Lowering an AWD Car

[ScratchedMy991]

I started a similar thread on this topic before, but despite some great information, the topic became sidetracked, partly due to Timpo's usual non-stop posting of pictures that...well...didn't help anything.

I want a new AWD car, and I want to achieve a "semi" VIP look with it, beginning with a lowered suspension. I'm stubborn. I will not consider airbags; those belong inside the car. I will not risk throwing on suspension components not intended for an AWD setup, which apparently causes unwanted vibrations and/or extra wear on suspension components. I only want to do this with a spring + damper combo or adjustable coilovers.

I'm aware that this severely limits my choices of automobile, especially since I am choosing specifically within a small range of AWD cars. My limited list of car choices, along with their respective suspension product options I've been able to find, is below:

1) Acura RL ('05 and up) - Mugen Sports Suspension; Tein Flex Z
2) Acura RLX ('14 and up) - Mugen Sports Suspension
3) Lexus GS350 ('08 and up) - Tein Flex Z
4) Lexus LS460 ('06 and up) - None
5) Infiniti M/Q ('11 and up) - None

It certainly looks bleak, doesn't it?

I understand that lowering one of the AWD cars above without airbags only allows for about one inch of lowering. I'm OK with that. Toe-in and negative camber are stupid looking and expensive issues to address, anyway. As previously mentioned, I'm looking to go "semi" VIP; you know, to match my semi-gangster mentality.

If you've had experience lowering an AWD model of the above cars and/or are knowledgeable of further spring+damper or coilover products for them, please share. The suspension options available will determine which car I buy

Much love.

[Badhobz]

Threads worthless without tempo pics

[Matsuda]

/end thread

actually i dunno if this one is on air or coil's..it just looks dope

[dared3vil0]

I just wish those CX5's had more power...

[underscore]

What does being AWD have to do with anything? I'm not sure where you're getting this idea that AWD is special in some way, but it isn't. Pick a car, get good shocks/struts if it's more than a few years old, and get lowering springs with a rate that's close to stock. Don't bother with coilovers, no real VIP would want to be in a car that rides like crap.

[Traum]

Maybe I am not current on this "VIP" car lingo, but why aren't BMW xDrive, Mercedes 4Matics, and Audi Quattro cars (and also Golf R) included in the list for consideration? The Golf R, in particular, is very, very nice.

[Indy]

I think OP is looking for specific information/challenges some AWD cars have when lowering. An example is that the 1st Gen G35x cannot be lowered lower than 26.5" from the top of the fender arch to the ground or else the front CV boots would tear.

[ScratchedMy991]

I'm set on an AWD car because it will be more effective in the winter as opposed to RWD, particularly in snowy conditions.

I prefer to stick with my limited list of cars because I like them and I like the idea of a VIP Japanese car over a VIP anything else.

These topics are certainly debatable, but aren't the point of this thread.

[JDMDreams]

Get a rwd, that's why I stay away from awd cuz finding mod suspension parts are usually a hassle. I had a lowered Lancer Ralliart before on eibachs and it was fine. But it has model specific parts. Look at all the stanced evos, sti and gtrs

[ssjGoku69]

https://www.revscene.net/forums/7112...going-vip.html
lol I miss Timpo sometimes, threads are more fun to look at with pictures

@ScratchedMy991 Curious as to why are you set on looking for an AWD though?

[Expresso]

Are there any examples out there of what you are trying to achieve?

[Qmx323]

Originally Posted by ScratchedMy991

I started a similar thread on this topic before, but despite some great information, the topic became sidetracked, partly due to Timpo's usual non-stop posting of pictures that...well...didn't help anything.

I want a new AWD car, and I want to achieve a "semi" VIP look with it, beginning with a lowered suspension. I'm stubborn. I will not consider airbags; those belong inside the car. I will not risk throwing on suspension components not intended for an AWD setup, which apparently causes unwanted vibrations and/or extra wear on suspension components. I only want to do this with a spring + damper combo or adjustable coilovers.

I'm aware that this severely limits my choices of automobile, especially since I am choosing specifically within a small range of AWD cars. My limited list of car choices, along with their respective suspension product options I've been able to find, is below:

1) Acura RL ('05 and up) - Mugen Sports Suspension; Tein Flex Z
2) Acura RLX ('14 and up) - Mugen Sports Suspension
3) Lexus GS350 ('08 and up) - Tein Flex Z
4) Lexus LS460 ('06 and up) - None
5) Infiniti M/Q ('11 and up) - None

It certainly looks bleak, doesn't it?

I understand that lowering one of the AWD cars above without airbags only allows for about one inch of lowering. I'm OK with that. Toe-in and negative camber are stupid looking and expensive issues to address, anyway. As previously mentioned, I'm looking to go "semi" VIP; you know, to match my semi-gangster mentality.

If you've had experience lowering an AWD model of the above cars and/or are knowledgeable of further spring+damper or coilover products for them, please share. The suspension options available will determine which car I buy

Much love.

Out of your list the GS probably has the largest aftermarket following, try club lexus

[ZN6]

Originally Posted by ScratchedMy991

I'm set on an AWD car because it will be more effective in the winter as opposed to RWD, particularly in snowy conditions.

I prefer to stick with my limited list of cars because I like them and I like the idea of a VIP Japanese car over a VIP anything else.

These topics are certainly debatable, but aren't the point of this thread.

[StanleyR]

I agree, this thread is pretty stupid.

Like how in the 80's, BMW built an AWD vert. called the Baur version of the e30.
Nothing like dropping the top in a snowstorm!

[whitev70r]

Interested in Euro's? BMW xdrive, Audi Quattro, Volvo AWD?

S4/A4 Quattro lowered on H&R

[roastpuff]

Audi Allroad from RPI Equipped. But it's AccuAir I think.

[twitchyzero]

i assume you have another car, and won't be taking this to go skiing
last year aside, how many days of white roads do we actually see a year? right now you're limiting your options because of this factor, which seems insignificant in the grand scheme

[whitev70r]

Originally Posted by roastpuff

Audi Allroad from RPI Equipped. But it's AccuAir I think.

Nice! Although I probably would go with a Quattro Avant not the Allroad if you're going to lower it like that. The plasticky trim/parts come in handy if you intend to do a bit of offroading but if not ... it's kinda ugly.

[ScratchedMy991]

Originally Posted by ZN6

Originally Posted by ScratchedMy991:

"I understand that lowering one of the AWD cars above without airbags only allows for about one inch of lowering"


A pity that some of your wittiness was lost due to careless reading.

As well, AWD cars generally sit a little higher than non-AWD cars, making snow clearance even less of an issue than you think.

[ZN6]

Seems like you got it all figured out and your wangsta mentality will pull you thought the winter seasons, looking VIP in your salt crusted vehicle. Practicality seems to be second priority since you'd base your auto purchase on suspension choice. Wise. Your money.

Don't say it I didn't warn you when you can't get out of your driveway or if you park your car on the street over-night and the city plough goes through your street.

If your plan is to go through winter with this car, a set of winter tires should be your first priority, not dropping the car.

Final piece of sincere advice, carry a shovel in your car during winter, homie. That is, unless you think it's fly to be chillin', spinning your wheels, getting no where, fast.

I must be getting old, get off my lawn.

[jnesss]

i’ve driven a lowered FWD car in the snow. i’ve had 1” springs to 2”+ coils. i loved the low life, but i’ve been stuck in thr snow and it was an awful experience. AWD wouldn’t have even helped me get out.

i gave up the low life and got an AWD, probably won’t lower this one.

if you must lower, go with coils. you can ride low until winter comes, then raise it up.

[punkwax]

I lowered my IS250AWD and got stuck in the snow in the epic ‘08 dumps. I second the shovel advice.

[320icar]

I’m so confused. You only want to lower it an inch and you think negative camper looks stupid. Yet you want a VIP car?

You don’t really get it do yah bud

[dinfung]

if you want and AWD and lower it for snow, you really have to go into airride so u can lower for stance and rise it for snow.

[Badhobz]

semi VIP + AWD + lowered + good in snow =