My Upgraded Suspension
10-05-2011, 11:06 PM
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My Upgraded Suspension
It all started out because I just wanted to lower the car a bit for looks. Well, the next thing you know I'm looking into coilovers and sway bar kits. I figured, what the heck, I drive the car pretty hard, so let's get a suspension that can keep up. Besides, I wanted to dial out some of the understeer that I have experienced on occasion.
After consulting with a local shop, I ended up going with KW Variant 3 (V3) coilovers, Eibach sway bar kit and some rear links. The KW's have separate and independently adjustable rebound and compression damping that were left at the factory setting. The Eibach sway bar kit included an adjustable rear bar.
When I first picked up the car it was very obvious that the ride was much stiffer. The roads around where the shop was located are rough, and at slow speed, it felt like my tires had turned to solid rubber. I've had about four weeks to get used to it now, and I have to say, I love. It all comes together when I get out on my favorite roads. The car simply turns in more aggressivly, corners flatter and seems much more neutral in it's handling. The ride that seems so stiff at slow speed feels just right at triple-digit speeds.
So, while my approach to a suspension upgrade may not be a traditional one, I am absolutely thrilled with the results. This car blew me away before the upgrade, now, I am just stunned at the capability. We so badly need a proper race track in our area because that is the only way I can push this car any harder.
Up next: Just ordered some Michelin Pilot Sport PS2 tires. May also look into some wheel spacers to push the wheel out to the corners a bit more.
After consulting with a local shop, I ended up going with KW Variant 3 (V3) coilovers, Eibach sway bar kit and some rear links. The KW's have separate and independently adjustable rebound and compression damping that were left at the factory setting. The Eibach sway bar kit included an adjustable rear bar.
When I first picked up the car it was very obvious that the ride was much stiffer. The roads around where the shop was located are rough, and at slow speed, it felt like my tires had turned to solid rubber. I've had about four weeks to get used to it now, and I have to say, I love. It all comes together when I get out on my favorite roads. The car simply turns in more aggressivly, corners flatter and seems much more neutral in it's handling. The ride that seems so stiff at slow speed feels just right at triple-digit speeds.
So, while my approach to a suspension upgrade may not be a traditional one, I am absolutely thrilled with the results. This car blew me away before the upgrade, now, I am just stunned at the capability. We so badly need a proper race track in our area because that is the only way I can push this car any harder.
Up next: Just ordered some Michelin Pilot Sport PS2 tires. May also look into some wheel spacers to push the wheel out to the corners a bit more.
10-06-2011, 11:26 AM
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10-07-2011, 08:15 AM
#7
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Saratoga Springs, NY
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Looks great and I like the ride height.
I hear ya about the difference suspension changes make. Just got mine done last week, new sways, too...."wow" is all I can say. Can't wait to try it at the track (November...if it doesn't snow) new tires arrived, too.
I hear ya about the difference suspension changes make. Just got mine done last week, new sways, too...."wow" is all I can say. Can't wait to try it at the track (November...if it doesn't snow) new tires arrived, too.
