Lowering your GS

[FatherDeth]

I don't quite understand how the wheel gap would be lessened with the 20's. The overall diameter for the wheel + tire should not change. This would result in the same amount of wheel gap.

Like Bassplayer said, it's a great illusion, but let's not forget, the GS 20's are 10 mm wider than the 19's as well. This helps in the illusion.

 

[87GN&98VET]

Actually I think the opposite - the bigger the wheel diameter the lower the car needs to sit. The 20's just accentuate the big gap and make it look even more aukward.

 

[gcsfo]

Initially, I was told 8 week backorder on the H&R Springs... Now, apparently they have been discontinued... Can anyone confirm and suggest other options? Eibach site says "in development" for the last 3 months now.

I have a turbo CXL and upgraded the 18s to 19s. The gap is quite pronounced and I do wonder like the other posters why they make such a large gap. In fact, usually the fendar arch is shaped to match the OEM tire size arch - so you have an equal gap across the arch. But in the case of our Regals, the gap actually increases right at the top of the tire/wheel arch - giving the regal (especially with my black 19" wheels) that "lifted" look of a Subaru Outback.

If GM folks are reading this - something to think about!!! 🙂

I assume there are engineering or cost rationals related to creating such huge gaps???

Definitely dropping my Regal as soon as a 1" - 1.5" drop spring becomes available...

 

[tygriff]

One of our members (cebo0650) can get Irmsher out of the UK.

http://www.oeminsigniaparts.com/

$480 is a little steep, but at least you would have them. It looks to show the drop at 30mm, which is over an inch. I would be interested to see a regal (or UK equivalent) with this drop.

Note that is states that these are not for use on the GS (likely due to the hyperstrut design).

 

[88 E5PR1T]

I would be interested to see a regal (or UK equivalent) with this drop.

There's a pic right on the site: http://www.oeminsigniaparts.com/ind...ategory_id=15&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=27

 

[BayouBuick]

There's a pic right on the site: http://www.oeminsigniaparts.com/ind...ategory_id=15&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=27

That picture looks great, but as we have discussed before these springs do not work with any Regal that has Interactive Drive Control. So that excludes most Turbo's and all GS'.

 

[FatherDeth]

Judging by the picture, this is the way the car should have come from the factory. Looks good!!

 

[Crisis]

That picture looks great, but as we have discussed before these springs do not work with any Regal that has Interactive Drive Control. So that excludes most Turbo's and all GS'.

Just to be clear. You say IDCS, but do you mean active damping in general??
My 2012 turbo P2 (I'm a poor bastard) does not have a IDCS, but it does have active (constantly variable) damping, like I thought all turbo's do (not sure of base Regals).

Most new turbo's won't have IDCS as I don't see the P3's out selling P1 and P2 packages. I thought the 2011 models, only T07's had IDCS, and the rest had 'non-user-adjustable' variable damping? I might be wrong though so please correct me if I am.

 

[goobee]

I scraped the bottom of the bumper cover (painted surface, not the rubber air deflector thing) pretty good over a parking lot concrete stopper. Our cars aren't exactly high off the ground. The wheel arches seem to be a lot bigger than they need to be.

 

[Crisis]

I scraped the bottom of the bumper cover (painted surface, not the rubber air deflector thing) pretty good over a parking lot concrete stopper. Our cars aren't exactly high off the ground. The wheel arches seem to be a lot bigger than they need to be.

The Regal is the first Car I've had for a long time, that actually clears the lower concrete stoppers around here. My opinion is it's an inch or two too high.
I don't mind watching out for that stuff and good clearance in the wheel wells means I wouldn't have to worry about wheel rub in the fender wells.

 

[Crisis]

One of our members (cebo0650) can get Irmsher out of the UK.

http://www.oeminsigniaparts.com/

$480 is a little steep, but at least you would have them. It looks to show the drop at 30mm, which is over an inch. I would be interested to see a regal (or UK equivalent) with this drop.

Note that is states that these are not for use on the GS (likely due to the hyperstrut design).

Opel Insignia with a 30mm drop and IDCS...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=V_odd0-xtFI

From what I read the forums on the other side of the pond, active suspension or IDCS is really not negatively affected with 30mm eibach springs. Some guys already have 60k miles under their belt with them, some probably more. I'm not sure how GS's hi-per struts like lowering but the base and turbo Regals should be fine.

The spring part numbers change by axle load, in the TUV paperwork you can see which part number matches with which spring for the Siggy. My Turbo has 1099kg/1028kg (GAWR, FRT/RR). Looks like the siggy springs aren't an exact match, that might be the hold-up on with Eibach and HR to get these to the US.
http://www.dvsegmbh.info/PDF/einbau/22012/2299/E10-65-019-02-22.PDF

 

[laloggia]

Got this back from eibach today. I asked for springs for a 2011 turbo. To my knowledge...2011 and 2012 non GS turbo has no difference in the suspension. Someone please correct me if this is wrong.


Hello sir and thank you for your email.* It was sent to my “junk mail” folder my mistake so I apologize for the delay.
*
Unfortunately we do not offer anything for the 2011 models because of lack of demand.* We are not planning on producing one for the 2011 models.* We are however working on a Pro-kit for the new 2012 Buick Regal, GS, 2.0L 4cyl. models.* It is still under prototype status.* However I don’t think the 2012 model has the same suspension as your 2011 model.* There is no way we can confirm this without physically testing both vehicles.
*
I hope this information helped.* Please let me know if you have any other questions.
*
Abel Garcia | Sales Manager / International Sales
Eibach Springs, Inc. | 264 Mariah Circle | Corona, CA 92879-1751
T +1 951-256-8300 x154 | F +1 951-256-8333
agarcia@eibach.com
eibach.com

 

[goobee]

Hmm, I wonder if Eibach wants a test car, they're only in Corona?

But then again, it doesn't sound like they have anything concrete at this point.

 

[xXCraigerzXx]

Just got off the phone with Eibach...

They said that the springs aren't a top priority at this point but should be released by Aug. or Sep.

 

[FatherDeth]

Just got off the phone with Eibach...

They said that the springs aren't a top priority at this point but should be released by Aug. or Sep.

Awesome!!! Thanks for taking the time to contact Eibach.

 

[xXCraigerzXx]

Awesome!!! Thanks for taking the time to contact Eibach.

No prob bro...couple of questions??? I'm picking up my GS this Sun and haven't driven it yet or even seen it actually...

It's the 6 speed manual trans...is that a short shifter?

Also...how's that stereo sound?

I know the questions are trivial but I forgot to ask the dealer...

Also...I just thought I'd throw this out there for anyone who's looking to possibly buy this car...I ended up pinning two dealers against each other and I got this car, fully loaded, optioned out, for $34k.

 

[Crisis]

Awesome!!! Thanks for taking the time to contact Eibach.

It's nice that someone asked Eibach but them taking years (without guarantees they'll have anything this summer/fall) shipping us springs that are already on the market across the pond seems silly... I'm a bit disappointed myself. The regal not that low volume of a car, and they already have all the specs figured on the insignia's (except the GS is different form the VXR's)

 

[FatherDeth]

No prob bro...couple of questions??? I'm picking up my GS this Sun and haven't driven it yet or even seen it actually...

It's the 6 speed manual trans...is that a short shifter?

Also...how's that stereo sound?

I know the questions are trivial but I forgot to ask the dealer...

Also...I just thought I'd throw this out there for anyone who's looking to possibly buy this car...I ended up pinning two dealers against each other and I got this car, fully loaded, optioned out, for $34k.

No, it's kind of long throws. It's not too sporty feeling, but it's not bad. The sound system hits good. Occasionally I get weird sounds depending on what kind of song I'm listening too. I've even had it sound like I might have a blown speaker. But not all the time. Rare occasions!!

 

[xXCraigerzXx]

No, it's kind of long throws. It's not too sporty feeling, but it's not bad. The sound system hits good. Occasionally I get weird sounds depending on what kind of song I'm listening too. I've even had it sound like I might have a blown speaker. But not all the time. Rare occasions!!

Well I'm sure there will be a short shifter kit available soon then...

 

[GTXgp]

Got this back from eibach today. I asked for springs for a 2011 turbo. To my knowledge...2011 and 2012 non GS turbo has no difference in the suspension. Someone please correct me if this is wrong.


Hello sir and thank you for your email.* It was sent to my “junk mail” folder my mistake so I apologize for the delay.
*
Unfortunately we do not offer anything for the 2011 models because of lack of demand.* We are not planning on producing one for the 2011 models.* We are however working on a Pro-kit for the new 2012 Buick Regal, GS, 2.0L 4cyl. models.* It is still under prototype status.* However I don’t think the 2012 model has the same suspension as your 2011 model.* There is no way we can confirm this without physically testing both vehicles.
*
I hope this information helped.* Please let me know if you have any other questions.
*
Abel Garcia | Sales Manager / International Sales
Eibach Springs, Inc. | 264 Mariah Circle | Corona, CA 92879-1751
T +1 951-256-8300 x154 | F +1 951-256-8333
agarcia@eibach.com
eibach.com

I could be wrong, but it sounds like they are developing a spring kit for the GS only... Which is fine with me, but that would explain why they said it is different than your 2011.