Eibach Pro-Kit going on...

[Jamesk07]

Hi all,

I've had my 18s on the car for about 6 months and always said I'd get the 30mm lowering springs to make it look a little less like it was on stilts. Well, they're being fitted by Ford on Friday, I can't wait! My car is an 11 plate 1.6 TDCI Titanium.

Does anyone have any experience of fitting these springs on their Fiesta? If so, is there a noticeable difference in handling for better or worse? Also, Eibach claim on their website that they improve fuel economy because the car lurches less under braking and acceleration. This sounds logical, but I fail to see that I will notice any marked improvement. Can anyone clarify?

Many thanks,

James

[Seans_Fes_Mk7]

They're a piece of cake to fit, the more expensive of the lowering spring choices, but as you are probably doing, i fit them due to them keeping warranty. Although, technically, they don't. I spoke to the warranty team, they said the warranty isn't void regardless of what modification you put on, only they will not repair the car under warranty if the modifications are the cause to the problem. I had several modifications, and my car went in a couple times under warranty with no issues.
Onto the springs themselves side of things. I found that for in my experience, they were a massive difference in handling. It still has body roll at slower speeds, but massively less and should be how the car came standard. Barely a difference in comfort either. Would definitely recommend them. Although i also had a cheap pair of 45mm springs (PI) and they were just as good, but half the price. Now on coilovers.
The fuel economy side, i can't really comment on, as i honestly have no idea, but the likely hood of it isn't very. Some companies claim cars go faster when lower due to less air going under the car and pushing it up blah blah, but again, if it actually does, it's an un-noticeable change.
Hope this helps, and sorry for the 12 piece essay :L

[Jamesk07]

He Sean, thank you for your reply it was really useful. You're absolutely right, I'm having my Ford dealership fit them for the warranty. They were really helpful actually and said exactly the same as you, my warranty wouldn't be void unless the cause of the problem was the mod. However, I have so little time and the car was going in for other things, so I decided to let them do it while I'm at work.

I'm looking forward to the difference in handling as they can be a little "boat like" upon cornering. Thank you, I really appreciate your advice and help.

James

[PPKing]

Can we expect pics once fitted?

[Jamesk07]

You most certainly can... Any excuse to take a photo

[PPKing]

Good man! Looking forward to seeing them! Also, could you let me know what the 'everyday practicality' is like? I really want them on mine as I'm having some paint work done on the exterior so I think the lowering will set it off but I'm just worried about the worry of driving places on bumps etc so if you could let me know that would be great!

[Jamesk07]

I will definitely let you know about practicality. In my spare time I'm a gigging musician that has to carry around amps, speaker cabinets, PA, guitars etc. So my boot and back seats are usually pretty laden. I have been assured that there will be no issue with bottoming out etc. even with a full load. I will keep you posted...

My next wants are a Zetec S spoiler, rear diffuser and front bumper lip... Don't think side skirts are available for a 5 door...

[PPKing]

Ah that would be great. I'm a guitarist too so I'm always lugging my gear around at a weekend, which is also why I'm hesitant on the exhaust as I don't want to be tip toeing around the estate late at night waking every body up! Aslong as it doesn't bottom out I'm happy.

Did you buy the springs separately and then approach ford for the fitting? How much do they charge for fitting if you don't mind me asking? Sounds like you've got your direction sorted, I look forward to seeing the progress!

[Jamesk07]

I must confess, I've been a bit lazy and said to them "supply and fit please". They're doing it for £320 (including VAT), which wasn't TOO bad. They came at me £530 first, but I noted that people like Puma Speed offer them for about £260 (inc VAT) supplied and fitted. They came a bit which, when I considered my warranty etc. made it worthwhile.

As Sean mentioned in the second post on this thread though, Ford confirmed yesterday that your warranty is not invalid if you do this work yourself or get someone other than a Ford dealership to do it. What it does mean is, if something went wrong with a part associated with the work you've had done and Ford deem the work you've had done to be the cause, they would then not repair that part under warranty. So I guess you pay your money you take your choice. I was tempted to do it myself, but I'm so busy and it's cold, so I've taken the easy option

I know what you mean about being discrete late at night. I don't like the idea of a noisier exhaust for the exact same reason.

[PPKing]

Ah that's not a bad price at all, especially knowing that it is fitted by ford, and that assurance that if anything does go wrong that you're covered as they carried out the work in question. I guess you pay more to have your mind at rest which is worth I think. Thanks for the information I appreciate it. Can start budgeting now! Roll on pay day!