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I'm behind the the *potential* Swift Springs kit which started as a result of there not being able to buy purpose-built springs for the Insight to improve its handling which I recently did on my Honda Fit and was very impressed. At first I contacted Ground Control but never heard back and also wasn't interested in lowering my Insight much so their offering was less attractive than the more simple springs-only kit that I talked to Swift about.

Since then, and with the help of others like Blue Civic Hybrid on this board, I've seen the value of the Ground Control setup since it offers the ability to swap between various standardized spring offerings AND you can tune the ride height, corner weight, etc. The Ground Control kit also has the advantage that Ground Control themselves are developing the kit. In the Swift case, I approached them about building a kit and they said they would as long as I can find 10 people to join me. We're close to getting the 10 people needed but I think a lot of us on that list would jump ship to the Ground Control kit if offered. Another advantage of the Ground Control kit is that you can get whatever springs you want (either when you order, I think, or afterward if your needs change) rather than having to go for the one-size-fits-all setup that the Swift kit would be. For those who want to add extra batteries or carry extra weight, that's a cool plus.

My understanding of the Ground Control kit is that it includes 4 springs made by Eibach w/slightly stiffer than stock rates and 4 adjustable spring perches that allow you to adjust the height of each corner of the car. It does not include shocks/struts. I'm working on a shock/strut solution (still just in the idea/research phase, nothing built yet) that ought to work with either kit or the stock springs.
 
Maybe I can help...

Well, I'm currently 3 1/2 hours away from Sacramento during the weekdays, but on the weekends I am much farther away.

The only downside is I can only leave school around noon, it would take me 3 and half hours to drive to Sacramento and if they need my car for "only 3 hours", then another 3 and half hour drive back.

Joel, I am more than willing to help so I will send you a PM, but the timing has to be right.
 
My understanding of the Ground Control kit is that it includes 4 springs made by Eibach w/slightly stiffer than stock rates and 4 adjustable spring perches that allow you to adjust the height of each corner of the car. It does not include shocks/struts. I'm working on a shock/strut solution (still just in the idea/research phase, nothing built yet) that ought to work with either kit or the stock springs.
That is what I'm interested in. I want adjustability more than just a one-size-fit's-all deal.
It also sounds like GC is more developed idea than Swift is if I'm not mistaking here.
If I were in the area, I'd love to help out the company. But, Colorado is just too far away. :(
I'm interested in both developments. Actually, any and all developments when it comes to tuning the Insight. It's been an 8 year old dream to do this, so we'll see who comes out with what first, and/or best results.
 
@Blue-Civic-Hybrid - I got your PM, will let GC know about your availability.

@ Insightlover2011 - I don't know where the GC kit originally started. It was in development when I discovered its existence. Intrigued, I emailed them and never heard back, saw the kit pulled from their website and assumed it was dead. Soon after, I installed Swifts on my Fit and thought they were pretty cool (daily-driveable w/wife & kid but way more fun than stock). So I called Swift and was surprised that they'd consider doing a kit if there was enough interest (e.g. 10+ takers). Since then, others have convinced me not to overlook damping as perhaps the most critical 1st step toward better handling so I've been looking into that while also trying to keep spring options afloat in the meantime.

I think one inspiration for my entire obsession w/trying to make the Insight handle well is the CR-Z -- I thought it was really cool....until I saw the mileage and the weight. The idea of making an Insight handle just as good but also pull north of 60mpg was a challenge I liked.
 
I'm sorry I got busy and didn't update the thread. It sounds like they'll need the car for more than 3 hours so your offer to be there by mid-afternoon won't work. If you can get there by 11am, they should be able to get you out of there by end of the normal work day. Otherwise, sounds like we need to find someone else who can leave their car for longer.

Joel
 
I'm sorry I got busy and didn't update the thread. It sounds like they'll need the car for more than 3 hours so your offer to be there by mid-afternoon won't work. If you can get there by 11am, they should be able to get you out of there by end of the normal work day. Otherwise, sounds like we need to find someone else who can leave their car for longer.

Joel
Joel,

Did they give you any specifics on what they will be doing to my car? Will they need to completely remove both front and rear suspensions, etc...

11am for me is going to damn near impossible, but I will see what I can do.
 
i wasn't able to find it on their website. Are you sure its for the gen 1 and not for the gen2 ?
Just spoke to Chris at Ground Control (530) 677-8600 at 1:00pm Pacific Time, on July 27, 2011. He'll have tech guy call me back regarding furnishing me with 4 Konis that would work with the coil over springs they now offer. He confirming whether his coil overs are for Gen 1 or Gen 2, within the hour. Let me know if you find out anything as well and if you have or can get the diagrams for front and rear shocks.

Thanks, Henri
 
I'm sorry I got busy and didn't update the thread. It sounds like they'll need the car for more than 3 hours so your offer to be there by mid-afternoon won't work. If you can get there by 11am, they should be able to get you out of there by end of the normal work day. Otherwise, sounds like we need to find someone else who can leave their car for longer.

Joel
This might be a little premature, but I am purchasing an Insight in the new few weeks. I'm close to Sacramento. I would be happy to let them take the car apart as long as they needed one Saturday. I will repost here as soon as I have the car in my possession to see if there is still a need.

Will they let me take pics so that I can report back to the Forum the progress made?

Cheers!
 
I'm sorry I got busy and didn't update the thread. It sounds like they'll need the car for more than 3 hours so your offer to be there by mid-afternoon won't work. If you can get there by 11am, they should be able to get you out of there by end of the normal work day. Otherwise, sounds like we need to find someone else who can leave their car for longer.

Joel
Sent ya a PM Joel. If they still need someone I'm about an hour away and they could keep the car for as long as needed
 
The 1st gen Insight kit used to be posted but they removed it several months ago. My understanding is that they still need a car to finish their R&D work, finalize the install instructions, etc. so until that has been completed, I wouldn't expect you'll find the kit listed.

Joel
 
The test car we had lined up for kit finalization got sold before this could happen so the offer of a free coilover kit ($400 value + install) installed in trade for a few hours with a gen1 Insight still stands. Ground Control are located near Sacramento. PM if interested.

Joel
 
PM sent. I can be there all day this coming Saturday (the 10th)
 
Joel,

The prototype sleeve system is on my car right now. I am dead tired right now but I will post pics and what I think of them tomorrow or by this weekend at the latest!

Brian
 
Brian,

Fantastic, you made my day! I can't wait for pics & a review. I'm really curious about the combo of the springs with 100k mile dampers.

I should hear from Jeff @ Pro Parts about the Koni possibilities soon as well.

Things are coming together it seems. :)

Joel
 
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