Springs and Wheels for 2007 Sonata Limited

[illy]

Hello all.

I'm new to these forums and i'm very interested in lowering my new 2007 Sonata Limited Edition for looks and performance.

I think if I am going to follow through on this mod, I am going to go with the Eibach Pro Kit springs. I was thinking about the H&R's because performance wise, I hear they are a bit better. But I also hear that they are a MUCH rougher ride than the Eibachs. I want performance and looks, but I also want a little comfort too. Anyone have any personal thoughts or opinions on either to help me decide?

One important question I have is that I have looked around all over the web and can't seem to find Shock and Strut upgrades for the 2006-2007 models of the Sonata. I have heard that putting lowering springs on a car without adequate support from the Shocks and Struts will cause massive problems very quickly. Can anyone point me in the right direction on this matter, or any other pertinent information in using lowering springs and what else I should know?

Also, i'm looking for strut bars and sway bars for my car, but can't seem to find any either. Anyone know of any?

Also, along with the lowering springs, I am looking for some new set of wheels to replace the stock 17"ers. I'm pretty sure that with the lowering springs, I would like some 18"s to fill the wheel gap just right. Here comes my next concern... are 18" wheels likely to rub on the 2007 sonatas? How big (width and diameter) can I go without running into trouble? What wheel size/tire size combo is optimal for 18"s if anyone knows?

Hope someone has read through this and can help me out some. Look forward to posting with all you Hyundai freaks!

illy

[mahout]

Originally Posted by illy

Hello all.

I'm new to these forums and i'm very interested in lowering my new 2007 Sonata Limited Edition for looks and performance.

I think if I am going to follow through on this mod, I am going to go with the Eibach Pro Kit springs. I was thinking about the H&R's because performance wise, I hear they are a bit better. But I also hear that they are a MUCH rougher ride than the Eibachs. I want performance and looks, but I also want a little comfort too. Anyone have any personal thoughts or opinions on either to help me decide?

One important question I have is that I have looked around all over the web and can't seem to find Shock and Strut upgrades for the 2006-2007 models of the Sonata. I have heard that putting lowering springs on a car without adequate support from the Shocks and Struts will cause massive problems very quickly. Can anyone point me in the right direction on this matter, or any other pertinent information in using lowering springs and what else I should know?

Also, i'm looking for strut bars and sway bars for my car, but can't seem to find any either. Anyone know of any?

Also, along with the lowering springs, I am looking for some new set of wheels to replace the stock 17"ers. I'm pretty sure that with the lowering springs, I would like some 18"s to fill the wheel gap just right. Here comes my next concern... are 18" wheels likely to rub on the 2007 sonatas? How big (width and diameter) can I go without running into trouble? What wheel size/tire size combo is optimal for 18"s if anyone knows?

Hope someone has read through this and can help me out some. Look forward to posting with all you Hyundai freaks!

illy

The bolt pattern is the same as nissan altima (5x4.5" or 114.3mm) but you need to check the center hub bore and hub offset. There are numerous ones to choiose from at DiscountTire and TireRack. There are numerous spacers available in 1/8 (3mm) and near 1/4" (5 mm) from OZ accessories and others.
As far as tire size you want to stay close to the stock diameter which is about 26.5" If you want 18" wheels the 'correct size tire is 245/45x18 which should yield a diameter of about 26.68". Check the actual diameter on TireRacks specs pages for the tire you want or one like it.
Remember, lowering ALWAYS gets rougher ride - stiffer springs - and shorter section tires always ride rougher than higher section tires. The closer you get to farm wagon wheels the closer you ride to one. cheers.

[FASONATA]

I just had the Eibach Pro Kit springs installed with stock shocks & struts, and it all works great! There was way too much body lean before, and it's much flatter and more controlled. This upgrade also fixed a problem cited by most auto journalists who reviewed the current Sonata -the need to make adjustments part way through long sweeping turns where comparable Honda and Toyota do not. I am pleased to say the Eibach Pro Kit is the answer. I was really surprised that the overall ride improved as well. Small and medium bumps are actually smoother than before. Potholes are severe -don't understand how that's all possible, but that's what I've seen/felt. You will need an alignment kit (don't understand why they don't sell it all in the kit since you have to have it). Only time will tell if the stock shocks and struts will hold, but I have to believe those will be fine. I don't see how lowering the car an inch really puts any added stress on the struts/shocks -less stress if anything due to less overall travel.