A few thoughts on the Eibach Springs / Front spacers / Rear stub axle spacers V's Standard (Non-Cup) scenario i've got going on now..... 
In the end i settled on 5mm hub-centric front spacers as this appears to be the amount that is deemed by many not to negatively effect handling or geometry whilst giving some extra width / track. While i wanted some looks ref 'stance' - I'm not prepared to risk giving up the Clio nimbleness or neutral handling; which is a large part of why i bought it in the first place.
The rear had 10mm Pure Motorsport stub-axle spacers fitted. The rear track width not quite carrying the same importance in a FWD car.
And the Springs were Eibachs and advertised as 15/20mm drop. In reality it turned out to be more like 23/22mm after a few weeks to allow for any settling.
***Unfortunately i've therefore made "numerous" changes at once. So this "report" will have to be taken somewhat with a pinch of salt as its difficult to pin-point anything im talking about to one particular change !
So: Feel is much the same. Pretty supple and i only really get more 'crashing' (Compared to standard) over short/sharp bumps or dips. And surprisingly the difference is more noticeable and pronounced at the rear..... Other than that in terms of normal day to day driving; the difference isnt night and day different.
When starting to push a little harder when cornering, the initial body roll on turn-in has been reduced hugely thanks to the springs. This is a huge plus. And the less body roll trait stays as you continue to push mid corner and upon exit.
I've particularly noticed much more grip in the wet. I thought the car was way above average before in the wet with my choice of tyres. I've got a couple of largish roundabouts on my journey to work and the speed i can maintain around them now is a little "embarrassing" at times. The difference in the dry is there - but less noticeable than when its been raining.
In terms of any negative traits- either from the springs or the spacers; i havn't found any yet. The car doesn't track / grab dips / bump ' valleys in the road and i've noticed nothing adverse under acceleration or braking.
I did research quite long and hard before i dived-in. and this wasn't your average "slam-it and jam on 20mm spacer" scenario.
Whilst i have no illusion that B14's wouldnt be an ever bigger jump forward, as someone who wont be tracking this car and wanted a sensible drop with and didn't really want to compromise ride quality or the ability to actually get over (Not scrape along) the next sleeping policeman in the road - im very happy with a bit of increased road-holding and somewhat getting rid of the standard Non-Cup's tractor looks.
And i still have enough space to get a sponge (Albeit a slimline version) in-between the wheel and arch come cleaning time. Which for a clean-freak is another bonus
Cheers for staying with me.......
In the end i settled on 5mm hub-centric front spacers as this appears to be the amount that is deemed by many not to negatively effect handling or geometry whilst giving some extra width / track. While i wanted some looks ref 'stance' - I'm not prepared to risk giving up the Clio nimbleness or neutral handling; which is a large part of why i bought it in the first place.
The rear had 10mm Pure Motorsport stub-axle spacers fitted. The rear track width not quite carrying the same importance in a FWD car.
And the Springs were Eibachs and advertised as 15/20mm drop. In reality it turned out to be more like 23/22mm after a few weeks to allow for any settling.
***Unfortunately i've therefore made "numerous" changes at once. So this "report" will have to be taken somewhat with a pinch of salt as its difficult to pin-point anything im talking about to one particular change !
So: Feel is much the same. Pretty supple and i only really get more 'crashing' (Compared to standard) over short/sharp bumps or dips. And surprisingly the difference is more noticeable and pronounced at the rear..... Other than that in terms of normal day to day driving; the difference isnt night and day different.
When starting to push a little harder when cornering, the initial body roll on turn-in has been reduced hugely thanks to the springs. This is a huge plus. And the less body roll trait stays as you continue to push mid corner and upon exit.
I've particularly noticed much more grip in the wet. I thought the car was way above average before in the wet with my choice of tyres. I've got a couple of largish roundabouts on my journey to work and the speed i can maintain around them now is a little "embarrassing" at times. The difference in the dry is there - but less noticeable than when its been raining.
In terms of any negative traits- either from the springs or the spacers; i havn't found any yet. The car doesn't track / grab dips / bump ' valleys in the road and i've noticed nothing adverse under acceleration or braking.
I did research quite long and hard before i dived-in. and this wasn't your average "slam-it and jam on 20mm spacer" scenario.
Whilst i have no illusion that B14's wouldnt be an ever bigger jump forward, as someone who wont be tracking this car and wanted a sensible drop with and didn't really want to compromise ride quality or the ability to actually get over (Not scrape along) the next sleeping policeman in the road - im very happy with a bit of increased road-holding and somewhat getting rid of the standard Non-Cup's tractor looks.
And i still have enough space to get a sponge (Albeit a slimline version) in-between the wheel and arch come cleaning time. Which for a clean-freak is another bonus
Cheers for staying with me.......
