Coilovers- experiences please
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 223
Likes: 2
From: Driftwood TX
Coilovers- experiences please
I am starting to look into coilovers for my 40th. I have searched and came up with some old for sale ads and some old (2010) one off reviews. I would really like some up to date experiences on what you all have tried and liked.
In the past, on other makes, I have tried Weitecs, FKs, KW, H&R and Bilsteins. What do you all have and why?
Thanks!
In the past, on other makes, I have tried Weitecs, FKs, KW, H&R and Bilsteins. What do you all have and why?
Thanks!
Advanced
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 94
Likes: 1
From: Raleigh NC
My car's previous owner installed H&R RSS Spec (track) coilovers. We've not driven it on track yet but they are surprisingly comfortable for street use. Yes, they are a bit stiff, but not super bouncy. Very low - OEM GT3 spec as it sits now, but I may raise it up at least a half or 3/4" if I can. It also has GT3 swaybars which makes the cornering razor sharp. I'm considering softening those up a bit and with that plus the ride height increase I think we'd be solid.
Of course, that's coming from a guy and his wife who are both track instructors and always like our cars to communicate everything that's going on. Others may find this too stiff.
It sure does look good though:
Of course, that's coming from a guy and his wife who are both track instructors and always like our cars to communicate everything that's going on. Others may find this too stiff.
It sure does look good though:
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 198
Likes: 3
From: San Jose, Ca
I have PSS9s on my 99 996 set to 1 in the rear and 2 in the front ( 1 is the stiffest setting). While I don't DD my ride I do drive over 1.5 hours each way to and from trackdays with no issues. It is a little harsh but not bad for me. The nice this if I ever do deem the ride to harsh I can adjust it easily.
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 1,997
Likes: 38
From: Saratoga Springs, NY
I purchased a set (4) of used JIC/Cross coilovers for my C2. The coilover allows for varying height adjustments (my car now sits lower than stock) and the spring rates are stiffer than the stock street set-up. While it is a bit stiffer on the street, the car handles much better, flatter in the turns and weight transfer.
In short, I love it, I wouldn't want the car back to stock. I do track my car about 10 days each year as well as drive it on the street.
As for what brand of coilover is better than the other, it will depend on the amount of adjustment you intend to be able to actually do, along with price (i'm sure-remmeber to include the cost of a proper alignment and possible corner balancing depending on hwo you intend to drive the car. GL.
In short, I love it, I wouldn't want the car back to stock. I do track my car about 10 days each year as well as drive it on the street.
As for what brand of coilover is better than the other, it will depend on the amount of adjustment you intend to be able to actually do, along with price (i'm sure-remmeber to include the cost of a proper alignment and possible corner balancing depending on hwo you intend to drive the car. GL.
Racer
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 371
Likes: 72
From: Bel Air, MD
If y'all don't mind I'd like to piggyback on this thread as well. I have stock suspension @95k miles, and while I'd like to lower it, I know that the struts/shocks wouldn't last long with lowering springs.
Is there any consensus on new struts with lowering springs vs. coilovers for a car that will, for the foreseeable future, see just DD duties and back road jaunts on the weekend? Basically; is the price delta between the set ups justified?
Is there any consensus on new struts with lowering springs vs. coilovers for a car that will, for the foreseeable future, see just DD duties and back road jaunts on the weekend? Basically; is the price delta between the set ups justified?
Banned
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 7,697
Likes: 32
From: Chicago
Since the x74 factory sport kit is NLA, the Bilstein Sports paired with H&R springs could be a great non CO alternative for around $1200 for parts. If your becoming an old fart or live around rough roads, the Koni FSD shocks might suit you more but seem a bit soft and disconnected to me personally.
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Advanced
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 97
Likes: 0
From: Baton Rouge, LA
Since the x74 factory sport kit is NLA, the Bilstein Sports paired with H&R springs could be a great non CO alternative for around $1200 for parts. If your becoming an old fart or live around rough roads, the Koni FSD shocks might suit you more but seem a bit soft and disconnected to me personally.
Sort out lateral roll with a decent set of sway-bars, and nearly everything is addressed but for brake dive and acceleration squat.
I'm ordering them as soon as I can for mine, as it was the biggest (and best) possible change I could've made when done to a prior vehicle. In all honesty, I would liken their performance to just shy of a magnetorheological damper (ala R8 V10). FSD's were stock equipment on early Gallardo's (as well as Noble's) for a reason.
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Rennlist Member
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 734
Likes: 29
From: Kirkland WA USA
My vote for PSS9 (or newer 10). Good range of adjustment. Soft setting works fine on bad roads yet steering responce and control are far superior to stock. A turn of the ***** tightens things up for AutoX days.
Last edited by Jacks911; Apr 5, 2013 at 12:22 AM. Reason: spelling
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 1,138
Likes: 8
From: Richmond, VA
PSS9s and X74 ARBs (same as ROW M030) yield a nice 32mm or so drop, give a flat, far more controlled & comfortable ride at 5/6, & easily appreciated, far superior handling over stock. The easy to dial in settings allow for adjustment for the casual track user, and contrary to many posts, it is not hard at all to lower the car a small limited amount and get a bit more neg camber for the track or autox, and then return it right back to the previous position. You just have to get the car up and wheels off. Readily rebuilt at a reasonable price by Bilstein if you HAVE to have new ones, I've seen used sets under $1000. Highly recommend them.
Former Vendor
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 1,278
Likes: 1
From: Phoenix, NY
PSS9's are no longer available.... unless a vendor has NOS. Now that the X74 is NLA... the next plug in play option would be the PSS10 set up. If you want to step up the food chain... Then MCS new single Adjustable Dampers with coil overs would be a great set up.
Banned
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 7,697
Likes: 32
From: Chicago
If most of your spirited driving is on streets rather than the track, the extra targeted compliance provided by the FSD technology actually results in a greater amount of mechanical grip; instead of "skittering" over bumps and ruts as you would with a high rate damper and spring set, your tire follows the road itself.
Sort out lateral roll with a decent set of sway-bars, and nearly everything is addressed but for brake dive and acceleration squat.
I'm ordering them as soon as I can for mine, as it was the biggest (and best) possible change I could've made when done to a prior vehicle. In all honesty, I would liken their performance to just shy of a magnetorheological damper (ala R8 V10). FSD's were stock equipment on early Gallardo's (as well as Noble's) for a reason.
Sort out lateral roll with a decent set of sway-bars, and nearly everything is addressed but for brake dive and acceleration squat.
I'm ordering them as soon as I can for mine, as it was the biggest (and best) possible change I could've made when done to a prior vehicle. In all honesty, I would liken their performance to just shy of a magnetorheological damper (ala R8 V10). FSD's were stock equipment on early Gallardo's (as well as Noble's) for a reason.
You are bang on with the dive and squat characteristics. But important to note for others that FSD's corner and handle very well. It just provides some additional level of compliance that doesn't necessarily feel natural or "aggressive" enough to some drivers.
Just for me personally, FSD's feel more at home on the BMW than on the Porsche as I sorta expect a slightly harsher and more aggressive ride characterstics in a Porsche.
If you're looking for more a compliant and refined ride, I would def recommend the FSD's.
As for CO's, that seems to be the popular choice these days. It's just a shame that those are recommended for even the casual "cruiser" that DD's his car and will never adjust them more than once in their lifetime. Yet are often sold in as "rebuildable, adjustable, stainless steel body, or even bragging rights just to say you have them" which might not necessarily apply to everyone and their intended usage or driving. There is nothing wrong with getting the good old fixed shock/sport spring combo IMO.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 883
Likes: 2
From: Toronto, Canada
Yes...PSS10 are the coilover of choice. I couldn't afford them so I compromised and installed H&R spring instead and very happy with the setup. 40K km later ....ride is not too harsh and lowers the car nice.
Last edited by Jake Ok; Nov 5, 2014 at 12:14 PM.