Hello All,

I am looking to lower my 2014 F-Type V8R RWD and see that H&R uses the same springs for both the V8R RWD and AWD (part number 28822-2), whereas Velocity AP has different springs for the RWD and AWD. How come this difference, and will the H&R work ok?

Also, I have ordered a complete set of 17 mm spacers from Motorsport Tech in Nevada (Lenny) to use with the H&R lowering springs, the stock "black pack" 20" wheel and stock tire dimensions. I have assumed that I will have no clearance issues with this combination, but is that correct?

Thanks for any insight!
/Fredric

 

You will probably need to cut/grind 2 or 3 mm off each of the original wheel lugs to prevent the wheels fouling on them, it depends on what you mean by "black pack" wheels.
I say "probably" because the only wheels I know for sure do not have this problem are the Blades (like I have).

 

Thanks OzXFR!

Here is my car, 100% stock at the moment. Purchased it only a few weeks ago.

 

Congrats on the car - white with black pack is a great look - and the spacers and lowering springs will be an noticable visual improvement.

I'd talk/email Stuart at VAP. In the beginning, his RWD kits on some cars lowered the rear more than the front. In those cases he recommended using the AWD springs on the RWD cars. I think he has since revised the design, but he could clarify what he has for the RWD car. Besides this minor glitch, the VAP springs are a quality design, the spring diameter literally increases from top to bottom making for a true progressive spring - meaning you get minimal effect on ride quality over small to medium road imperfections. Also, on my car, the previous owner installed H&R's originally, but rear tire wear on the inside was excessive (and there is no option for aligning this on the F type). He switched to VAP springs and now the tire wear is very even on the rears. I know the VAP springs cost more, but it may be worth it as you'll recoup the cost in tire wear, and the 7/8th inch they lower the car looks perfect IMHO.

.

 

The VAP springs are certainly quality, and will drop the car about 7/8". The 28822-1 H&Rs on my V6 dropped the front 1.25" and the rear 1.5" which is a good thing since the OEM stance is pointed slightly down hill. A number of us on the forum have installed the H&Rs on the RWD V6 and the R. I would be more worried about whether the 28822-2 fits properly on the AWD than on the RWD R.


With the Gyrodyne wheels, I had to grind about 3mm off the studs when I installed 15mm adaptors, so I can't imagine it would have required more that 1mm of grinding with 17mm adapters. The amount of grinding needed will depend on the wheel option.

 

i have the H&R and like them. it does ride stiffer, but has little to no body roll. i had the silver cyclones like your black ones and for the 17mm spacers i had to trim a few mm off the tip of the stud. took 5 minutes with a cut off wheel. Nice car!

 

I read that some people have issues with tire rub when the car is lowered and spacers are on. Would the VAP springs work with 17 mm spacers and stock tire dimensions (Michelin Pilot Sport 4S) without rubbing, or would it be safer to go with 15 mm spacers (with the VAP springs)?

 

Others with the 17mm adapters will have to weigh in on the issue. However, with the 15mm , going to 305 tires will hit the fender lip.

 

You should have zero tire rub problems with that set up.
From my reading the only people who have had rub problems are those who fitted H&R springs (or similar low springs such as Eibach), 15 mm or 17 mm spacers, and 305 tyres on the rear. I think it was Lance (the unhingd one) who recommended that with H&R springs and 17 mm spacers you should not go any wider than 295 on the rear.
I have VAP springs, 15 mm spacers and stock dimension MPS4S like you, and I have never had the slightest hint of a rub.

Edit - too slow as usual, Lance got in first!

 

Thanks guys!

After reading up a bit more (you always have to put in hours to get up to speed on the universe of a new car make ) I think I will go for the VAP springs. VAP seems to be a very dependable and serious business - and we do have speed bumps and other obstacles here in Sweden too

Regarding wheel alignment post lowering: does anyone have the Jaguar F-Type R RWD recommended wheel alignment figures, and what figures have you guys gone with that you have been happy with?

 

Factory Specs:
Front
Toe: 0.03 to 0.23 deg
Caster: 6.2 to 7.7 deg
Camber: -0.1 to -1.6 deg

Rear
Toe: 0.05 to 0.25 deg
Camber: -0.7 to - 2.2 deg

Rear camber is not adjustable, so if it is too far out, you need to have the frame tweaked on a frame bender.

With the H&R springs there's enough adjustment on the front (32mm drop) to keep the camber within OEM spec, but for handling I prefer a bit more and have it set at -2.0 deg.
In the rear (38mm drop), the camber settled in at -2.5 deg, which is almost perfect for my purposes. For the purpose of rear tire wear, it is critical that the toe is set within OEM range.

 

Lance, where you say "rear camber: -0.7 to -2.2 deg" I'm guessing you meant rear caster?

 

Definitely camber. I've never seen a rear caster spec for the F-Type. (Anyway, irrelevant since the rear wheels aren't steerable).

 

I have a 2016 R, H&R with 17mm spacers. I also have gyrodynes and didn't have to cut the lugs. It doesn't rub at all, looks like it should though! I was going to get VAP springs, they were out of stock and I'm rather impatient. I thought the H&R was going to look to low, I actually really like it in person though.

 

Thanks Jaw, very useful information! Then I should have no problems with the VAP springs and 17 mm spacers.

Lance, thanks for those wheel alignment figures. Have you or anyone else played with toe settings so that you have some input on how the F-Type reacts? Also, the settings you provided, are they for all F-Type models or only for the V6?