KW Variant 3 coilovers: A short review
12-10-2007, 09:31 PM
#16
Rennlist Member
Joe the service is an issue granted, but I have never heard of any issues before docwyte's probs, and that's on many different web forums around the world. If you go for an alternative, I would just check that they offer the same level of tech. that the KW's do? Specifically the high speed release valves that allow very firm rates yet they smooth out bumps and undulations without skittering over the road. Definitely worth it!!! Plus everyone I know who have bought them marvel at the extra traction they give you.
12-10-2007, 10:05 PM
#17
Well I just called HPA and they quoted me $3090 so I asked them about the $2650 that is quoted on their website. She told me that was the US price which I said "So what? The currencies are practically the same now". She then said that their price included duties, etc. but that she would call me back. In the meantime I called a US supplier and got a quote of $2315 US including shipping to Montana since I have relatives there. HPA phoned me back and told me that they could do $2780 plus $70 shipping to Calgary. I figure that if I include duties (10% sound OK for something from Germany?) and the current exchange rate plus shipping from Montana to Calgary I would be in the $2650 range. So about $200 difference which is signifigant when you consider that HPA doesn't stock them - they get them drop shipped from the US. I'll give them another shot to see if they can come a little closer to the US price.
12-10-2007, 10:33 PM
#19
Burning Brakes
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The H&R stuff is harsh and lacks the adjustability in comparison to KW. The KW's give you fine control over rebound and compression, both separately.
Not to rehash what Patrick stated, but the KW uses a much more advanced valving technology. The high speed bump is soft and compliant, whereas the slow speed compression (pitch and roll) remains firm. I'm noticing this translates into both better ride quality, and more traction. Especially when you have the tires at the limit on a bumpy surface.
BTW, I'm using uprated springs on the rear due to torsion bar delete.
Not to rehash what Patrick stated, but the KW uses a much more advanced valving technology. The high speed bump is soft and compliant, whereas the slow speed compression (pitch and roll) remains firm. I'm noticing this translates into both better ride quality, and more traction. Especially when you have the tires at the limit on a bumpy surface.
BTW, I'm using uprated springs on the rear due to torsion bar delete.
12-10-2007, 10:46 PM
#20
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Had no issue with the KW's, had a BIG issue with their warranty. Not sending me another strut, even when I offered to pay a core charge is totally unacceptable.
12-10-2007, 10:46 PM
#21
Race Car
This is their version 3, top of the line.....?
With rubber inserts for the rear shock mount points.....?
Nice to see another option but you can have 2x adjustable Konis front and rear complete with springs, hats, rear lower mount bolt and sphericals on the rear mount points for around $2200 US.
T
With rubber inserts for the rear shock mount points.....?
Nice to see another option but you can have 2x adjustable Konis front and rear complete with springs, hats, rear lower mount bolt and sphericals on the rear mount points for around $2200 US.
T
12-10-2007, 11:07 PM
#23
Burning Brakes
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12-10-2007, 11:10 PM
#24
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This is their version 3, top of the line.....?
With rubber inserts for the rear shock mount points.....?
Nice to see another option but you can have 2x adjustable Konis front and rear complete with springs, hats, rear lower mount bolt and sphericals on the rear mount points for around $2200 US.
T
With rubber inserts for the rear shock mount points.....?
Nice to see another option but you can have 2x adjustable Konis front and rear complete with springs, hats, rear lower mount bolt and sphericals on the rear mount points for around $2200 US.
T
Oh, and the V3's are not the top of the line. They have 2 versions higher. Full custom made for you and a jump up in price again. The brand really doesn't have the recongnition that it deserves in the US, but I concur with docwyte that after sales service is a concern when buying anything. I think once more people start demanding this product and if HQ hears of service issues maybe something will improve. The build quality is very good from where I stand.
12-10-2007, 11:18 PM
#25
Rennlist Member
Interesting topic.
I have been comtemplating on selling my Koni 3 way front 's and 2811 rear setup for Bilsteins. These KW's have me intrigued now.
Anyone that has owned Bilsteins that can comment on KW's?
Thanks.
Raj
I have been comtemplating on selling my Koni 3 way front 's and 2811 rear setup for Bilsteins. These KW's have me intrigued now.
Anyone that has owned Bilsteins that can comment on KW's?
Thanks.
Raj
12-10-2007, 11:28 PM
#26
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How do the KWs compare to LEDAs?
I have to question the quality of development and materials that go into something that inexpensive.
A fairly inexpensive, high quality setup for our cars is:
Koni Single Adjustables all around $600
Paragon Products Adjustable ride height kit $265
Stiffer Torsion Bars $300
Total $1200ish with all the bits and pieces.
If you stick to stock(ish) tire sizes you can maintain a decent ride quality and still have very responsive car. (I run 300lb springs and 28mm bars with 225/50/16s all around and I think this is a great setup shredding mountain roads and not half bad for autocross).
That said, I plan to upgrade to something more "advanced" when I start doing track days.
A fairly inexpensive, high quality setup for our cars is:
Koni Single Adjustables all around $600
Paragon Products Adjustable ride height kit $265
Stiffer Torsion Bars $300
Total $1200ish with all the bits and pieces.
If you stick to stock(ish) tire sizes you can maintain a decent ride quality and still have very responsive car. (I run 300lb springs and 28mm bars with 225/50/16s all around and I think this is a great setup shredding mountain roads and not half bad for autocross).
That said, I plan to upgrade to something more "advanced" when I start doing track days.
