Eibach Pro-Kit suspension ‘free’ after 20,000 miles
Most enthusiasts will need little encouragement to fit a set of Eibach springs to their car. For many, the combined benefits of enhanced handling, better vehicle dynamics and an improved stance will be more than enough reason to raid to modding fund. For those still wavering however, a recent experiment conducted as part of Eibach’s routine ‘Before and After’ analysis will make interesting reading. The result? The average cost of most Eibach spring kits can be recouped in better fuel consumption, usually in under 20,000 miles of average driving. A year and a half’s worth for the average motorist!
Eibach USA measured the fuel consumption of a totally stock Honda 2011 Civic Coupe Si on a 167.4 mile loop of the Interstate, with the cruise control set at a constant 70mph, getting up at 5am to miss the California traffic. The team then repeated the test at 5am the next day under identical climatic conditions – again, at a GPS-confirmed 70mph. The results make for interesting reading.. The stock set-up guzzled 5.234 US gallons over the set course, yet the Eibach equipped car, thanks to reduced ride height - and therefore under-body turbulence - improved by 2.4 mpg to sip just 4.869 US gallons. An overall improvement of some 7.5%!!
Converting this to UK parlance, that makes for an extra 2.88 ‘free’ miles driving on each UK gallon of fuel, simply by changing the springs. ‘None of this is news to those in the know of course’ explained Eibach General Manager, Greg Kirby. ‘Manufacturers have been equipped their ‘green’ models, such as VW’s ‘Bluemotion’ and Volvos DRIVe with lowered suspension from day one, with their aerodynamics teams well aware of the principle benefits of cleaner airflow under the vehicle – and the subsequent fuel savings. But, it’s also a fantastic by-product of the tuning process, making suspension one of the few enhancements you can buy with your heart and your head – especially now fuel is up to £1.30 a litre!!’
So whether you’re looking for frugality or agility, a set of Eibach springs should be your first improvement.
For more information, visit eibach.co.uk.
