I haven't purchased an Element yet but the first modification I would like to do is re-spring it, read:lower it, and then put 18' or 19' rims on. Anyone tried it?

yea I thought about doing that and making my E into a rallye car, but then I figured out that it would be a dumb idea. But hey, do what you want. I ask you this question, what would you expect to get from lowering the E and making it "look" fast. Buy a car.

[quote:c0a5c7691e="BOXD IN"]yea I thought about doing that and making my E into a rallye car, but then I figured out that it would be a dumb idea. But hey, do what you want. I ask you this question, what would you expect to get from lowering the E and making it "look" fast. Buy a car.[/quote:c0a5c7691e]

Just playing devils advocate...... :twisted:
If you buy a car you dont get the space......

The Elephant is a Tuner/Customizers dream.... I think that was the idea with the DX not even having stereo....Tons of space around the engine and front end (read Turbo/Front mount Intercooler or Supercharger)

Honda probably expected it would be done considering the target demographic. That could explain why Civic springs are a perfect fit.

There is so much space between the tires and wheel well that it begs to be lowered.....

Better Handling.......

Turtle's looks pretty nice lowered

Dropped top, lowered would make a sweet retro-hot-rod look without the quality issues of Chrysler (PT Cruiser)....Dont tell me they are relaible. I bought 3 transmissions in 60,000 miles for our minivan.

NOPI (www.nopi.com) has lowering springs that will lower your buggy exactly 2 inches. I'm saving my money for them also.

Black Elephant:: thanks for the comment.

ION77:: Dont waste your money on springs from NOPI. Just go to 7thgencivic.com and go to the flea market, Im sure there many people selling there stock springs for cheap and it will lower it more than 2"

I'd like to put bigger rims on just to have bitchin' wheels, but the bigger I go, the most likely that I will have to go to low profile tires, which I am not too sure of, re: handling, wear, etc. Anyone know the pros and cons of low profile vs regular tires on handeling, wear, etc?

Ger

Small stuff perhaps, but in my case going to Michelin 4X4 Synchrone
235/70/16's netted a 1.7" tire height gain over the stock Honda-issue Goodyear Wrangler HP 215/70/16's. Of course only half the height gain
- .85" - is NET because only half the diameter, or from the hub down to
the ground, adds to the overall vehicle height. BUT STILL there's an overall vehicle height gain of more than 3/4-inch just with taller skins.
I personally favor the approach of MORE Sidewall >>>in these Michelins'
case there is a hefty three-ply road interface with one of THOSE being STEEL<<< We're talking sidewall strength here; just more rubber volume
gets more tractive force to the road, I believe. The ergo-feedback and
sensations from the TALLER sidewalled tires contributes to a more compliant - read SOFTER - ride. For sure BIG 16's fill the wheelwell as much as your garden variety 20- or 22-INCH TECHNO TRASH (oops, does that look like a Personal Bias sneaking in in favor of SWEET SIXTEEN's??...
Perish Forbid & Heaven Forfend!!) --- ...
Tim B. aka GalaGreenBullPUp beepbeep

[quote:37a48371ec="tblask"]Small stuff perhaps, but in my case going to Michelin 4X4 Synchrone
235/70/16's netted a 1.7" tire height gain over the stock Honda-issue Goodyear Wrangler HP 215/70/16's. Of course only half the height gain
- .85" - is NET because only half the diameter, or from the hub down to
the ground, adds to the overall vehicle height. BUT STILL there's an overall vehicle height gain of more than 3/4-inch just with taller skins.
I personally favor the approach of MORE Sidewall >>>in these Michelins'
case there is a hefty three-ply road interface with one of THOSE being STEEL<<< We're talking sidewall strength here; just more rubber volume
gets more tractive force to the road, I believe. The ergo-feedback and
sensations from the TALLER sidewalled tires contributes to a more compliant - read SOFTER - ride. For sure BIG 16's fill the wheelwell as much as your garden variety 20- or 22-INCH TECHNO TRASH (oops, does that look like a Personal Bias sneaking in in favor of SWEET SIXTEEN's??...
Perish Forbid & Heaven Forfend!!) --- ...
Tim B. aka GalaGreenBullPUp beepbeep[/quote:37a48371ec]


Just installed Mich cross terrain 235-70-16 yesterday on stock EX rims.
Haven't decided if an advantage exists yet. personally I was wanting a smoother quieter ride. They do look a little more macho than stock tires, but I can sense the height difference and the body roll which accompanies a higher CG. I am going to give them a week or two. Don't throw away your take-offs ! .85 inches doesn't sound like much but it might be just enough to mess up the geometry of an already good handling truck.

[quote:dbd50e0cd4="E-lated"]
Just installed Mich cross terrain 235-70-16 yesterday on stock EX rims.
Haven't decided if an advantage exists yet. personally I was wanting a smoother quieter ride. They do look a little more macho than stock tires, but I can sense the height difference and the body roll which accompanies a higher CG. I am going to give them a week or two. Don't throw away your take-offs ! .85 inches doesn't sound like much but it might be just enough to mess up the geometry of an already good handling truck.[/quote:dbd50e0cd4]

I have about 1,000 miles on the 235/70/16 cross-terrains and I like them alot, although I do hear what you are saying. The ride is very slightly softer, but not mushy. I have driven some twisty roads and I think they handle admirably, and certainly better than stock. IMHO, they are *much* better tires than the stock Goodyear tires. I feel like I have a better handling E than before with the stock tires and I think the look is improved, as well.

peace,
-jdef

I personally would much rather prefer my "TECHNO TRASH" 20's over these "stock, just like everybody else with their midlife crisis cheap SUV" 16's. ""(oops, does that look like a Personal Bias sneaking in in favor of PHAT TWENTIES??...""
I personally didnt want to get a brand new car because I knew that it would have to be somewhat stock for a while. This means it will look like every other baby boomers cars that is on the road. I am a custom car enthusiast. I can, will, and want to modify everything that I can drive, push, or ride in.

Unless you intend on driving this thing off-road, which I seriously hope you dont think it will do good out there, why put taller tires with superswamper tread on them??? Just get a regular SUV treaded tire with good quality.

Although I won't be significantly modifying the exterior, I do look forward to seeing what you and others do to your Element(s). I know (at least I think I do) that you were merely returning a previous barb with your comments. What a frightening and boring world it would be if everyone liked exactly the same thing (the 'It's a Small World' ride at Disneyland comes to mind...) :shock:

For clarity though, neither the Synchrone or Cross-Terrain Michelin 235/70/16's mentioned have serious off-road tread patterns. I think we mentioned quieter, softer ride characteristics, which matches with your exhortation.

peace,
-jdef

Sorry, I hope others didnt take offense to my previous post. This was directed at one, but meant for all to hear.

anyone have any tips on RAISING suspension at least 8" and getting dubs??

Visuals are great.

We might have a record folks! A 4-year-old thread back to life!!!