Lexus IS200: BC Racing Coilovers Upgrade

by Alex Braham 41 views

Hey guys! If you're looking to seriously upgrade your Lexus IS200's handling and stance, then you've probably heard about BC Racing coilovers. They're a popular choice for a reason, offering a fantastic balance of performance, adjustability, and price. In this article, we'll dive deep into why BC Racing coilovers are a great option for your IS200, what to consider before buying, and what to expect during the installation process. Get ready to transform your ride!

Why Choose BC Racing Coilovers for Your IS200?

When it comes to suspension upgrades, the market is flooded with options. So, why single out BC Racing coilovers for your Lexus IS200? Let's break it down:

  • Enhanced Handling: This is the big one. BC Racing coilovers drastically improve your car's handling. By replacing the soft, stock suspension with a firmer, more controlled setup, you'll experience significantly reduced body roll during cornering, improved steering response, and increased overall stability. This translates to a more confident and engaging driving experience, whether you're carving up backroads or hitting the track. The difference is night and day compared to the factory suspension, offering a more connected feel to the road and allowing you to push your IS200 to its limits with greater precision.
  • Adjustability: BC Racing coilovers offer a wide range of adjustability, allowing you to fine-tune your car's suspension to your specific needs and preferences. You can typically adjust ride height, allowing you to lower your car for a more aggressive stance and improved aerodynamics. Damping is also adjustable, letting you control the stiffness of the suspension. Softer settings are ideal for daily driving, providing a more comfortable ride, while firmer settings are better suited for spirited driving or track days, maximizing handling performance. This level of customization ensures that you can tailor your suspension to achieve the perfect balance of comfort and performance for your driving style.
  • Ride Height Adjustment: One of the most appealing aspects of BC Racing coilovers is the ability to adjust your car's ride height. Slamming your IS200 to the ground not only looks awesome, giving it that aggressive, low-slung stance, but it also lowers the center of gravity, further improving handling. Conversely, you can raise the ride height if you need more ground clearance for winter driving or navigating rough roads. The flexibility to adjust ride height allows you to achieve the perfect look and functionality for your IS200.
  • Damping Adjustment: The damping adjustment feature on BC Racing coilovers is a game-changer. Damping refers to the suspension's ability to control the movement of the springs. By adjusting the damping, you can fine-tune the ride quality and handling characteristics of your car. Softer damping settings allow for more suspension travel, resulting in a more comfortable ride on bumpy roads. Firmer damping settings reduce suspension travel, providing a stiffer, more controlled ride that minimizes body roll and maximizes handling performance during aggressive driving. With BC Racing coilovers, you have the power to dial in the perfect damping settings for any driving situation.
  • Improved Aesthetics: Let's be honest, looks matter! Lowering your IS200 with BC Racing coilovers instantly transforms its appearance, giving it a more aggressive and sporty stance. The reduced wheel gap and sleek profile create a head-turning look that will make your car stand out from the crowd. Whether you're going for a subtle drop or a slammed look, BC Racing coilovers can help you achieve the perfect aesthetic for your IS200.
  • Price Point: Compared to some other high-end coilover brands, BC Racing offers excellent value for money. You get a lot of performance and adjustability for the price, making them a great option for budget-minded enthusiasts who don't want to compromise on quality. While they may not be the cheapest coilovers on the market, the combination of performance, adjustability, and durability makes them a worthwhile investment for any IS200 owner looking to upgrade their suspension.

Things to Consider Before Buying

Before you pull the trigger on a set of BC Racing coilovers for your Lexus IS200, there are a few things you should keep in mind:

  • Spring Rates: Spring rates determine the stiffness of the springs. BC Racing offers different spring rate options to suit various driving styles and preferences. Softer spring rates provide a more comfortable ride, while stiffer spring rates offer better handling performance. Consider how you primarily use your car when choosing spring rates. If you daily drive your IS200, you may want to opt for softer spring rates. If you frequently track your car or prefer a more aggressive driving experience, stiffer spring rates may be a better choice. Talking to a BC Racing dealer or suspension specialist can help you determine the optimal spring rates for your needs.
  • Driving Style: Are you a daily driver, a weekend warrior, or a track day enthusiast? Your driving style will heavily influence the type of coilovers you need and the settings you'll want to use. A comfortable ride might be your priority if you're mainly commuting, while track performance will demand a much stiffer setup. Be realistic about how you use your car and choose coilovers that align with your needs. Don't overspend on features you won't use or compromise on comfort if you primarily drive on public roads.
  • Installation: Installing coilovers can be a DIY project if you're mechanically inclined, but it's generally recommended to have them installed by a professional. This ensures proper installation and alignment, which is crucial for safety and performance. If you choose to install them yourself, be sure to have the necessary tools and a good understanding of suspension systems. A professional installation will not only save you time and hassle but also provide peace of mind knowing that the job was done correctly. Factor in the cost of professional installation when budgeting for your BC Racing coilovers.
  • Budget: BC Racing coilovers are relatively affordable, but you still need to factor in the cost of installation, alignment, and any other necessary components, such as camber plates or sway bar end links. Set a budget beforehand and stick to it to avoid overspending. Remember that quality suspension upgrades are an investment in your car's performance and handling, but it's essential to find a balance between cost and features. Research different vendors and compare prices to get the best deal on your BC Racing coilovers.
  • Camber Adjustment: After lowering your IS200, you'll likely need to adjust the camber to prevent uneven tire wear and optimize handling. BC Racing coilovers typically don't come with built-in camber adjustment, so you may need to purchase aftermarket camber plates or adjustable control arms. Camber plates allow you to adjust the camber angle at the top of the strut, while adjustable control arms allow you to adjust the camber angle at the bottom of the suspension. Proper camber adjustment is crucial for maintaining optimal tire contact with the road and maximizing handling performance. Consult with a suspension specialist to determine the appropriate camber settings for your IS200.

Installation: What to Expect

The installation process for BC Racing coilovers on an IS200 is fairly straightforward, but it's essential to have the right tools and a good understanding of suspension systems. Here's a general overview:

  1. Preparation: Gather all the necessary tools, including a jack, jack stands, wrenches, sockets, and a spring compressor (if you're reusing your stock top hats). Disconnect the battery to prevent any electrical issues.
  2. Remove the Old Suspension: Safely lift the car and secure it on jack stands. Remove the wheels and disconnect any brake lines, ABS sensors, and sway bar end links that are attached to the struts. Unbolt the stock struts from the hub and the top mounts, and carefully remove them from the car.
  3. Assemble the Coilovers: If you're reusing your stock top hats, you'll need to compress the stock springs and transfer the top hats to the BC Racing coilovers. Follow the instructions provided by BC Racing for assembling the coilovers and adjusting the ride height.
  4. Install the Coilovers: Carefully install the BC Racing coilovers in place of the stock struts. Bolt the coilovers to the hub and the top mounts, ensuring that all bolts are tightened to the correct torque specifications. Reconnect any brake lines, ABS sensors, and sway bar end links that were disconnected.
  5. Set the Ride Height and Damping: Adjust the ride height and damping settings to your desired levels. BC Racing coilovers typically have adjustable ride height collars and damping knobs that allow you to fine-tune the suspension. Start with a conservative ride height and damping settings, and then adjust them as needed to achieve the desired look and feel.
  6. Alignment: After installing the coilovers, it's crucial to get a professional wheel alignment. Lowering your car will significantly affect the alignment angles, which can lead to uneven tire wear and poor handling. A professional alignment will ensure that your wheels are properly aligned and that your car handles safely and predictably.

Important Note: If you're not comfortable performing this installation yourself, it's always best to take your car to a qualified mechanic.

Fine-Tuning and Adjustments

Once your BC Racing coilovers are installed, the real fun begins – fine-tuning your suspension to achieve the perfect ride and handling balance. Here are some tips for making adjustments:

  • Start with the Basics: Begin by setting the ride height to your desired level. Use a tape measure to ensure that the ride height is even on both sides of the car. Then, adjust the damping settings to the middle of their range. This will give you a baseline to work from.
  • Damping Adjustments: Experiment with different damping settings to find the sweet spot for your driving style. Softer damping settings will provide a more comfortable ride on bumpy roads, while firmer damping settings will reduce body roll and improve handling during aggressive driving. Make small adjustments and test the car on different types of roads to see how the changes affect the ride and handling.
  • Track Days: If you plan to track your IS200, you'll need to fine-tune the suspension specifically for track use. This may involve increasing the spring rates, stiffening the damping, and adjusting the camber and toe angles. Consult with a suspension specialist or experienced track driver to get advice on setting up your suspension for optimal track performance.

Conclusion

BC Racing coilovers are an excellent upgrade for any Lexus IS200 owner looking to improve their car's handling, stance, and overall driving experience. With their adjustability and performance, they offer a fantastic value for money. Just remember to do your research, consider your driving style, and get them installed and aligned properly. Happy driving!