Megan Racing Coilovers - Update

**JetPilot** · 04-13-2009, 04:56 PM

I have had several requests for an update on the Megan Racing Coilover package I installed and thought I would post a followup....
As noted in my last post regarding the install, the rear springs where a bit short to get me close to the stock SRT height. Megan confirmed I received the correct springs they supply with this kit so if you want the ride height about 3/4 to 1" shorter than this, the springs supplied are fine. The did state they have a slightly longer spring which would give about 20mm height increase over the springs I have which is what I would suggest if planning to use their coilover kit since the adjustability will still take you lower than you could possibly drive the vehicle.
Since I still needed the ability to do some light towing, I just could not afford to go that low with my rear. That being said, I left the stock SRT rear coil spring installed with the Megan adjustable rear shock. This provided the ride height I wanted but still offered the dampening adjustability I desired. You could even use a stock coil (non SRT) and adjust the height by simply cutting the coil down to the height desired!
Fronts are drop in, no issues.... I do have a front end "clunk" that I have yet to track down but I dont think this has anything to do with the coilovers, I did have it radomly with the SRT suspension as well, chasing this down has been a major PITA.

The ride on the Megan coilovers is fantastic, softest setting is close to stock (RT) if not a bit softer. Firm it up and the car really handles exceptional. I really like the ability to choose exactly how I want the car to feel depending on what I am doing.... trips with the family, the soft cushy ride is nice... Few clicks on the front and rear and I can bring the car to life when I feel the need.
Keep in mind, if you do lower the vehicle, you WILL need front and rear camber adjusters or you will wear your inside shoulders on your tires. I was out around 1.2 deg in the rear and about 1.5 in the front (1/2" rake). There are several options to correct this, I have already gone with the Pedders rear camber kit in the rear and still figuring out what method I want to use for the front. I also bought the Adjustment knob Extenders for the rears to remote the rear adjusters for easy access.
And here is a little tip.....
Firestone auto care offers a "Lifetime Alignment Service" for 149.99. I purchased this service last year when I had to replace an outer tie rod end. I have taken the car back twice since then for alignments, they dont seem to care that I have modified the suspension! I just showed the tech what I installed to adjust the rear camber and they dialed it right in... They are aware the front camber is off and told me to bring it back when I get the front camber kit and they'll get it set.... Never pay a dime each time they put it on the rack

Here is how the car currently sits...

**imahemi** · 04-13-2009, 05:06 PM

damn that maggie looks GREAT!!!!

**srt8_hmi** · 04-13-2009, 05:07 PM

Looks great!! Nice write-up!!

**300cHeritageG** · 04-13-2009, 05:46 PM

Nice pics.. Car looks really good. Also cool vanilla is the best looking an fastest color, ya know! Hehe

**HBADGE** · 04-13-2009, 09:11 PM

Seems like theyre workin out well! So what your saying is the springs they came with will drop the rear lower than what you have shown in the pics? Sorry, just skimmed thru the post. The mag caught my eye so i scrolled down right away.

**Dzhezkov** · 04-13-2009, 09:20 PM

I picked up a set of these today, thanks for the info JetPilot. Was looking at Teins as well but heard they were undersprung and edfc was not worth the extra $$$ to me.

**fireman2118** · 04-14-2009, 02:26 AM

Looks great! Thanks for the update.

**JetPilot** · 04-14-2009, 11:12 AM

Originally Posted by HBADGE

Seems like theyre workin out well! So what your saying is the springs they came with will drop the rear lower than what you have shown in the pics? Sorry, just skimmed thru the post. The mag caught my eye so i scrolled down right away.

Yes, The supplied springs at the max height adjustment will be slightly lower than what you see above.

Dzhezkov, If you have any questions on the install dont hesitate to contact me.

**BigHemi06** · 04-14-2009, 12:36 PM

thanks for the update looks great !!

**OLJustice** · 04-14-2009, 01:50 PM

Adjustable coilovers for damn near half the price of anything else out there... hmmm....

Could you give more info on this 'remote knob extender' you speak of? Did you have to drill a hole through your rear wheel wells in the trunk? I have a charger so how would I adjust the rears? Also, whats the difference in procedure for adjusting the dampening and adjusting the height?

**JetPilot** · 04-14-2009, 02:57 PM

Originally Posted by OLJustice

Adjustable coilovers for damn near half the price of anything else out there... hmmm....

Could you give more info on this 'remote knob extender' you speak of? Did you have to drill a hole through your rear wheel wells in the trunk? I have a charger so how would I adjust the rears? Also, whats the difference in procedure for adjusting the dampening and adjusting the height?

OLJustice,
Actually, I owe you thanks as you where the one who originally mentioned this package as a possible route to look into!

The Megan Package looks like this:

Rear height adjustment is done with the upper spring mounts shown on in the bottom left and right of this image. You use a spanner wrench supplied to raise or lower the spring mount adjuster nut. Fronts are done in a similar fashion, you loosen the shock lock nut and turn the entire upper section of the strut with the spanner wrench essentially threading the upper section of the strut in or out of the lower strut mount. I used a tape measure from the top of the strut to the lower flange matching left and right side height.
Front height does translate, 1/2" of strut adjustment provides 1/2" ride height.

As for dampening adjustment, fronts are easy access under the hood, just remove the strut covers and turn the dial:

On the rears, in the Magnum, the adjuster knob is hidden under the rear plastic. Two bolts hold the shock on from the outside, adjuster is already inside the vehicle. Instead of making a big hole inside to have access to them, I bought the Knob Extenders from Megan, see HERE. These are basically a flex shaft with a cup on one end and a knob on the other. The cup slides over the adjuster knob on the shock and a set screw locks it in place. I drilled a hole in the plastic and ran the flex shaft through, then cut the shaft to the length I desired. I ordered the longest set since I had no idea how long I would need them till I pulled the plastics off to mount them. The shortest set would work on the magnum, not sure how the rear shocks are in the charger, do you have direct access to the top of the shock in the trunk?

For daily driving I am running at 24 clicks on the front and 26 clicks in the rear, a fairly soft setting and this of course would be personal taste...

Agreed! Adjustable coilovers for less than 900.00 delivered is what enticed me to try them in the first place. Even with the minor rear spring height issue (issue for me anyway, may not be for many) they are a good solid option for the $$$. Money well spent.

**Dzhezkov** · 04-17-2009, 03:09 PM

I got my Megan coilovers today. SRT-4 coilovers, wooohoo. I bet they fit nice inside my Magnum.

Trying to get the correct ones shipped to me now.

**JetPilot** · 04-17-2009, 09:19 PM

Bummmmmer!! Sucks when you think your new toys arrived and they are the wrong ones... Megan should get you straightened out quick.

**Dzhezkov** · 04-17-2009, 09:54 PM

I know.

Its ok I got sway bars exhaust and thermostat to install tomorrow, I wanted to install it all at once but I'll have to do two installs. Unfortunately the SRT-8 coilovers are on backorder till May. I'm going to call and see if they'll throw in some remote adjusters for my trouble.