Ed Burdell

Monroes don't last, though.

About four years ago, we had this discussion here, and virtually everyone concluded the HD's were plenty comfy. I put ROW M030/HD's on mine and it doesn't feel harsh at all. And this from a guy whose seats (car and pants) have little padding in them!

matt777

I thought my PSS10s w/17" tires were quite civil. Even with the new 18s it is far from harsh and the roads around here are not great.

sdcabrio

From what I'm hearing, sounds like M033 springs with the Monroes would be the way to get the best stance/look but with the softest ride.

I went with M030/Bilstein HDs. I am pretty happy with my setup, its firm for sure but not "harsh" (totally subjective, I know). I do remember dismissing the Monroes when picking my suspension based on word that they didn't last long.

You should ride in my cab and see what you think for yourself.

pcarhombre

OP: Here in Philly, we have more potholes than pretzels. I have the HDs and 030s and while the car responds well in more spirited driving, my bride always comments that it doesn't ride like an expensive car...more like my Pinto (back in the day). My setup is only a bit more than a year old and I'm trying to use her discomfort to justify changing my springs. Unfortunately, from what you guys say, the 033s aren't going to cut it on these roads either. Oh bother!!! Good luck with your choice!

1pcarnut

I don't know that the 033s wouldn't work, probably depends on the shock you put with them. Right now I'd be very interested to hear how the 033s worked with the Konis people have been talking about.

DJF1

Agreed, after reading plenty of stuff, it looks like the FSD's are probably the ticket. I dont think that anyone complains about stiffness when they are driving the twisties, but day to day driving potholes, ridges etc. So if the FSD's work as advertised it would be a good compromise. Its certainly on my shopping list for the cabrio as my H&R coilovers are too stiff for my current taste. Anyone want to buy a set of H&R coilovers?

pchansen1

Still deciding as well. I thought the whole purpose of the PSS10's was adjustability. Crank'em down and be ready for the track. Back them off to their softest setting and drive the wife to beach and still enjoy crisp handling and a happy wife. Am I wrong? Also, the Monroe's don't seem to last very long where as the Bilstein's have a life time warranty. Correct?

skywachr

I have the full M033 setup from Sunset and love it. After reading many posts on the topic, it seems that the reports of the Monroes only lasting 35-40,000 miles come from some of the pothole capitals of the country (Boston, Philadelphia, etc.). In other reports people have had Monroes still doing their job at 60, 70, even 100,000 miles. My own experience was that my original Monroes were still doing the job at 65,00. So I guess it depends on your roads.

Here's how I ended up looking at it. Even with the worst outcome (shot in 35,000 miles) for my 5,000 miles a year, I'd have to replace them in 7 years. For $900+ from Sunset and the fantastic feel of this combo it made sense for me. Who knows what I'll want to do in 7 years?

Rinty

I have M033s with Koni FSDs, and am really happy with the combination. Very nice ride, and excellent cornering. Every time I take the car out, I like it better.

The car looks good, too.

My Monroes had 49,000 miles on them when I did the conversion.

GaryB

I have Koni FSD with ROW 029 springs (stock ROW springs). I really, really like the shocks, and find myself
looking for rough roads to drive on to enjoy the improvement over my stock US Monroe setup. My car had 51.000 when I made the change. It lowered the car only about 3/8", I had hoped for about 3/4". The Koni's do come with a lifetime guarantee for the original purchaser.

Gary

cgfen

Amen

Currently have P10's, not happy with level of compliance when set to "soft"

amen^2

Yup, that's what made me start this thread

thanks, but see below

thanks for the offer Brian, i will.

Actually, for me the whole purpose of the PSS10's was adjustability to balance the front vs rear of the car when doing AX / DE. i wanted to be able to alter over / under steer characteristics.
they worked for that purpose quite well, but when driving around in "cruiser mode", the compliance sucked IMO. Too much compression damping for my tastes.

I just bought a set of the MO33s, (perhaps the last ones in stock), from Sunset.

I'll keep the RS ARB's for now to tune front vs rear balance and see if it's the P10's or the thicker ARBs that are the primary contributor to lousy ride quality.

i'll keep the group updated on my experiences.

Sorry, but the P10's are already promised to a local guy currently suffering with worn out P9's.

cheers

Craig

1pcarnut

+1 This is my situation also. I do maybe 3k miles per year so it will be many years before I hit 30-40k miles on these things. Recently did a back roads trip to Mendocino and had an absolute blast with the car as it sits, good ride and planted through turns. If I thought the FSDs would give better handling and maintain the supple ride I'd think about changing but otherwise I think this set-up is a very good compromise both in value and ride/handling.

Rinty

That thought had crossed my mind as well, while I was deciding on my suspension.

But I ended up making a right brain decision...

sojglenn

I had M030's + HD's put on this past summer and I find the ride very comfortable in all conditions. I can't believe anyone would see the ride as "harsh" with this setup. I think it is actually more compliant than it was with my original non-sport springs + worn shocks. My wife actually thinks the ride is more comfortable and is happy that I replaced the worn shocks.

kjr914

Some might say that's a sign of the driver getting, ahem...., "soft".

Well, I know who's paying for those $993 MO33s.....