about the kit. After picking up this car and putting 
on about 100 miles on the new suspension, I noticed a loud noise coming 
from the front of the car when I hit a dip in the road, came to a quick 
stop or while turning into a corner while using my brakes. The noise is 
akin to the sound of a spring bending in one direction and snapping 
back. I took the car back to the vendor for diagnosis after putting on 
another 200 miles, as I knew something wasn't right. As it turns out, 
while the kit has been installed properly, there is a manufacturing 
difference in the Eibach springs versus the OEM springs. From what I 
gather, the OEM springs come with rubber isolators mounted with each 
spring when installed on the vehicle. The Eibach kit doesn't include 
these isolators. The OEM spring is a bit larger than the Eibach spring, 
so when swapping out the springs, you must re-use the OEM isolators. 
This causes the spring to move around in the situations mentioned above 
and causes the noise I hear. While I've been told that it isn't a safety 
issue, it is a bit disconcerting and makes the vehicle sound like it's 
going to come "unglued." The company having the Eibach kit produced has 
a remedy to stop the noise, but it doesn't address the isolator issue, 
not to mention that the "fix" is questionable in my opinion. This remedy 
is not something the vendor I use is willing to perform to this vehicle 
or other vehicles they install the Eibach kit on. Oddly enough, some 
cars experience this sound, others don't. I do remember reading a few 
months back a posting to the DML or the DMC Help forum about this 
condition, though I don't believe a permanent solution was offered by 
the poster or by the company having the Eibach kit produced.

Prior to the DCS, I look forward to bringing VIN 020098 back to the shop 
for a few cosmetics and to have a check done to the front 
springs/suspension for premature wear and hopefully a solution. If it 
isn't fixed and still makes the noise, anyone is welcome to "experience" 
it at the DCS. Just look me up...

- Joshua Schwartz
001292
020098

paul.sweet@xxxxxxxxxxxx wrote:

>I am considering coil spring and shock upgrades, but am concerned 
>about the cost of the Eibach springs and shocks.  It seems that the 
>entire package costs about $900.  What are people's experience with 
>this package, versus simply upgrading the front end only with non-
>Eibach set-up?  What are the options?  I am mostly interested in 
>leveling the front end to the proper height, as I don't like the nose-
>high feeling and look, but still want relatively good performance, as 
>well.  Can I do it for $500 instead.
>
>Thanks,
>
>Paul
>Vin 10944
>
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